Birthplace of a Nation, Still Walkable
Philadelphia is a major city in Pennsylvania on the Delaware River, known as the birthplace of the United States, home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of Independence was adopted here in 1776 and the Constitution drafted in 1787, and Independence Hall was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Founded by William Penn in 1682 on a tidy grid of streets, the city remains remarkably easy to explore on foot, with historic landmarks, parks and neighbourhoods all within comfortable reach of each other.
Independence National Historical Park is the natural starting point, with the Liberty Bell Center, Congress Hall and Carpenters' Hall close together. Nearby, Elfreth's Alley claims to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the country, and Old City adds galleries, cafes and cobbled lanes. For a tourist board, few cities pair heritage this significant with a setting this relaxed.
Art, Murals and Cheesesteak Corners
Philadelphia's cultural life is a match for its history. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, whose steps were made famous by the film Rocky, holds a vast collection, and the Barnes Foundation displays an extraordinary private collection of Impressionist and modern works. The city also has more outdoor murals than almost anywhere in the world, thanks to the Mural Arts programme, and the mosaic world of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens on South Street is a joyful surprise.
Food is part of the pleasure. The cheesesteak is the city's icon, soft pretzels and roast pork sandwiches are everyday favourites, and Reading Terminal Market, open since 1893, is the place to sample all of them under one roof. Rittenhouse Square is the elegant heart of the city's dining scene. The Brandywine Valley, with its gardens and Wyeth family art, lies a short drive southwest. Neighbouring New Jersey and Washington DC link naturally by rail, and a hotel group can offer stays from historic to boutique.
Read the full Philadelphia guide on Visit Travel Group, or see VisitPhiladelphia.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.