|
|
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
OLD CITY. Independence Hall is where Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and their rebellious compatriots approved and announced the Declaration of Independence. As if that event were not noteworthy enough, many returned some 11 years later to pen the U.S. Constitution. Consistent with the freedom that the building represents, admission is free, but timed tickets are required. Obtain them at the Independence Visitors Center on the day of your visit starting at 8:30am. Alternatively, you can arrange tickets in advance by calling the National Park Service reservation line at 800-967-2283.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
OLD CITY. The Liberty Bell Center is a Philadelphia must-see. Visitors can not only view the famous Liberty Bell, one of the most recognized symbols of American freedom, but also learn its history. Films, historical documents, and visual displays enlighten visitors on its history and why it has become the symbol of freedom for many.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
MUSEUM DISTRICT & FAIRMOUNT PARK. This museum offers a stellar collection from artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Pissarro, Picasso, and Rodin. Surrealist art is well represented by Dali, De Chirico, Max Ernst, and Magritte, with pre-modernist work from the likes of Canaletto and Guardi. Numerous theme rooms display international art and artifacts, including Thomas Eakins's "Collection in the Country" furniture. On-site restaurant, cafe, and gift shop. NB Sunday is pay what you wish day.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
MUSEUM DISTRICT & FAIRMOUNT PARK. A thirty-foot statue of Benjamin Franklin overlooks the scientific interactive displays at this local favorite. This unique museum houses the world's largest artificial heart and biggest pinball machine. There is a planetarium and Omniverse, which features a 79-foot domed screen with more than 50 high-tech speakers. A fascinating and intriguing stop, so budget plenty of time for your visit.
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
ST. JOSEPH'S. This meticulously maintained estate houses an impressive collection of French modern art from notables such as Picasso, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Renoir. The arboretum contains a greenhouse, pond, and woodland areas, as well as thousands of plants, many of them rarely found outside more temperate zones. Prepaid, timed ticket reservations are required – it is recommended that ticket and parking arrangements be made at least 45 days in advance. Limited on-site parking is available for a $10; there is also free street parking within five blocks.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
MUSEUM DISTRICT & FAIRMOUNT PARK. Touted as the largest city park in the world, Fairmount attracts more visitors each year than all of Philly's other attractions combined. Virtually every outdoor activity you can imagine is enjoyed here, from soccer and baseball to ultimate Frisbee and fishing. There's also a golf course, several playgrounds, a public pool, and bike paths. Attractions within the park include the zoo, museums, and many restored Colonial homes.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
One of the state's true gems, Longwood can trace its history back to 1906, when Pierre du Pont purchased a farm from a Quaker family named Pierce in order to realize his life-long fascination with gardening and landscaping. His dream was to create a lavish estate garden, not unlike those he'd encountered while touring Europe. The result, of course, was Longwood, whose stunning collection of annual, perennial and evergreen gardens make it a true horticultural showplace. NB Seasonal hours apply, specifically late November to December (closes at 9pm) and January to March (closes at 5pm).
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
MUSEUM DISTRICT & FAIRMOUNT PARK. In addition to more than 1500 animals – including orangutans, lorikeets, snow leopards, red pandas, giraffes, and giant bearded pigs – The very first zoo in the United States has some great animal-related attractions. Treehouse is perhaps the most famous; it's a fantastic interactive exhibit where you can experience what it's like to hatch from an egg, be a bee, or ride a caterpillar. The first children's zoo in the world is here, also, as are the first giant otters exhibited in the US. Fun for all!
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
OLD CITY. Still a residential street, Elfreth's Alley was constructed in 1702 and is the oldest continuously inhabited street in the US. Two houses on the cobblestone street are open to the public – the Museum House and the Chairmakers House. You'll get a close-up look at the interiors, and learn about the architecture and history of the homes. During the summer, you'll enjoy historic reenactments and demonstrations, plus special events and festivals. In December, the "Deck the Alley" celebration features tours of some of the private residences.
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
OLD CITY. Billed a "revolutionary new way" to experience Philadelphia's historic side, this walking tour leads travelers past many of the city's most important sites, including the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, City Tavern, Elfreth's Alley and the Betsy Ross House. See where key figures like John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington met to lay out the blueprints of the new republic. In addition to more than 30 historic sites, the easy-to-follow route passes by several restaurants and shops. Guided tours meet at the Independence Visitor Center and take around 75 minutes to see 15 sites.
You want quality attractions and activities for your lesiure time. To that end, we've researched a diverse list of options, ruled out the wastes of time, and delivered only the 10Best. We provide quality information about historical sites, theme parks, sporting events, and city parks that you won't want to miss. Peruse our lists, see what grabs your fancy, and then head out for some personal time!
|
Print this Page
Email this Page
Click here to share it »
