Philadelphia's Unique Historic Sites and Special Character are Revitalizing the City

Philadelphia has been at the center of American history, economic development, and culture ever since William Penn created a settlement there for his Quaker followers in the late 1600s. The city served as the meeting place for the Continental Congress and as the first capital of the United States after the revolution. A leader in the Industrial Revolution, Philadelphia is the sixth largest metropolitan statistical area with a stable population of 6.2 million people in the region, 1.6 million people within City limits, and an economic base that includes pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, higher education institutions, telecommunications, and manufacturing. The city takes pride in its reputation for grittiness and diversity while simultaneously making great strides in restoring the attractiveness of its waterfront areas, historic sites, and downtown neighborhoods.

Some of the experiences which visitors should pursue in visiting Philly are the following:

Feel the Spirit of the Revolution in the Historic District 

Perhaps no event captures the importance of the American Revolution as much as the drafting and execution of the Declaration of Independence by representatives of the 13 colonies in Philadelphia in 1776. The 56 signers of this document and the members of the Continental Congress that ratified it on July 4th not only demanded Independence from the English Empire, but they also raised fundamental questions about the role of government and the rights of citizens that changed the world. In doing so, they were committing treason against the crown and placing their lives and families at risk. 

The sites where these events took place, the United States Constitution was drafted, and George Washington was appointed as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, are in the city’s historic district. The stately brick building now known as Independence Hall is recognized as a national park and as a World Heritage site. Independence Hall has been preserved so that the meeting room and furniture can be viewed as they were during those important occasions. After seeing Independence Hall, many people go across the street to the Liberty Bell Center to see the huge brass bell that once rang in the tower of Independence Hall. Known for its crack, which ended its useful life as a bell, the Liberty Bell is regarded as an important symbol of the revolution and the nation. It is inscribed with the words quote “Proclaim Liberty throughout the land.” Completing the history lesson for visitors is the Museum of the American Revolution which is full of exhibits and displays that bring to life the nobility of the patriots’ struggle and tell the story of many previously unrecognized contributors to the effort.

Visit the Rocky Statue

For 45 years, the movie “Rocky” has epitomized the hardscrabble determination of Philadelphia's working-class heroes and its athletes. Ever since Sylvester Stallone filmed his Oscar-winning character training in the meat locker of a Philadelphia butcher shop and then running up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, people have come to the museum to capture that spirit for themselves. Some people emulate Rocky by tackling the steps of the museum to the top like he did in the movie. Others enjoy a less strenuous approach to the Rocky phenomenon by visiting the statue in a shady grove at the bottom of the steps and lining up to have their picture taken there.

Enjoy the Waterfront and Other Relaxing Activities at Penn's Landing

The waterfront along the Delaware River was once filled with piers and warehouses before declining in usefulness and appearance. It has re-emerged in recent decades as a popular destination known as Penn's Landing which boosts a variety of attractions and parks for locals and visitors to enjoy. One core attraction is the Independence Seaport Museum which has several warships and a submarine on display which can be boarded and explored. There is also a tall sailing ship known as the Mosulu docked there that has been converted into a unique restaurant venue. These ships along with a variety of exhibits bring the maritime heritage of the Eastern Seaboard to life. Nearby are several harbor parks which host festivals and concerts along with food booths and games for people to enjoy. Active recreation activities available at the north end of the landing include the Summerfest roller rank skating and carnival rides for summer fun and ice skating during the wintertime.  On a hot summer day, a stroll along the riverfront path at Penn's Landing is a great place to go for a walk, rent a kayak, catch some shade, and take in the view views of the majestic Ben Franklin Bridge.

Take in a Game at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex

Philadelphia developed the South Philadelphia Sports Complex along Interstate 95 only a few miles from the Philadelphia International Airport. This complex brings together four of the city’s major professional sports franchises in one place. The Philadelphia Eagles football team play at Lincoln Financial field, the Philadelphia Phillies play at Citizens Bank Park, and the Philadelphia 76ers play basketball in the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team play at Wells Fargo center. The modern facilities at the sports complex give Philadelphia first class venues for hosting major sports events, concerts, and entertainment activities of all kinds at any time. The buildings have combined seating for up to 133,000 people and there are over 22,000 parking spaces available. Collectively these Arenas attract about 7 million people each year to 350 or more events. Hotels close to the stadium allow out of town fans to come to games in the city and tickets are usually available and reasonably affordable in Philadelphia.

Experience the Excitement at the Revitalized Philadelphia Navy Yard

The Philadelphia Navy Yard is one of the more unusual attractions to see in the city. This former military base and Naval Shipyard served as the prime location for the development of the US Navy during the 19th and 20th century. Hundreds of Navy vessels were built or repaired there during World War II, and today three dozen decommissioned vessels including, destroyers, cruisers, gunboats, supply ships and the huge John F Kennedy aircraft carrier remain tied up to piers or our berthed there. Some of these vessels can be readily viewed by visitors on walks around the Navy Yard or on tours. The Philadelphia Navy Yard has experienced a Renaissance since it was decommissioned by the US government in 1996. While some commercial shipbuilding remains, the 1,000-acre yard has been transformed into a research and Manufacturing campus with new pharmaceutical laboratories, offices, and factories. With nearly 12,000 workers employed at these businesses, modern hotels and restaurants have also located facilities there, plans for adding housing and public transportation to the area in coming years suggest that the Navy Yard is likely to become a popular location for residents and visitors soon.

Feast at the Reading Terminal Market 

The Reading Terminal Market began as a farmers' market in the late 19th century and was renovated into a modern facility with a wide variety of food producers today. If you want to purchase specialty foods, freshly baked items, meats or seafood, there are stalls and stores. In addition, there are more than two dozen open there during the day for people to enjoy a snack or a meal. 

Tour the Campuses at University City

The Philadelphia area has been the home of many great colleges and universities including the University of Pennsylvania, private ivy league research university, founded by Ben Franklin in 1749 and now ranked in the top 15 universities in the world. Both Penn and the nearby Drexel University have greatly expanded their campuses in West Philadelphia creating a vibrant and cosmopolitan area known as University City. The large endowments and academic reputations of these institutions have allowed them to build first class research facilities, offices, and residential amenities. As a result, affiliated Industries, and young professionals from all over the world have been drawn to the area and boosted the local economy. Visitors to this area will enjoy walking around the central campuses of either school and partaking in the educational, cultural, and social atmosphere of the area. 

Savor the Sights and Sounds of the Rittenhouse Square

Philadelphia is a sprawling City that covers over 142 square miles with a variety of neighborhoods including some charming ones within the Center City. One neighborhood with high-end stores, restaurants, boutiques, cafes, theaters and high-rise condominiums and apartments is Rittenhouse Square. This centrally located area covers about 10 square blocks in the area running east from the Schuylkill River to Market Street in the north and South Street in the south. At the center of it all is a delightful park square with plenty of benches, gardens, sidewalks, and open space for urban dwellers to share and enjoy. Even on the hot summer day, the Parks trees and the adjoining skyscrapers provide ample shade for people to walk their dogs, talk with friends, and frolic with their children. The neighborhood’s food and entertainment establishments complement the historic sites and colonial neighborhoods to the East and the business and governmental headquarters of the center city. 

Sample the City's DIstinctive Museums

There is no shortage of excellent and distinctive museums to visit during a trip to Philadelphia. The Franklin Institute is one good place to start since it was inspired by the man himself. The focus of this museum is on interactive exhibits that present the science behind a wide variety of activities including surfing, stargazing, carbon pollution and the workings of the human heart. Close by is the Philadelphia Museum of Art which is modeled on the Athens Parthenon and includes works by well-known masters like Van Gogh along with more recent artists and Pennsylvania Dutch exhibitors. Across the river, the Penn Museum at the University of Pennsylvania campus feature artifacts from the explorers and academics that have led the way into modern study of archeology and anthropology. Finally, the Eastern State Penitentiary ruins are one of the country’s best known prisons which operated for more than 142 years. Ghost stories are one feature of this Museum but adults and children visiting the site can also see the cell blocks, common areas and guard towers which supervised this city of prisoners for generations.