PHILADELPHIA, March 23, 2026 – Visit Philadelphia has announced the finalists for The Liberty Bells, the third-annual awards recognizing the city’s most beloved attractions, businesses and cultural institutions that make Philly, Philly. 

Launched in 2024 to coincide with awards season, The Liberty Bells celebrates the region’s most diverse offerings and quintessential vibes, all voted on and chosen by the people who know and love it best. With over 1,300 nominations submitted, this year’s finalists span five nuanced categories, from The History Made Whole Award to The Best Place to Bring Your Out-of-Town Friends.

Voting is now open at visitphilly.com/libertybells, giving the public the chance to spotlight their favorites and help decide this year’s winners.

”The Liberty Bells remind us that Philadelphians are the city’s best ambassadors,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “These nominations come straight from the people who live, work and play here, and that local pride is our secret weapon. There’s incredible energy across the city right now, and these finalists capture that momentum perfectly.”

This year, in a fresh new tweak, winners will be announced live at Visit Philadelphia’s 30th Anniversary Gala on May 14, 2026—a milestone event celebrating three decades of building Greater Philadelphia’s image, driving visitation and strengthening the region’s economy. Finalists will receive exclusive invitations to attend and be recognized alongside civic and industry leaders.

The Liberty Bells Categories and Finalists

The “NEW-ISH” Attraction That We Now Can’t Imagine Philly Without Award
A new-ish place, experience or cultural moment that surprised us — in the best way. New to Philly post-Y2K.

Most Philly Vibes Per Square Foot
A spot that just feels like Philly — from the people to the attitude to the aesthetic

The History Made Whole Award
A project, place or initiative that adds depth and truth to Philadelphia’s story — by centering voices, stories or communities that are too often left out

The “How Is This Still a Hidden Gem?” Award
An under-the-radar place you almost don’t want to tell people about … but kind of do

Best Place to Bring Your Out-of-Town Friends
A can’t-miss crowd-pleaser that locals swear by when playing tour guide

How to Vote

Voting for The Liberty Bells is now open. Participants may cast up to one vote in each category per day through April 3, 2026, at visitphilly.com/libertybells. Winners will be announced on May 14, 2026, at Visit Philadelphia’s 30th Anniversary Gala and on Visit Philadelphia’s social media channels.

“The Liberty Bells bring Philadelphians together to celebrate what they love most about the city,” said Eric Cortes, senior director of social media at Visit Philadelphia. “People here are incredibly passionate about sharing their favorite spots—whether on social media or with each other. It’s a fun, engaging way to support those places and spotlight the hidden gems they might want to keep to themselves, but can’t help sharing.”

 

About Visit Philadelphia:

VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy. On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website, visitphilly.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages.

Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the site an effective trip-planning tool. Visitors can also find loads of inspiration on Visit Philly’s social media Channels.

Note to Editors: For high-resolution photos and high-definition B-roll of Greater Philadelphia, visit the Photos & Video section of visitphilly.com/mediacenter.

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