There are a lot of reasons Philadelphia is known as a major city in the US. And no, it's not only because it's the largest city in Pennsylvania. Its centuries-long history, national heritage, and colorful population make Philly one of the must-visit cities in the country. There are so many things you can do and see here, just one day isn't enough. In fact, you can even live here for the rest of your life and you'll still discover something new no matter what. With that said, there are a few activities you might want to do if you have a free day here in Philadelphia!
Visit The Famous Attractions
The Liberty Bell, the Rocky Steps and Statue, and the LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana. These are just some of the iconic attractions you'll find in Philadelphia. The largest city in Pennsylvania is actually one of the most historic out of the entire country. The place is home to countless monuments, relics, artifacts, and the like that shed light on what the country has gone through over the years. The Libert Bell, for instance, has become a symbol to suffragists, abolitionists, and other freedom-seekers in the US and around the world. While the LOVE sculpture in John F. Kennedy Plaza is one of the most photographed pieces of street art in history!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
See Where The US Was Formed
Why exactly is Philadelphia such a historic city? It's where the founding fathers established the country in the first place. Back in 1776, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston officially signed the Declaration of Independence in the assembly hall of Independence Hall. Today, that same building still stands in Philadelphia today, a proud symbol of the county's freedom and sovereignty. You can actually visit the exact hall where the United States of America officially became a country. And you won't find this in any other city! Not even in the nation's capital,
Washington D.C..!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go Museum-Hopping Along Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Of course, with Philly being the historic city that it is, you'd expect there to be a ton of museums here, right? Correct! Museums, galleries, and the like are all over the city. But if you don't want to spend half of your day on public transport going from one museum to the next, you might want just to stay on the famous Benjamin Franklin Parkway! This famous area, modeled after Paris'
Champs-Élysées, has all sorts of museums on offer. There's the popular
Philadelphia Museum of Art, for example, housing memorable works from legendary American and foreign artists. Meanwhile, The former prison-turned-museum, the
Eastern State Penitentiary, is only a 15-minute walk away.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Eat Philly's Famous Cheesesteak
Though Philadelphia has
a ton of great restaurants. there's really one iconic snack you have to try while you're here. Most especially if it's your first time here! And that's the Philly Cheesesteak! A favorite among local and foreign foodies alike, it's a popular sandwich made out of chopped steak, cheese, and fried onions sandwiched in a hoagie roll. It's as famous as the New York City hotdog, California's In and Out burger, and the like! Since it's a sandwich, you can enjoy it just about anywhere, be it during a baseball game in a stadium or a picnic at the park!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Speaking of food, right smack a the heart of the city center, Reading Terminal Market has been the go-to shopping area for locals and tourists alike. You can get all sorts of fresh produce, delicious seafood, Philly delicacies, and more here! Not to mention some great antiques, cute clothes, funky jewelry, and the like. Opened in 1893, it's one of the oldest markets in the entire country. It has also remained a central part of the city since then! If you want to lower your
food costs in Philly, you might want to shop or even just eat here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/© Fletcher6
Explore Schuylkill River
At first glance, the Explore Schuylkill River seems like your ordinary body of water. It's no different from the Hudson River in New York or the Seine River in Paris. The only difference here is, along one of the city's costs stand a row of charming 19th-century boathouses that you can visit and explore. Used by collegiate crew clubs from the city, they stand beautiful by the tranquil river, offering a gorgeous scene full of nostalgia and old-school American charm. The houses themselves, large and imposing, painted in various colors, grab your attention even from a mile away!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you want to watch the sunset in Philadelphia, there's no better spot than the Delaware River Waterfront! Along the coast of this famous river are undeveloped piers that have become popular commercial areas. Though they're located fairly away from the city's central districts, many locals have made it a hotspot for nightlife, most especially during happy hour! During the day, families happily enjoy lunch under the sun, with kids marveling at the sight of boats sailing across the Delaware River. By sunset, however, the area transforms into a nightlife hub perfect for intimate dates, friends chilling out, and parties all-around!
Source: Flickr.com/ David Wilson
Just because Philadelphia is one of the most historic cities in the US, it doesn't mean it's a boring place to visit. In fact, there are a ton of fun and exciting things to do and see here, even when you're only free for one day!
At the end of the day, you'd still want to go back to your
luxury home here in Philadelphia, don't you?
