Philadelphia, “The City of Brotherly Love, or just plain “Philly,” is one of the largest metropolitan cities on the East Coast. A true cultural mecca that offers something to behold during all four seasons, Philadelphia is affectionately known as New York’s sixth borough. Even though Philadelphia is roughly a two-hour drive from the Big Apple, getting to know the best eight places that Philly has to offer will make you fall in love with this city on the Delaware River.
1. Explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Feel free to walk or dash up the same steps as Rocky Balboa to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We’re not kidding. The Philadelphia Museum of Art has a dedicated stairwell that Rocky ran up in the iconic films. Feel free to pose by the life-sized statue of Rocky Balboa for pictures. Besides the iconic steps, the Philadelphia Museum of Art showcases classic artworks from Gogh, Monet, and Picasso, to name a few. Or, you can admire several Rodin sculptures and the jaw-dropping architecture.
2. Experience Independence National Historical Park
No Philadelphia trip would be complete without visiting Philly’s Independence National Historical Park. This iconic park is one of the reasons why Pennsylvania is known as The Independence State, for its vital importance during the American Revolution. The Independence National Historical Park features the iconic Liberty Bell and the Independence Hall itself, where the US Constitution was signed.
3. Visit Reading Terminal Market
If you’re looking for authentic Philly cuisine, look no further than the historic Reading Terminal Market. Visitors and locals flock to Reading Terminal Market for authentic Philly cheesesteaks and hoagies. The delicious soft pretzels are also a hot ticket item. Besides authentic Philly cheesesteaks, Reading Terminal Market also features world-class cuisine from Asia and the Middle East. You can also buy local dairy and bread products at Reading Terminal Market.
4. Take in Rittenhouse Square
If you prefer to state lovely architecture, then Rittenhouse Square marks X on the spot. Rittenhouse Square goes back to the 19th century. However, William Penn, a Quaker, initially developed the current land that Rittenhouse Square occupied in 1682. The current park is named in honor of David Rittenhouse in 1825 for his excellence in science and astronomy.
Today, you can stroll through Rittenhouse Square to admire the buildings from a bygone era and the numerous statues and monuments. Rittenhouse Square also features quaint cafes where you can grab local delicacies like Philly ice cream sandwiches and other exotic ice cream flavors.
5. Visit the Betsy Ross House
Betsy Ross remains one of the most beloved patriots dating back to the American Revolution. Most American historians consider her the creator of the first American flag. So, to honor her, the Betsy Ross House has been preserved as a tourist destination. Discover her humble abode filled with artifacts and paintings from the American Revolutionary War era. And if you’re interested in flag making, there are demonstrations in Ross’ stone home that teach flag making.
6. Stroll through Elfreth’s Alley
Take a leisurely stroll down one of Philaelphia’s oldest streets. Elfreth’s Alley dates back to the 1700s when it was named in honor of Jacob Elfreth, one of Philadelphia’s original land developers. As you stroll down the iconic Alley, admire the well-kept buildings and architecture from the 18th century. Such devotion has gone into maintaining these brick homes, and many are open to the public, exploring and getting a sense of living in those times. The Elfreth Alley Museum also features artifacts and other glimpses of a simpler life in the 1700s up to today.
7. Visit the Philadelphia Zoo
How would you like to visit America’s first organized zoo? That’s what you get with the Philadelphia Zoo, which dates back to 1859, two years before the American Civil War. While the visiting hours might differ based on the season, the Philadelphia Zoo goes through great expense to display jungle cats like lions and tigers in their replicated environments.
Besides the fabulous big cats and African elephants, the Philadelphia Zoo is also home to many endangered species, like the Amur tiger. If you prefer birds, the Philadelphia Zoo has a unique aviation museum for different bird species in their natural environments.
8. Live it Up at Rivers Casino
If you prefer Philly nightlife, Rivers Casino is the best seat in the house to mingle with locals and socialites. Rivers is a local casino near the lovely and serene Delaware River. Roll the dice on the casino pit floor or try to outlast the roulette and blackjack dealers. Of course, you can enjoy fine dining at Mian, a high-class Asian restaurant serving exquisite Chinese dishes. Rivers Casino also features plenty of excellent bars to sit back and take in the local ambiance.
Conclusion
Philadelphia is a true cultural mecca in every sense of the word. In addition to the local attractions, the City of Brotherly Love is near Pennsylvania’s legendary Main Line neighborhood cities. A city for all four seasons, Philadelphia offers something new to see in winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Lily James