There are quite a few fabulous sights in Philly. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market and of course the Liberty Bell. In a few short hours in this historic city, you can check many must-see sights off your travel bucket list. Before you set out for a day of adventure your first stop should be to fuel up, Philly style, on a Philly steak sandwich.
Located right across the street from each other, Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks are the most famous steak sandwich places in the city. Cheesesteaks were born in Philly in the 1930s. However, it wasn’t until the early 1950s that cheese was added to the steak sandwiches. Today, there is much debate about which cheese makes the best sandwich. Most commonly, sandwiches are smothered in American, provolone or Cheez Whiz. Being that the city’s two favorite cheesesteak stands are so close to each other, order a sandwich from each and split them your travel partners. You decide which joint is the Philly King of cheesesteaks.
Travel Tip: Order like a local and ask for one sandwich whiz wit. That’s Philly speak for a sandwich with onions and Chez Whiz.
Independence National Historic Park
After scarfing down a cheesesteak, it’s time to check out more fabulous sights in Philly. The first continental congress convened in Philadelphia and the city served as our nation’s temporary capital following the Revolutionary War. Philadelphia is loaded with American history. Benjamin Franklin served as the new nation’s first postmaster general in Philadelphia You can visit the Benjamin Franklin Post Office Building in the Old City District. The main attraction in the Old City District is the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall at Independence National Historic Park. Tours of Independence Hall are free and available on a first-come-first-serve basis. The tour highlight was standing in the room our nation’s founders signed the Declaration of Independence.
Liberty Bell Center
Though a bit of a wait, an up-close look at the Liberty Bell is a must-see on any trip to Philadelphia. The famous, cracked bell once hung in Independence Hall. It last rang out in 1776 when it summoned citizens to hear the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. While in the Old City District be sure to stop by Benjamin Franklin’s Grave, the Franklin Court Printing Office and Elfreth’s Alley.
Elftreth’s Alley: the oldest, continuously inhabited residential street in the country
Philadelphia Museum of Art
You don’t need to love art to appreciate the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The steps leading up to the museum are called the “The Rocky Steps.” If you never step foot inside, at least jog up the 72 famous steps like Rocky Balboa in the popular 1976 film. See our Rocky inspired trek up the steps here. You’ll also need to take at least one cheesy picture by the bronze statue at the base of the steps.
On your way to the museum, be sure to admire the architecture of Philadelphia’s City Hall and join the crowds in Love Park for an iconic Philly photo opportunity. For more insight and suggestions for travel, check out our posts on Washington DC, Boston, Chicago and New York City.
Happy Adventuring, Rochelle