Greater Philadelphia - A Guide to Philadelphia Tourism

“Yo, Adrian.”  As catch phrases go, this one is very specific and not overly eloquent.  But it has been irrevocably fused to Philadelphia's identity - a fictional man, calling out to his fictional lady friend out of his mangled maw.  This statement clearly doesn't define the city, but it does inform your view of it - This is a working man's town, a town of few but powerful words, a city of fighters that pre-dates  “Rocky” by well over 200 years.

As the nation's city of birth, its steadfast incubator and home to its best-loved steak sandwich, Philly is an American original in every sense of the word.  And given its undeniably easy-to-reach locale right between New York City and Washington DC, it's an no-brainer for a quick day trip. 

 

Getting To Philadelphia

Amtrak will take you from most major stations on the East Coast to Philly in remarkable time, and drop you right at 30th Street Station.  From New York, there are several bus lines that offer service to the same location, but for half the price.  A round-trip ticket can cost as little as $25.

 

When To Go

Sure, you can go anytime.  But cities like Philly are better when it's temperate, so check it out in Fall or Spring.  It's the same city, minus the bracing chill or suffocating humidity. 

 

Why To Go

History and meat sandwiches, for a start.  Nowhere else in the land can you be sated by a magical cheesesteak, and only moments away, be awed by real remnants of our nation's founding.  Overall, Philly has an impressive past, a proud populace and a unique character all its own.

 

Things To Do In Philadelphia

Independence Hall – Quite simply, this is where the United States of America happened.  To be in the place, to read quotes from the signers of the Declaration of Independence, to realize that these guys knew by signing this document that they were literally signing their own death warrants—well, it puts patriotism into a new perspective.  The site also served as home to the original Congress and Supreme Court.  The adjacent American Philosophical Society, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743, has counted some impressive members in its rolls (Thomas Jefferson being one) and some impressive collections within its walls (including Lewis and Clark's expeditionary notebooks).


Liberty Bell – Emblazoned with the biblical verse “Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof”, this is a necessary stop if you haven't seen it.  Once the bell that called the Pennsylvania Assembly to its meetings (Independence Hall was really just the Pennsylvania State House), it has since become an enduring symbol of freedom, and likely the most famous cleft bell in the world.  If that doesn't entertain you, try looking around at the 50 or so other faces staring slack-jawed at a broken bell.

South Street – The most famous street in the City of Brotherly Love, South Street was once the southern border of Philadelphia proper (hence the name).  It is a great place to get a body part pierced, buy an adult novelty and enjoy a signature Philly cheesesteak.  The latter is a true must here—Jim's is usually mentioned as among the best in class.  Geno's and Pat's are nearby, equally legendary, and true to the apparent code of name simplicity.

Philadelphia Museum of Art – The 72 steps leading to it are its biggest claim to fame, as this was the culmination of aforementioned Rocky's inspirational training runs.  If you go here, you're likely to see as many people posing at the famous bronze Rocky statue or imitating his run up the steps are you are those actually going into the museum.  It just so happens, though, that the museum is one of the largest and most important in the country, with pieces ranging from Picasso to Renoir.  Plus, the museum's terrace offers the best views of the city's skyline.

 

If You Go To Philadelphia

• Don't anger a Philadelphian.  These are the people who are reputed to have actually thrown snowballs at Santa Claus at halftime of an Eagles football game.  But do take a moment to talk to them about their town—they can be surprisingly friendly, and can offer some insider's tips on what to see and do here.
• As you drive on Benjamin Franklin Parkway (otherwise known as Philly's Champs Elysees) or Ben Franklin bridge, be reminded of what a bad-ass that dude was.  The man was a diplomat, scientist, inventor, author, printer, turkey advocate, Governor, Postmaster, philosopher, inveterate skirt-chaser and overall patriotic pimp.  Not bad for a life's work—kind of makes you want to turn off the Xbox. 
• Check out some other movie sites—Sixth Sense, Trading Places and Philadelphia (obviously) were all filmed here.
• Don't say 'Yo, Adrian' while you're there. Seriously. You're better than that.

		Philip  McCluskey Philip McCluskey is a freelance writer living in New York City. He can be reached at Philip (at) phreelancewriter.com.