Philadelphia, PA
- Known as the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia is also one of the most historically significant spots in the US, attracting millions of visitors a year to see where the founding fathers met to discuss their plans for a new country. The importance of these events is memorialized in the well-preserved historical attractions that see history buffs flock to the area in their thousands, but there is plenty for any visitor to enjoy on a trip to this fascinating spot.
But it's not all history and politics; there is so much to see and do in Philadelphia that there's something to appeal to anyone's tastes, including:
Independence Hall
Known as 'the birthplace of the United States,' it was in this building that the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Representatives from the twelve original states met frequently to discuss their ideas for this new world, deciding on the elements that would make up the US Constitution.
As one of the only World Heritage Sites in the United States, Philadelphia is rightly proud to have been at the center of such an important historical event. Visitors can learn about the details of these historical moments and enjoy the feeling of standing where these political pioneers stood when they were contemplating the future.
Liberty Bell
As one of the most enduring symbols of freedom, the Liberty Bell not only has a special place in history but it has been memorialized in modern culture. Visitors to Philadelphia queue to take their photos in front of this iconic bell that bears the words 'Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.'
As well as inspiring those who were fighting for their freedoms, this bell has also become a familiar site to anyone who plays slots. As the inspiration for the first mechanical slot machine, the liberty bell still appears in digital form, so anyone who has tried playing slots will be familiar with this enduring symbol of hope and anticipation of future rewards.
Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Featured on the Delaware river waterfront is the 1st casino to grace the city of Philadelphia. Rivers Casino Philadelphia is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, so regardless of your schedule, you can always visit this spectacular casino as there are no limits to when you can visit. Whether you are an advanced player or need a beginner’s guide to slots, there are a total of 1891 slot machines to choose from, alongside 28-table poker rooms and an impressive 103 table games. If you plan your timings right, the venue also hosts performances, or if you are looking for somewhere to watch your favorite sports match, you can also venture into their sports lounge.
From Games to sports to even a lavish meal in Martorano's Prime Restaurant. There are endless things to do at this venue if you are looking for an entertaining day or an exciting night out.
South 9th and Passyunk
All the lawmaking and declaration signing is hungry work, so once you have had your fill of historical sites, it has to be time to sample the other thing that puts Philadelphia on the map: the Philly Cheesesteak. This intersection is where some of the most popular cheesesteak purveyors ply their wares, and food fans can choose from some of the best-rated cheesesteaks in town.
For those that want to branch out from the headline dishes, there are plenty of other Philadelphia delicacies to sample, including hoagies, roast pork sandwiches, and the underwhelmingly named, but delicious 'water ice'.
Love art? LOVE Sculpture
Philadelphia takes its city slogan seriously and visitors can see evidence of brotherly love all over the place, including some truly inspiring street art. Families, friends, couples, and anyone else can all feel the love and have their photo taken by this sculpture that sits in place to remind us of what ties humans together across the centuries.
The Franklin Institute
Located on the aptly named Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which was modeled on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, this museum is one of the oldest and most popular in the history of the United States. It may be commonplace to see interactive exhibits in museums today, but curators at the Franklin Institute pioneered the idea that visitors could engage with their collection, making the museum a popular choice for enquiring minds.
Covering everything from sports science to space travel, visitors can marvel at a giant sculpture honouring the man who inspired the Franklin Institute as well as exploring their own brains, learning how their bodies work, and hundreds of other fascinating tidbits.
Longwood Gardens
For those who want to get out of the city and appreciate some of Philadelphia's most beautiful green spaces, there's nowhere better than Longwood Gardens. With over a thousand acres of beautifully tended gardens, woods, and parkland, everyone will find something to love here.
Keen horticulturists will marvel at the array of botanical specimens and expertly cared-for plants and trees, whereas those who enjoy a spectacle will be dazzled by the dancing fountains. The gardens host expert guests, flower shows, and gardening workshops, as well as a full programme of educational events and beautifully staged concerts.
Rocky
More recent history has seen Philadelphia form the backdrop to one of the 20th Century's most popular film series: Rocky. Visitors can climb the steps that were an integral part of Rocky's training program and pose with the bronze statue that commemorates the hero of the film.
Whether you want fine dining, a historical adventure, or just somewhere to explore, Philadelphia is one of the most fascinating cities in the United States. You can discover all the headline attractions, but keep an eye out for the hidden gems and activities that make this a special place to visit.
