Seven Days in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the birthplace of modern American democracy, was founded by William Penn in the late 17th century. The city’s name translates to “City of Brotherly Love” and has been a symbol of freedom since its inception. Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is the country's fifth-largest city.

Philly’s Old City houses its most historic attractions (the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, Independence Hall), as well as a burgeoning young artist and student community.

Philadelphia is one of America’s most walkable cities, which adds to its tourist appeal. Philly is marked extremely well by “Walk! Philadelphia” signs on each block (sometimes only several feet apart) that guide visitors toward shopping, dining, art galleries, cultural attractions and public transportation. Visit the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, home to many museums such as the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (from the Rocky movies).

Philadelphia has the largest collection of public art in America, courtesy of the city’s innovative Mural Arts Program, designed to stop graffiti and enliven the city’s buildings. Other notable public art includes the many glass mosaics found throughout the city; a sampling can be seen on South Street east of Broad.

The centerpiece of Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts, the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is in the landmark Girard Trust Company Bank Rotunda, across the street from City Hall, walking distance from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and approximately seven miles from the Philadelphia International Airport. The building was constructed between 1905 and 1909. The tower was further modified in the 1930s. The current design merges past and present with elegance and sensitivity and has been completely renovated to suit the needs of today's traveler. The hotel amenities include 24-hour fitness center and the adjacent D'Ambra Day Spa and Salon, featuring five treatment rooms, facials, body and skin treatments, and a full-service hair and nail salon. Onsite dining options include the Grill, featuring American cuisine, the Pantheon, presenting live jazz performances, and the Rotunda, serving cocktails and light fare. The Vault is a tobacco lounge offering premium cigars and cocktails. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service, twice-daily housekeeping, complimentary overnight shoeshine, overnight laundry service, evening turndown, bath butler and bath menu, technology butler, massage services (upon request), concierge assistance, a 24-hour business center, and 24-hour front desk service. The guest rooms feature high-speed Internet access, multi-line telephones, CD players, marble bathtubs, bathrobes, hairdryers, minibars, irons and ironing boards, safes, desks, voicemail, and complimentary toiletries.

Known as the oldest residential street in the country, Elfreth's Alley boasts nearly 30 houses dating from the early 18th to 19th centuries, most generally middle-class homes of merchants and small businessmen. The colonial lodgings give visitors an appreciation of the endurance of the craftsmanship of the American forefathers. The rustic edifices inspire the flavor of the Revolutionary Days. Families who pledge to preserve the look of the structures currently occupy the houses. Home #126 features period furniture and other changing exhibits.

American schoolchildren have all heard the story: The first American flag was made by Betsy Ross. It's not true, but it's a great story. This house is still worth a visit as an example of Colonial living conditions. Betsy Ross mainly used this colonial abode to rent rooms to travelers and wayfarers. According to the Philadelphia Historic Society, more people visit the Ross house than any other historical attraction. The house is located in Old City adjacent to many shopping and eating destinations.

The Philadelphia Inquirer commented, “thoughtful cooking at fair prices” in a write-up on Red Sky. The stark white room is complemented with black leather banquettes, ottomans and steel tables. Lime green tiled flooring and a fluorescent blue staircase just add to the dramatic effect. The two-story windows give the room an airy feel and add to the brightness. The Asian-American menu features an assortment of dishes such as Crispy Coconut Shrimp Skewers and Pomegranate glazed BBQ Ribs. The foie gras is simply appetizing! Salvitti creates some really tempting desserts–try the tiered Chocolate Almond Crunch. If you are a music lover, your dining experience would complete with the DJ playing some groovy numbers in the background.

Built circa 1730 and retaining most of its original features, this beautifully restored Georgian building is the only surviving residence of Benjamin Franklin. Serving as his home during the 16 years he spent in London as a mediator, it is essentially the first U.S. embassy. Designed to be a historical experience, the Benjamin Franklin house is now a “dynamic museum” and educational institution. State of the art lighting and projection technology recreate the fascinating life and discoveries of this politician, inventor, scientist, and philosopher, while the Student Science Centre offers a hands on look at Franklin's London based discoveries. Opened on Ben's 300th birthday in 2006 and just steps from Trafalgar Square, this is a wonderful variation from traditional museums and well worth the stop.

Seven museums located on the former site of Ben Franklin's home trace his life as publisher, politician, postmaster, printer, and inventor. There are his inventions: Bifocals, the Franklin Stove, and the glass harmonium, which the park rangers will play at your request. This museum was built for the American Bicentennial (1976), and is a fascinating example of what was considered good design in the 1970s. On one hand, there is an exact and completely functional reproduction of Franklin's post office (he was also the first Postmaster General). On the other hand, there is an underground museum that has as much neon and as many mirrors as any disco hall of the period. Yet the sense of exuberance and celebration seems to be something Dr. Franklin would have approved. This is the man, after all, who famously flew his kite in a storm to prove that lightning was electricity. Admission is free. Highly recommended.

It has been said that the owner consulted a Feng Shui expert when designing the harmoniously arranged interior of this restaurant. In the belief that superior food must be balanced by not only quality service but an equally balanced environment, there is an intriguing, moody, film-noir quality to the space. The menu has a way of appealing to the senses in a sort of subliminal way, combining an otherwise common ingredient with a surprising twist. See website for full menus and more. Note the extensive lists of both wine and imported and microbrewed beers.

Known as the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, Independence Hall is one of the most recognizable historical landmarks not only in Philadelphia, but in the entire nation. The hall is the centerpiece of the 45-acre Independence National Historical Park, home to 20 buildings of historical significance (many of which are open to the public). The Liberty Bell is located right around the way, though its original home was Independence Hall's bell tower. Tours of the hall are given every 15 minutes. See website for complete park details and further Independence Hall visitor info.

Part of the Independence Hall group of buildings, this was supposed to be the Philadelphia City Hall, but by the time it was completed in 1791 it had been reassigned as the home of the newly established Supreme Court of the United States. The Supreme Court met here until the nation's capitol moved to Washington D.C. in 1800. After that, it finally became the City Hall, and eventually a national museum in the late 19th century. Guided tours are conducted several times a day. Entry is free, but restricted to guided tours.

The Second Bank of the United States was chartered to combat the debt and inflationary pressures, the U.S. Government faced from the War of 1812. President Madison signed a bill authorizing the 2nd Bank in 1816 with a charter lasting 20 years. Today the neo-classical structure houses an extraordinary Portrait Gallery. Many of the works are by Charles Wilson Peale, the leading American portrait artist of the time, capturing the magnificent visages of 18th Century war heroes and statesmen of the day. All the signers of the Declaration of Independence are here, and members of the First Constitutional Congress. George Washington's death mask is part of the Portrait Gallery collection.

These chambers are where the Congress of the fledgling United States held sessions until relocating to Washington, D.C. in 1801. The Bill of Rights ratification and the inaugurations of George Washington and John Adams occurred within these walls. Mahogany desks and studded leather chairs fill the first floor meeting room. The carpeting is a reproduction of the one used in the early 1790s. Upstairs, 28 of the 32 chairs and the Secretary's desk are authentic. Impressive images in the hall include the 19th-century fresco of an eagle holding an olive branch, signifying peace, and the oval sunburst design commemorating the thirteen original states with thirteen stars.

The interiors of Morimoto team the effects of light with glass and cutting-edge furniture to create a truly unique ambiance. Apart from the main dining room, you can choose to sit in the lounge at the mezzanine level, or in the Omakase Room. Try the Chef's Choice Menu (a multi-course tasting menu), or go a la carte with dishes like the Rock Shrimp Tempura, and Morimoto Sashimi. For the more adventurous, visit the Raw Bar or the Sushi Bar - you won't be disappointed. Special drinks like Kyuri Martini and Greenterni (grapefruit vodka and green tea syrup) put the perfect spin on your meal, and a wide range of delicious desserts is also available.

Lights of Liberty is a spectacular sound and light show. Experience the events leading up to the American Revolution while walking through Independence National Historic Park after dark. A personal headset with surround sound tells the story of the American Revolution, while beautiful hand-painted, 5-story-high images are projected onto the sides of historical buildings. In less than a mile and about one hour visitors experience five acts in five locations. Visit the place and be a part of the revolution!

In 1751, William Penn asked that the new bell being cast for the Pennsylvania Statehouse be engraved with the words, “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” The bell rang to call citizens to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence, and was later dubbed The Liberty Bell by abolitionists, who adopted the bell as a symbol of their fight for freedom for all Americans. Talks on the history of the bell are presented continually during open hours, which vary season to season.

The country's largest daily outdoor market, Italian Market purveys fresh produce, meats and dry goods from the nexus of the Italian community in South Philadelphia. Distinctly Italian hams like Sopresseta, Prosciutto, and Capicolla, special olive oils, cheeses and other rare imported foodstuffs are available at the myriad of shops and stands. Giant sandwiches and the infamous "Philly Cheesesteak" are peddled from various eateries. The market's biggest claim to fame came when featured during a scene in the 1976 film "Rocky" where Sylvester Stallone embarks on his famous run, ending up on the steps of the Art Museum, a distance over seven miles.

This is one of Philadelphia's most popular, unusual and entertaining tours. Join costumed tour guides for a leisurely stroll through Society Hill in the historic heart of the city at Independence Park and on the edge of the nationally famous restaurant district of Old City. This candlelight walking tour is based on the book "Philadelphia Ghost Stories" by Charles J. Adams III. Listen to tales of the unknown as you walk in the footsteps of famous men and women. Open daily 7:30am onwards.

The centerpiece of Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts, the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is in the landmark Girard Trust Company Bank Rotunda, across the street from City Hall, walking distance from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and approximately seven miles from the Philadelphia International Airport. The building was constructed between 1905 and 1909. The tower was further modified in the 1930s. The current design merges past and present with elegance and sensitivity and has been completely renovated to suit the needs of today's traveler. The hotel amenities include 24-hour fitness center and the adjacent D'Ambra Day Spa and Salon, featuring five treatment rooms, facials, body and skin treatments, and a full-service hair and nail salon. Onsite dining options include the Grill, featuring American cuisine, the Pantheon, presenting live jazz performances, and the Rotunda, serving cocktails and light fare. The Vault is a tobacco lounge offering premium cigars and cocktails. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service, twice-daily housekeeping, complimentary overnight shoeshine, overnight laundry service, evening turndown, bath butler and bath menu, technology butler, massage services (upon request), concierge assistance, a 24-hour business center, and 24-hour front desk service. The guest rooms feature high-speed Internet access, multi-line telephones, CD players, marble bathtubs, bathrobes, hairdryers, minibars, irons and ironing boards, safes, desks, voicemail, and complimentary toiletries.

Philadelphia, the birthplace of modern American democracy, was founded by William Penn in the late 17th century. The city’s name translates to “City of Brotherly Love” and has been a symbol of freedom since its inception. Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is the country's fifth-largest city.

Philly’s Old City houses its most historic attractions (the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, Independence Hall), as well as a burgeoning young artist and student community.

Philadelphia is one of America’s most walkable cities, which adds to its tourist appeal. Philly is marked extremely well by “Walk! Philadelphia” signs on each block (sometimes only several feet apart) that guide visitors toward shopping, dining, art galleries, cultural attractions and public transportation. Visit the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, home to many museums such as the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (from the Rocky movies).

Philadelphia has the largest collection of public art in America, courtesy of the city’s innovative Mural Arts Program, designed to stop graffiti and enliven the city’s buildings. Other notable public art includes the many glass mosaics found throughout the city; a sampling can be seen on South Street east of Broad.