Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
SightseeingHistory BuffFree

Discover Catholic

· Philadelphia, PA

Why you should go…

Discover Catholic publishes illustrated visitor guides to the Catholic churches, shrines and historic parishes of major American cities, starting with Philadelphia. The Philadelphia guide was published in July 2026 and is distributed at tourist areas throughout the city and region as well as through Catholic channels. Guides for Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York are planned for 2027 and 2028. The organization was founded by Matthew Pinto and is based in Westtown, Pennsylvania.

  • #catholic
  • #churches
  • #shrines
  • #heritage
  • #visitor guide

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Discover Catholic, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Philadelphia

    Free

    The birthplace of American independence, packed with Revolutionary War history, world-class museums, and a legendary food scene.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Reading Terminal Market

    Free

    A century-plus-old market hall packed with roast pork sandwiches, Amish baked goods, and pure Philadelphia flavor.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    The Franklin Institute

    $25–$50

    Walk through a giant beating heart at Philly's hands-on science playground, a guaranteed hit with kids of every age.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Mütter Museum

    Under $25

    The famously strange medical museum of the College of Physicians, antique instruments, anatomical specimens, and Einstein's brain.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Liberty Bell Center

    Free

    See the world's most famous cracked bell up close, free, iconic, and just steps from Independence Hall.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Independence Hall

    Free

    Stand in the room where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, American history's ground zero.

    0.8 mi awayMore like this