Written & Photographs by Samantha Diaz
Nicknamed the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia is recognized in American history as the birthplace of the United States. Philadelphia is one of America's most historic cities, a lively city offering something for everyone—from art museums and historical sites to delicious foods, recreational parks, sports stadiums, and churches. Home to a diverse food scene and charming neighborhoods, it's also home to hundreds of museums & landmark buildings.
If you're planning a trip to Philadelphia and want to experience the best of what the city offers, look no further. In this blog, I'll give you all the details on where to go, what to see, and what to eat in Philly.
Independence Hall
Independence Hall is one of the most important places in Philadelphia and an important part of U.S. history. Originally the Pennsylvania State House, Independence Hall was the Second Continental Congress meeting place, and the Declaration of Independence was signed here on July 4th, 1776. On any list of things to do in Philadelphia, booking a tour of Independence Hall is a must-do. The tour will take you into the hall where the founding fathers met and the room where they signed the Declaration of Independence. Tours of Independence Hall are free, but I recommend booking in advance. You can book in advance via the official government website, and the booking fee is $1.00 per person.
The Liberty Bell Center
The Liberty Bell Center is one of the most iconic symbols of American independence. Originally housed in the steeple of Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall), it was rung for the first time in 1753 when it arrived in Philadelphia. However, within two years, it cracked when rung for July 4th celebrations and has been recast twice. The bell is displayed at the Liberty Bell Centre across from Independence Hall. It is free to visit and requires no tickets. As one of Philadelphia’s most popular tourist attractions, there is usually a long line to see it.
Betsy Ross House
The Betsy Ross House is a must-see in Philadelphia. This small, quaint house sits on Arch Street and is where upholsterer Betsy Ross sewed the first design of the American flag. President George Washington first approached Betsy in this house with a sketch of the original design. When asked if she could sew the flag, she replied, "I do not know, but I will try."" During tours of this historic site, visitors learn about Betsy's role in creating what has become one of America's most important symbols. One thing that stood out during my visit was how easy it would have been for Betsy to make six-pointed stars instead of five-pointed ones—but that slight change saved her so much time!
Elfreth’s Alley
If you're in the Philadelphia area, go wander the oldest residential street in America. After visiting the Betsy Ross House, head down Elfreth's Alley. Elfreth's Alley contains houses dating back to 1728, and I really enjoyed exploring there. It was so cool to see how different each house is from one another and how much time has passed since they were built. There are also small alleyways behind many of the houses, and if you’d like to visit the Elfreth’s Alley Museum, it’s located at 124 & 126 and costs $3.
Eastern State Penitentiary
If you’re into haunted places and the paranormal, the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia is for you. The 142-year-old prison has a history full of suicide, madness, disease, and murder, making it easy to imagine the spirits of troubled souls left behind to roam its abandoned halls. Take a tour of one of Philadelphia’s most distinctive attractions—the Eastern State Penitentiary. Opened in 1829, it housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Willie Sutton. Today it is an abandoned building that tells the story of its history. Tours at Eastern State Penitentiary are offered seven days a week and are included with regular admission, or you can join a guided tour at select times throughout the day. Audio tours last approximately 35 minutes, but guests can spend two hours exploring this historic site.
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
This red-brick home was once the residence of Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849), one of America’s most original writers. While living with his wife, Virginia, and his mother-in-law, Maria Clemm, he wrote The Black Cat, which describes a basement eerily similar to the one found here. This building house exhibits Poe’s family and his literary contemporaries. Visitors can tour the rooms and cellar of the three-story home, where Poe’s imagination ran seductively wild. There's also a theater that shows an informative eight-minute film.
I highly recommend visiting Philadelphia for three days. The city is affordable for a major city, and there's so much to do. If you like Philly as much as I do, you'll probably want to stay longer! If you only have one day in the city, go for it; I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself. I can't wait to return the next time I have the opportunity!
Visit more posts from Samantha's 'Travel & Brew' blog at www.travelandbrew.com
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