In a nutshell
From Elton John's Philadelphia Freedom to Bruce Springsteen's Philadelphia, artists have been singing the praises of Pennsylvania's capital city for years. And why wouldnt they?
You may think youre unfamiliar with the city, but if you're a movie fan you will not be. Trading Places,
Witness and, of course, Rocky, are some of the classics that were set here. But before checking out the movie spots, you need to pay homage to American independence at Independence National Historic Park, known as INHP, or 'Americas most historic square mile'. You could spend a day exploring its buildings, including the Hall itself, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and
you must get a snap of the Liberty Bell. Run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, just like Sylvester Stallone did, but be sure to take a peek inside, too.
Away from INHP there's much to discover in this cosmopolitan city, voted America's friendliest. In Old City, walk America's oldest residential street, Elfreth Alley. In Center City, ascend City Hall to the observation deck for great views. Hit Chinatown for a great-value lunch, and at Reading Terminal Market you can watch the Amish farmers coming to sell their produce. Stroll past the pristine historic homes of Society Hill, with its cobbled streets lit by gas lamps, and if you fancy a bit of greenery, head for gigantic Fairmount Park. South Street is the city's prime nightlife district, packed with bars, restaurants, cafés and clubs.
Further out, you can cross the Schuylkill River to discover the excellent museums of the Ivy League University of
Pennsylvania, or head for the renovated dockland area of Penn's Landing, on the Delaware River, with its historical ships, food stalls, ponds and fountains.