Philadelphia may not be on people’s travel itineraries, in fact I have to admit it didn’t have a firm spot on mine, however when I learn I’d be spending a couple of days in the ‘City of Brotherly love’, my research led me down to a plethora of exciting things to do, eat and see!
A Short History & Culture
Philadelphia’s prominence in US history is a source of great civic pride. The 17th century creation of idealistic English Quaker, William Penn. The City’s name came from ancient Greek and means ‘brotherly love’ A past state and once the capital of the US, Philadelphia was where the colonies declared their independence.
Philadelphia was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2015 and if you’re into your history it’s definitely worth taking a trip to the Independence National Historical Park of the Old City to learn of just how important independence played a part in Philadelphia’s past.
One of the things that struck out to me was Philadelphia’s multi-cultural population and how the city celebrates the heritage and contributions in society for such a multi-ethnic population.
As well as the very quaint British looking buildings, country garden styled homes, red brick architecture, Philly’s gastronomy scene is absolutely banging. Options are of a gargantuan nature in terms of award winning restaurants to local markets and incredible international street food.
Where to Stay
When it comes to places to stay there are an abundance of places in Philadelphia but with a late booking due to a conference we opted for a serviced apartment in the leafy Logan Square district via booking.com. It’s also only a short walk to the Old City Centre. We opted for two bedrooms, which had fab walk in wardrobes, a huge open plan kitchen lounge and diner and all facilities you would ever need for a few days plus it was huge with incredible views.
There were communal spaces on the ground floor, parking and a daily concierge.
The Hamilton Apartments 1520 Hamilton Street. Logan Square 229. Philadelphia. PA 19130
Accommodation: Find your ideally located base in Philly
Things to do in Philadelphia
The Love Park
Love Park, officially known as John F. Kennedy Plaza, is a plaza located in the centre of Philadelphia and has been nicknamed Love Park for its reproduction of Robert Indiana’s Love sculpture, overlooking the centrally located plaza.
Love Park Arch St, Philadelphia, 19102
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art was originally chartered in 1876 for the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The main museum building was completed in 1928 on Fairmount, a hill located at the northwest end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Eakins Oval. If you’re an art lover, then this is one not to be missed and features many interesting collections and is a great rainy day option too.
Museum of Art 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia 19130 Website
The Rocky Steps
You know you want to recreate the run up the Rocky steps en route to the Museum of Art well, this is where you do it. There’s also a statue of the famous character that Sylvester Stallone played in the movie, beside the museum, should you wish to pose for a photo with him!
The Rocky Steps Philadelphia Museum of Art. 600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia 19130
Old Town Walking Tour
To get my bearings of the Old Town of Philadelphia and educate myself with the history of the city, I took a small group walking tour with Viator and included stops at Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, Betsy Ross House, Church of the Revolution, Carpenter’s Hall, Benjamin Franklin Post Office, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Benjamin Franklin Memorial and many other stops in between.
The Mural Mile
If you are a fan of street art and community projects, this is an absolute must for you. In fact it’s one of the best self-guided tours I’ve ever done. Find out how over 30 years, the street art scene has transformed the streets of Philadelphia and given the diverse community to live harmoniously alongside each other.
Mural Arts Philadelphia. 1727-29 Mount Vernon St, Philadelphia. 19130. Tel. +1 215-685-0750 Website
Related Post: The Mural Mile Philadelphia: The World’s Biggest Outdoor Gallery
Magic Gardens
In 1991, Isaiah Zagar started working on empty car parks around South Street in Philadelphia. This land is now known as The Philadelphia Magic Gardens. It’s a non-profit art environment and museum, spanning half a block and includes an immersive outdoor and indoor installation gallery.
Zagar created the space using non-traditional material such as folk art statues, bicycle wheels, colourful glass bottles and hand-made tiles, not forgetting thousands of glittering mirrors.
This is truly a haven and an absolutely mesmerizingly magical space. The entrance fee is $10 but the experience will stay with you a lifetime. It’s one mans incredible talent, showcased and embraced in the heart of a community.
Magic Garden. 1020 South St, Philadelphia 19147 Website
City Hall
City Hall is the largest municipal building in the United States, containing over 14.5 acres of floor space. It is an architectural treasure inside and out. The public rooms are among the most lavish in the City. The City Council Chamber, the Mayor’s Reception Room, Conversation Hall and the Supreme Court Room are the most ornate.
City Hall. 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia 19107 Website
Liberty Bell Centre
The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Once placed in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House, the bell today is located in the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park.
The Liberty Bell bears a timeless message: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof”
According to official reports, the Liberty Bell was irreparably damaged in 1846, when Philadelphia mayor John Swift ordered ringing of teh bell to commemorate George Washington’s birthday. The crack is estimated to be1/2 inch wide and 24.5 inches long.
Liberty Bell Centre. Market Street, Philadelphia, 19106, USA Website
Old City, Society Hill & Penns Landing
Probably one of my favourite parts of Philadelphia, would have have to be the old City and it’s quintessential English-like charm. There’s a National park, the riverfront of Penns Landing and of course Socitey Hill, is one of Philadephia’s most stylish neighbourhoods.
Think three story town houses with beautiful front doors, red brick buildings and cobbled stoned streets. It also houses the famous Elfreths Alley, more below…
Elfreth’s Alley
Elfreth’s Alley is a historic street in Philadelphia, dating back to 1702. Along the cobble-stoned street there are 32 houses, which were built between 1728 and 1836. Elfreth’s Alley will remind you very much of a cute English street featuring flower boxes and beautiful brick double-faced town houses.
Elfreth’s Alley. 124-126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia 19106 Website
Chinatown
Chinatown is a bustling showcase of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean cultures and cuisines. Beyond the gilt-painted Friendship Gate are streets packed with restaurants and bars, including the famous speakeasy-style Hop Sing Laundromat. Eclectic shops sell items that range from hand-stretched noodles to colourful trinkets.
Enter via the Chinatown Archway on Arch Street, Philadelphia Website
Rittenhouse Square
This is the area surrounding the location of City Hall and is the official hub of the city featuring corporate establishments, cafes and restaurants of the same calibre.
210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, 19103
South 9th Street Italian Market
The Italian Market or the South 9th Street Market, is an area of South Philadelphia featuring many grocery shops, cafes, restaurants, bakeries, cheese shops and butcher shops. Many of the shops are run by generations of the same family and have a strong Italian influence. You can either wander alone as I did, sampling the food as you step from shop/stall to stall or book a foodie tour of the market.
Italian Market. 919 South 9th Street, Philadelphia 19147. Website
One Liberty Observation Deck
One Liberty Observation Deck, also called Philly From The Top, is an 883 ft high observation deck located on the 57th floor of One Liberty Place in the centre of Philadelphia and gives panoramic views of the city.A fun way to see the city from the top!
One Liberty Observation Deck. 1650 Market Street 5700, Philadelphia 19103 Website
Dining & Drinking in Philadelphia
To get the low down on where to eat, drink, grab a coffee and snacks have a read of my post below. It will introduce you to the varied dining scene including award winning fine dining restaurants, to street and market locally produce as well as sampling the famous Philly Cheese Steak.
Related Post: A Guide to Dining in Philadelphia
Read More About Philadelphia
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Fancy a slice of Philly life? Check out Philadelphia flight options
Á Bientôt…
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