Philadelphia, Birthplace of America

Do you know that Philadelphia...

• is home to America's "most historic square mile?"
• was the first capital of the United States?
• boasts more Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings than any city other than Paris?
• is a center of medical education, pharmaceutical companies and bio-technology research?
• is the second-largest city on the East Coast?
• is a shoppers' paradise with no tax on clothing and shoes?

Philadelphia is one of the largest cities in the United States, but its walkable downtown, friendly people and intriguing neighborhoods give it the charm of a small town.

Philadelphia is "the birthplace of America," where the past comes alive in some of the nation's most important historical sites and along the city's cobblestone streets.   But Philadelphia is more than history.   Cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic treasures are found throughout the city and its surrounding countryside.

The second-largest city on the East Coast, Philadelphia is situated at the crossroads of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States.   New York City is about an hour away by train and Washington, D.C., is less than two hours.

Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn, an English Quaker. King Charles II of England granted him a parcel of land located between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. The city was laid out in a grid pattern that included five public squares, all of which remain today, to realize Penn's dream of a "green countrie towne." Because of its excellent location on the Atlantic Coast and accessible port facilities, Philadelphia grew rapidly in the 18th century until it was the second-largest English-speaking city in the world (after London).

Philadelphia's history from 1774 to 1800 is inextricably linked to that of the American Revolution and the young nation. In Independence National Historical Park, "America's most historic square mile," visitors can see two of the nation's most precious monuments   -- the Liberty Bell, symbol of the nation's freedom, and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution was written in 1787. Philadelphia served as the nation's first capital, from 1791 to 1800.

Philadelphia's historical importance is only part of the story.   A wealth of arts and cultural attractions, renowned performing arts companies, awe-inspiring architecture, a rich multicultural heritage, seemingly endless shopping (with no tax on clothing and shoes) and a restaurant scene that has captured the world's attention, combine to create an unforgettable experience.

While Philadelphia is a museum itself with hundreds of outdoor sculptures, fountains and murals, it offers a treasure trove of masterpieces housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and dozens of other museums throughout the city and the countryside.  

The Philadelphia Orchestra, which performs at the new Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, is just one of the gems in the cultural crown, which includes a vibrant theater scene, powerful dance companies, and an array of opera and chamber music.   Philadelphia is a stop for every contemporary artist, from rock to hip hop, as they perform at large and small venues throughout the city.

With no tax on shoes and clothing, the city has emerged as a shopper's paradise.   From the upscale shops of Rittenhouse Row to the boutiques and art galleries of Old City to the largest retail mall in America, the Court and Plaza at King of Prussia, and the outlets at Franklin Mills Mall, Philadelphia is a place to "shop until you drop!"

The city's restaurant scene continues to draw rave reviews from around the globe.   From the trendy to the traditional, from Asian fusion to classical French, there is a virtual smorgasbord of choices for every taste and budget.

For visitors, there is no end to the possibilities in Philadelphia.