Rich heritage, modern amenities and a variety of attractions: Plan a trip to Philadelphia for a dose of history and culture

Visit some of the USA's most historically significant sites in Philadelphia, a city at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Enjoy a stroll through the streets to soak up the ambience and flavours of Philadelphia. Glance at public art, explore diverse neighbourhoods and enjoy sampling a variety of cuisine.

Here's a list of must-see attractions to get you started:

AN ODE TO HISTORY
Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an important landmark. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed here. Another iconic monument to visit is the Liberty Bell, which is known as the symbol of American independence.

Walk through the historic downtown neighbourhoods such as Old City, Center City, Chinatown, Washington Square and Rittenhouse Square. Taking a walk in Philadelphia is like bringing a chapter of history to life.


FINE ART AND FREE ART
For an art connoisseur, Philadelphia is the place to be. Make sure you visit these destinations:

Museum Mile
Browse through several art museums and other institutions, including a library, schools and science-focused academies, along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Barnes Foundation
Glance through the fine collections of French-Modern and Post-Impressionist paintings.
Philadelphia Museum of Art - The renowned artwork here includes the world's largest collection of Marcel Duchamp's work. Make sure to check out the statue of fictional boxer Rocky Balboa of the famous film 'Rocky'.


Public art
Philadelphia is nicknamed by some as the ‘City of Murals,’ with nearly 4,000 pieces of art decorating the city's buildings and walls. Try a guided tour to see these murals, and look for Toynbee tiles embedded in sidewalks throughout the city. Make a special trip to see Robert Indiana's LOVE sculpture in LOVE Park.

RELISH UNFORGETTABLE MEALS
With over 1,000 restaurants, 400 outdoor cafés and beer gardens, Philadelphia is consistently ranked one of the best food cities in the USA.

Notable options - Peruse items sold by 80 merchants and farmers at Reading Terminal Market, or enjoy fare served at the Italian market.

CULTURAL ENCOUNTER THROUGH PERFORMING ARTS

- Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts has played host to world-renowned musicians, Broadway shows and arts events.


- The Curtis Institute of Music gives the world's most talented young musicians the chance to learn and also perform for appreciative audiences. This is a must-visit place for budding musicians and those who like hearing great music.

- Take time off from sightseeing to catch a performance at the Pennsylvania Ballet or Opera Philadelphia. Both perform at the Academy of Music, a National Historic Landmark built in 1857. It's the oldest opera house in the USA.

- Another venue with a rich history is the Walnut Street Theatre, founded in 1809. A National Historic Landmark, it's the USA's oldest theatre and the official State Theatre of Pennsylvania.


SPORTS AND SHOPPING

Sports city
Philadelphia houses nine professional sports teams and nearly 100 collegiate institutions. Other events that are worth catching while you're in Philadelphia include river races, relays, the Philadelphia International Unity Cup, Philadelphia Marathon (22-23 Nov, 2020), the Penn Relays (23-25 Apr, 2020), Dad Vail Regatta (8 May, 2020) and the Devon Horse Show (21-31 May, 2020).

Carry an extra suitcase
With a tax waiver on shoes and clothing, Philadelphia gives a fun twist to carry a little extra baggage home.