What to do outside New York City?

Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and, by the time of the American Revolution, it was America's largest and most important city. It was founded by William Penn as a place of religious tolerance - it was tolerance for all faiths - his spirit infused the first steps toward US independence. The city was the cradle of freedom, where the American dream was initiated with visionaries and the so-called parents of the nation created the model of modern democracy which became an inspiration globally. Here you will find facts that will convince you why the city of Philadelphia deserves a guided tour!

If you get a $ 100 American bill the building you see on the back of the note is  Independence Hall , the most important location in Philadelphia or Philadelphia. It was at this location, Independence Square, that the people of the USA declared their independence from Britain. It was also where a Constitution was drafted balancing the rights of states and individuals with the need for a strong central government. Today Independence Hall is a World Heritage Site (UNESCO), where you can meet the meeting rooms of the founders of the country by visiting the Assembly Hall and Audience Hall.

In the same square is the Liberty Bell , originally placed to signal the time of the meetings of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, that met in the house of the state in the middle of century XVIII. The Bell of Freedom is one of the greatest symbols of freedom in the world, having inscribed the inscription "Proclaiming freedom in all the earth to all its inhabitants". The Liberty Bell was touched to announce the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America.

The city is not only history, it is also scenery of famous films and unique gastronomy. Films like Philadelphia with Tom Hanks and the Rocky series have the location as the setting and perhaps the most famous in the city is the Philadelphia Museum of Art staircase, used in the memorable sequence where Rocky Balboa trains running to the top of the museum entrance. Beside the museum was placed a statue of the character Rocky as homage and photos for tourists.

Opposite Independence Hall is the National Constitution Center , an interactive museum dedicated to the document on which the nation was founded, and the impact that different interpretations of the document have had on the nation and the world since it was adopted in 1789. Visitors can listen to the speeches of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, or to real arguments from Supreme Court cases in a replica of the bench, or even to walk through a re-enactment of the 19th-century Senate floor.

For a different visit you can take a tour of the Eastern State Penitentiary , it was the first true penitentiary in the world that today functions as a museum. The building was designed to inspire penance, in other words, true repentance in the heart of the criminal. Originally the site had seven cell blocks divided as wheel rims with running water and even heating before the White House. The penitentiary housed famous criminals like Slick Willie and Al Capone.

Closing in style on our tours, we go to the Reading Terminal Market . Formed by two farmers in 1892 the market was relocated to the subsoil when the train terminal arose at about the same time. It was a very sought after market with customers coming from the state of New Jersey looking for good products. In the 70's the place was deactivated and in the 80's the city decided to transfer the train lines to the surroundings of the terminal. In this way the Reading Terminal Market can reopen in the middle of 1990. It was remodeled and today is considered the best market with products direct from the farms in the USA. They are 80 sellers with all kind of products, from high quality, from meat to spices, products from the Amish community, restaurants with Dutch food, Burger or even Soul Food.

There are plenty to see and visit in the city of Philadelphia, interesting points not mentioned in the text are: Rodin Museum, The Franklin Institute, Longwood Gardens, Franklin Court and B. Free Franklin Post Office, Elfreth's Alley (the oldest residential street yet City Hall, Masonic Temple, The Italian Market, Pat's King of Steaks (one of the best Philly Steak sandwiches you can eat).

Philadelphia has so much to offer the visitor, it's well worth taking time out in the city.