The Destination: Philadelphia, PA

‍Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a remarkably special place. The city played an instrumental role in the American Revolution, serving as a meeting place for the Founding Fathers—as a result, it’s home to countless historical landmarks. The city’s art, culture, and history make it a great place to spend a long weekend.

One convenient thing about Philadelphia is that everything is that it’s one of the most walkable cities in the United States. If you bring comfortable shoes, you can plan to save a lot on cab fare, as you’ll be able to hit multiple spots in a short walk in whichever neighborhood you choose to visit.

Historical Attractions

Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States, and there’s no better place to explore our country’s past. The best spot is arguably Independence National Historical Park, a 55-acre space in Old City that is home to some of Philadelphia’s most famous attractions and an abundance of historic landmarks. There you can tour Independence Hall and see the room where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed; you can visit the famous Liberty Bell; you can explore a museum that honors Philadelphia’s own Benjamin Franklin; you can stop by other historic buildings, such as the First Bank of the United States, the first bank chartered by the United States Congress; and you can even enjoy a drink at the City Tavern, a replica of an 18th-century pub frequented by many of the Founding Fathers.

Another famed historical attraction in Philadelphia is the Betsy Ross House, the home of the nation’s most famous seamstress. Children can even meet Betsy in her upholstery shop and learn all about her fascinating life.

There’s another great opportunity for kids to learn about history in Philadelphia: in the city’s historical district, children can visit one of the 13 Once Upon a Nation Storyteller Benches to hear free, five-minute tales by professional storytellers.

Museums

Philadelphia boasts an impressive list of museums and art collections. The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation have incredible, vast collections, and the Franklin Institute is one of the most beloved interactive science museums in the country. There’s another museum for kids who love hands-on, interactive fun: the Please Touch Museum.

Entertainment

Even after dark, there’s plenty to see and do in Philly; the city’s thriving after-hours scene ensures that it’s easy to find a dining, dancing, or live music hotspot at any given time of night. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts regularly hosts the city opera, orchestra, and ballet companies. During the summer months, you can catch free live music at Penn’s Landing on the riverfront on Fridays.

Dining

As for what to eat while you’re in the City of Brotherly Love, you can’t visit Philly without indulging in a decadent, delicious Philly cheesesteak. Some authentic cheesesteak outlets: John’s Roast Pork, Tony Luke’s, and Pat’s King of Steaks.

For more information about attractions and accommodations in Philadelphia, go to www.visitphilly.com.