If you love American history, spending time outdoors and a fun culinary scene, you will enjoy a visit to Philly. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other in "America's most historic square mile".
If you are tight on time, take this "Free tours by foot" it is a great way to see historical, Old City Philly. You tip what you can, and most of the places you stop you only will see the outside, so on your own, you can go back to visit indoors.
Liberty bell - An iconic symbol of American independence.
Betsy Ross home - The most well-known seamstress in our country's history who designed the American flag.
Independence hall - "In 1776, the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence here. Eleven years later, in the same room, delegates to the Constitutional Convention created and signed an enduring framework of government - the United States Constitution. Although known today as Independence Hall, the building was constructed to be the Pennsylvania State House. It once housed all three branches of Pennsylvania’s colonial government."
Elfreth's Alley - The nation's oldest continuously inhabited residential street, dating back to 1703.
It is a right of passage to visit the rocky statue and run up the steps.
The Gayborhood - A hub of awesome food, drinks, and LGBTQ culture in the heart of Philly.
The LOVE sculpture - Iconic artwork in Love park and come winter the area is transformed into a Christmas Village. Similar to European open-air markets. Walk over to Dilworth Park during the winter to ice skate, experience Wintergarden, but check ahead of time to see the entertainment lineup.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens - Mosaic artwork.
Enjoy a stroll at Penn’s Landing and the Delaware River waterfront.
Food -
Grab a bite to eat at The Reading terminal. This is "one of America’s largest and oldest public markets, housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building, the Market offers an incredible selection of locally grown & exotic produce, locally sourced meats, and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and confections." If you won't have a chance to get to Amish country in Lancaster, there are Amish food stands where you can pick up a delicious Doughnut, so you won't miss out!
Visit El Vez a Starr restaurant for a delicious Mexican meal. I ordered a Black Bean Enchilada and a Frozen Blood Orange Margarita.
Want to get out of the city to the suburbs?
If you like history and nature you absolutely have to check out Valley Forge National Park. It’s gorgeous and has a different type of landscape. It is significant to the Revolutionary War so there are monuments and even an encampment tour route. Not to mention it’s right by the King of Prussia mall which is one of the top 5 malls in the US so not a bad pit stop. After shopping head over to Maggiano's Little Italy. I had an amazing peach bellini and paired it with an Italian tossed salad and chicken piccata.
Doylestown - Is a quintessential small town in PA.
Fonthill Castle is walking distance away from the below locations on Main Street, there are also cute stores to pop into.
Siren Records - The singer Pink grew up here and this is where she used to get her records from.
