Top Sites in Philadelphia
Where to Stay:
Sheraton Philadelphia City Center
201 N. 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-448-2000
Very close to a majority of the historical sites and the concierge service is very helpful in navigating the site and the various food options around the city. My favorite concierge is Mary Mastrobuoni.
There is so much to do in Philadelphia and the surrounding area that it is wise to plan ahead with your hotel concierge or the very well informed park rangers at the visitors center help desks. The following is an example of one of our recent trips to the city. Times may change for major holidays.
Historic District
Day 1:
1st Stop - Independence Visitor Center
1 N Independence Mall W, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
800-537-7676
8:30am-6:00pm
***Pick up your free tickets for Independence Hall. Based on the time stamp on your tickets you can plan the rest of the day. You can get your tickets in person, online www.recreation.gov or by phone 877-444-6777.
***Grab a Historic Philadelphia Gazette to see about all of the current happenings.
***Download the NPS Independence App. The National Park Service does a great job educating and entertaining through the use of this app.
***You can also pick up "Ranger Packets" for the kids. They are sure to keep them busy and they can return back to the visitors center later for an accomplishment badge.
The Independence Visitor Center is a great place to establish as a "meeting place" if you are traveling in a large group. Everyone can easily grab a quick bite and use the restrooms before heading back out.
2nd Stop - Liberty Bell Center
6th St & Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 965-2305
No tickets required. Expect a short line and to have your bags checked by security. The Liberty Bell is an international symbol of freedom.
3rd Stop - The President's House
600 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-965-2305
The remains of the President's House remains were discovered while they were breaking ground on the Liberty Bell Center. It has been turned into a fabulous open air museum that brings you back to the days of George Washington, his life with slaves and pour right into the Liberty Bell Center and feel the importance of hope and freedom.
4th Stop - Independence Hall
520 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Top notables
1775 George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army
July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence was adopted.
1777 design of the American Flag was agreed on.
1781 Articles of Confederation was adopted.
1787 U.S. Constitution was drafted.
*** Arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to get through security.
5th Stop - Ben Franklin Museum
317 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-965-2305
6th Stop - Old City T Shirts
233 Church Street
Philadelphia, PA
215-925-7860
7th Stop - Elfreth's Alley
The oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the USA. A fun quick stroll down the street or if you are lucky enough to be in town for one of their rare events you might get a peek inside of these historic buildings. I am planning on circling back to the December 6, 2014 event and will update this section.
8th Stop - Betsy Ross House
9th Stop - Christ Church Burial Ground/Ben Franklin's Grave
N Independence Mall E
Philadelphia, PA 19106
There is a tradition of throwing pennies on Ben Franklin's grave for good luck. My son said that everyone should be throwing $100 bills on top for more luck. He He Bring your pennies and your wishes. It is said that this tradition brings about much needed cash that helps preserve the grave yard.
"A penny saved, is a penny earned." - Ben Franklin
After these 9 stops we were ready to call it a day. We would love to hear what some of your favorite spots are in and around Philly in the comments below.
Keep checking back for additional reviews. Here is a list of posts that we are working on.
Other fun stops for kids.
Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion
8046 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19136
215-335-9500
Reading Terminal Market
Geno’s & Pat’s
Penn’s Landing
BIG BUS Philadelphia
27 Stops
Entire loop takes approximately 1 1/2 hours.
PhillyPHLASH
The Philadelphia Pass
Food Around Philly
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Outside of Philly
Amish Buggy Rides
312 Paradise Lane, Ronks, PA 17572
717-725-8664
Fighter’s Heaven - Tribute to Muhammad Ali
58 Sculps Hill Road
Orwigsburg, PA 17961
570-968-2961
www.fightersheaven.com
Linvilla Orchards
137 West Knowlton Road
Media, PA 19063
610-876-7116
www.Linvilla.com
April - December
Hayrides to Autumn Moon, Bunny Land, Pumpkin Land, Witch’s House & Christmas Land
Fishing Derby at Orchard Lake
Antique Car Show
Strawberry Festival, Peach Festival & Blueberry Fest
Pick Your Own Apples
Corn Maze
Swim Club
Greene Street
www.greenestreet.com