have you been to Philadelphia? what did you think about it? is there alot to see, in terms of architecture, history, and meseums?
2006-10-25 14:13:43 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Philadelphia
I love Philly as it is much less intense than NY or DC. My favorite spot in addition to the bell etc is the Eastern State Penitentiary. After reflecting on the souls that passed through I usually head down to Jim's on South St for the signature sandwich of Philly. There is always some good music or a an odd play to catch in the downtown district.
2006-10-25 14:38:10 · answer #1 · answered by ditsyquoin 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Philadelphia has it all--history, arcitecture, and museums.
I'd start in the area by the Delaware River known as the Olde City. Here you will find some of the oldest buildings in Philadelphia--and Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously occupied residential street in the United States.
Architecture is everywhere, from the rowhouses of the Olde City area to City Hall. There's The Gallery, one of the first shopping malls to be built in the downtown area of a major city; the old Wanamaker building (I think it's now a Lord & Taylor, but I havent' been home in a few years), site of one of the country's earliest department stores; and the variety of church architecture as well, such as Christ Church, Old St. Mary's, Old St. Joseph's, and Holy Trinity--all within walking distance of one another. And while you're at it, check out Pennsylvania Hospital's complex on Spruce Street--it's got a number of styles to choose from, including brownstones that date back to the 1820's (I lived in one of them as a child--it was originally an orphanage and by the time the early 1960's had rolled around had been made into apartments). I don't know if it's still there or not, but one of the buildings around 8th and Spruce (part of the Pennsylvania Hospital complex), but there was a building that was originally a 'lying-in" (that is, maternity) hospital. If you look on the roof, the wind vane has a stork on it.
Museums? Go to the Parkway. At one end, on the Schuylkill River, is the Philadephia Museum of Art. Others nearby are the Rodin Museum, the Franklin Institute, and, I think, the Academy of Natural Sciences. There is even an antique toy museum, and a museum devoted to firefighters as well, although they aren't on the Parkway. And that's only scratching the surface, because I've limited myself solely to the downtown area.
And don't forget, above all else, to get a soft pretzel, preferably a warm one early in the day, from a street vendor.
Enjoy!
2006-10-26 10:21:31 · answer #2 · answered by Chrispy 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Philly is a beautiful city! It's where I grew up.
There is so much history there and a lot to do, both downtown and the surrounding areas.
The Art Museum, the Franklin Institute, Independence Hall, Rittenhouse Square, The Gallery, drive around the neighborhoods and look at the houses. Temple University and UPenn are beautiful campuses.
Philadelphia is a very historic city. For this reason, the neighborhoods are very ethnic and still have their original feel.
2006-10-28 16:31:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The architecture and history are amazing. The city is a working class city with a good night life. South street can be fun but the city has a huge historical presence and can be fun for a few days. If you get bored NYC is 1.5 hours away on the express train.
2006-10-28 21:52:10 · answer #4 · answered by Danthony 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sk8trmom51 covered so much already... But don't forget the oldest zoo in the country, The Philadelphia Zoo. It has the history, architecture and even some animals to see.
Philadelphia is a beautiful place to visit, with the Constitution Center, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Franklin Institute (Science Museum), the Art Museum (with the Rocky statue in front of it) and some great night life.
Come to Philadelphia, you will enjoy.
2006-10-26 11:48:39 · answer #5 · answered by Brian H 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I used to live there. It's a huge and vibrant city. So much to do and see. Great food. Great tourist sites, historical and otherwise. Olde City is the best, loveliest part. To live there is another story. It's crowded, traffic-jammed, dangerous driving, dangerous in certain areas, and way expensive. But as a tourist, Philadelphia is wonderful and you will have a great time there. Don't forget to stroll along the riverfront at Penn's Landing.
2006-10-26 14:54:49 · answer #6 · answered by nido_tr3s 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think the city is slowly dying, but no one wants to admit it. Just take a look at the current crime rate, or the fact that the city has been losing population for the last 20 years....it used to be over 2 million at one point.
If you visit Philly, you'll only need 3 or 4 days, tops. There are several major museums worth checking out (especially the Mummer museum), the historical sights (Liberty Bell, Elfreth's Alley, Independence Hall), South St. for some eclectic shopping and Olde City for some drinking, but there really isn't that much to do, and all of it is fairly concentrated in a small area.
Compared to NYC the city really does not have a lot to offer and it's not worth spending a lot of time in.
2006-10-26 01:25:00 · answer #7 · answered by Dave-O 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
dirrty..center city has good shopping but for the most part philly is pretty shitty these days
2006-10-27 23:49:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
tons. this city is rich in history and has very cool people.
2006-10-26 12:16:10 · answer #9 · answered by Susan 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Lots to do and see. http://www.gophila.com
come and enjoy.
2006-10-25 21:38:28 · answer #10 · answered by lana_sands 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋