While it can be enlightening to simply walk around the streets of an unfamiliar city, it is beneficial to have a few destinations in mind. Every city has attractions to offer, some of which are essential to the fabric of the city itself. Philadelphia is no exception, steeped in the rich history of the events surrounding the formation of our great nation. Here are a few must-see attractions for when you make a stop in Philly.
Philadelphia Zoo
Chartered in 1859, the Philadelphia Zoo is the oldest zoo in the United States, and it is still operational over 150 years later. More than 1,300 animals call the zoo home, and it has a reputation for being the ideal place to send animals who are having a difficult time breeding. This is a great place to spend an afternoon with the kids or to take a romantic stroll through the grounds, all 42 acres of them.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Even if you aren’t a fan of the visual arts, there’s a pretty good chance that you saw Sylvester Stallone run up the steps of this museum in the 1976 film Rocky. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you can view a fantastic collection of works from the past four centuries housed in this beautiful neoclassical building. One of the biggest draws is the wing devoted the Amish culture, commonly known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. See their tools and artifacts, many of which are still in use within the Amish and Mennonite communities in the state.
Independence Hall
Both the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed here, making Independence Hall arguably the most valuable institution to the birth of American life and culture as we have come to know it. It is also one of the oldest buildings in the country with construction on this historic structure starting in 1732. Take the guided tour and learn about a pivotal moment in American history.
Liberty Bell Center
Independence Hall was also the former home of the Liberty Bell, possibly the most famous symbol of the city of Philadelphia. Now housed in Independence National Historical Park, the bell was used to summon meetings and give information to the community, including the news that the colonies were emancipating themselves from the rule of Britain. Possibly the most famous aspect of the Liberty Bell is the crack, which appeared as the bell made its arrival into Philadelphia.
Eastern State Penitentiary
The Eastern State Penitentiary was opened in 1829 as a way to reform the incarceration system already in place throughout the nation. One of the most famous prisons in the nation, notorious gangster Al Capone served his first term here in the 1930s. Closed in 1971, the prison is now a museum and historical sight, greeting thousands of visitors each year.
