Facts over Philadelphia
State: Pennsylvania
City since: 1702
Motto / Nickname: Forever independent
Population: 1,449,634
Area: 349.8 km2
Time zone: -5
Top Spots:
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Independence Hall
- Liberty Bell Center
- Masonic Temple
- Second Bank of the United States
- United States Mint
According to ehangzhou, Philadelphia is the second largest city on the East Coast of the United States. Located between New York and Washington DC, it offers a wide range of historical and cultural activities. In addition, the city has all the facets that make a modern city attractive for a visit. Sightseeing, culture, shopping and dining: Philadelphia can rightly be called a vibrant city and is well worth a visit.
In 2006, Philadelphia celebrated the 300th anniversary of the birth of writer, printer, physicist and inventor Benjamin Franklin. This versatile man, along with Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, drafted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776. This statement laid the foundation for the genesis of American history. Jefferson, Adams, Franklin and George Washington were long known as the Founding Fathers of the American nation. They were seen as selfless champions of freedom and democracy. After the signing, Philadelphia became the capital of a rapidly growing American nation in 1790 (until 1800). The rich history of this huge country can be found throughout the city. Sights such as the Liberty Bell,
Culture
Philadelphia can rightly be called a cultural center and offers more than just history. The city has many renowned museums. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, for example, houses beautiful American, Asian and European works of art: from work by Thomas Eakins, a Chinese palace hall, to paintings by Van Gogh and Picasso. Until February 2006, the museum presents a retrospective of landscape painter Jacob van Ruisdael (1629-1682). He is one of the greatest Dutch painters of all time and the exhibition consists of 47 paintings, 30 drawings and all 13 etchings, giving the visitor a very good picture of the landscape in the Golden Age.
Would you like to admire works by Rodin? You can do that in the Rodin Museum in Philadelphia. The Barnes Foundation also exhibits the most extraordinary private collection of impressionist art in the world. Here you can admire more than 180 works of art by Renoir and more than 60 works by Matisse, among others. Monet, Manet, Degas, Rousseau, Soutine, Seurat and Modigliani are also included. A paradise for art lovers.
Except for the history and culture, many people come to Philadelphia to shop. With good reason, because the city is a real shopper’s paradise with many large shopping centers such as The Gallery, Lord & Taylor, Strawbridges and many nice specialty shops. In addition, you can shop tax-free on clothing and shoes in Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania. Well-known brands have their stores around Rittenhouse Row. Stroll through Jewelers’ Row, the oldest diamond district in the country with more than 300 jewelry stores. In addition to nice gifts, you can find really special pieces in Antique Row. The largest shopping complex in the country, King of Prussia Mall, is located approximately 25 minutes outside the city center. More than 365 stores are located here. Bargain hunters can indulge themselves in Franklin Mills with approximately 220 stores where all the major brands are represented. Just outside the center of Philadelphia is Manayunk, an old mill town. In addition to beautiful interior shops, numerous clothing stores, gift shops, restaurants and bars are located here. Manayunk is located on a canal and is connected to downtown Philadelphia by beautiful Fairmont Park.
After all the visits to museums and shops, it is time for a culinary journey of discovery. Philadelphia is pre-eminently a city for foodies. Many excellent restaurants are located here, in both modern and authentic buildings. The culinary variety is huge and the restaurateurs are renowned for their innovative and creative style. In the evening you can also enjoy a concert by the Philadelphia Orchestra, a performance by the Pennsylvania Ballet or a jazz concert at the Kimmel Center.
The many bars and cafes invite you to discover the city’s nightlife after dinner or concert. In the South Street District, you can enjoy hip nightclubs or jazz and blues bars until the wee hours where the traditional Philly Sound can still be heard.
The world-famous Arnold Arboretum is located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood.
