While choosing a vacation destination, the focal points are its
famous tourist spots, good dining places,
comfortable hotels to stay, friendly locals and pleasant weather. And Philadelphia has it all. Philly is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the fifth most populated city in the US and encompasses beautiful tourist destinations. You will also be enlightened to explore about the city’s historical landmarks like the Independence Hall and National Constitution Center.
Image by Jleon via Wikimedia Commons
History of Philadelphia
The Swedes were the first settlers of the Philadelphia region in the first half of the seventeenth century. In 1682 Englishman William Penn founded his settlement between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. Penn planned a town with broad avenues and public squares. During the post war period Philadelphia was the site of the Constitutional Convention at which the U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787. The city also served as the capital of the new country in the 1790s.
During the nineteenth century Philadelphia saw a period of continued prosperity and cultural advancement. In the 1820s and 1830s, Philadelphia was recognized as the manufacturing capital of the United States due to its seaport and rail accesses. Later Philadelphia also saw development with it having the greatest home ownership rate of any city in the world. Today Philadelphia is one of the most advanced cities in Pennsylvania and the city's economy is more of service-oriented than manufacturing.
Important Locations in Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia is the hub of Pennsylvania's economic dealings and is home to seven Fortune 1000 companies. The Philadelphia skyline is expanding with many prominent skyscrapers, such as Comcast Center, One Liberty Place, Two Liberty Place, BNY Mellon Center and so on. Philly attracts millions of tourists every year and showcases its rich arts, culture, and history.
Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square is an important landmark in Philly. The area buzzes with activity all year round with the
hotels, high-end stores, boutiques, theaters and restaurants of all kinds located here.
Logan Square
Logan Square is home to a number of iconic Philly attractions. It is home to historic houses, world-class museums, office buildings, luxury high-rises and green spaces.
Old City
Old City in Philadelphia buzzes with fashionable boutiques, eclectic galleries, great restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
The Liberty Bell Center
The Liberty
Bell is one of the most significant tourist attractions of Philly. The Liberty
Bell Center witnesses millions of visitors all year round.
Independence Hall
The Independence Hall holds special significance to the city as it was here that the Founding Fathers came together to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The building is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is the third-largest art museum in the country which makes it a must-see tourist attraction. Its Rocky Statue and the Rocky Steps are two of the most famous tourist attractions in Philadelphia.
Reading Terminal Market
The Reading Terminal
Market is America’s oldest farmers’
market and is the most famous indoor foodie paradise in Philly.
National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center holds special importance in Philly as it is the world’s only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution.
Find out about the famous tourist attractions in Philadelphia
People and Culture of Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia has a unique culture of its own. The city has a culturally diverse heritage and the Philadelphians have a strong appreciation for art which is manifested in the culturally important pieces of The Philadelphia Art Museum and the Barnes Foundation. Philly is city of arts and higher learning. This aspect of Philly finds reference in the museums, galleries, and performing arts centers located here. Philadelphians are huge foodies even. Philly is the proud home to the soft pretzel, Tastycake, Philadelphia creamcheese, Philadelphia pepper-pot soup, and, never to forget, the one and only Philly cheese steak. Philadelphians are diehard sports fans and fanatics. They are intense, obnoxious and rude fans of sports.
Time Zone and Phones Codes of Philadelphia
Philadelphia is in the Eastern Time Zone. Eastern Daylight Time is abbreviated as EDT and Eastern Standard Time is abbreviated as EST.
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours
Daylight Saving Time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -4 hour
Time zone abbreviation: EDT
Phone Codes of PhillyArea code: 215, 267
Dialing code: 1 267
Best time to visit Philadelphia
Spring is the
best time visit Philadelphia as these are the times when the whether remains extremely pleasant and conducive for visitors arrival. Nevertheless, the city has something for everyone who wants to visit it. Events and festivals take place all year round in the city. So, you can visit the Philly anytime you want to. Below are the key events for every season:
March-May
Philadelphia International Children's Festival (May)
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival (May)
Philadelphia Antiques Show (April)
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March)
Philadelphia Flower Show (March)
June-August
Welcome America (July)
Head House Farmers’ Market (June-November)
Mann Music Center Summer Concerts(July)
Pennsylvania Dutch Festival (August)
September-February
Mummer’s Parade (January)
Chinese New Year (February)
Philly Fringe Festival (September)
Philadelphia Marathon (November)
Map of Philadelphia
