Travel tips and advice for Philadelphia, US: The nine things you should do

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This was published 4 years ago

Travel tips and advice for Philadelphia, US: The nine things you should do

By David Whitley
Updated
Swann Memorial Fountain.

Swann Memorial Fountain.Credit: iStock

THE ONE NATIONAL PARK

Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States, and the Independence National Historical Park is home to several key buildings from the foundation era. The star is Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated, drafted and signed. The look and furniture have been kept as close as possible to how they would have been in the day. See nps.gov/inde

THE ONE DOCUMENT

The National Constitution Center looks at the world's first written constitution, and the fights that went into creating it. A rousing theatrical presentation gives way to a circular hall that delves into slavery, worker unionisation, states rights and more. There's plenty of interactivity, too, with touch screens telling the stories of 99 people and one mouse – Mickey – who played a major part in shaping the amended constitution as it is today. See constitutioncenter.org

THE ONE MARKET

You can turn up to Reading Terminal Market hungry, but you almost certainly won't leave that way. There's an amazing array of food stalls selling everything from shaved meat sandwiches to cranberry cookies. It's as much about the character as the food on offer though – there's a blue collar lack of frippery that feels very Philly. See readingterminalmarket.org

THE ONE MUSEUM

The Museum of the American Revolution (amrevmuseum.org) is deadly earnest, but does well on the story-telling front. There are a series of "I didn't know that" moments as it guides visitors through the causes, battles and aftermath of the Revolutionary War. For example, the term "USA" was first used as a brand on gunpowder casks, before appearing on soldiers' buttons. See amrevmuseum.org

THE ONE MOVIE MOMENT

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The slightly stuffy Philadelphia Museum of Art may well have one of the world's great art collections – especially on the French impressionist front – but film fans will know it from the steps at the front. It's where Sylvester Stallone runs up and down in Rocky, and fans pay tribute by aping him outside the museum every day. There's also a Rocky Balboa statue at the bottom of the steps. See philamuseum.org

THE ONE PRISON

The Eastern State Penitentiary, a fortress-like former prison on the hill, was the template for hundreds of prisons around the world. It's a hulking, massively atmospheric place, with an excellent audio-guided tour that goes into penal history, escape stories and – admirably unflinchingly – the American system of mass incarceration in the 21st century. See easternstate.org

THE ONE STREET

Philly is a great place to just hang out in, and East Passyunk Avenue is the top spot if you want to flit between restaurants, craft beer bars and distilleries. There's a friendly vibe throughout, but the Manatawny Still Works is a fine place to pull up a bar stool, taste some local spirits and get chatting with strangers. See manatawnystillworks.com

THE ONE TRAIN JOURNEY

The city has a hugely impressive street art scene – South Street is home to many, including Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, which has dozens of buildings covered in glass mosaics. But most loveable are the dozens of murals forming a love letter along the Market/Frankford train line. Philadelphia Mural Arts runs a tour along the line, amongst its several art-spotting excursions. See muralarts.org

THE ONE HOTEL

The Cambria Hotel has a light musical theme running through it – check out the drums used as tables in the bar area that plays into the theatre and gig venue heritage. Bluetooth music players in the bathroom mirrors and feature walls that look like fireworks displays are nice touches too. Rooms cost from around $140 a night. See cambriaphiladelphia.com

ONE MORE THING

Ever wondered where Mount Kosciuszko got its name from? Well, the Polish revolutionary hero once lived in an old lodging house in Philadelphia's historic district. It has now been turned into the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial and the small museum inside tells his story. See nps.gov/thko

David Whitley was a guest of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, see Discoverphl.com

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