This L-shaped Philadelphia park, bound by 6th, 2nd, Walnut and Arch Sts, protects and honors the institutions that formed the foundation of the United…
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Philadelphia
Blessed with the glamour and culture of a big city, 'Philly' as it's affectionately known, also delights visitors with its rich history and small-town charm.
William Penn's Project
Declared a World Heritage City by Unesco in 2015, Philadelphia was at the heart of US colonial and revolutionary history. Founded by British Quaker William Penn in the late 17th century, the 'City of Brotherly Love' cherishes and protects its earliest days within the Independence National Historical Park of the Old City. Visiting original institutions such as Independence Hall and the seeing iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell will help you appreciate the deep passion for freedom that motivated the new nation's founders. Excellent museums devoted to the Constitution, the American Revolution and Benjamin Franklin round out that education.
Civic Pride
By the late 19th century Philly had evolved into the 'Workshop of the World.' Its industries generated abundant wealth, which funded large construction projects, including City Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, and filled cultural storehouses such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Penn Museum. Experiments in architecture and social policy resulted in buildings like Eastern State Penitentiary, while philanthropist Dr Albert C Barnes built up an astounding collection of art for public consumption. This spirit of civic pride and sharing continues in contemporary projects such as Isaiah Zagar's Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.
Urban Beauty
In the 20th century the city slipped into economic decline, but nothing lasts forever and while some areas of Philly remain blighted, urban beautification and neighborhood regeneration projects, such as the marvelous Mural Art Program, have transformed the city into a dazzling outdoor gallery of street art. The glory of Philly's early days is preserved in the redbrick terraces of Society Hill through to the areas around the hallowed campus of the University of Pennsylvania. Sprawling Fairmount Park ensures nature and greenery are both within easy access, and the bicycle and jogging paths of the Schuylkill River Trails are prime urban resources.
Multifaceted Food Scene
Eating is a highlight here, with two of the city's most loved attractions – Reading Terminal Market and the South 9th Street Italian Market – placing food front and center. The city's culinary scene is nothing if not democratic, embracing everything from artisan pizza and vegan creations to the blue-collar heartiness of a cheesesteak sandwich or a soft, salty pretzel. Philly's ethnic and cultural diversity is also reflected on the plate: in one day you could tuck into an Amish breakfast, lunch on spicy Asian noodles and enjoy Mexican tacos for dinner.
Explore Philadelphia
- Independence National Historical Park
This L-shaped Philadelphia park, bound by 6th, 2nd, Walnut and Arch Sts, protects and honors the institutions that formed the foundation of the United…
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
The premier cultural institution in Philadelphia, this epic art museum would stand out even without Rocky's famous antics on the east steps. Every visitor…
- Barnes Foundation
Since 2012, Dr Albert C Barnes' eye-popping collection of artworks – predominantly focused on French masterpieces from the late 19th and early 20th…
- Independence Hall
The 'birthplace of American government', this modest, early 18th-century Georgian building is where delegates from the 13 colonies met to approve the…
- Reading Terminal Market
Getting the balance just right between food shopping hub and dining destination, Reading Terminal Market opened way back in 1893 and it's been a…
- City Hall
Completed in 1901 following 30 years of construction, City Hall takes up a whole block, and at 548ft is the world's tallest structure without a steel…
- Museum of the American Revolution
This impressive, multimedia-rich museum will have you virtually participating in the American Revolution; interactive dioramas and 3-D experiences take…
- MMasonic Temple
Although the fortress-like exterior of this 1873 building is pretty impressive, it's the spectacular interiors – which took a further 15 years to complete…
- RRail Park
The old Reading Viaduct is the location of the first phase of this ambitious project to reuse 3 miles of decommissioned rail lines between Fairmount Park…
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Philadelphia.
See
Independence National Historical Park
This L-shaped Philadelphia park, bound by 6th, 2nd, Walnut and Arch Sts, protects and honors the institutions that formed the foundation of the United…
See
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The premier cultural institution in Philadelphia, this epic art museum would stand out even without Rocky's famous antics on the east steps. Every visitor…
See
Barnes Foundation
Since 2012, Dr Albert C Barnes' eye-popping collection of artworks – predominantly focused on French masterpieces from the late 19th and early 20th…
See
Independence Hall
The 'birthplace of American government', this modest, early 18th-century Georgian building is where delegates from the 13 colonies met to approve the…
See
Reading Terminal Market
Getting the balance just right between food shopping hub and dining destination, Reading Terminal Market opened way back in 1893 and it's been a…
See
City Hall
Completed in 1901 following 30 years of construction, City Hall takes up a whole block, and at 548ft is the world's tallest structure without a steel…
See
Museum of the American Revolution
This impressive, multimedia-rich museum will have you virtually participating in the American Revolution; interactive dioramas and 3-D experiences take…
See
Masonic Temple
Although the fortress-like exterior of this 1873 building is pretty impressive, it's the spectacular interiors – which took a further 15 years to complete…
See
Rail Park
The old Reading Viaduct is the location of the first phase of this ambitious project to reuse 3 miles of decommissioned rail lines between Fairmount Park…