Philadelphia Attractions
Independence National Historic Park- The site of our nation's birth, and the location of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Independence Hall is set on 45 acres of prime center city property. The famous Liberty Bell rests in the Liberty Bell Pavilion, one of 40 buildings in the park. The Visitor's Center can be found on the corner of 3rd and Chestnut. The park is open daily from 9 am to 5p.m., and often later in the summer. A must see attraction.
Independence Hall- Originally used for such events as the 2nd Continental Congress in May of 1775, and the drafting of our nation's constitution in 1787. Independence Hall is the most frequently visited attraction in the area. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and free tours are given every 15 minutes by park rangers. Located in the heart of the city on Chestnut St. half way between 5th and 6th street. Remember, you're not allowed to walk around by yourself, get there early to avoid long waits.
Franklin Court- Another of the many free attractions in Philadelphia. This is possibly the most fun of all the attractions in the city. Franklin Court once held the home of Benjamin Franklin. The exhibits show Franklin's limitless interest in the sciences. If you're hungry, you should try stopping by the pretzel factory for one of America's best. The entrance is located on Chestnut, between 3rd and 4th streets, but be watchful because the roadside entrance reveals no evidence of the Court below. If you miss the first entrance, there is a second one located on 316-318 Market St. Open daily from 9am to5pm.
The Liberty Bell- A must see attraction for the first time Philadelphia visitor. The Liberty Bell symbolizes our country's freedom. It was cracked during its testing, but was resealed in 1753. It has been moved only once since this time, when it was taken to Allentown to prevent the British from melting it into ammunition in 1777. The Liberty Bell Pavilion is open from 9am to 8pm daily. You can no longer touch the Bell, but you can photograph it. Located in Independence Historical National Park on Chestnut St. between 5th and 6th Sts.
Franklin Institute Science Museum-Logan Circle, 20th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. 215-448-1200. This museum includes things of interest to young and old alike. Complete with a giant model heart, a planetarium, and daily laser shows. Franklin institute is open daily from 930am to 5pm. Admission is $9.75 for adults, and $8.50 for children.
Philadelphia Museum of Art- 26th St. and Ben Franklin Parkway. 215-763-8100. The third largest art museum in America has a varied collection. Parts of the museum focus on English and French art, while another part focuses on early Quaker paintings, and Amish works of art. Admission is $8 for adults $5 for students and seniors, and free to children 5 and under. The museum's hours are- Sun. 10am-1pm (free admission), Tues-Sun. 10am-5pm, late Wed. hours- 8:45pm.
City Hall- Broad and Market Sts. 215-569-3187. Free admission to this architectural wonder. Planned in 1871 to be the tallest building in the world. The highlight of City Hall is the tower view, it stands at 480 ft. and provides an excellent view of the city. The Mayor's reception room, and the City Council Chamber are also excellent areas to check out the elegant decoration. Open Mon-Fri 10am to Noon (reserved for school groups), and from Noon to 3pm for all other visitors.
Philadelphia Merchants Exchange- Walnut and 3rd Sts. 215-597-8974. Not open to the public. Even though you can't go inside anymore, it's worth the trip to this area of the city to view its extravagant exterior. This tower was built for relaying information about incoming ships.
Christ Church Burial Ground-5th and Arch Sts. Open by appointment only. This cemetery contains the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, and his wife Deborah, as well as four signers of the Declaration of Independence, and many Revolutionary War heroes.
Betsy Ross House- 239 Arch St. 215-627-5343. Although admission is free to this house of history, the suggested donation is $2 for adults, $1 for child. Hours are Tues-Sun 10am to 5pm. Memorial day-labor day 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. This is a good place to stop if you're trying to fit a lot in and only have a few minutes. The tour will take less then 5 minutes and includes walking through all the rooms in the house and into the sewing parlor, which is now a gift shop.
Masonic Temple- 1 North Broad St. 215-988-1917. Another of the Free attractions, the temple is one of the world's largest. One of America's best examples of post Civil War architecture. Tours are Mon.- Fri. at 10am, 11am, 1,2,and 3pm.
Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site-532 N. 7th St. 215-597-8780. Free admission once again, open from Nov. to May Wed- Sun. 9am.- 5pm. June-Oct daily 9am.-5pm. This is the former home of one of America's greatest poets. Simple in its nature, it is also unfurnished.
Please Touch Museum-210 N. 21st St. 215-963-0667. This is an exciting attraction especially geared to children, and young families. The first institution of its kind in the nation, it has many exhibits that will challenge the minds of young children as well hold the attention of the adults. Located conveniently 2 blocks south of the Franklin Institute. Admission is $6.95 for adults and children open daily from 9am to 6pm.
U.S. Mint-5th and Arch Sts. 215-5997-7350. Free admission. Hours vary daily so it would be a good idea to call and find out what they are when you will be in town. Tours of the complex include information about the manufacture and production of coins.
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society- Presents over 50 concerts per season, including today's leading international chamber music ensembles, recitalists and jazz/cross-over artists. Concerts are held at the new Kimmel Center, the Pennsylvania Convention Center and other convenient Philadelphia locations. For tickets call 215-569-8080
University of Pennsylvania- 34th and Walnut Sts. as well as large surrounding area. 215-898-5000. Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, this institution has grown into one of America's finest. This Ivy League school includes America's first Medical, Law, and Business schools.
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology- 33rd and Spruce Sts. 215-898-4000. A first-class museum, every single one of the exhibits are intelligently explained. The complex houses information about Darwin's theory on evolution, many mummy exhibits, and a virtual treasure trove of jewelry recovered from the site of the ancient city of Ur. Contains at least 20 artifacts from each continent. Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for students and seniors. Hours are Tues.-Sat. 10am to 4:30pm., Sun. 1-5pm.
Philadelphia Zoological Gardens-34th and Girard Ave. 21-243-1100. Admission is $10.50 for adults, $8 for seniors and children, and free for children under 2. Open weekdays 9:30am.-5pm. Weekends 9:30am.-6pm. The nation's very first zoo was opened in 1874. Among its major attractions are the White Lions, the carnivore kingdom (Cat House), and 3 naturally planted habitats of several different species of primate. A great outing for the entire family. Walk across the Jungle Bird walk, and hear the songs of the birds overhead. Conveniently located on the Schuyllkill Expressway, and on the Chestnut/Market St. exit from I-76.
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