Philadelphia’s been getting a lot of press about becoming America’s “next great city.” And though I’m pleased to see my city getting the recognition it deserves, I need to set the record straight. As any proud local will tell you — and we are all proud — Philly has always been a great city, and it keeps getting better all the time.

As you’re exploring the streets of Philadelphia (some paved and some still cobblestone) in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin, history is always present. Though Center City has blossomed into a world-class downtown, new skyscrapers, restaurants, theaters, and galleries still mingle with the well-preserved homes and churches of the founding fathers.

While visiting the Liberty Bell and jogging up the famed Art Museum steps à la Rocky, be sure to indulge in the activities that locals enjoy. Relax in Rittenhouse Square. Grab lunch in Reading Terminal Market. Stroll along the Schuylkill River Trail. See a play on the Avenue of the Arts.

In the colorful neighborhoods beyond Center City, you’ll discover family-run greasy spoons where you’ll be called “Hon,” charming BYOBs, and dive bars where Quizzo and karaoke rival the 76ers, Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers as serious competitive sports.

Philadelphians have an innate and unshakeable hometown pride, and we couldn’t be happier that millions of visitors are flocking to see for themselves what we’ve known all along. But let’s be clear: Philadelphia will never become “the next” Boston, San Francisco, or New York. There is no city in the world quite like Philly — and that’s just the way we like it.

Dive into Philly’s Best…

• Sights
• Restaurants
• Nightlife
• Arts & Leisure
• Shopping
• Hotels
• Excursions