Philadelphia
Philadelphia Guide: Everything you could want to know; where to stay, eat, play & do.
The largest city in Pennsylvania and the fifth largest in the Unites States, Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of America.
Founded as a British Colony by William Penn, an English Quaker, in 1682, this city was the original capital of the nation, from 1790-1800. Penn, who wanted to create a land of tolerance and religious freedom, named the town after the Greek term for brotherly love, and the city became a haven for people that were fleeing religious persecution.
Philadelphia was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution and was once known as the 'workshop of America'.
Today, the city has much to offer visitors. Steeped in history, it is home to Independence Hall where in 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. Philadelphia was also the home of Benjamin Franklin, who founded the city's first fire company, hospital, library, and university. The city is also rich in culture, with famous museums, such as the Philadelphia Art Museum; a renowned orchestra; and a variety of well-known restaurants. It houses a diverse ethnic population from a variety of backgrounds. Originally a settling place for many people from a variety of religions, the city is also filled with outstanding churches built by various faiths to honor this variety of religions. You will also be able to explore Fairmont Park, the largest municipal park in the country, filled with many attractions and areas of interest. Penn's Landing is another entertainment hub of this city, with its collection of historical ships, restaurants and attractions.
Getting around the city is very straightforward...
The Downtown area of Philadelphia is known as Center City. City Hall, the largest municipal hall in the country, is surrounded by four sections made up of the Parkway Museums District, the Washington Square District, the Rittenhouse Square District, and the Convention Center District. The older parts of the city are located in the east along the Delaware River.
Visitors to Philadelphia can see the city's symbol: a statue of William Penn located on top of City Hall. Although, for many years, this was the tallest structure in the city, the Liberty One office tower, built in 1987, finally surpassed it in height. The city now boasts a skyline that reflects its evolution over the years. With the kind of history that will teach visitors about the early and crucial years of the nation, Philadelphia has managed to become a bustling, impressive and entertaining place.
Although the weather in Philadelphia can be unpredictable, the city has much to see and do, and a good deal to offer visitors. The rich history and culture of the city attracts many visitors each year. With over one hundred neighborhoods, the city is able to cater for all tastes and provide a variety of entertainment. From Jazz clubs and bars, to fine restaurants and museums, to markets and festivals, Philadelphia is vibrant and alive with activity.
