Rich in historical heritage, Philadelphia is one of the most visited cities in the United States. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were signed right here at Independence Hall. Benjamin Franklin once called this city his home, and before Washington usurped that role, Philadelphia was the nation's capital. Today's Philadelphia is known for museums, vibrant nightlife, sports teams and a thriving restaurant scene that offers more than just the ubiquitous cheesy steak.
Philadelphia climate
Philadelphia's climate is continental, with cold winters and hot summers. Pennsylvania's largest city is located halfway between New York, Washington and about 90 km from the Atlantic coast. The city's climate is similar to that of New York, slightly less rainy, less snowy in winter and warmer in summer.
Average daily temperatures range from 0.5 ° C in January to 25.5 ° C in July. The city is located in the collision zone of various air masses: cold from Canada and warm from the Gulf of Mexico. The result is an unstable climate with waves of bad weather alternating with clear and sunny days.
The sea at Long Beach, on the Atlantic coast on the coast to the east of Philadelphia, is not very warm, but during the hot months the water temperature reaches 22/23 ° C, which is comfortable for swimming. There is a lot of precipitation, more than 1000 millimeters. The best time to visit Philadelphia is in the spring and fall to avoid both winter cold and summer heat: in May, early June, from mid September to mid October.
Where to go in Philadelphia
Philadelphia holds the title as the fifth largest city in the United States, but despite its size, it is a cozy city; most of its attractions, from the Liberty Bell to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (where the Rocky Steps are located) and the Italian Market , are within walking distance. If you get lost or want recommendations from locals, just ask - Philadelphians are proud of their city.
Rittenhouse Square
When William Penn (the man named for Pennsylvania and the mayor of the city) planned Philadelphia, he designed five squares that function as parks. Rittenhouse , the most glamorous of these, is both a park and a common name for an area known for its restaurants and shops. Rittenhouse Square is a beautifully designed, well-kept park, in the summer the fountain in the center functions as a meeting place. Weather permitting, grab your picnic essentials at Di Bruno Bros. Rittenhouse and take a seat on one of the many park benches. Don't be surprised if someone takes wedding photos nearby - this is one of the most beautiful places in the city.
University of Pennsylvania
Founded in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania (better known as Penn or UPenn ) is an Ivy League university with intricate Gothic buildings and lush courtyards. The campus, especially the Locust Walk that runs through it, offers visitors and students a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, on good days it is nice to relax here. The campus is home to the works of Alexander Calder, a sculpture of Robert Indiana , a statue of Benjamin Franklin , and Franklin Field, the country's oldest football stadium, is located here.
Reading Terminal Market
This vast market space has existed since 1893, although now sellers of vegetables, fish, meat are supplemented by dozens of restaurants, bakeries, and bars. Vintage neon signs will help you sort through dozens of sentences. DiNic's serves up a fried pork sandwich topped with an insane broccoli rabe - the main course of the market alongside silky Bassett ice cream .
Barnes Museum Philadelphia
An incredible collection of Impressionists and Post-Impressionists includes magnificent paintings by Matisse and Cézanne + African sculpture, indigenous ceramics, American painting, decorative arts are presented here.
United States Pennsylvania Philadelphia Gardens Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
A visit to this open-air garden sculpture gallery will make you feel like you are in the world of Philadelphia-based mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar: his creations are beautiful and often surreal. The project, spanning three urban areas, is a mixture of mirror fragments, tiles and found objects such as bicycle wheels and glass bottles, all together creating a mesmerizing effect. Walking around the interior and exterior space doesn't take long, and the kids have plenty to do, making it the perfect weekend pit stop for exploring the city.
Distilleries of philadelphia
Prior to Prohibition, Philadelphia was the distilling capital, home to many whiskey producers. The 18th Amendment destroyed almost the entire industry; but in recent years, thanks to the national interest in all handicrafts, distilleries have begun to open. Organized tours take you to several distilleries, but you can visit the craft distilleries on your own that specialize in the production of gin, rye whiskey, vodka, rum. Begin your journey to Philadelphia Distilling , the oldest of them all, with a lunch break at Sulimay's, Philly Style Bagels or Suraya .
National Historical Park of Independence
Philadelphia is the only city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the historical events that took place here. More than just a museum or historic site, it is a collection of buildings that have been the setting for the events that shaped America's independence. Begin your journey at the Visitor Center : explore the Independence Hall , stop at the Liberty Bell Center for a look at the world's most famous broken object, stroll through the park's historic buildings, including Carpenters Hall , the venue for the first Continental Congress, and see the Benjamin Franklin Museum .
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Crowning Ben Franklin Boulevard, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is home to Duchamp's largest and most important work, as well as a huge collection of Brancusi sculptures. Many Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings include Van Gogh's Sunflowers, works by Pissarro, Renoir and Monet. Explore the museum's impressive collections, stroll through the light-flooded antiquities, take a few minutes to sit down and watch the racing cars - this is one of the best views in the city.
Italian market
Philadelphians often refer to their hometown as the "city of neighborhoods". The Italian market and the area around it are a perfect example of this. Open since the 1880s, this year-round market is the heart of South Philadelphia, a historic Italian neighborhood that has also become home to Mexican and Vietnamese immigrants in recent years. The market, facing South 9th Street, is filled with shops and street vendors. Don't miss DiBruno's , Claudio's and Talluto's - their fresh mozzarella is a must, and for lunch, check out South Philly Barbacoa and Pho 75 . Whatever brings you to the market, be sure to come hungry and with cash.
Liberty Bell
Located in the historic center of the city, this glass pavilion, which houses the symbol of American independence, is one of the most visited attractions in Philadelphia.
What to eat in Philadelphia
- Iconic Cheese Beefsteak - Philadelphia Cheese Steak, invented by Pat's Steaks' Pat Olivieri in 1930 and imitated by many, requires thinly sliced beef. But the choice of cheese - provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz - is highly controversial. The perennial feud between Pat's King of Steaks and street rival Geno's Steaks draws thousands of visitors to Ninth Street and Passunk Avenue to sample the popular dish. Other establishments such as Dalessandro's Steaks and Hoagies, John's Roast Pork, Joe's Steak + Soda Shop, Steve's Prince of Steaks, Tony Luke's, Jim's Steaks also attract loyal fans.
- The Roast Pork Sandwich is an iconic Italian-American dish in Philadelphia. Tender oven-baked pork shoulder, usually sliced, topped with melted, hot provolone cheese and garlic-fried broccoli on an Italian roll. Sandwiches are served at Tony Luke's, George's Sandwich Shop and DiNic's Roast Pork - be prepared for a long line of shoppers.
- Hoagie is a signature dish filled with fresh meats, cheeses and vegetables with fresh bread. Local bakeries such as Amoroso or Sarcone's deliver fresh buns daily to shops throughout the city. One local sandwich chain, Primo Hoagies , has built a small empire with dozens of shops on the East Coast. Pizzeria Angelo's Pizzeria South Philly regularly ranks among the top popular sandwich and pie eateries. The world famous Beddia pizzeria is open to fans .
- Pretzels, introduced to the region by German settlers centuries ago, have long been a favorite local snack. A variety of soft pretzels are available from street vendors, grocery stores or bakeries. At Miller's Twist, on the historic Reading Terminal Market, customers can watch workers twist and twist Amish-style pretzels. No matter what shape the pretzel takes - wicker, sticks, nuggets - it is always tastier with mustard.
- Water Ice is a dessert for hot summer days, combining fruit or syrup with finely chopped ice is a refreshing treat. John's Water Ice, Mancuso & Son, and Rose's Real Italian Water Ice are some longtime favorites, and Yardley Ice House has a variety of flavors. West Philadelphia-based Siddiq's Water Ice also operates an army of carts selling the popular real fruit dessert, and D'Emilio's Old World Ice Treats is a gourmet treat on East Passyunk Avenue.
- Visitors will be hard-pressed to find a Philadelphian who doesn't say anything good about Butterscotch Krimpets or striped-iced chocolate muffins. Tastykakes have been Philadelphia's staple sweet snack for over a century. The company's headquarters in the Naval Yard is 25 acres and includes a LEED-certified bakery. Tastykakes can be ordered directly from the bakery or found at any local store such as the popular Wawa chain.
- Scrapple, a mixture of pork, spices and cornmeal, is a crispy grilled meat native to Holland. Scrapple serves Dutch Eating Place and Down Home Diner . Some of the best known suppliers of authentic Scrapple are Godshall's Quality Meats, Habbersett, and Hatfield , although many restaurants make their own versions. BYOB's Elwood in Fishtown makes this venison dish from a local farm.
- Made with a thick, focaccia-like dough, fresh tomato sauce and a pinch of grated Romano cheese, parmesan and oregano, tomato pie is a staple in many of Philadelphia's Italian bakeries and eateries. The bakeries Sarcone , Cacia are famous for their delicious tomato pies.
- Homemade Italian red sauce served with pasta is one of the best sauces in town. In South Philadelphia, pasta has been served in the Italian market since about 1900: visit Mr. Martino's trattoria on East Passyunk Avenue and Little Nonna's in the city center. For seafood lovers, spaghetti in crab sauce is a must-have in Philadelphia. # Owner chef Joey Baldino is known for his version of pasta at the Palizzi Social Club.
- The selection of local tacos is overwhelming thanks to the Mexican community of South Philadelphia. Chef and immigration activist Cristina Martinez has presented the city on national radar with her star-studded tortillas and lamb. Philly Tacos has a great shop, as well as weekend concerts at other venues such as Headhouse Farmers Market. Mole Poblano, Taqueria la Raza in North Philadelphia are must-see places.
Philadelphia Transportation
Philadelphia by bike
Philadelphia has emerged as one of the nation's most cyclist-friendly metropolitan areas, with dedicated bike lanes on city streets, hundreds of miles of trails, and a growing number of cyclists.
- 440+ miles of dedicated bike lanes
- 750 miles of cycling routes in progress, more than 300 miles completed so far
- 1,300+ bicycles available for rent at over 140 stations throughout the city.
Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than ever thanks to Indego , a city-wide rental service that offers rentals from as little as $ 4 per ride. Launched in 2015 with 1,000 bicycles and 100 stations, Indego continues to expand its program with over 40 new stations and 300 additional bicycles over the past two years. The stations are located throughout the city, from the Delaware River across the Schuylkill River to West Philadelphia and University City, and from South Philadelphia to North Philadelphia, including the main campus of Temple University.
Cyclists can walk to any Indego station and rent bicycles to travel around the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week; payment is made by credit card or Indego prepaid key. This fast and convenient system also allows bikers to return their rented bikes to the nearest station after the ride is over.
Public transportation in Philadelphia
In addition to walking and cycling, Philadelphia's transportation system offers many ways to get around the city.
- SEPTA's extensive public transport network takes you wherever you go. The new SEPTA Key fare program, which replaces tokens, passes and paper tickets, is a convenient and easy way to get around the city. Saved Value cards can be paid at the fare that best suits your travel needs - Weekly TransPass, Monthly TransPass, One-Day Convenience Pass, Travel Wallet. Chip technology is used in SEPTA key cards.
- Independence Pass - This pass includes unlimited travel on all buses, trolleybuses, subways and SEPTA trains, taking you everywhere from Bensalem to Phyllis, Alden to the Museum of Art or Springfield to South Street. A one-day individual pass costs $ 13, and a family pass for five people costs $ 30 (at least one family member must be 18 years old). The pass can be purchased from the conductor at any regional train, ticket offices, SEPTA sales offices, and also online.
Philadelphia is the best city for walking due to its clear layout, streets converging at right angles.
