Travel Guides > Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia Travel

Philadelphia has often been dubbed "The Birthplace of Liberty". The phrase couldn't possibly ring more true. This town, once known as "The City of Brotherly Love" is indeed where America got its start as an independent nation. While Virginia boasts the first colony and Delaware became the first state, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania made its mark as the place where the colonists and their elected government got the ball rolling, so to speak.

As you walk through this historical city, you can almost hear the voices of the forefathers as they gathered to sign the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall, the city's number one landmark. Part of the National Park Service, millions of visitors each year wait in line for a chance to enter the building where the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin hung out.

As a matter of fact, Independence Hall is part of a larger complex known as Independence National Historic Park, which stretches over about 45 acres and includes 20 buildings that are open to the public. The must-sees are the Liberty Bell, which was recently provided with a new home that accommodates larger crowds, Franklin Court, a wonderful museum appropriate for all ages focusing on the life of Philadelphia's most famous son, and the impressive National Constitution Center, the first museum ever dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, its history, and what it means to the American people

Also in the historic district, visitors can also enjoy a free self-guided tour of the U.S. Mint - where coins are designed and manufactured - first opened in 1792 and the oldest of the four mints that are scattered throughout the country.

The Philadelphia Art Museum is world-renowned for its fine collections and innovative exhibits, but it's probably even more famous as the place with all the steps, which were scaled by Sylvester Stallone in the first "Rocky" movie. Each year, hundreds of tourists recapture the moment with their own run up the steep Art Museum steps.

One of the most popular stops for vacationers traveling with children is the Franklin Institute Science Museum, a truly hands-on museum that's been a favorite of all ages for decades. At this award-winning museum, you can walk through a huge replica of the human heart, find out how lightning is produced, and take a very short ride on a genuine steam locomotive. There's also a terrific planetarium here.

Many of Philadelphia's smaller museums are also well worth the time it takes to see them. Check out the Atwater Kent Museum, for a history lesson on the city; the Academy of Natural Sciences; and the Independence Seaport Museum, home to the cruiser Olympia and the submarine Becuna.

For something really different, visitors with a strong stomach make at stop at the dark and rather spooky Mutter Museum, where you'll find jars filled with medical oddities, frightening old surgical tools, specimens of swollen brains, and even a "secret" tumor from the body of Grover Cleveland.

When you've done enough sightseeing and are ready for a bite to eat, there's one culinary delight that every visitor to Philadelphia must try - the Cheesesteak. This thinly sliced beef sandwich covered with gooey cheese, fried onions, and other delightful toppings is Philly's favorite food. Though the locals disagree as to who makes the best cheesesteak, they'll no doubt offer their opinion and point you in the direction of their favorite!