As the birthplace of the United States of America and home to many other historical events, Philadelphia
is a tourist attraction. This American city was the base from which William Penn, a well-known Quaker, stood out for the ideals that catalyzed the independence of the United States from the British colony. A century later, Independence Hall would adopt the Declaration of Independence in this city.
Nowadays, the great hall is flanked by other iconic figures such as the Liberty Bell and Franklin Court. Despite all this rich history, people also flock to Philadelphia for other attractions. The city is also home to the famous Reading Terminal, the macabre and the exotic sights of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
, or the impressionist capital called the Barnes Foundation. Below is a brief guide through Philadelphia’s history. We listed historical landmarks as well as present attractions. These are all key parts of the city you do not want to ignore:
In 2018, 2.1 million people came from across the world to the Independence National Historical Park to salute this iconic representation. The Liberty Bell
Pavilion provides shelter for the Liberty Bell, the American figure representing freedom earned after the years of the Civil War. The Liberty Bell has been in Philadelphia since 1915 when it completed an inspiring and deeply significant march around the country. Today, you can soak in the aura of freedom it gives off through the permitted public tours and documentaries.
Right across from the Liberty Bell pavilion is Independence Hall
, the location of the momentous Declaration of Independence. It still resounds till today the country’s Independence from British Colony and the Famous 4th of July Holiday. The Independence Hall is also famous for being the birthplace of the American constitution, and where George Washington was chosen as the first Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. There are no fees required for entrance into this sacred place, but rules determine when and how someone is allowed to enter. Also, there is a limitation on the number of people who can enter the Hall at a time.
As impressive as the other sights are, the Please Touch Museum
is best suited for kids below the age of 12. It’s equipped with games and fascinating contraptions that give children a physical stage to express themselves in constructive ways. The Museum is themed towards giving the children educational benefits through fun-filled experiences. With a space of up to 60,000 square feet, it housed more than 500,000 visitors in 2018 alone.
The museum includes levers, water-controlling apparatuses, dams, and locks in the Water Adventure Area of Exhibition. There are also real-life programming tools, theatres, costumes, fantasy worlds, space-themed environments, among other contrivances to keep the kids engaged throughout the day. It is also home to the 100-year-old Denzel Carousel, which has been maintained to function properly.
Touted as the most visited landmark in the city that houses the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market
is extremely popular. Reading Terminal Market is more than just a public market. It is the oldest of all public markets in America, and the biggest one too. Since 1893, it has expanded and undergone numerous renovations. It has a special atmosphere that is further magnified by many of the earliest features that still stand.
Here alone, 7.7 million people visit in a year to buy freshly-baked Amish pastries, artworks, impressive craftsmanship, jewelry, and so many other locally-produced goods from the 80 plus merchants that inhabit the Reading Terminal Market.
