PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

William Penn founded the City of Brotherly Love with his band of Quakers in 1682, after it served as a colonial hub for 100 years. It was Ben Franklin who made this town, however; as Michelangelo is to Rome, so Franklin is to Philadelphia.

Before Philly lost U.S. Capital status to Washington, D.C., the First Continental Congress met here in 1774, at which Virginia delegate Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphia - that's America's most treasured historic site, but Philadelphia is also famous for its soft pretzels and cheesesteaks. It as well offers world-class shopping experiences, and top restaurants.

What to see?

Independence Hall and Historic District

• Independence Hall, where in 1776 the delegates signed the Declaration of Independence and drafted and signed the 1787 Constitution.
• Congress Hall, where the U.S. Congress first assembled
• Liberty Bell Pavilion with the famous cracked Liberty Bell
• Benjamin Franklin Bridge provides a great view of the city
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Center City

• City Hall is the nation's largest municipal building
• Museum of American Art

Benjamin Franklin Parkway (nicknamed "America's Champs-Elysées", the tree- and flag-lined Benjamin Franklin Pkwy connects Center City with Fairmount Park and the Schuylkill River)

• Philadelphia's Museum of Art and the famous "Rocky" steps in front of the museum
• Free Library of Philadelphia
• Rodin Museum
• Fairmount Park
• ...and many more!

Pennsylvania Travel Guide
PENN: Philadelphia
Philadelphia.com

Urbana-Champaign | Chicago | Amish Country | St. Louis
Florida | Buffalo | Albany | Boston | Cape Cod
New York City | Philadelphia | Baltimore | Washington

Back to USA