Founded as early as 1682, Philadelphia is the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania. It has the sixth highest population in the United States. It is the birthplace of the United States Marine Corps and is also home to the first zoo, library, medical school, and hospital in the United States. Philadelphia is a city that is rich in history and culture so people want to know what there is to do in the city when they go visit.
Philadelphia Landmarks
The first thing to do is to definitely take pictures with all the famous landmarks in the city. The Liberty Bell used to ring in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House calling all the Pennsylvania Assembly meetings. Now it stands between towering glass walls in front of Independence Hall. It is always free to visit and a necessary part of the Philadelphia experience. Another famous landmark is the Rocky Statue. In the movie, Sylvester Stallone’s character, Rocky was depicted running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The steps themselves have become a tourist destination. Now, however, at the bottom of the steps lies a triumphant statue of “The Italian Stallion” from the movie Rocky III.
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The next most important photo opportunity is Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture. Since Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love it is essential to visit this sculpture set in John F. Kennedy Plaza. Many of the locals now refer to it as LOVE Park.
Food in Philly
Philadelphia is also known for its food. Most famously, the Philly Cheesesteak is an essential and iconic experience in the city. It is actually a surprisingly simplistic sandwich. It is thinly sliced beef with melted cheese on a long flat roll. In Philadelphia, this type of roll is called a “hoagie” roll. Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks are two local favorites that people seem to love in South Philadelphia. Pat’s King of Steaks was founded by Pat and Harry Olivieri in 1930, when they opened a hot dog stall. Those who have written about the cheesesteak history, report the brothers as generally being credited as the 1933 co-creators of the Philly Cheesesteak. Joey Vento opened Geno’s Steaks across the street from Pat’s in 1966, and he claimed (and some agree) that he “perfected” the cheesesteak.
For more great food, it is imperative to visit the many vendors inside Reading Terminal Market. It is an indoor market that sells everything from meats to desserts. Not only is it filled with an assortment of different foods, but also the public space has seating for people to sit down and eat from their favorite restaurants while they are there.
Food that feeds the soul – that’s what you’ll find at Keven Parker’s Soul Food Café. The comfort classics you know and love like fried catfish, mac and cheese, and tropical sweet tea are being served up Southern-style. pic.twitter.com/dSEK45oS6U
— Reading Terminal (@RdgTerminalMkt) May 30, 2018
While searching for great food in Philadelphia, it is important not to forget the South 9th Street Italian Market. It is the nation’s oldest continuous outdoor market and was featured in the movie Rocky, as he ran through the market. Since it started back in 1880, it used to be dominated by Italian immigrants. These days, however, the vendors come from all parts of the world and bring with them various flavors and ingredients.
Rich History
Philadelphia is also one of the oldest cities in the nation, so it is full of history. Philadelphia’s city hall is the largest municipal building in the United States and has stood for over a century. More importantly is Independence Hall, the birthplace of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. There is also the Betsy Ross’ House, where Betsy Ross lived when she sewed the first American flag. These are just a few of the many things that there are to do in Philadelphia.
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