Despite being America's fifth-largest city, Philadelphia has in the past been overshadowed by the celebrity metropolises of New York and Washington DC to its north and south. That is all beginning to change, however, as the historic town emerges as one of the nation's hottest destinations.
This is a city where old and new blend together to create an ambience that is truly unique. On the one hand you have more historic buildings than any other American city, ranging from the colonial homes of Society Hill and the Georgian mansions in Fairmount Park to the Gothic masterpieces on Boathouse Row. On the other you have the rapid development of Philly's waterfront area into an unrivalled venue for entertainment and shopping.
William Penn might not have been able to predict the future when he founded Philadelphia in 1682, but his vision for the town he dubbed the City of Brotherly Love is still evident today. Laid out in straight-angle grids with broad, tree lined streets, the multitude of modern attractions now thronging the sidewalks do so in the atmosphere of space and light originally envisioned by their Quaker architect.
Lovers of that old-time feel will go for some of the city's long-running pleasures. Whether attending a Philadelphia Orchestra concert, lingering over the quintessentially American paintings of Benjamin West in the ornate Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts or touring Independence Hall, home of the world famous Liberty Bell, a soul-restoring time is virtually guaranteed.
Those seeking more modern pleasures are equally well served. Thanks to a roster of exciting festivals, new theaters, major art exhibitions, some of the nation's best restaurants and a pulsating nightlife, Philly is on the money every time.
Like most large cities, Philadelphia has had its problems in the past. Crime has plummeted by 30% since 1992 however, and now previously homeless people have been hired to clean streets, remove graffiti, serve as guides and work in partnership with the police to make this a safe and welcoming time.
Give Philly a try. You certainly won't regret it.
When To Go
Philadelphia is a year-round city, with a variety of popular annual events taking place across the calendar. The period around July 4th is particularly festive due to the town's famous Independence Day celebrations. The concert and theater seasons traditionally run from October through to June, though the sight of blooming cherry trees makes Spring an excellent time to visit.
Like most other northern American cities, Philly can be hot and humid in the summer and cold in winter, with an average snowfall of 21 inches.
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