Philadelphia

I've visited Philadelphia three times now, because a friend of mine lives there. It's a really lovely city and much more like London than many of the cities in the USA because it combines history with culture, shopping and nightlife. Some history and facts: Philadelphia is in the State of Pennsylvania and is the largest city in that State. Philadelphia was named by William Penn, and it is Greek for 'brotherly love'. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, at Independence Hall. Main tourist attractions include the Liberty Bell, the United States Mint (no cameras allowed) and the houses of Edgar Allan Poe and Betsy Ross (who, it is believed, ...  Read the complete review

History is not a subject which we traditionally associate with America - preferring rather to marvel at her futuristic cities, immense sky-scrapers and the American Dream. But a visit to Philadelphia shows that modern America as we know it has a fascinating history. Founded in 1682 by English Quaker William Penn, the city's name, the Greek for 'Brotherly Love' was chosen by him to reflect his views on religious tolerance. And tolerance was to become a big part of Philadelphia's history, as between 1774 to 1880 it became the setting for the American Revolution, when our US brethren ditched the British once and for all with Thomas ...  Read the complete review

I won't repeat what's already been said about Philadelphia by the other reviewers here, but I'd just like to point out that there are a whole lot of activities available that don't cost a penny, or else cost very little. Weekdays, you can go round City Hall, which is interesting enough in its own right, but the crowning glory of this tour is when you get to go up to the top of the tower. The statue of William Penn which dominates the city skyline from certain angles has a viewing gallery which you can go in and see wonderful views of the city. A great way to spot things you'd like to see closer up. Leaving City Hall, you can then pop ...  Read the complete review

One of the best cities I have visited with lots to see and do. Arriving at Philadelphia's International Airport, get a train SEPTA for $4 to downtown. I stayed at a B+B because there is so much to do and you only need somewhere cheap to sleep. B+B center city has lots of rooms and I stayed ther for $65 per night In the city centre. Lists of must see visits should include; Independence National Historic Park which has Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, Society Hill, Rittenhouse Square and the Philadelphia Museum of Art which was made famous by Sylvester Stallone running up its steps in the film Rocky. ...  Read the complete review

Philadephia - a run down city, a crime ridden city, a city with little more than the Liberty Bell? No way!! To say I was pleasantly surprised on my visit a month would be an understatement. The city is not really on the tourist trail for us Brits, but it definitely is for many North American tourists who flock to take in some of the historical sights and sites from the days of their declaration of independence a few hundred years ago. Of historical importance from this time, probably the most recognisable attraction is the Liberty Bell. It is now housed in a small visitor centre where a tour guide talks for about 15 minutes about the history behind the bell. It ...  Read the complete review