CTW Explores
Philadelphia
Country: United States Language: English Currency: US Dollar ($)
Philadelphia is the 6th-most populated city in the United States! It is the home of a huge amount of American history, as in Philly’s historical center, you can visit the famous Liberty Bell and the very building the Declaration of Independence was signed! After you’ve explored the history of the city, indulge in a tasty Philly Cheesesteak and move on to the arts and sciences! Philadelphia is the perfect destination for all types of travelers, as it has delicious eateries, a range of museums that meet all interests, and a great nightlife!
CTW Must See
The Liberty Bell and Independence Visitors Center
The Liberty Bell stands as a symbol of American Independence. It was designed to replace the original bell from 1682 that was found behind the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall). One of the orders for the new bell was that it were to be a ‘good bell of about 2,000 pound weight.’ and that it is! It was commissioned in 1752 and gained its iconic crack soon after. Today, the Liberty Bell can be found in the Liberty Bell Center in the heart of Philly’s Historic Center.
Independence Hall
Just opposite the Liberty Bell is Independence Hall. This building is extremely important to American history, as it is where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted. In 1753, it was known as the Pennsylvania State House, and the building was used as a legislature for the Province of Pennsylvania. The building is significant not only because it was the birthplace of American freedom, but it was also part of Abraham Lincoln’s funeral procession. His procession took his body from DC to Springfield with a stop at Independence Hall for mourners to pay their respects. Over 300,000 people moved through the building that day. Even though it is a free attraction, tickets are required to take a guided tour of Independence Hall; you can obtain these tickets from the Independence Visitors Center.
Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution opened on April 19, 2017. It holds a collection of 3,000 pieces including artwork, weapons, textiles and manuscripts from the Revolutionary Period. One of the most popular works includes General Washington’s Headquarters Tent! The museum will take you on a chronological journey from 1760 to the birth of the United States of America. To purchase tickets online, see their official website!
Christ Church
This beautiful church was built between 1727 and 1744. At the time it was built, the 60 meter tall tower made it the tallest structure in North America! The church holds much historic significance; it is the baptismal place of William Penn, Pennsylvania’s founder; it ordained the nations first African American priest; and the Christ Church Burial Ground a couple blocks away holds Benjamin Franklin’s Grave.
Elfreth’s Alley
Elfreth’s Alley, or ‘the nation’s oldest residential street’ dates back to the early 1700s! There are 32 houses that line the cobblestone alley. At 124-126 Elfreth’s Alley, you’ll find the Elfreth’s Alley Museum, a preserved 18th century home to a pair of dress-makers! Elfreth’s Alley is a residential neighborhood so it is important to be respectful of the residents while you are visiting!
Betsy Ross House
Betsy Ross, a seamstress and flag-maker, was the woman who sewed the first American Flag. Visiting her house will show you where she lived and worked, and will even provide you with an opportunity to chat with Betsy herself about her experience creating the first American Flag!
United States Mint
In 1792, the United States Congress passed, ‘The Coinage Act’, creating the Mint. The United States Mint is the nation’s only manufacturer of legal coinage. It produces currency coins, commemorative coins, and medals. Today, there are six Mint facilities throughout the country, and Philadelphia is one of two of those facilities that offers free tours! A trip to Philly is not complete without visiting the informative museum where you can virtually designing your own coin and view millions of coins being made before your eyes!
National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is a high-tech, interactive museum allowing visitors to explore the details of the US Constitution.The museum has many exhibits, artifacts and even some hands-on experiences! You can even watch a short live actor show telling the story of, “We the people.”
Reading Terminal Market
Established in 1892, Reading Terminal Market is the country’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market! Be sure to come hungry, as the food options are incredible! You can choose from a fresh Amish bakery, some of the best sandwich joints, Asian food, grilled cheese, delicious donuts, and so much more… The market will likely be busy during your visit, but the crowds and lines are worth it! Indulge in some of Philly’s best eateries, buy local produce, or grab a coffee or freshly squeezed juice!
Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia City Hall was built in 1901 and stood as the world’s tallest building until 1908! It still remains the largest municipal building in the US, with nearly 700 rooms and three branches of government housed within. The building is topped with a 27-ton bronze statue of William Penn, the Founder of the Providence of Pennsylvania. Across the street from the City Hall, you’ll find the Masonic Temple. This building was completed in 1873 and features incredible architecture inside and out!
One Liberty Observation Deck
On the 57th floor of One Liberty Place, you’ll find One Liberty Observation Deck. The observation deck is at the top of a 883-foot tall skyscraper and provides rewarding views of Philadelphia.
Logan Square
Logan Square is a large park surrounded by some major Philly attractions. The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul stands in the eastern corner of the square; The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University beside it; and the Free Library of Philadelphia at the northern corner of the square.
Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation is a large museum featuring Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Modern artworks. It holds over 4,000 objects, including 900 paintings. Tickets are required to visit the foundation and may be purchased upon arrival. If you have ever wanted to spend hours looking at works by Monet, Renoir, Matisse or many other Impressionist painters, then this is the museum to visit!
Rodin Museum
The Rodin Museum holds the largest collection of sculptures by Auguste Rodin outside of Paris. The museum was opened in 1929 and is administered by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It holds over 120 of Rodin’s sculptures including The Thinker which can be found at the museum’s entrance.
Rocky Statue
If you’ve seen Rocky, staring Sylvester Stallone, then you surely remember the moment he ran up the steps during his training sequence! The 72 steps can be found outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art! Visit the steps and recreate the triumphant run up the steps yourself. But before you completely exhaust yourself by running up the steps, snap a photo with the larger than life bronze Rocky statue that sits next to the steps!
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the world! It holds over 240,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, altarpieces and more. It includes works from artists all over the world and receives nearly one million visitors every year! Tickets are required to visit the museum and can be purchased when you arrive.
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