As fifth most populous city in the United States, Philadelphia is a popular place for people to visit if they're looking for an exciting vacation. As a major commercial, educational and cultural American centre, Philadelphia has much to offer the potential tourist - whether you're a Californian looking to visit a city that's well-known as "The Birthplace of America" or you're from outside the USA and you're looking for an authentic slice of American pie!
Historically, Philadelphia - affectionately referred to as Philly or "The City of Brotherly Love" - is the narrative of American democracy. In the eighteenth century, Philadelphia was more crucial in political and social importance than both Boston and New York City, with Benjamin Franklin playing a crucial hand in its rise. It was in Philly that the central tenets of the American Revolution were founded, and the city is popularly seen as the origin of American independence and modern democracy.
As a result, Philadelphia contains many national historical sites that relate to the founding of the USA. Independence National Historical Park forms the centre of these attractions, which include Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was singed), the Liberty Bell (which summoned the citizens of Philadelphia for the reading of the Declaration of Independence) and the First and Second Banks of the United States.
Philadelphia is also home to many museums and art galleries, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art - whose steps were famously featured in the film Rocky; the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial and the Rodin Museum, which is home to the largest collection of work by Auguste Rodin outside of France.
What's more, you'll adore Philadelphia if you're a true art lover because most of its art costs nothing to see. Philly has the largest collection of public art in America as a result of the city's exciting Mural Arts Program, which was designed to stop the spread of graffiti and inject some life into the city's buildings. Stunning glass mosaics can be found on South Street east of Broad, among other locations throughout the city.
You'll also love Philadelphia if you're a keen shopper. Take a trip to The Gallery at Market East - the largest indoor urban shopping center in the country; or visit the Italian Market in South Philadelphia for a variety of fresh groceries, meats, cheeses and houseware from a range of countries - not just Italy! Of course, no trip to Philly would be complete without a taste of its famous cheesesteak - a sandwich principally made of thin pieces of steak and melted cheese in a long roll - and you'll find some of the best cheesesteak vendors at the Italian Market.
If you're planning a trip to Philly, you'll find it easy to get to by car (if you're resident in the United States) or by aeroplane. If you're travelling from outside the USA, or you're coming from distant parts of the country, why not opt for a hotel holiday package? Many holiday
hotel packages offer all-in-one hotel, car and flight deals, which will make planning your vacation in Philadelphia a lot more convenient. And it'll even let you browse those historic monuments - and eat those tasty cheesesteaks - without having to worry about what bus will get you back to your hotel!
