Frank Sinatra sang about New York and Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco. But Philly? Despite the efforts of Elton John and Bruce Springsteen, no one has yet managed to create a hit that captures the soul of the city.
It’s a shame because there’s a lot to sing about – especially if you like sports. It is home to the Flyers (ice hockey), Phillies (baseball), 76ers (basketball) and Eagles (American football), who finished second in the Superbowl last season.
And who can forget his role in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky film? As part of his training program, the future champion runs up the 72 stone steps that lead to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Now known as the Rocky Steps, it is just one of the city’s many landmarks.
Philadelphia has history, art and beauty galore. Located on the East Coast, it is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth largest in the United States.
When I met up with friends for a long weekend, I was charmed by its casual charm. The residents who call themselves Philly tell everyone how great their city is. A woman I met moved here from Washington, DC, two years ago and never wanted to return: “D.C. was teeming with politicians during the week, but Saturday night was a hive of activity,” she said. “Here in Philly, we all live, work and play in the same place.”
Deidre Fernand spent a long weekend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city. “The relaxed charm fascinated me,” she writes
New York, Washington and Boston are grabbing the headlines, she explained, but underrated Philadelphia is full of treasures to be discovered.
It’s also super friendly. As soon as I grabbed my guide, passers-by stopped to help. I walked into the Old Town, an 18th-century grid of streets where the American Revolution took shape. As every child in the United States learns, Philadelphia is the birthplace of the nation. In Independence Hall – an elegant building from the Georgian era – in 1776 the founding fathers severed their ties with the English crown. I didn’t grow up in the US and needed help understanding the history, so I took a walking tour led by Melissa, who taught our group the basics for an engaging hour.
She took us to Benjamin Franklin’s grave and we lined up to see the Liberty Bell, which was formed as a symbol of Britain’s liberation. “Do you want a belfie?” asked the man in front of me – a reference to a selfie taken in front of the clock. I actually did it.
In the movie Rocky, Sylvester Stallone runs up the 72 stone steps that lead to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (above). They are now known as the Rocky Steps, Deirdre explains
Deidre points out that the Philadelphia Museum of Art (above) has a “remarkable” 20th-century American collection, including works by Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol
Knockout: The Rocky statue in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Washington, Adams, Jefferson… my head was spinning fast. But at the Museum of the American Revolution, with its battle plans and bayonets, everything began to fall into place.
On my way to dinner, I realized how familiar the cityscape looked. Of course I knew it from Hollywood. In addition, Philadelphia is an excellent filming location: “Trading Places” and “Witness” are just two of the blockbusters filmed here.
My destination was McGillin’s Olde Ale House, which dates back to 1860 and is the oldest pub in the city. It’s famous for the city’s signature dish, the outrageously high-calorie Philly cheesesteak: ribeye steak with melting provolone cheese in a bun called a hoagie. Bad news for your blood vessels, good news for your mind.
I had the perfect excuse to treat myself as I wanted to hit the Rocky Steps the next day. Stallone did it in about 11 seconds – I was happy with two minutes.
For art lovers, Philadelphia is a scenic paradise—there’s so much of it that you’ll need the stamina of a budget warrior to enjoy it all.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art has a notable 20th-century American collection, including works by Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol, while the Barnes Foundation attracts visitors from far and wide.
“For good food, head to the Reading Food Terminal (above), a farmers’ market in a former train station where you’ll find Amish comfort food alongside Asian flavors,” writes Deirdre.
Dr. Albert Barnes was a chemist and art lover who amassed the largest private collection of Impressionists and Post-Impressionists in the world. The result is a riot of color: walls full of crazy photos by Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne and Modigliani. No wonder there was a recent marketing slogan: “Come for Rocky, stay for Renoir.”
Whatever your reason for visiting this city, whether it’s Rocky or Renoir, you’re sure to have a great time.
For good food, head to the Reading Food Terminal, a farmers market in a former train station where you’ll find Amish comfort food along with Asian flavors.
Philadelphia is not an attention-grabbing, flashy city that proclaims its greatness.
It is simply brilliant. All that’s needed now is a song…
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
