Being less than a hundred miles from the mega-metropolis of New York City, it’s no surprise that Philadelphia has long had to struggle in the Big Apple’s overwhelming shadow. For New Yorkers themselves, they often saw Philadelphia as an historic stage set, just perfect for high school trips to visit the Liberty Bell and Philly cheese steaks for lunch, but little else worth seeing.
But this idea is totally wrong of course. “Philly” as it’s called, has much to offer for those willing to spend a little time looking around. Philadelphia is full of historical sites, not least the Independence Hall which saw the Declaration of Independence signed into being back in 1776. Christ Church, the first Protestant Episcopal Church in the US, served as the place of worship for George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and numerous other patriots.
Architecturally, Philadelphia also impresses, particularly the City Hall which is said to be the largest and most elaborately designed in the country, while the city also boasts a colorful tapestry of more than 100 multi-ethnic neighborhoods, ranging from the Italian quarter with its famous market to the traditional Amish community who make their living selling foodstuff at the Reading Terminal Market.
Art lovers will also get a thrill from Philadelphia. The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts is one of the most famous in the country, while the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the numerous forward-leaning galleries, art house cinemas and a renowned orchestra will leave visitors spoilt for choice.
One of the more unusual attractions in Philadelphia meanwhile is the old Eastern State Penitentiary, with its threatening castle-like exterior. The jail dates back to 1829, when it was considered to be a state-of-the-art correctional facility, with the first cells for solitary confinement and skylights in every cell. Before the jail was built, prisoners were just locked up together in large, cramped cells, so the prison was seen as a big leap forward for social reform. Today the penitentiary is a museum, with the highlight being the preserved cell of the facility’s most notorious inmate, Al Capone of Chicago mafia fame.
Philadelphia is also a great destination for sports fans, being a member of the exclusive club of just 12 American cities to have a team playing in all four major leagues. Philly residents are wildly passionate about their teams, and a visit to any of the four will surely be a memorable occasion.
Main attractions: : Franklin Institute Science Museum, Independence National Historic Park, Longwood Gardens, Philadelphia Zoo, Reading Terminal market, Sesame Place, Valley Forge National Historic Park, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and many more.
Currency: : US Dollar
Official language: : English
Area: : 142.6 sq mi (369.3 km2)
Population: :5,965,343
Electricity:
- Voltage: 110-120 Volts (Most other areas are 220-240 Volts)
- Primary Socket Type: North American Grounded
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug
- 220-240V appliances: Plug adapter + step-up transformer
- 100V Japanese appliances: Japan to U.S. reducer transformer
Other places to see: :Mutter Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary, Morris Arboretum, and so many more.
Images courtesy: Wally Gobetz; OZinOH; and George Smyth.
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