USA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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.

Popular Hotels in Philadelphia

Microtel Inn & Suites - Economy
8840 Tinicum Blvd, Philadelphia PA US 19153
Extendedstay Philadelphia Airport - Midrange
9000 Tinicum Blvd., Philadelphia PA US 19153
Marriott Philadelphia Airport - Midrange
One Arrivals Road, Philadelphia PA US 19153
Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport - Midrange
4101 B Island Avenue, Philadelphia PA US 19153
Courtyard By Marriott Philadelphia Airport - Midrange
8900 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia PA US 19153
Embassy Stes Philadelphia - Midrange
1776 Ben Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia PA US 19103
Comfort Inn Philadelphia Airport - Midrange
53 Industrial Hwy., Essington PA US 19029
Hampton Inn Philadelphia/Airport, Pa. - Midrange
8600 Bartram Ave, Philadelphia PA US 19153
Radisson Plaza Warwick Hotel Philadelphia - Midrange
1701 Locust Street, Philadelphia PA US 19103
Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel - Midrange
17th & Race Street, Philadelphia PA US 19103

 

Japanese House and Garden
Pine Breeze Villa. A reproduction of a 16th to 17th century Japanese house befitting a government official or other high ranking member of Japanese society. Located in the Horticultural Center as part of Fairmont Park.

Franklin Institute Science Museum
Franklin Institute Science Museum, is a large museum that emphasizes hands on exhibits. Includes a Science Center and a Planetarium. Widely known as the site of the Benjamin Franklin National Museum.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art boasts as the 3rd largest art museum in the nation. Houses all types of media from all periods. Over 300,000 items of American, European, and more exotic arts.

City Hall
Largest and most elaborate city hall in the country. The tower is over 548 feet tall. A large statue of William Penn sits atop the tower of this Philadelphia landmark.

Philadelphia Zoo
A world-class zoo that makes up a large part of Fairmont Park. Over 1500 animals on 42 acres of land. Houses the first white lions exhibited in America.

Rodin Museum
Largest collection of works and reproductions by Rodin outside of Paris. Includes such famous sculptures as "The Thinker," as well as other media used by the artist.

Betsy Ross House
Residence of the woman who sewed the first American flag. A beautiful two story colonial house that remains as it was at the time of Betsy Ross' residence.

US Mint
World largest mint where much of circulating US coinage is made. Visitors can view the entire process from glass enclosed galleries.

Penn's Landing
A scenic strip of restaurants, attractions, and entertainment. Featuring historic ships from colonial times.

Fairmont Park
Biggest landscaped metropolitan park in the world. Over 8,900 acres of scenic trails, woods, fields, and recreation areas.

Victorian Mansions
Philadelphia is home to numerous historic mansions from the middle and late 19th century. These houses have been preserved and decorated in original furnishings from the times.

Valley Forge national Historic Park
Commemorates the long winter spent here by George Washington's troops in the darker days of the Revolutionary War. Information on the campaign and conditions of the soldiers is available.

Eastern State Penitentiary
At one time America's model prison. Opened in 1829 and became dedicated to the principles of hard work and solitary confinement. Housed many famous criminals such as Al Capone.

Philadelphia Orchestra
One of the nation's leading orchestra's playing a full repertoire of classical and modern music.

Independence National Historic Park
Home of numerous attractions related to America's birth as a nation. Scheduled for massive landscaping and preservation improvements. Includes:

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