In Philadelphia you can discover colonial America at UNESCO-listed Independence
Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. You'll find
contemporary and Impressionist paintings at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and
eclectic shopping in the Northern Liberties district. In the evening, dine at a
cosy Italian restaurant in South Philadelphia.
Background
Central Philadelphia is sandwiched between the Delaware River to the
east and the Schuylkill River to the west. Head towards the Old
City, just west of the Delaware, to see historical Philadelphia at the
18th-century buildings of the Independence National Historical Park.
Philadelphia's neighbourhoods surround this core. Find the Northern
Liberties' trendy boutiques in the north and Italian-influenced
South Philadelphia in the south. To the west is the Parkway/Museum
District, near the Schuylkill River. You'll find Valley Forge
war-time camp in the north-west.
First-time visit
Plan to spend several hours at the Independence National Historical Park,
Philadelphia's main attraction. Here you'll see the America of
George Washington and Ben Franklin at the landmark 18th-century Independence
Hall. Take a peek at the Liberty Bell, most famously rung to announce the
reading of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, the original Independence
Day. Then honour one of America's Founding Fathers at the near 20-foot-high
Benjamin Franklin National Monument statue. Keep your energy up with a
hearty Philly cheese steak sandwich, loaded with thinly-sliced beef and melted
cheese. Then make the 30-minute trip to Valley Forge, an 18th-century
American Revolutionary War camp. If you've had enough of history, spend an
afternoon browsing Picasso and Monet artworks at the Philadelphia Museum of
Art.
Return visit
Learn about Philadelphia's maritime history at the Independence Seaport
Museum. Then relax with the family at Philadelphia Zoo or visit
Penn's Landing for its variety of bars, restaurants, musical
concerts and sightseeing cruises on the Delaware River. Save time for
shopping in the eclectic boutiques of the Northern Liberties. Then dine at
one of the neighbourhood's trendy restaurants or at a family-owned Italian
place in South Philadelphia. Slow your pace with a daytrip to Amish
Country near rural Lancaster to see residents still driving
horse-drawn carriages.
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