One of the major cities in the United States, Philadelphia is also among the oldest, hosting many historical landmarks and sites that relate to the founding of the country. Philly is also home to a great diversity of museums and cultural attractions from public art to theaters and opera, as well as excellent shopping and nightlife and many parks and outdoor areas. Philadelphia surely offers something for every type of visitor!
The Birthplace of America. Located in southeast corner of Pennsylvania in the Eastern USA, Philadelphia sits on the western bank of Delaware River. It is the sixth-largest city in the US that is often called the Birthplace of America, as the Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were all born here. Philadelphia was founded by Quakers in the 17th century, and was the first capital of the United States until the year 1800. Commonly referred to as Philly, today’s Philadelphia is a multicultural city where you can find almost every nationality on earth.
Culture & entertainment. Shopping in Philadelphia is great in a variety of locations, including the Chestnut and Walnut Streets in the Center City that also hosts the beautiful City Hall of Philly, LOVE Park and the Rittenhouse Square with classic quality hotels. Cultural attractions in Philadelphia include the largest collection of public art in the USA, as well as many theaters and a famous symphonic orchestra that performs at the Kimmel Center of Performing Arts. Fairmont Park in Philadelphia is the largest urban park in the USA and offers many outdoor activities, including 160 km / 100 miles of jogging and bicycling trails, nice mountain biking and canoeing. There are also many great golf courses in Philadelphia to choose from. Philadelphia hosts many festivals and events, most famous of which are the annual 4th of July (Independence Day) celebrations.
The Birthplace of America. Located in southeast corner of Pennsylvania in the Eastern USA, Philadelphia sits on the western bank of Delaware River. It is the sixth-largest city in the US that is often called the Birthplace of America, as the Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were all born here. Philadelphia was founded by Quakers in the 17th century, and was the first capital of the United States until the year 1800. Commonly referred to as Philly, today’s Philadelphia is a multicultural city where you can find almost every nationality on earth.
Sights and activities in Philadelphia: historic attractions, museums, shopping & theaters
Philadelphia hosts many historic attractions connected to the birth of the United States as a nation. The Old City of Philadelphia contains the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence of the USA were signed. Other historic attractions in Philadelphia include the home of Edgar Allan Poe, a historic prison called Eastern State Penitentiary and the Gloria Dei Church. Philadelphia also hosts many major museums such as the Franklin Institute, Academy of Natural Sciences, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Atwaret Kent Museum of Philadelphia History. The city is also home to the first zoo, banks and hospital in the United States. Sightseeing tours in Philadelphia are available for a variety of particular interests.Culture & entertainment. Shopping in Philadelphia is great in a variety of locations, including the Chestnut and Walnut Streets in the Center City that also hosts the beautiful City Hall of Philly, LOVE Park and the Rittenhouse Square with classic quality hotels. Cultural attractions in Philadelphia include the largest collection of public art in the USA, as well as many theaters and a famous symphonic orchestra that performs at the Kimmel Center of Performing Arts. Fairmont Park in Philadelphia is the largest urban park in the USA and offers many outdoor activities, including 160 km / 100 miles of jogging and bicycling trails, nice mountain biking and canoeing. There are also many great golf courses in Philadelphia to choose from. Philadelphia hosts many festivals and events, most famous of which are the annual 4th of July (Independence Day) celebrations.
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Philadelphia travel information and practical tips
The climate in Philadelphia is continental with hot and humid summers and cold and often snowy winters. Weather in Philly is milder in autumn and spring. Usually with warm days and cool nights, they are the best times to visit Philadelphia. There is some rainfall in Philly throughout the year. Snowstorms occur occasionally in the winter months.Traveling to Philadelphia is easy by air, rail or road. Philadelphia has two airports, of which the international airport receives flights to Philadelphia from throughout the US, as well as from Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Philadelphia is also a major railway hub receiving trains from many large cities in Eastern US. The city is also located at the crossroads of many interstate highways and receives regular buses to Philadelphia from cities across the United States.
Local public transport in Philadelphia is offered by a subway, commuter trains, buses and taxis. Walking in downtown Philly is easy, and there are river ferries to the neighboring city of Camden as well as to several waterfront attractions. Car rental in Philadelphia is well available both at the airports and in the city.
Services & safety. Hotels in Philadelphia range from inexpensive to luxurious, and there is also a myriad of great restaurants in Philadelphia, serving cuisines from all around the world. The local nightlife in Philadelphia is vibrant with plenty of entertainment options. Philadelphia is a relatively safe city, but unfortunately, violent crime is not uncommon. Most violence is gang-related and concentrated in the North Central area of Philadelphia. However, mugging and pick-pocketing also occurs, so you should avoid walking in the backstreets especially after dark.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Atlantic City, Delaware, New York
