Start off by going to jail at Eastern State penitentiary in the heart of the city. Built in 1829 as a revolutionary new design that went on to influence penal institutions from China to South America, before its closure in 1971 the prison was home to such luminaries as Al Capone, Willie Sutton and Pep, a dog convicted of killing the governor's wife's cat. The tours are well-conducted and great fun, with special events taking place around Bastille Day and Halloween.
Spend a day at the Franklin Institute on Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 20th St (tel: 215-448-1200). This large museum contains four floors of exhibitions and artifacts tracing the history of science, with plenty of hands-on demonstrations that make this a choice spot for people with kids. The building has its own restaurant, not to mention a planetarium show, park and IMAX movie theater.
Visit Penn's Landing, the spot where the town began, in the Old City (tel: 215-923-8181). Although retaining much of its original character the area is now a packed entertainment and historic theme park, with ships, a marina, numerous restaurants and bars, live music in an outdoor amphitheatre, ethnic festivals, a skating rink and ice hockey games.
Grab a slice of real Philly life at the Italian Market, which is located on the section of 9th Street between Wharton and Christian Streets. Crammed with stallholders selling meat, fish, game, vegetables, fruit and flowers, this bustling venue has become a must-see multi-cultural shopping and people-watching experience.
Indulge in some retail therapy along Market and Chestnut Streets, both of which are lined with shops malls selling all manner of designer items. Ranging from tiny stalls to ornate fashion salons, there's something here to suit every taste and budget. Particularly worth trying is The Gallery on Market St East (215-625-4962), which contains over 170 shops, eateries and cafés on four levels.
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