Must-see in Philadelphia: A City Guide for Tourists

Philadelphia is a city steeped in history and culture. This vibrant city, located on the banks of the Delaware river, is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the fifth-most populous city in the United States. Dating back to the 18th century, Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in America and is filled with numerous historical attractions, cultural sites, and educational opportunities.

Philadelphia is often called the “City of Brotherly Love”, a name derived from the Greek phrase “philadelphos” which means “brotherly love”. Nicknamed Philly by locals, this city is known for its deep-rooted American history, diverse neighborhoods, and unparalleled cuisine. From its iconic sites such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, to its outstanding cuisine, there is no shortage of interesting attractions to explore in the City of Brotherly Love.

History of Philadelphia

Founded by William Penn in 1682, Philadelphia was originally planned as a city of brotherly love. Originally inhabited by Native Americans, Philadelphia quickly became a hub for trade, colonization, and religion. The city was also heavily involved during the Revolutionary War and was the site of many crucial events. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia and it soon became the new nation’s capital until 1800. After that time, the city experienced a period of rapid growth and expansion that lasted until the early 1900’s when immigration began to decline.

Today, Philadelphia is a culturally diverse city with a population of over 1.5 million people. The city is divided into four sections: Center City, North Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, and West Philadelphia. Home to numerous universities, hospitals, theaters, and sports teams, Philadelphia has something for everyone.

Must-See Attractions

Philadelphia is home to many popular attractions that are sure to delight any traveler. Here are some of the must-see sights when visiting Philadelphia:

The Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is one of the United States’ most iconic symbols. Located in Liberty Bell Center within Independence National Historical Park, this historic bell was commissioned in 1751 for the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall). The bell was originally meant to summon lawmakers to meetings, but it quickly became a symbol of freedom and liberty during the Revolutionary War. Today, visitors can see the bell from the outside or take a guided tour of the bell tower for an up-close view of this historic symbol.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall is an iconic building located in Independence National Historical Park. This building is where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed in 1776 and 1787 respectively. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of this building and learn about its history and significance to America’s fight for independence.

Eastern State Penitentiary

The Eastern State Penitentiary is an abandoned prison located in Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood. Built in 1829, this prison was designed to be a place of rehabilitation and reform for inmates rather than a place of punishment. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the prison to learn about its history and architecture, as well as see exhibits about its former inmates such as notorious gangster Al Capone.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States. This museum features an impressive collection of art from all over the world, ranging from ancient artifacts to modern pieces. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the museum or explore it on their own. Additionally, there are numerous educational programs and workshops available for those interested in learning more about art and its history.

Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the largest zoos in America and is home to over 1,300 animals from around the world. This zoological garden offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with animals from all corners of the earth. The zoo also offers educational programs for children and adults alike to learn about their favorite animals.

Popular Tours to Take

Philadelphia offers many interesting tours for visitors to experience all that it has to offer. Here are two popular tours that are sure to delight even the most seasoned traveler:

Hop-on Hop-off Tour

The Hop-on Hop-off Tour is a great way to explore Philadelphia at your own pace. This tour allows visitors to hop on and off various buses throughout the city at various stops along the way. Visitors can get off at any stop they choose to explore areas such as Old City or South Street at their leisure. This tour also includes audio commentary about each area as you drive through so you can learn more about what you’re seeing as you go. Book a Hop-on Hop-off Tour here.

Philly by Foot Walking Tour

The Philly by Foot Walking Tour is a great way to explore Philadelphia’s many historical attractions on foot. This tour takes visitors through some of Philadelphia’s most iconic sites such as Independence Hall and Franklin Square as well as other lesser known gems such as Elfreth’s Alley and Carpenters’ Hall. The tour also includes knowledgeable guides who will provide interesting facts about each site along the way. Book a Philly by Foot Walking Tour here.

Conclusion

Philadelphia has something for everyone! From its iconic historical attractions such as Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, to its outstanding cuisine and diverse neighborhoods, visitors are sure to find something that appeals to their interests when visiting this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day exploring Philadelphia’s many historical attractions or an afternoon filled with adventure at one of its popular tours, there’s something for everyone in this City of Brotherly Love!