Philadelphia’s Best Sights
Trip Ideas
Most Momentous Building: Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and drafted in Independence Hall, where you can almost picture the visionary leaders coming together to create history.
Most Iconic Philadelphia Landmark: The Liberty Bell is the image most commonly associated with the City of Brotherly Love and the United States’ independence from England. At the Liberty Bell Center you’ll learn more about its history and the many other freedom movements that claim the bell as their symbol.
Most Modern Old City Attraction: Offering a refreshing and fascinating contrast to the many historic buildings, the world-class National Constitution Center delights with its high-tech interactive exhibits highlighting the history and meaning of the U.S. Constitution.
Most Beautiful Office Building: Philadelphia’s City Hall is the largest municipal building in the nation and arguably the most breathtaking. This impressive work of architecture is crowned by a 37-foot-tall William Penn — the largest statue atop any building in the world.
Most Secretive Sight: A tour of the Masonic Temple reveals a lot about the magnificent building, and even a little about the oldest, most mysterious fraternal order in the world — the masons. The building is considered one of the three most impressive Masonic temples in the world.
Most Historic Market: Where else but the Reading Terminal Market can you eat delicious international fare and shop for unique goods in a former railroad station more than 100 years old? Go hungry: The smells are simply irresistible.
Spookiest Sight: The Eastern State Penitentiary, the first of its kind, mixes past and present with artist installations placed throughout the grounds in addition to all those creepy cells.
Best Art Museum — Inside and Out: Before entering the world-renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art, be sure to take in the stunning Greek-revival building — and stand at the top of the “Rocky steps” to survey the city.
Coolest Cemetery: If wandering around a cemetery isn’t your idea of a good time, then clearly you’ve never visited Laurel Hill Cemetery. The centuries-old architecture and beautiful view of the Schuylkill River from the raised, sprawling grounds make it a worthwhile stop. On a tour, you’ll learn about the fascinating lives — and deaths — of many of Philadelphia’s earliest residents.
Best Place to See Animals and Get High: The Philadelphia Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animal species. While it is the nation’s oldest zoo, it is regularly updated with all-new, cutting-edge attractions, including the Zooballoon, a hot air balloon that rises high above the city offering breathtaking views of the skyline, the Schuylkill River, and Fairmount Park.
© Karrie Gavin from Moon Philadelphia, 1st Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.