Tourist attraction ideas for visitors to philadelphia

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Few cities are as rich in American history as Philadelphia. Established by William Penn in the 1680s, it served as our nations capital after the War for Independence until 1800. It is here that Americas first public school, first library, first fire company, first flag and many other firsts were birthed. The First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia and it is in this city that the Declaration of Independence was signed. Its no wonder that every year tourists travel to Philadelphia to live a piece of Americas history.

Places for tourists to visit are not limited to historical sites only, though. Here are some of Philadelphias fabulous tourist sites C some historical, some not.

The Visitors Center C 3rd & Chestnut C Philadelphias Visitors Center is an attraction in itself. It contains exhibits and a small theater which runs the film Independence for the publics viewing. Its a smart stop for visitors coming to Philadelphia for the first time.

The Betsy Ross House C 239 Arch Street C This colonial home is where Betsy Ross sewed Americas first flag. In the late 1890s millions of Americans donated dimes so that the house could be preserved as a National Shrine.

Independence Hall C Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets C This meeting place of the Second Continental Congress is where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.

The Liberty Bell C The bell that represents Americas freedom is now housed in a glass case. It was originally the official bell of the Pennsylvania State House and now is on display for all to see.

The National Constitution Center C 525 Arch Street C Opened on July 4, 2003, the center is one of the Philadelphias newest attractions. It is dedicated to showing how Americas Constitution is as important today as when it was first written.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art C Benjamin Franklin Parkway & 26th Street C One of Americas largest art museums, the beautiful structure houses art of all kinds from around the world. A popular touristy thing to do is to run up the front steps of the Museum, just as Rocky did in the original movie.

The Franklin Institute and Science Museum C 222 N. 20th Street C Opened in 1824 to honor all of the inventions of Benjamin Franklin; the current building was built in 1934 and is now a family favorite place to visit. Of special interest is the giant walk through model of a heart.

The Academy of Natural Sciences C 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway C Americas oldest natural history museum, this family friendly museum has many exhibits, including the popular Discovering Dinosaurs attraction that is great for the kids.

The Please Touch Museum C 210 N. 21st Street - Designed for children under 7, this ultimate museum for kids houses a walk through Alices Adventures in Wonderland, a play supermarket and many other child friendly exhibits.

The Kimmel Center C 260 South Broad Streets C Located on what is known as The Avenue of the Arts which is home to many of Philadelphias wonderful theaters, The Kimmel Center is home to the Philadelphia Orchestra. It offers an array of musical programs, some of them free.

The RiverLink Ferry C Penns Landing C This ferry takes you on a short ride across the Delaware River to the Camden, NJ waterfront where there is plenty for a family to do. The New Jersey State Aquarium, The Camden Childrens Garden, and Campbells Field where the Camden Riversharks Baseball team plays are all fun attractions on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River.

The Edgar Allan Poe national Historic Site C 7th & Spring Garden C The home of Poe while he lived in Philadelphia, he wrote such masterpieces as The Fall of the House of Usher and The Tell Tale Heart while residing there. A guided tour takes you through the home, even into the basement that looks very much like the basement described in the chilling tale of The Black Cat.

Ghost Tours of Philadelphia C Tickets for this candlelight tour can be purchased at the Independence Visitors Center at 6th & Market. An eerie guided walking tour takes you through Independence Park and Society Hill.

South Street C the district begins at South Street by Penns Landing and ends around 11th Street C An old song about South Street says Where do all the hippies meet, South Street, South Street and today South Street is still where the hip hang out. Over 350 restaurants, shops and galleries draw a young crowd every night of the week.

Reading Terminal Market C 12th & Market Streets C This indoor market was built by the Reading Railroad and opened in 1892. There have been many changes since then, but it is still a rich, delicious (literally) piece of Philadelphias history. Over 80 merchants including Amish vendors from Lancaster County, eating establishments, and sellers of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and flowers have their home in the Reading Terminal Market.

Pats King of Steaks or Genos Steaks C both on opposite corners of 9th & Wharton C No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without a famous Philadelphia cheese steak. While you can get a great cheese steak sandwich many places in the city, Pats and Genos are Philadelphias most famous makers of Philadelphias most famous sandwich. Pats opened in 1930 and is the originator of the sandwich and Genos was opened in 1966 across the street. If you want to say you had the ultimate Philly cheese steak, try one of these places.