Fill-Up in Philadelphia
You need a getaway or travel binge every once in a while. From time to time, you need to refresh and refill. Make time to fill-up in Philadelphia. Take a weekend away or three or four days to visit the City of Brotherly Love.Â
Philadelphia has much to offer any visitor. Whether it’s a solo, family, or girls’ trip, you will find plenty of activities to meet your expectations. The city offers plenty of tourist attractions, restaurants, museums, historical and cultural events, so pre-plan things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.
City of Brotherly Love
Philadelphia has a rich political history and is the largest city in Pennsylvania. It is the place where the United States’ Declaration of Independence was signed. Did you know the city has more outdoor murals and sculptures than any other city? Called Philly for short, it also has 67 National Historic Landmarks, and the World Heritage Site of Independence Hall and Philly was the first national capital.
During a recent trip to the City of Brotherly Love, I discovered educational and fun things to experience. I even ran up the stairs made famous by the film, Rocky. So, for your fill-up in Philadelphia, here are a few places to visit.
Historical Sites and Museums
First, visit the Independence National Historical Park, which includes the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and other historical sites. The Liberty Bell bears the message, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof”. It is and has been a symbol for many causes including abolitionists, women suffrage, and civil rights leaders. The Liberty Bell continues to be a symbol for various groups who fight for individual rights and freedom.
The bell is in the Independence National Historical Park. Put on your walking shoes, because there is much to see. Here a new republic was born, and the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. Independence National Historical Park is a part of the National Park Service and historic buildings, artifacts, and structures are well preserved. Visitors must go through security checks before entering. Tickets are required March through December to enter Independence Hall.
As you fill up on history in Philadelphia, don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Congress Hall, too. Then head over to the National Constitution Center, the President’s House and more. Philly has fabulous museums of arts and culture, including the African-American Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art where Sylvester Stallone famously ran up the stairs in the movie, Rocky.
Great Food and Drinks
Now it’s time to fill up with great food in Philadelphia. While the city is known for the famous Philly Cheesesteak, food lovers can choose from many restaurants and flavors.. Here you will find a variety of restaurants! Whether your tastebuds crave American, Latin, Asian, Caribbean, Seafood, or Italian food, you’ll find it at Reading Terminal Market.
Another restaurant that is all the rage is Parc, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant. Reservations are needed to get into this trendy restaurant. Another popular restaurant is El Vez, where you can get your fill of Mexican food. The Fishtown neighborhood is also a popular place for great food and drinks. Of course, Philadelphia has too many restaurants to list here in this post. Visit the Visit Philadelphia site for more information.
Music and Dance Scene
If you are a music lover, fill up in Philadelphia on genres like classical, jazz, rock, pop, and rap. Many venues offer live music. If you love hearing classical music, the Philadelphia Orchestra is world renown. Two places to experience the jazz scene are South and Chris Jazz Cafe. Hop over to Broad Street to seek theater and dance venues. If you are a dance enthusiast, Philly has various dance troupes representing ballet, modern, salsa, flamenco, and hip hop.
Festivals and Events
Again, Philadelphia offers something for everyone. Throughout the year, events and festivals available to attend for residents and tourists. The Center City District has Restaurant Week during September. Another event is the Fringe Festival which celebrates the LGBTO community. Cultural events are held to celebrate Hispanic History Month and African-American History Month. Oktober Fest is a big event and is all about German Heritage, beer, and brews. Again check out the Top Things to Do in Philadelphia to help with your planning.
Hotels and Places to Stay
Like any big city, Philadelphia is filled with hotels and Airbnb locations to fit any budget. If you decide to stay in the Center City District, you can find many well-known hotel brands like Hilton, Loews. Sheraton, and more. The Center City District is very walkable to historical sites, museums, and restaurants. If you stay outside of the center area, Philadelphia has an excellent public transportation system, or you can use rideshare companies. Plan according to your budget.
Closing
You can cover much ground in a quick getaway to Philadelphia; however, it’s a big city. Therefore, a short visit means you will miss a few things. That will give you more reasons for a second visit. Fill up in Philadelphia the first time, and then begin to plan for a refill. So, pack your bags, gather your family or girlfriends, and head to Philly.
