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America's first capital city, Philadelphia is rich in American history and culture. From Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 proclaiming American independence, to Penn's Landing, named after the influential and charismatic governor William Penn, Philadelphia has much to teach visitors about the early years of America. At the same time, Philadelphia is a bustling city with modern attractions and entertainment.
Philadelphia's historical roots are very deep. As the seat of American government during the first crucial decades of American independence, Philadelphia was America's greatest city. The city's pride was manifested in the City Hall, which is the largest and most ornate municipal hall in the country. Philadelphia was the site of the meetings of the Continental and then the US Congress until 1800. But Philadelphia's history is even older than that of the United States itself. As a British Colony founded by William Penn and the Quakers, Pennsylvania attracted many different religious denominations to its tolerant atmosphere. Many of those faiths have built beautiful churches throughout the city in celebration of the religious freedom they found in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia was and remains to this day a cultural center. Benjamin Franklin himself helped found many of the educational and cultural offerings of the city. Numerous universities and museums can be found here in the City of Brotherly Love. The Philadelphia Art Museum is the third largest in the country with over 300,000 different items. Other museums celebrate the Philadelphia's place in American history. Philadelphia also boasts numerous entertainment centers, such as Penn's Landing where a wonderful collection of historical ships provides the background for numerous restaurants and entertainment venues.
Philadelphia's careful city planning made it an ideal choice for housing the US government, and it has produced many treasures that are still enjoyed by visitors and residents. Fairmont Park, for example, is the largest landscaped municipal park in the world. It houses numerous attractions, as well as walking trails and recreation areas.
Philadelphia has enjoyed a special place in American history, and visitors come to the city to learn about that history as they learn about this beautiful city and all it offers.
Independence Hall
601 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-965-2305
Visit Independence Hall to see where Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and other national leaders worked on two famous documents. The Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were both penned here.
National Constitution Center
Independence Mall
525 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-409-6700
The National Constitution Center is a 60,000-square foot museum that promotes education of the US Constitution through interactive exhibits. The museum traces events from the American Revolution through the Constitution's ratification, to major events in the nation's constitutional history.
Liberty Bell Center
501 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-965-2305
No trip to Philadelphia is complete without seeing the Liberty Bell. At the Liberty Bell Center, visitors can view the bell and learn its history through films, historical documents and exhibits.
Atwater Kent Museum
15 South 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 29206
215-685-4830
The Atwater Kent Museum, founded in 1938, traces the city’s history, going back more than 300 years. The museum features more than 100,000 items that illustrate how Philadelphians lived over the years, up to present day. It also features a large collection of works by Norman Rockwell.
City Hall
1450 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-686-2840
The City Hall is located in the spot that William Penn (Pennsylvania’s namesake) declared as the exact center of the city. This 510-foot high landmark building spans a century’s worth of history.
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
532 North 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19128
215-597-8780
The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is housed in the literary greats former residence. While Poe lived in Philadelphia, he published some of his most famous horror tales including The Black Cat and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Franklin Court
314-322 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-965-2306
Franklin Court is located at the site of Benjamin Franklin’s Philadelphia home. The center features exhibits about Franklin, including a printing office and bookbindery, an archaeological exhibit, an underground, multimedia museum and more.
Quaker Information Center
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-241-7024
The Quaker Information Center is located in the lobby of the Friends Center, and provides information about the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Learn about the history, beliefs, events and institutions of Quakers and view displays of maps, books, and catalogs.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Spruce Street & Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-535-0643
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the memory of the 645 local residents who were killed in the Vietnam War. Their names are etched in marble. Exhibits depict scenes of the war and the bravery of these fallen heroes.
National Museum of American Jewish History
Independence Mall East
55 North 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-923-3811
The National Museum of American Jewish History features more than 10,000 artifacts relating to more than 300 years of Jewish culture. More than 40,000 people of various faiths visit the museum annually.
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology
3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-898-4000
The University of Pennsylvania Museum features one of the best archeology and anthropology collections in the US. The museum’s exhibits features items from around the world, including Egyptian mummies, Greek coins, African musical instruments, Native American totem poles and more. The kids will enjoy the hands-on exhibits.
American Swedish Historical Museum
1900 Pattison Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19145
215-389-1776
Browse through 12 galleries offering a variety of styles that tell the story of the Swedish presence in Delaware Valley from 1638 to present day.
Betsy Ross House
239 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-686-1252
Get a glimpse into the lives of Colonial-era working class citizens and the history of the American flag.
Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia
1805 Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-735-8196
Treasures donated by Civil War veterans are housed in this Victorian era townhouse. Be sure to check out the “Ending Slavery” exhibit.
Congress Hall
150 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-965-2305
The House of Representatives and Senate met here between 1790 and 1800.
Declaration House
701 Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-597-8974
Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence here.
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
2124 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-236-3300
Tour one of the most famous prisons in the U.S. and it housed some of the most well-known American criminals including Al Capone.
Friends of the Japanese House and Garden
4700 States Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19131
215-878-5097
Enjoy this oasis of beauty and peace while touring the elegant building and wondrous garden with mirrors of the mountains, sculptures, and more.
Lincoln Financial Field
1020 Pattison Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147
267-570-4510
This is the home of the Philadelphia Eagles Football team. Tour the stadium, take in a game, or both!
Makefield Highlands Golf Club
1418 Woodside Road
Yardley, PA 19067
215-321-7000
This premier golf experience includes wall to wall bent grass, 18 holes, restaurant, Pro-Shop, and more.
Citizens Bank Park
One Citizens Bank Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148
215-463-6000
Home of the Philadelphia Phillies! Explore the park and/or take in a game!
Chestnut Hill Shopping District
8426 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
215-247-6696
Enjoy the restaurants, antiques, unique shops and more along this cobblestone avenue in this National Historic District.
Franklin Mills Mall
1455 Franklin Mills Circle
Philadelphia, PA 19154
215-632-1500
This is the landmark of discount shopping in Philly with more than 190 discount stores/designer shops with two food courts.
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-243-1100
Features more than 1,600 animals, including orangutans, lorikeets, snow leopards, red pandas, giraffes and more. Check out the Treehouse, an interactive exhibit where visitors can enter a virtual zoo world and experience what it’s like to hatch from an egg, be a bee or ride a caterpillar.
Fairmount Park
1515 Arch Street, 10th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-683-0200
Largest city park in the world, measuring 8,000 acres. Outdoor activities abound at Fairmount Park, which features plenty of green space and areas to play soccer, baseball, Frisbee and more. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, golfing, several playgrounds, a public pool, bike paths and other attractions within the park.
The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-299-1000
This is the oldest natural history museum in the Western Hemisphere and features four floors of excitement including hands-on exhibits for whole family, live animals, digging for dinosaur fossils, and so much more.
Franklin Institute Science Museum
222 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-448-1165
Features interactive exhibits, including the world's largest artificial heart and biggest pinball machine. Don’t miss the planetarium and Omniverse, which features a 79-foot domed screen with more than 50 high-tech speakers.
Please Touch Museum
210 North 21st Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-963-0667
Features a wide variety of interactive exhibits, toys and educational entertainment for all ages including adults. Learn about the arts, sciences and humanities.
Fireman’s Hall Museum
147 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-923-1438
Hands-on exhibits at this restored firehouse in a historic district will be fun for the whole family.
Independence Seaport Museum
211 South Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-413-8631
You’ll enjoy this journey of discovery as you explore the family oriented interactive exhibits. You’ll even get to go below deck of a WWII submarine!
Lights of Liberty, Inc.
600 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-LIB-ERTY
The whole family will enjoy this outdoor light and sound spectacular with special effects, hand-painted images on buildings, and a musical score.
January
Mummers Parade
215-336-3050
Mummers Parade takes place New Year’s Day, with costumed and masked musicians strolling down Broad Street playing banjos and other musical instruments.
February
Junior Jazz Festival
215-963-0667
This event will please youngsters as they are introduced to the American art form of jazz. Unique activities, live musical performances, and more activities are offered for the whole family to enjoy!
March
Philadelphia Flower Show
215-988-8899
The week long Philadelphia Flower Show features flowers and plants from all over the world. The large, indoor event includes exhibits by both professional and amateur gardeners.
May
Jam on the River
215-965-7676
Jam on the River is a three-day live music festival featuring nationally known acts. Held on Memorial Day weekend, Jam on the River is a great way to kick off the summer.
June
Fete Days at Elfreth’s Alley
215-574-0560
Enjoy strolling the historic streets as you see locals in traditional Colonial clothing walking along on the cobblestones, touring historic houses and buildings, food, and drink.
July
The Sunoco Welcome America Festival
215-683-2200
The Sunoco Welcome America Festival celebrates Independence Day for an entire week. Activities include a Mummers parade, hot-air balloon races, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music, fireworks and more.
August
Philadelphia Folk Festival
215-242-0150
This three-day event features nationally known folk music artists, crafts (for visitors to make or purchase), music workshops, dancing, jugglers, storytellers, food and beverage vendors and more.
September
Sippin By The River
215-965-7676
This outdoor wine and beer celebration takes place rain or shine! You can sample well-known beers and wines, gourmet food, enjoy live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and more.
Upper Darby Annual Chicken Festival
610-352-1610
Enjoy tasty food, entertainment including live music, games, contests, and more!
October
Highlands Craft Show
215-641-2687
Enjoy exhibits from more than 50 artists showcasing jewelry, furniture, ceramics, clothing, gifts, and more! Parking is free and drinks and snacks will be available.
November
Philadelphia Craft Show
215-684-7930
The Philadelphia Craft Show is a juried crafts show that includes nearly 200 artists from around the country. Visitors to the show will find booths featuring basketry, woodworking, fiber arts, furniture, paintings and more.
December
Deck the Alley
215-574-0560
Deck the Alley takes place the first weekend in December. The historic Elfreth’s Alley neighborhood is decked out for the holidays, and Elfreth's Alley residents host tours of their homes. Refreshments and caroling round out this festive event.
Washington Crossing the Delaware
215-493-4076
Washington Crossing the Delaware is an annual historical reenactment that takes place on Christmas day. The event commemorates December 25, 1776, when Washington and his troops took Camp Hessian at Trenton by surprise.
Population:
5.8 million in the metropolitan area
Time Zone:
Eastern
Climate:
Philadelphia’s climate is affected somewhat by its location near the Atlantic Ocean. High humidity is common in the summer, and high winds and cold temperatures are likely in the winter. Average summer highs are in the 80s, but temperatures are capable of exceeding 90. Average winter highs are in the 30s and 40s, dropping to below freezing in the evenings. Spring and fall temperatures are pleasant, averaging out to the 50s. Rain is most plentiful in July and August, and winter months receive an average of 20 inches of snowfall.
Airport:
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
8000 Essington Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19153
800-PHL-GATE (745-4283)
Rail:
Amtrak
800-USA-RAIL
Bus:
Greyhound
800-231-2222
Getting Around Philadelphia:
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
City Bus & Light Rail
215-580-7800
Taxis:
City Cab Company, Inc.
215-492-6600
PHL Taxi
215-232-2000
Visitor Information:
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
1700 Market Street Suite 3000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-636-3300
Dining:
City Tavern
138 South 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-413-1443
Built in 1773, the City Tavern hosted celebrations led by many of the Founding Fathers. Today, this elegant restaurant retains its history and celebrates fine dining. Menu specialties include lobster pie, pecan and honey glazed duckling, medallions of venison and more.
Dante and Luigi’s
762 South 10th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-922-9501
Dante and Luigi’s, located in the historic Italian Market District, is the country’s oldest Italian restaurant. Traditional Old World recipes such as osso baco or stuffed calamari over linguini are complemented by the restaurant’s Old World atmosphere.
London Grille
2301 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-978-4545
The London Grille is a New American restaurant that allows parents a nice, grown-up meal, and keeps the kids happy with a special children’s menu. Located in the historic Art Museum district, the restaurant’s extensive menus feature grilled liver, butter poached tilefish and other eclectic dishes. This is a perfect spot for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch.
