History, Rocky, Cheesesteaks and more: five things you must do when visiting Philadelphia
On July 4th, 1776, The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America was adopted by the 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress at the Pennsylvania State House, which is now known as Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
John Adams, future president and signer of the declaration believed that Independence Day ”…ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more…” He got his wish as Americans across the nation celebrate the 4th day of July with parades, illuminations and hot dogs.
If you really want to celebrate America this 4th of July, head to Philadelphia, where you can immerse yourself in the history of our nation and have a few steak sandwiches along the way.
Here are five things you don’t want to miss when visiting the city of Brotherly Love.
VISIT INDEPENDENCE HALL, the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE WHERE THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE WAS SIGNED.
Independence Hall is open daily but does require tickets, which can be purchased here. No tickets will be required on July 4, 2024. Entrance will be on a first come first serve basis. Expect long lines!
DO YOUR PART TO SETTLE THE CHEESESTEAK DEBATE.
The debate over the best cheesesteak sandwich in Philly has raged almost as long as the Liberty Bell has been silent. Locals will tell you that the two most famous steak shops aren’t even worth fighting over. Our advice is to try as many as you can and make your own judgement.
For suggestions on the best steak shops in Philly click here , here or here.
WALK THE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PARKWAY TO THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART AND RUN UP THE STEPS LIKE ROCKY BALBOA.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a boulevard that runs through the cultural heart of Philadelphia, starting at Philadelphia City Hall and ending at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Not only are some of the city’s most famous sights located here, the parkway itself is a sculpture garden featuring works of art by Auguste Rodin (The Thinker!), Alexander Calder, Robert Indiana and many more.
Finish your walk by doing a Rocky run up the 72 stone steps leading up to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Rocky statue from the movie Rocky III is situated to the side at the bottom of the steps.
VISIT BEN FRANKLIN AND OTHER SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
Christ Church in Philadelphia was founded in 1695 and hosted members of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution and Presidents George Washington and Adams in the first decade of the newly established Republic. The Burial Ground at Christ Church dates to 1719 and is the final resting place of some of our nation's most prominent founders, including Benjamin Franklin.
For more information on how to visit Christ Church and the Burial Ground, including hours of admission and tours, click here.
The five things we’ve listed here are just scratching the surface of any visit to Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly love is teeming with museums and historical sites and you could spend days exploring and not see it all. For a complete itinerary including hotel recommendations or a curated and booked trip to see Philadelphia for yourself, email us at hello@travelwesterly.com or fill out our travel questionnaire.
Some of the information noted above came from Visit Philadelphia’s phenomenal website. Check it out here.
