Philadelphia is located in the Northeast of the United States, in between New York and
Washington D.C..
The Pennsylvanian city is home to over one and a half million people and is the nation's
fifth largest city.
Philadelphia is considered to be the birthplace of the United States.
It was here that the nation's Declaration of Independence from Britain was first read
publicly back in 1776.
The tolling of a two-thousand-pound bell marked the occasion.
The bell has since become a symbol of freedom and can be admired in the Liberty Bell Center.
Philadelphia is also the birthplace of the Constitution, which was debated eleven years
later across the road in the State House, which is now the Independence Hall.
America's Founding Fathers walked these Old City streets, and the many heritage buildings
in this area are preserved as part of the Independence National Historical Park.
While you are at the National Constitution Center, take in the rollicking story of prohibition
in the Roaring Twenties.
Protest against the anti-liquor law was fierce and the many arrests threw the justice system
off balance.
Perhaps the most infamous bootlegging gangster was Al 'Scarface' Capone, who spent his first
prison sentence in the Eastern State Penitentiary in 1929.
The notorious mob leader seems to have made himself well at home.
Take an audio tour to hear gripping stories that bring the world-famous jail back to life.
To hear more voices from the city's past, head to the African American Museum.
Its audiovisual projections and artifact collection are aimed at preserving the heritage of African
Americans.
Within Washington Square lies The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution.
The city's colonial past is still apparent, but nowadays Philadelphia is a modern city,
with plenty of art, shopping and culture.
Do as locals do and explore the city by bike or public transport, or hop on and off a sightseeing
bus.
Fairmount Park is the city's public backyard.
It's great for a walk and it showcases many architectural treasures.
Admire outdoor art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, or check out the Smith Memorial Arch,
dedicated to the military heroes of the Civil War.
Strike Rocky's pose on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Set upon a hill, the neoclassical building is one of the largest museums in the country.
It has over 200 themed galleries displaying nearly 230,000 paintings, sculptures and objects.
The Please Touch Museum means play time for the kids.
Even toddlers will love this hands-on museum, where they are never hushed.
Who doesn't want to get lost in Wonderland for a while?
The interactive displays in the museum are fun and educational.
Children can also learn a great deal in the Academy of Natural Sciences on Logan Square.
Admire the displays of the various species that roam the far North and take the opportunity
to pet live animals.
For more interaction with animals visit the Philadelphia Zoo across the river.
Imitate the monkeys, encounter big birds, or admire any of the other wild residents
of America's oldest zoo.
To sample the local food, head straight to the old Reading Terminal Market.
Find out why the locals love their Cheesesteaks so much, or handpick deli treats from the
colorful stalls.
For more culinary discoveries visit Philadelphia's Italian Market on Ninth Street.
The district's Italian community was established in the 1880s.
Their love for quality food and organic produce still prevails today.
Philadelphia's climate is very pleasant in springtime and fall.
Those colorful seasons bring out the best of the city, but it's fair to say that Philadelphia
is stunning all year around.
Come to Philly any time you like!
You'll soon discover why Philly is so cherished by Americans.