Table of Content
Philadelphia | Intro
Philadelphia, located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania on the east coast of the United States, holds a special allure for visitors due to its rich history and artistic culture. It is one of the birthplaces of the American independence movement and has played a pivotal role in American history. Once the capital of the United States, it is often referred to as the "City of Independence."
Philadelphia also boasts world-class museums, with the Philadelphia Museum of Art being particularly famous. The city's major attractions are concentrated in the historic district, making it ideal for a one-day or two-day itinerary. If you only have one day to explore, we recommend focusing your visit on Independence National Historic Park and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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What To See | Independence National Historic Park
Philadelphia holds immense historical significance in American history. The most well-known event associated with the city is the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, at Independence Square in Philadelphia. This pivotal moment in history is why Philadelphia is often referred to as the "City of Independence." Without the role that Philadelphia played in those early days, the United States, as we know it today, might not have existed.
Many prominent figures among the Founding Fathers of the United States, such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson, once resided in Philadelphia.
Independence Visitor Center
Due to its wealth of historical architecture and heritage, many important historical buildings in Philadelphia's Historic District have been preserved and are now under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. When you visit Independence National Historic Park, it's a good idea to start your journey at the Visitor Center to gain a preliminary understanding of the history of this area. The Visitor Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Independence Hall
Independence Hall is one of the most iconic places within this national park. It is where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed, a sacred site in American history. To gain a deeper understanding of the hall's history and its pivotal role in the founding of the United States, it is recommended to participate in a 20-minute guided tour. These tours are free, but they have limited availability and often fill up quickly. You can reserve your spot in advance by visiting the National Park Service's official website and paying a $1 reservation fee at this link.
If you join the guided tour, you'll have the opportunity to enter the room where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. It was indeed in this very room that the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Eleven years later, representatives from the states also discussed and signed the United States Constitution here. However, please note that you won't be able to see the actual Declaration of Independence, Constitution, or other historical documents at this location. These important documents are preserved in the National Archives in the current United States capital, Washington, D.C..
Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is one of the most iconic symbols in American history. It is a massive copper bell weighing 940 kilograms. The bell was used during the reading of the Declaration of Independence, making it a symbol of the birth of American democracy and freedom. It bears a prominent crack, which is also considered a symbol of the ideals of liberty and liberation.
The Liberty Bell Exhibition Center is located on Market Street and offers free admission, although there may be lines to enter.
National Constitution Center
If you're interested in the United States Constitution, you can visit the National Constitution Center. This museum provides an in-depth exploration of the U.S. Constitution, with exhibitions covering various aspects of its history, drafting process, signing, amendments, and more. It's an excellent place to gain a deeper understanding of the Constitution and its significance in American history.
Franklin Court
Franklin Square is dedicated to honoring one of America's Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was a printer, scientist, politician, and diplomat, and his diplomatic efforts were instrumental in the success of American independence. Franklin's original residence in Philadelphia was located here, but the original building was dismantled by Franklin's descendants in 1812. As a result, what we see today are steel frames erected to indicate the location and appearance of the former residence.
Adjacent to Franklin Square is a narrow alley. The cobblestone road on this alley provides a glimpse into the urban landscape of 18th-century Philadelphia. Surrounding the square, you'll also find the Franklin Square Museum and historic red-brick buildings, including a replica of an 18th-century print shop.
Old City Hall
The Philadelphia City Hall, constructed in 1791, holds historical significance as it was built during the time when Philadelphia served as the capital of the United States. Inside the old City Hall, the courthouse was once the home of the Supreme Court of the United States. This underscores its importance in the early governance and legal proceedings of the newly formed nation.
Historic Neighborhood
Exploring the historic streets around Independence National Historic Park is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich historical atmosphere of Philadelphia. Highlights include the old buildings, cobblestone streets, and historical markers that can be found throughout the area. Each building tells a different story of America's founding.
One of the most popular attractions is Elfreth's Alley, which dates back to the early 18th century and is recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited street in the United States. Most of the buildings in this area exhibit Georgian-style architecture, adding to the historical ambiance of the neighborhood.
If you want to gain a deeper understanding of history, I recommend participating in a guided walking history tour. These tours provide detailed explanations and insights into the historical significance of the area.
Historic Neighborhood Walking Tour
Within these historic alleys, you'll also come across the Betsy Ross House. Betsy Ross is a legendary figure credited with creating the first American flag, as entrusted by George Washington, one of the founding fathers of the United States. The original flag featured red stripes and 13 stars, symbolizing the 13 states at the time of American independence. While historians still debate the veracity of this story, visiting the Betsy Ross House can be a fascinating and enjoyable experience.
What To See | Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the most famous and significant art museums in Philadelphia. It ranks as the third-largest art museum in the United States and was founded in 1876, coinciding with the centennial celebration of the United States. The museum's collection is exceptionally rich, with over 220,000 objects spanning more than 2,000 years of history. It's definitely worth a visit.
Additionally, the 72 stone steps in front of the museum are famous for being the scene where Sylvester Stallone's character trained by running up them in the movie "Rocky." This iconic spot is a must-see for fans of the film.
What To See | Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia City Hall is one of the prominent landmarks and the seat of government in Philadelphia. It is built in the architectural style of the Second Empire, reminiscent of the French Second Empire style. The building is quite grand, featuring marble exteriors and a soaring, pointed dome, making it a spectacular sight in the city.
What To See | JFK Park (Love Park)
Located in the city center, Love Park's formal name is JFK Park, and it's situated right next to City Hall. It has become a landmark in Philadelphia thanks to the iconic and enormous "Love" sculpture, making it a favorite spot for visitors to take selfies. This sculpture was created by American artist Robert Indiana in 1976, commemorating the United States' Bicentennial Independence celebration.
What To See | Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market is the largest public market in Philadelphia, with a history spanning over a century from 1893 to the present day. It is named "Reading Terminal" because the building used to be an old train terminal, although the train station no longer operates there. Inside, you'll find a diverse array of local food options, making it an excellent choice for lunch or a culinary adventure in the city.
What To See | Penn's Landing
Philadelphia is a riverfront city, and its waterfront area, is situated along the Delaware River. The Penn's Landing, not far from the historic district, is only about a 15-minute walk from the Liberty Bell. In a city filled with historic landmarks, Penn's Landing is particularly significant as it marks the spot where William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, first arrived in 1682.
There are parks, trails, and picnic areas along the riverfront, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as walking and jogging. If you want to spend some time outdoors after visiting the attractions, you can come here to explore the Delaware River.
Must Eat | Philly Cheesesteak
When in Philadelphia, you definitely shouldn't miss out on the local specialties, with the most famous being the Philly Cheesesteak. It's considered an iconic food of Philadelphia. The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich made with thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese, typically served in a roll and often topped with onions and peppers. It's a beloved local dish and considered a culinary symbol of Philadelphia. You can find Philly Cheesesteaks in many places throughout the city.
Ishkabibble’s Eatery is my preferred choice. It's budget-friendly, perfect for takeout, and their sandwiches are incredibly large, filled with delicious and juicy beef. The accompanying fries are also quite good. I'd give it a four-star recommendation.
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