Philadelphia
Overview
In the late 1700s,
Philadelphia was the largest city in the
Colonies and second only to London in the
British Empire. Its size and location
convenient to the northern and southern
states made it an obvious choice as the
site of the First Continental Congress,
and therefore, its central role in the
events that followed, culminating the
writing of the U.S. Constitution and the
home of the first, independent U.S.
government (as the city of Washington,
D.C. was readied).
Given Philadelphia's stature
at this time, it is hardly surprising
that Philadelphia should have so many
firsts: the first American zoo (in Fairmount
Park), the first public
library (at the American Philosophical
Society, now open to the public), the
first U.S.
mint, and the first
American art museum (the Pennsylvania
Academy of the Fine Arts),
to name a few.
While Philadelphia is best
known (and most often visited) for the Liberty
Bell and the signing of
the Declaration of Independence, it has
lots more to offer than the wonderful
historical sites in and around Independence
National Historic Park.
See those, of course, but also make time
to visit the Philadelphia
Museum of Art
(famous for more than just Rocky's run up
the steps), the view from the ornate
gothic tower of City
Hall, and the
multitudes of new coins at the U.S.
Mint.
Got a few extra hours? Taste
an authentic Philly cheesesteak at Pat's
King of Steaks or Geno's in South
Philadelphia,
or linger over a champagne shrub and soak
in the history at the reconstructed City
Tavern.
Want more options?
Philadelphia has them! Just choose from
the directory below:
Attractions
Museums
Neighborhoods
Restaurants
Shopping
And if you need more tips
for getting around in Philadelphia, don't
miss our Insider
Tips.
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