With a rich history dating back to its formation in 1682 by William Penn, Philadelphia is a must-see destination for anyone venturing to North America. Home to the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, this City of Brotherly Love* is regarded by many Americans as the birthplace of their nation.
With its charming, tree-lined streets this beautiful city is the perfect place to view the changing of the seasons as summer turns to fall. As well as the particularly vibrant foliage during this time of the year, there is much to see in this cosmopolitan city with offerings for foodies, art-lovers, and historians alike. Before you explore, deposit your excess bags at luggage storage like Usebounce so you can stroll freely through the city as soon as you land.
Take a look at our rundown of the top five places to see when you’re in Philly.
Independence National Historical Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is home to Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were written and signed. Representing the ideals of the Founding Fathers of America the park symbolizes freedom and democracy.
Opposite Independence Hall, is the Liberty Bell previously called the Old State House Bell. Symbolizing American Independence this cracked bell may be silent but its message can be read loud and clear with its inscription: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Known for its iconic steps made famous by the scene in “Rocky”, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the country’s finest art museums. The extensive collection of works ranges from antiquities from around the world to contemporary art.
Visitors from around the world jog up the stairs to recreate their Rocky Balboa moment, pumping their fists at the top. With stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at the summit and a bronze Rocky statue to greet you on your return, this must-see museum should be on everyone’s list.
Reading Terminal Market
Surviving two world wars and the Great Depression, the 127-year-old Reading Terminal Market is one of the city’s gourmet hotspots catering to office workers, tourists, and locals alike. With its indoor seating, diners can enjoy meals from a wide variety of restaurants from around the world including Thai, Mexican, Greek, and Indian. Take the opportunity to sample the city’s most famous sandwich by trying a Philadelphia cheesesteak while perusing housewares, crafts and jewelry.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Just a 15 minutes walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this castle-like former prison is one of the city’s most interesting excursions. Having closed in the early 1970s, the Eastern State Penitentiary, with its creepy Gothic-style architecture, is home to Al Capone’s prison cell. Today, visitors can tour the facilities while viewing some of the contemporary art installations from site-specific artists.
Barnes Foundation
Despite its diminutive size, many regard the Barnes Foundation as a world-class museum. Home to an impressive collection of French masterpieces ranging from impressionist to early modernist, its permanent collection also contains paintings by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Matisse.
A beautifully designed, contemporary space, the Barnes Foundation also displays American paintings as well as Native American decorative arts and African sculpture.
With all of these sights to take in you’ll have no shortage of things to do and see in Philadelphia!
Comments are closed.