There's arguably no better place to celebrate the 4th of July than in Philadelphia! This is the birthplace of American independence, after all. The
US holiday, as well as the country altogether, would be what is it today if not for this city. So instead of doing the usual holiday activities—backyard barbecues, family get-togethers, watching fireworks—why not visit Philadelphia's historic hotspots on the 4th of July? Places like Independence Hall, the President’s House, the Blue Cross RiverRink, and the Cherry Street Pier among many others, will give you a better sense of what this important holiday is all about. Not to mention fill you with a stronger sense of patriotism unlike anything else!
Independence Hall
What better place to celebrate the 4th of July than at Independence Hall in
Philadelphia? A UNESCO World Heritage site, this was where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the US Constitution was created. Essentially, it's the birthplace of the country altogether. And on the day that celebrates history, heritage, and culture, it's worth going back to where it all began. Just make sure to book your tickets well in advance because you're likely not the only one who thought of visiting Independence Hall during the biggest holiday on the US calendar.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The President's House
No, this isn't the White House. Though you can visit the current Presidential Residence when you have a free
day in Washington D.C., the one in Philadelphia no longer serves as any home for the American president. In fact, the Presidential House here isn't exactly a house anymore. Though it's still located in the same spot all those years ago, what remains is a variety of remnants of what once stood here. But it's still historic just the same. After all, this was where George Washington resided when he became the first president of the United States.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Ziko van Dijk
Betsy Ross House
Since the 4th of July commemorates all things American, it's fitting to visit the place where the ultimate symbol of the US was made: the Betsy Ross House. For those who don't know, a seamstress named Betsy Ross lived on 239 Arch Street in Philadelphia from 1773 to 1786. But why is it all significant? Well, it's because Betsy Ross created the first American flag in the exact same house all those years ago. It's here where the star-spangled banner, and all that it has represented over the years, was created. If that's not worth visiting on the 4th of July, then what is?
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Beyond My Ken
At the very core of the 4th of July holiday is the American Revolution. This was the war and movement that gave birth to the country that is the United States of America. And here in Philadelphia, you can learn all about it in the Museum of the American Revolution. There's no better place that chronicles that point in American history. From articles to artifacts, the entire place is basically just one big history textbook. The only difference is that no textbook can go as in-depth as this museum. It even has the exact same tent that George Washington slept in during the American Revolutionary War.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ GordonMakryllos
Blue Cross RiverRink
If you work and have
moved to Philadelphia, the 4th of July gives you a free day. So what do you do? Have fun, of course! Go to the Blue Cross RiverRink, for example, and have the time of your life! Though the place is famous because of the rink, it has other attractions too. There's a carousel, a Ferris Wheel, and other rides that you can go on. Not to mention all sorts of fun games you can play to win amazing prizes. So no matter what you do at the Blue Cross RiverRink, you're guaranteed to have lots of fun!
Source: Delaware River Waterfront
Cherry Street Pier
The Cherry Street Pier is perhaps one of, if not the best place to watch the 4th of July fireworks! It's actually an open-air events place housed on an abandoned pier. Sprinkled with some tables, chairs, fairy lights, and snack stalls, it eventually became one of the hippest hangouts in the city. So much so that if you want to spend your
day in Philadelphia just chilling and eating your fair share of Philly Cheesesteak, this is the spot for you. And every 4th of July, you can watch the fireworks go off from here. It's quite a sight!
Source: Delaware River Waterfront
There's arguably no better place to celebrate the 4th of July than Philadelphia. As the birthplace of American Independence, the city has a lot of great places where you can have the time of your life during the holiday!
