The City of "Brotherly Love"

FOOD

THINGS TO SEE

THINGS TO DO

NIGHTLIFE

SHOPPING

HISTORY

Olde City Attractions

Olde City extends from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge south to Chestnut Street and from the Delaware River west to Sixth Street. William Penn had envisaged a beautiful waterfront for his city. However, the area became a scene of great commercial activity where wharves, warehouses, and taverns thrived. Although the district is one of the oldest in the city, most of the historical sites that are preserved are located from 2nd Street west to 5th Street. These attractions are the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, and Christ Church, where many signers of the Declaration knelt in prayer. The Church's Burial Ground, nearby, contains the graves of Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration. The Best Western Independence Park Hotel is at the heart of these landmarks. Click here for more info

Historic District

Considered the most historic mile in the United States, Philadelphia's Historic District covers Olde City and extends from the Delaware River to 8th Street and from Arch Street south to Spruce Street. Penn's Landing marks where William Penn landed in 1682. Other major sites in Independence Park are Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Carpenters' Hall, Old City Hall, Graff House and the First and Second Banks of the United States. Washington Square and Society Hill contain many landmarks from colonial America and the Revolutionary War era. Click here for more info

Center City

At the heart of Philadelphia is City Hall and its statue of William Penn, who looks north over his City of Brotherly Love. From Chinatown and the shopping malls of Market Street East to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the museums, the streets are a cornucopia of history, arts and commerce. The Reading Terminal Market and the Pennsylvania Convention Center are worth a visit as are Liberty Place and the Stock Exchange. Click here for more info

Philadelphia Arts

The Avenue of the Arts spans several blocks along Broad Street. It is home to the Academy of Music, the Wilma Theater, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. The University of Pennsylvania hosts several galleries including the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Click here for more info

Entertainment and Sports

Live entertainment and casual dining can also be found at various clubs along the riverfront. Another popular haunt for the adventurous is South Street, with its wild and wonderful restaurants and boutiques. The antique shops of Pine Street are also worth a visit.

The Spectrum and Veteran's Stadium are the home of Philadelphia's sports teams; 76ers, Eagles, Phillies and Flyers. Several local colleges boast championship basketball teams (Villanova, Temple and Penn). The Schuylkill River is the site of Boathouse Row and sculling team regattas, and is the centerpiece of Fairmount Park with jogging and bike paths. Click here for more info

Local Interest

The Schuylkill River flows through Fairmount Park and is paralleled by scenic West River Drive. Some of the park's well known attractions are The Philadelphia Art Museum, Boathouse Row and the Philadelphia Zoo. The Eastern State Penitentiary has recently been opened for touring. Bartram's Gardens and the Morris Arboretum provide scenic spaces devoted to horticulture and botany. University City encompasses both the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. Cross the Delaware River to enjoy The Camden Aquarium and the Waterfront. Click here for more info

Surrounding Area

To the west of Philadelphia is Valley Forge National Historical Park and to the southwest are the Brandywine Battlefield, DuPont's Winterthur, and Longwood Gardens. North of the city is Penn's Estate and Washington's Crossing. Click here for more info