If American History is your passion, Philadelphia is a city you must visit. The birthplace of the Declaration of Independence, even if you are not a history buff, a visit here can send shivers down your spine. And while you are visiting, be sure to sample a genuine philly cheesesteak, which truly is unlike any other you will find any place else.
Philadelphia sits on the west bank of the Delaware River in southeastern Pennsylvania near New Jersey's western border. New York City is a 2 to 3 hour bus ride north. Most of the central Philadelphia area lies between the Delaware River, which runs north and south through town, and the Schuylkill River, a tributary, in the west.
Philadelphia is easy to get around. It's laid out in a grid and divided into four quadrants, each with its own park; most of the major sights and accommodations are within walking distance or a short bus ride or drive from each other.
When to Go
Philadelphia can get unbearably humid in the summer and freezing cold in the winter, making spring and fall, which are generally characterized by warm days and cool nights, the best time to visit the city. And of course, for a patriotic frenzy and fireworks like no other, Philadelphia comes alive every 4th of July (Independence Day).
What to See
Independence National Historic Park
Independence Park is an L-shaped area west of the Delaware River that features Philadelphia's most renowned historical sites. Called the birthplace of American government, Independence Hall was built between 1732 and 1756 as Pennsylvania State House, the colony's headquarters. One of the country's best examples of Georgian architecture, its simple, understated lines also show the Quaker influence of Philadelphia's early days. The Second Continental Congress met here from 1775 to 1783.
The Assembly Room is where the delegates from the 13 colonies met to approve the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776; where the design of the US flag was agreed upon in 1777; where the Articles of the Confederation were drafted in 1781; and where the Constitutional Convention was held in 1787, producing the US Constitution.
Beside Pennsylvania State House is Congress Hall, where the US Congress met between 1790 and 1800 when Philadelphia was the nation's capital. Here, the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments, were added to the Constitution, the US Mint was established, George Washington was inaugurated for his second term and Kentucky, Tennessee and Vermont were admitted to the Union.
Nearby, Independence Square is where the Declaration of Independence was read publicly for the first time on 8 July 1776.
Liberty Bell Pavilion is Philadelphia's top tourist attraction. Commissioned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Charter of Privileges (Pennsylvania's constitution, enacted in 1701 by William Penn) this 2080lb (936kg) bronze bell's inscription reads: 'Proclaim liberty through all the land, to all the inhabitants thereof.'
The bell was secured in the belfry of Independence Hall and tolled on important occasions, most notably the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Independence Square. The bell became badly cracked during the 19th century; despite initial repairs it eventually became unusable in 1846 after tolling for George Washington's birthday.
Other Sites
Franklin Court: This was Ben Franklin's home and workplace. An underground museum on the site displays Franklin's various inventions, including a heat-efficient stove to warm houses.
Elfreth's Alley: This road is believed to be America's oldest residential street with colonial-style houses dating back to 1728.
