Almost 40 million visitors come to this Pennsylvania city each year to see important sites of U.S. history and locations made famous by a popular movie franchise.
Philadelphia was founded as the city of “brotherly love” in the late 1600s by William Penn for Quakers seeking a land without religious persecution. Visit this historic city to explore important sites from the early days of the United States as well as modern pop culture.
Independence National Historical Park holds Independence Hall, where John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin and other founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Nearby, see the recognizable crack and important message of the Liberty Bell: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.”
The Eastern State Penitentiary is an unlikely but very popular tourist stop. Examine the unique solitary prison design and look for the cell where Al Capone was held. Stop at the Reading Terminal Market for fresh foods in the same indoor structure where the market started in 1892. The Franklin Institute offers hands-on science and technology education in 11 permanent galleries, carrying on the learning and discovery approach of famed hometown hero, Benjamin Franklin, scientist and statesman. See more than 1,300 animals at the Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo established in the U.S.
The city has many other cultural attractions besides its historical treasures. Put on your gray sweatshirt and jog around Philadelphia and along the Schuylkill River just like Sylvester Stallone did in the film Rocky and its many sequels. Hum Gonna Fly Now as you run up the 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Step inside for art ranging from collections featured in the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 to exceptional modern works in over 200 galleries. The Barnes Foundation has a superb collection of post-impressionist and early modern works.
Head to south Philadelphia to see the Eagles play football. Alternatively watch the game at a neighborhood bar just about anywhere in the city while enjoying a classic Philly cheese steak and a Yuengling beer made in nearby Pottsville or one of the area’s craft breweries.