OT Staff
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, is a mix of heritage and culture. Visit iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, dine on diverse cuisine at Reading Terminal Market, and explore the city's rich art scene.
The Liberty Bell was ordered in 1751 to celebrate William Penn's Charter of Privileges. It cracked when rung for the first time. Today, it's in the Independence National Historical Park as a symbol of American independence.
Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. It was previously known as the Pennsylvania State House and housed all three branches of government. Take a tour of this historic site and experience the birthplace of American democracy.
Rocky's run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps in 1976 made the 72 steps a tourist destination. Visitors come to take a picture with the bronze Rocky statue and explore the art museum, home to an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Don't miss the iconic "Rocky Steps" leading up to the museum's entrance.
Indulge in Philly's most famous food, the cheesesteak, a hoagie roll filled with steak, cheese, and fried onions. Order with cheese selection and "wit" or "without" onions. Visit Geno's Steaks and Pat's King of Steaks for an iconic Philly experience. Try roast pork sandwiches, hoagies, pretzels, and water ice.
LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana is a famous tourist attraction in Philadelphia's LOVE Park. The park underwent a redesign in 2018, including restoration and repainting of the sculpture, as well as the addition of more green space and a modern water feature.
The Reading Terminal Market is a public marketplace established in 1893 and is well-known for its vintage atmosphere. The market has 75 stalls offering diverse cuisines such as Pennsylvania Dutch, cheesesteaks, sushi, Caribbean patties, and Thai curries.
The Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo in the US, opened in 1874. It covers 42 acres, is on the west bank of the Schuylkill River, and has over 1,700 animals, including rare and endangered species. It features award-winning exhibits, healthcare facilities, and conservation programs.
Fairmount Park is the world's largest urban park at 2,000 acres. The park is divided into East and West by the Schuylkill River and features walking trails, historic mansions, gardens, and scenic views. It also includes the Centennial Arboretum, a Horticulture Center, Fairmount Water Works, Memorial Hall, and Boathouse Row.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a large folk art environment and gallery space created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. It spans three city lots and features indoor galleries and a large outdoor labyrinth of intricate mosaics using various materials.
Philadelphia's dining scene is exceptional and has won numerous James Beard Awards. Philly restaurants frequently make "best of" lists in various publications. Some of the latest critically acclaimed spots include Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Andra Hem, and Doro Bet.