Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is an important American city that also has great appeal for visitors of varied interests. Year round there is always something to do and see in Philadelphia.
If you have never been to Philadelphia before, the best place to start sightseeing is in Center City at the Independence Visitor Center located at 6th and Market Streets. Get tickets at the Center to enter Independence Hall.
Between 6th and 2nd Streets, Market and Walnut Streets are many more Philadelphia landmarks. Walk to the Liberty Bell or Philadelphia’s Old City Hall. Take a guided tour of whichever Philadelphia house interests you most: Betsy Ross House, Bishop White House, Todd House, or Physick House.
Museums of interest in this historical area include the National Museum of American Jewish History and the Independence Seaport Museum.
Other Museums in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Museum of Art has collections of American, Asian, European, Modern and Contemporary Art and more. Small children will make the staff nervous and you will probably be informed of the Please Touch Museum.
Speaking of children, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology might appeal to them and also your adult tastes. This museum has great Egyptian stuff and other ancient things. Penn Museum also has current exhibits like the one showing until July 11, 2010 about the Lenape of Pennsylvania.
Another wonderful museum for children and adults is the Franklin Institute. Museum exhibits include The Giant Heart, Space Command, and The Franklin Air Show.
The Mummers Museum displays costumes from a distinctly Philadelphia tradition known as the Mummers Day Parade. Every New Year’s Day in Philadelphia the elaborately dressed, colorful Mummers march down Broad Street.
Events in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has many seasonal events. The Pennsylvania Convention Center is one place to find them. The Philadelphia Flower Show sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is scheduled for February 28 to March 7, 2010.
The Philadelphia Antiques Show is another big event in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Antique Show’s website states that the show “is internationally acclaimed as the premier American antiques and decorative arts show in the country.” The next one will be held April 17-20, 2010 at the Navy Yard on South Broad Street.
If you like a thrill, spook yourself out at the Eastern State Penitentiary in October. The penitentiary has held some infamous criminals including Al Capone. No longer used as a prison, the Eastern State Penitentiary is open during the year for daytime tours. In October there is a special nighttime haunted house called “Terror Behind the Walls”.
First Friday is for art lovers. The first Friday evening of every month, dozens of galleries in Philadelphia welcome all from about 5 to 9 PM. See PhillyArtGalleries.com for a list of Philadelphia galleries likely to be participating.
Philadelphia Markets and Neighborhoods
Just across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center explore Reading Terminal Market. This market has a 116-year history. It’s a very busy place with many merchants and scrumptious wares.
Also not far from the Pennsylvania Convention Center are the restaurants and shops of Chinatown. In addition to Chinese, this area has Vietnamese, Burmese and Thai restaurants.
You may find yourself in Rittenhouse Row on First Friday. This picturesque Philadelphia neighborhood has galleries, shopping and restaurants.
For galleries plus nightlife, check out South Street. This area also has a farmer’s market selling local products.
Go south on 9th Street from South Street and you will come to the Italian Market. The Italian Market is a lively place known for its good prices. Here you can find a cheesesteak, a must have food item when in Philadelphia.
If you are not a museum or market fan, go see a Phillies baseball game or the Philadelphia Eagles. If music is your thing, the music scene in Philadelphia is superb. Chill out at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia’s waterfront. If unfamiliar with Philadelphia, be sure to consult a guide book for valuable information on hotels, restaurants and parking. Have a great time in the historic, vibrant city of Philadelphia.
