Philadelphia is a city steeped not only in the history represented by its Historic District with Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, but also steeped in medical history – the birthplace of American medicine and home to the nation’s first medical school, first children’s hospital, first college of pharmacy, first medical library and first hospital.
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania's largest city, the second-largest city on the United State's East Coast and the 5th most populous city in the USA. Philadelphia is notable for its rich history, on display at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed) and other American Revolutionary sites.
Other great facts about Philadelphia:The municipality's park system is one of the oldest and biggest in the nation. It consists of 63 parks covering 9,200 acres; the primary park, Fairmount Park, spans more than 4,100 acres. The city is even widely cited as having more public art than any other in the country. Pennsylvania Hospital, founded by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond in 1751, is America's first hospital. The University of Pennsylvania—the first U.S. university—opened the nation's first medical school in 1765. The building that is now the Loews Philadelphia Hotel and 12th and Market Streets was the first international-style skyscraper and the country's first completely air-conditioned building. Philadelphia's nicknames include Philly, The City of Brotherly Love, The Birthplace of America, The City that Loves You Back, The City of Neighborhoods, The Quaker City, and The Cradle of Liberty.
Some suggested places to visit: The Mütter Museum is a medical museum located in the Center City area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It contains a collection of anatomical and pathological specimens, wax models, and antique medical equipment. The museum is part of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
Check out these great websites to learn more about our city, traveling here and more:
Discover PHL - Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally. Click Here for guide in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish & Portuguese. Visit Philly - Guides to things see, do, eat and experience. Independence Visitor's Center - Located in Independence National Historical Park, the Independence Visitor Center is the official visitor center of Philadelphia and the regionUWISHUNU- Insiders guide to happenings,events and more.Lonely Planet Guide to PhiladelphiaEATER Philadelpiha - Restaurant Guide Center City District - Learn about the great parks and shops
Click Here for Printable PDF Map of Center City
GETTING HERE: Only 100 miles from New York City and 130 miles from Washington, D.C., we’re not kidding when we say we’re in the center of it all. By plane: There are more than 525 daily nonstop flights to PHL. Once you’re here, it’s a 25-minute ride on the SEPTA Airport Line right at the airport or a 10-minute ride in a taxi to cover the seven miles from Philadelphia International Airport to Center City. SEPTA’s Airport Line leaves every 30 minutes, and a one-way fare is $6.75 when you purchase a Quick Trip from the Fare Kiosk on the platform. The taxi ride costs a flat rate of $28.50. Call the Airport Ground Transportation Hotline at 215-937-6958 for information on other ground transportation options. Here you´ll find all scheduled non-stop flights from Philadelphia International Airport: https://www.flightsfrom.com/PHL By train: Amtrak Acela and commuter trains arrive at historic 30th Street Station throughout the day, placing passengers within a short walk of Center City. Philadelphia is only 1 hour and 20 minutes from New York City and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Washington, D.C., via Acela Express. By bus: Megabus offers low-cost express bus routes throughout the Northeast Corridor. By car: Almost half of the U.S. population is within a day’s drive of Philadelphia. Interstates 95 and 76, and the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Turnpikes, provide access from all points on the compass. Once you arrive, there are more than 40 parking lots and garages in Center City. Pay with cash or credit. For a printable map of downtown parking, visit philapark.org.
Philadelphia Tours
Here is a list of popular tour options in center city. Attendees to book and arrange tours on their own.
Big Bus Tours:
A tour of Philadelphia, all while you are riding a London-style double decker bus
Offers amazing views of the city with an educated guide throughout the tour
Can hop on and off the bus as you please, or remain on the bus for the entirety of the tour
https://www.bigbustours.com/en/philadelphia/philadelphia-bus-tours/
Big Red Pedal Tours:
Can hold up to 15 passengers
Explore the city of Philadelphia on an open-air, roof covered bike while sipping on some drinks on your very own pub crawl
Runs year round and seven days a week
Check the website for availability on certain dates
http://www.bigredpedaltours.com
Get a chance to tour Philadelphia while seeing all of their finest restaurants and shops, while sampling food along the way
Food experts will lead the tours, which will help guests learn how the food is made and little tips that not many people know about
You’ll get to experience classic Philly flavors, their best pizza shops and more
Examples of tours are listed below; please see full website if you are interested in learning more about what else is offered
For public tours, call: (800) 656-0713
For private tours, call: (215) 546- 1234
https://www.phillysfoodtour.com
Mural Arts Philadelphia:
Take a ride on a trolley to see the murals that surround Philadelphia
Dates and times of tours can be found on the website
Offers include private tours, public tours, self-guided tours, group interactive tours, etc. Descriptions and more information on all of those can be found on the website
https://www.muralarts.org/tours/
Spirits of ‘76 Ghost Tour: A “one part history, two parts haunt” walking tour will show you the ins and outs of Old City Philadelphia’s spookiest spots. You could encounter the spirits of Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross and the Witch of Pine Street.
http://www.spiritsof76.com