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ATTRACTIONS
AREA'S TO CHECK OUT
SPORTS
ATTRACTIONS:
Independence National Historic Park
The site of our nation's birth, and
the location of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Independence Hall is set on 45
acres of prime center city property. The famous Liberty Bell rests in the Liberty Bell
Pavilion, one of 40 buildings in the park. The Visitor's Center can be found on the corner
of 3rd and Chestnut. The park is open daily from 9 am to 5p.m., and often later in the
summer. A must see attraction.
Independence Hall
Originally used for such events as the 2nd Continental
Congress in May of 1775, and the drafting of our nation's constitution in 1787.
Independence Hall is the most frequently visited attraction in the area. It's open from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. and free tours are given every 15 minutes by park rangers. Located in the
heart of the city on Chestnut St. half way between 5th and 6th street. Remember, you're
not allowed to walk around by yourself, get there early to avoid long waits.
Franklin Court
Another of the many free attractions in Philadelphia.
This is possibly the most fun of all the attractions in the city. Franklin Court once held
the home of Benjamin Franklin. The exhibits show Franklin's limitless interest in the
sciences. If you're hungry, you should try stopping by the pretzel factory for one of
America's best. The entrance is located on Chestnut, between 3rd and 4th streets, but be
watchful because the roadside entrance reveals no evidence of the Court below. If you miss
the first entrance, there is a second one located on 316-318 Market St. Open daily from
9am to5pm.
The Liberty Bell
A must see attraction for the first time Philadelphia
visitor. The Liberty Bell symbolizes our country's freedom. It was cracked during its
testing, but was resealed in 1753. It has been moved only once since this time, when it
was taken to Allentown to prevent the British from melting it into ammunition in 1777. The
Liberty Bell Pavilion is open from 9am to 8pm daily. You can no longer touch the Bell, but
you can photograph it. Located in Independence Historical National Park on Chestnut St.
between 5th and 6th Sts.
Franklin Institute Science Museum
Logan Circle, 20th St. and Benjamin
Franklin Parkway. 215-448-1200. This museum includes things of interest to young and old
alike. Complete with a giant model heart, a planetarium, and daily laser shows. Franklin
institute is open daily from 930am to 5pm. Admission is $8.50 for adults, and $7.50 for
children.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
26th St. and Ben Franklin Parkway.
215-763-8100. The third largest art museum in America has a varied collection. Parts of
the museum focus on English and French art, while another part focuses on early Quaker
paintings, and Amish works of art. Admission is $7 for adults $4 for students and seniors,
and free to children 5 and under. The museum's hours are- Sun. 10am-1pm, Tues-Sun.
10am-5pm, late Wed hours- 8:45pm.
City Hall
Broad and Market Sts. 215-569-3187. Free admission to this
architectural wonder. Planned in 1871 to be the tallest building in the world. The
highlight of City Hall is the tower view, it stands at 480 ft. and provides an excellent
view of the city. The Mayor's reception room, and the City Council Chamber are also
excellent areas to check out the elegant decoration. Open Mon-Fri 10am to Noon (reserved
for school groups), and from Noon to 3pm for all other visitors.
Philadelphia Merchants Exchange
Walnut and 3rd Sts. 215-597-8974. Not
open to the public. Even though you can't go inside anymore, it's worth the trip to this
area of the city to view its extravagant exterior. This tower was built for relaying
information about incoming ships.
Christ Church Burial Ground
5th and Arch Sts. Open by appointment only.
This cemetery contains the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, and his wife Deborah,
as well as four signers of the Declaration of Independence, and many Revolutionary War
heroes.
Betsy Ross House
239 Arch St. 215-627-5343. Although admission is free
to this house of history, the suggested donation for adults is $1. Hours are Tues-Sun 10am
to 5pm. This is a good place to stop if you're trying to fit a lot in and only have a few
minutes. The tour will take less then 5 minutes and includes walking through all the rooms
in the house and into the sewing parlor, which is now a gift shop.
Masonic Temple
1 North Broad St. 215-988-1917. Another of the Free
attractions, the temple is one of the world's largest. One of America's best examples of
post Civil War architecture. Tours are Mon.- Fri. at 10am, 11am, 1,2,and 3pm.
Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site
532 N. 7th St. 215-597-8780.
Free admission once again, open from Tues- Sat. 9am.- 5pm. This is the former home of one
of America's greatest poets. Simple in its nature, it is also unfurnished.
U.S. Mint
5th and Arch Sts. 215-5997-7350. Free admission. Hours vary
daily so it would be a good idea to call and find out what they are when you of the
exhibits are intelligently explained. The complex houses information about Darwin's theory
on evolution, many mummy exhibits, and a virtual treasure trove of jewelry recovered from
the site of the ancient city of Ur. Contains at least 20 artifacts from each continent.
Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for students and seniors. Hours are Tues.-Sat. 10am
to 4:30pm., Sun. 1-5pm.
Philadelphia Zoological Gardens
34th and Girard Ave. 21-243-1100.
Admission is $8.50 for adults, $6 for seniors and children, and free for children under 2.
The nation's very first zoo was opened in 1874. Among its major attractions are the White
Lions, the carnivore kingdom (Cat House), and 3 naturally planted habitats of several
different species of primate. A great outing for the entire family. Walk across the Jungle
Bird walk, and hear the songs of the birds overhead. Conveniently located on the
Schuyllkill Expressway, and on the Chestnut/Market St. exit from I-76.
DIFFERENT AREAS:
Historic and Waterfront District
The city's historic and waterfront
park begins on 6th Street, just four blocks east of the Convention Center, and continues
to Penn's Landing on the banks of the Delaware River. The site of Philadelphia's earliest
settlements, the neighborhood is full of 18th-century influence including Colonial-era
homes and cobblestone streets. In addition to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall,
Independence National Historical Park - America's most historic square mile - is home to
numerous historical buildings and sites, most of which are free to the public.
Old City
Your exploration of America's heritage continues north of
Market Street in the city's first commercial district. In addition to Betsy Ross's home
and Elfreth's Alley - America's oldest continuously residential street - Old City is known
for the most exciting collection of art galleries on the East Coast.
Society Hill
A prominent Delaware River waterfront neighborhood steeped
in America's history, Society Hill is a upscale prototype for urban restoration. Enjoy the
architectural styles of hundreds of historically significant townhouses and places of
worship.
South Street
The "hippest street in Philadelphia," South
Street is famous for its eclectic shops, diverse restaurants and dynamic nightlife.
There's no better place to people-watch on a Friday or Saturday night.
Washington Square District
Centered around one of the public squares
planned by William Penn, this area of the city connects the historic and commercial
districts. Walking through the quaint neighborhoods you will discover Jewelers Row and
Antique Row, two of the city's specialty shopping areas, as well as the Walnut Street and
Forrest theaters.
Convention Center District
Built in 1994, the state-of-the-art
Pennsylvania Convention Center contains more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit and
meeting space and is one of the finest facilities in the country. The Center is connected
to the historic Reading Terminal Market, an open-air smorgasbord of 80 eateries and
merchants.
Chinatown
The "Chinese Friendship Gate" at 10th and Arch
Streets welcomes you to this bustling community that has established itself as a center
for fine art, culture, and the very best in Asian culinary delights for more than a
century.
Parkway/Museum District
Stretching from City Hall to The Philadelphia
Museum of Art, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is flanked by some of the city's most
acclaimed institutions. The Parkway is also the location of numerous festivals and events
throughout the year, including Fourth of July fireworks. Logan Circle, one of the public
"squares" in the city's original design, is home to the magnificent Swann
Fountain.
Fairmount Park
Beginning at the Ben Franklin Parkway, Fairmount Park
encompasses more than 8,900 acres of winding creeks, rustic trails, green meadows and 100
miles of recreational trails. The world's largest landscaped urban park also contains
early-American mansions, historic landmarks, a variety of outdoor sculpture, playing
fields, and 19th-century Victorian structures along Boathouse Row.
Rittenhouse Square District
One of the most prestigious addresses in
Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square is famous for it's world-class shopping and restaurants.
Part of William Penn's original city plan, this beautiful public square is a popular
destination for Center City residents and visitors alike.
Manayunk
Nestled along the banks of the Schuylkill River just west of
Center City, Manayunk is one of the newest hot spots in the area. Named a National
Historic District in 1983, "Philadelphia's Main Street" boasts more than 65 chic
boutiques and galleries and dozens of restaurants.
Chestnut Hill
Cobblestoned Germantown Avenue is surrounded by art
galleries, restaurants and specialty and antiques shops, located on the city's northwest
boundary.
University City District
Located west of Center City across the
Schuylkill River, University City is home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel
University and a proliferate community of educational, cultural, technological and
entertainment organizations.
South Philadelphia
This mix of long-established residential ethnic
neighborhoods, provides a tapestry of sights, sounds and tastes to explore. In addition to
being home of the city's expansive professional Sports Complex, South Philadelphia is
probably best known for the open-air Italian Market, outstanding Italian restaurants, and
the home of the cheessteak.
The Avenue of the Arts
Encompassing North and South Broad Street, The
Avenue of the Arts is one of the premier cultural destinations in the city and the region
and home to the Academy of Music, the Merriam Theater, Wilma Theater, Freedom Theatre and
the dazzling Regional Performing Arts Center to be completed in 2001.
North Philadelphia
Home to numerous educational, cultural and community
organizations, North Philadelphia is perhaps best known as the location of Temple
University and the Uptown Cultural District.
El Centro de Oro
In this vibrant heart of Philadelphia's Latino
community you will find music, shopping and dining, as well as extensive bilingual
services
SPORTS:
Professional teams that play at the Vet,
Wachovia Center, and Spectrum
Philadelphia Eagles (National Football League) 215-463-5500
Philadelphia Phillies (Major League Baseball) 215-463-1000
Philadelphia 76ers (National Basketball Association) 215-339-7600
Philadelphia Flyers (National Hockey League)215-465-4500
Philadelphia Phantoms (American Hockey League) 215-465-4522
Philadelphia KiXX (National Professional Soccer League) 888-888-KIXX
Philadelphia Wings (National Lacrosse League) 215-389-WING
Intro
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