Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Overview of my Trip
Known as the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the American city where historical buildings are nestled in-between modern-day skyscrapers. The division between time periods is a feeling every explorer loves. While I may have spent a few more than 24 hours, that’s enough time to make the most of this beautiful city of liberty!
Afternoon/Evening: Stops before you drop
- Philadelphia Art Museum – Rocky Steps
- Boat House Row
- Dinner on the Moshulu Boat
Full Day: Classic Philly Sights and Hidden Gems
- Walk the Ben Franklin Bridge
- Tour Independence Hall
- Liberty Bell
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- City Center
- Elfreth’s Alley
Hotel: Hilton at Penns Landing
Food: A Taste of Philly One of the first American cities with specialties beyond the world of BBQ, I loved sampling some of the famous dishes that bring this cities food scene to life!
The Philly Cheesesteak (with no cheese and no steak!)- Named after its city of origin, the famous philly cheesesteak is a staple to eat in the city. After being inventedin the 1930’s by a hotdog vendor in the city, the hoagie roll stuffed with steak, melted cheese, and a variety of veggie options, became known across the country. Campos Deli is possible the most iconic spot to eat one, however the vegan version (no cheese and no steak) at a small dinner was better than the original to me!
The Moshulu, A beautiful Historical Boat- Located off of Penns landing by the Delaware River, the Moshulu boat has been renovated into a high-tide and high dining experience. My family loved the beautiful harbor views and a menu filled with seafood delicacies! I personally got the salmon, and my mom tried the surf and turf, both were absolutely delightful!
Try these other iconic bites! – Hoagie Roll: despite the resemblances to the cheesesteak more varieties of sandwiches on this bread are widely popular including the deli meat sandwich and Vietnamese Bánh mì. Water Ice: Similar to a shaved ice treat, if you’re visiting Philly in the summer months check out the cool treat!
HIstory COmes to life
Independence Hall
I have two passions when I’m traveling the world. Culture and History. While there’s definitely plenty of culture to take in, Philly really shines in the History department! Before traveling here, I really only knew that the liberty bell was here, not even what it was! Independence Mall is a complex directly in the center of the city that’s home to Independence Hall!
Inside of the building constructed in 1732-1756 the public is allowed in 2 rooms (not there’s many more, the building is tiny!) The first room is the first court room of the United States. When I say the criminals were treated like animals, they quite literally sat in a cage (the dock) while punishments were being determined!
The other room is directly across the hall and holds the buildings claim to fame. The Declaration of The United States of America was signed in that very room. I even saw the chair where George Washington sat his butt down to sign it. Later on, the Articles of Confederation were signed here as well.
Picture yourself at the constitutional convention in that very room with John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington sitting around you. And for my non-American friends the basics are that all the foundational documents for the country had been signed here and the decision to leave Great Britain was made.
And if you’re wondering why I haven’t mentioned the Liberty Bell… it was pretty anticlimactic. A bell with a crack just doesn’t compare to history across the street!
Inside Tour
Take the ONLY tour option
- Hosted through the national park service.
- 20 minutes tour with lots of history and viewing of the court room and the room where the declaration of independence was signed.
- Liberty Bell is NOT in this building; it is however across the street in its own exhibit.
- This is the ONLY way to visit inside independence hall. It’s worth it for any history nerd… like me!
Boathouse Row: Located on the Schuylkill River, Kelly drive or better known as Boathouse row is a collection of 19th century clubs that feel like a historical city version of the country club you don’t have access to back home. While it’s beautiful for pictures, especially across the river where you can see the boats, it feels a little too exclusive to be a tourist spot. Chances are you won’t even be able to enter most of the buildings.
Betsy Ross House: Ever seen the flag with red and white stripes and the blue square of stars, that’s thanks to Betsy Ross! Up in her bedroom the first American flag was sewn and hidden from the British soldiers. Today’s her house has been turned into a museum that was a true hidden gem of the trip. Stepping inside is like stepping into a time machine!
Eastern State Penitentiary: I’m a lover of all the spooky and scary adventures! Eastern State Penitentiary is a massive prison that’s no longer in use. The building is home to Philly’s ghosts offering a fright to those who are in for some paranormal activities!
Spots I Wish I had Time to Visit: With only a day to explore I was limited to the city center area, with a little more time I would have visited these spots outside of the city limits. Longwood Garden- Stunningly beautiful and historical gardens are like the Philly version of Versailles or the Jardin Des Tuileries outside the Louvre. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens- Instead of luscious greens these colorful mosaics are a mini-Moraco in Philly!
Snapshots of Your Trips
Best Places for that perfect picture-
City hall, the rocky steps outside the Philedelphia Art Museum and the love sign in love park
Crossing the Deleware
Why You Should Leave Philly
My favorite memory from Philly was actually when my mom and I decided to leave to city… literally we walked to a whole different state! The Ben Franklin Bridge sits between Penns Landing and Camden, NJ. The walk across is only about a half hour and the views are worth every step.
We decided to beat the work rush (it’s a common commute route) and wake up for sunrise on the bridge. The fall weather made it a brisk walk! I love to walk with a goal, so we found a Starbucks on the other side and made it our morning destination! Definitely the longest walk for a chai! However, between the blue metal and sunrise sky, it felt like no time had passed at all! The best part was we were back by 8am and had time for a whole day of Adeventure or time to rush to the airport for a flight!
Bike It!
An alternative to the long walk
- The path along the bridge is made for biking and we passed tons of bikers on the way across
- Renting a bike is a perfect way to get a different feel of the bridge
- E-Bikes are another great option and easy breezy ride
- Check out other paths along the river front or boathouse row!
Elfreth’s Alley
The oldest residential street in The States, walk down the cobblestone street where people still live in 300-year-old houses!
Located on the corner of the street is a small museum allowing visitor to see inside of a traditional house! There are also a variety of event throughout the year such as Deck the Alley in December!
Fun Fact: For the low price of $640k you too can live with limited electricity and plumbing, tourists wandering outside your house for pictures, and a roomy 900sq ft.
To be entirely honest I was nervous to travel to Philadelphia. I had heard from numerous people that the city was dangerous, dirty, and some even told me it was the worst part of Pennsylvania. I couldn’t disagree more. When it comes to travel you have to keep your mind open to experience beyond what other people think. Perspective is something I’ve learned a lot about when not only hearing stories but sharing mine! I can be so damaging to base a trip on anyone who isn’t you! Every place on earth as beauty in it, it’s up to us to find it! Philly has so much to explore and hope more people get to experience this city! Had I never given it a chance, I wouldn’t have the stories and memories to share. What to live the trip with me? Check out my YouTube channel below to see the full picture of Philly!