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Philadelphia Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Philadelphia
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Philadelphia Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Philadelphia - Over the years numerous taglines have been
coined to apply to America's most historic city, Philadelphia. It
has been called the 'Athens of the Americas', the 'city of
brotherly love', 'the friendliest city', the 'most honest city',
'the safest city' and, most recently, 'the city that loves you
back'. Fabulous 'Philly', fifth largest metropolis in the United
States, is all these things and more, which is why it is regarded
as one of the world's most dynamic destinations and the happy home
of more than three million people.
The city is
sensibly sited 60 miles (97km) inland from the Atlantic coast on a
protrusion of land at the merging of the mighty Delaware River and
the Schuylkill River, land granted to William Penn, an English
Quaker, back in 1682. Penn's vision was to establish a 'green
countrie towne', but because of its location controlling the
Delaware Valley and its good freshwater port facilities,
Philadelphia soon outgrew its original boundaries and by the 18th
century was the second largest English-speaking city in the
world. Today Philadelphia draws tourists mainly
for its historical wealth, centred around Independence National
Historical Park, regarded as the most significant historic square
mile in America where the United States was conceived, declared and
ratified. The Constitution of the United States was written here in
1787 and the city was the nation's first capital between 1791 and
1800. Philadelphia is also a shopper's paradise,
featuring the world's largest mall, as well as offering some of the
finest dining establishments in the country, thousands of acres of
beautiful parkland, attractive boulevards where street fairs and
parades are common events, and a vibrant arts and entertainment
community. In short, to add to all its other tags, Philadelphia can
justifiably be said to offer something for
everyone.
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Philadelphia
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Independence National Historical Park
Independence Visitor Center located at 6th and Market
Streets
www.nps.gov/inde |
What is it? On July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell rang out
from the tower of Independence Hall summoning citizens to hear the
first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Today the
Hall stands proudly, revered as the birthplace of the American
nation, in Independence National Historical Park, an eight-block
historic neighbourhood in the very centre of old Philadelphia. The
Liberty Bell itself is on display here, in a pavilion in Market
Street between 5th and 6th Street. Independence Hall on Chestnut
Street was originally built as the Pennsylvania State House in
1732, but became famous after first the Declaration of Independence
and later the Constitution of the United States was ratified here.
The rest of the 45-acre Independence Park is packed with
historically significant buildings and museums, interpreting the
events and lives of the movers and shakers involved in
Philadelphia's years as capital of the United States from 1790 to
1800, including George Washington and John Adams. About 20
buildings are open to the public daily, with times varying
according to season. Advance tickets are required for Independence
Hall, obtainable from the adjacent Visitor's Centre or bookable in
advance through the National Parks Service.
Hours of Operation: Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center: daily 9am
to 5pm. Independence Visitor Center: daily 8.30am to
5pm
Phone:(215) 597 8974, or (215) 965 7676 (Independence Visitor
Center) |
2. Franklin Institute Science Museum
222 North 20th Street
www.fi.edu |
What is it? Philadelphia's most visited museum, the
Franklin Institute on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, opened in 1934
and fast became recognised for its innovative and imaginative
exhibits that demonstrate the influence of science in our lives.
The museum complex is divided into four sections. Firstly the
Franklin National Memorial is dedicated to Benjamin Franklin,
featuring a huge statue of its namesake and a collection of
memorabilia associated with the great man. The second section
features a collection of hands-on and interactive science and
technology exhibits, ranging from a walk-through model of a heart
to a lightning gallery. This section also includes the Discovery
Theatre where scientific shows are given each afternoon, and a
puzzle section. The basement area is the location of the Fels
Planetarium. The third section consists of the Mandell Futures
Center, a relatively new addition to the museum's offerings, which
features eight futuristic permanent interactive exhibits covering
space, earth, computers, chemistry and health. There is also an
Imax theatre arena here showing a variety of films. Lastly the
museum offers the CoreStates Science Park, located on the lawn
between the main museum buildings. This is a garden full of
high-tech play structures like a stand-on organ, maze and a
high-wire bicycle. The museum also features several restaurants and
a snack bar.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9.30am and 5pm. IMAX Theater is open until 9pm
on Fridays and Saturdays
Phone:(215) 448 1200 |
3. Philadelphia Museum of Art
Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 26th Street
www.philamuseum.org |
What is it? Philadelphia's elegant art museum,
established in the 1870s, houses a permanent collection of more
than 400,000 works in 200 galleries, recognised as being one of the
finest art assemblages in America. Exhibits include not only
magnificent paintings, but also sculptures, period furniture and
historic rooms. The beautiful building that houses this collection
is built in the style of a Greco-Roman temple and stands on a
hilltop off Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The two-storey building is
designed with L-shaped wings leading off a central court, and
exhibits are arranged in period groupings. The museum also has a
cafeteria and a formal restaurant, and regularly hosts visiting
exhibitions.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (until 8.45pm on
Fridays, offering music, talks, film shows and social
gatherings)
Phone:(215) 763 8100, or (215) 684 7500 |
Philadelphia
holidays - Top Events
1. Mummer's Parade
From 2007-01-01
To 2007-01-01
|
What is it? With its origins in the 1800s, the
Philadelphia Mummer's Parade is the traditional celebration of the
New Year and one of the country's oldest folk customs. Mummery in
America is as unique to Philadelphia as Mardi Gras is to New
Orleans, and various groups of mummers (masked or costumed
merrymakers) compete for originality, themes and costumes in a
colourful extravaganza of feathers, sequins, elaborate floats,
music and dance. The parade consists of three divisions, the
Comics, who are an unstructured division of dancing clowns and
satirical performers; the outrageously dressed Fancy Costume
Brigade; and the String Bands with marching musicians and precision
drills.
Where is it? Broad Street |
2. Gettysburg Reenactment
From 2007-07-06
To 2007-07-08
|
What is it? The Battle of Gettysburg was the most
significant battle of the American Civil War. Over three days in
early July, the blood of almost fifty thousand soldiers was split
on the fields outside the town of Gettysburg, in the battle that
would become the turning point of the civil war. Today, a
re-enactment of the battle takes place as close to the original
days (1-3 July) as possible featuring tens of thousands of
participants and spectators to educate and make aware of the early
violent past of this powerful nation. The event is hugely popular
and receives visitors from all across the United States. There are
plenty of food and merchandise stalls too.
Where is it? Gettysburg |
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