Information about flights to Philadelphia
Known locally as 'Philly', the city of Philadelphia is home to some of America's finest historic buildings and was founded by the English entrepreneur William Penn in 1682. One of the highlights of any visit to Philadelphia is a trip to the famous Italian Market, which is the heart of the city's Italian community and is where you can find plenty of charming delicatessens, Italian-themed restaurants, and cafés.
The Franklin Institute
Founded by the geologist William H. Keating and the manufacturer Samuel Vaughan Merrick in the 1820s, the Franklin Institute is in an impressive Classical Revival style building. Some of the main permanent exhibits include a Baldwin 60000 steam locomotive, an electricity exhibition showcasing the discovery of electric power, and an interactive Sports Challenge demonstrating the influence science has had in the world of sports.
The Independence National Historical Park
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Independence National Historical Park is the city's most famous historic district and is the home of the Liberty Bell Center, where you can see the bell that was rung to symbolise the Declaration of Independence of the former thirteen colonies in 1776. Here, you can also explore many other great landmarks such as the American Philosophical Society Hall, the Free Quaker Meeting House, the New Hall Military Museum, and the former home of George Washington, the President's House.
Fairmount Park
One of the largest municipal park systems in the country, Fairmount Park is around 9,200 acres and is home to numerous public art exhibits. The park is also known for Bartram's Garden, which is the oldest botanic garden still in existence in the United States and was founded by the famous botanist John Bartram in 1728.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Housed in a magnificent 19th century building, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the principal art museums in North America and contains close to a quarter of a million artefacts showcasing the artistic achievements of the Western and Eastern worlds. The steps of the museum were the venue for the Live 8 benefit concert in July 2005, as well as the Philadelphia Freedom Concert in the same month.
