Date of Visit: 4 Sep 2019
Philadelphia was founded in 1682. The USA Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia on 4th July 1776. Therefore, this 339-year-old city is older than that of the United States. It is no wonder Philadelphia has a lot of historic landmarks.
Philadelphia was once the nation’s largest city until 1790 when New York took over as the largest city. Today, Philadelphia is the 6th largest city in the USA.
Do you know Philadelphia is only a 1.5-hour train ride away from New York?
If you want to get out of New York for a day trip, Philadelphia is a good destination without having to stay away overnight. However, it is necessary to highlight that Philadelphia is an interesting city with many attractions and things to do. You can easily spend a week or longer in this city if you have time.
What are the things to do in Philadelphia if you travel from New York by train for a day trip?
If you move around within Philadelphia’s Center City district or the main section of Philadelphia city around Market Street between Delaware River and Schuylkill River, then it is very easy and convenient to get around on Philadelphia’s local public transport system. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates Philadelphia’s local public transport system that includes subway trains, above-ground trolley cars, and buses. You may visit Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, Reading Terminal Market, Love Park, and walk around the streets near City Hall. They are all within the Center City district, so you don’t have to rent a car. And you can buy a 1-day SEPTA individual pass for US$13.00 for unlimited travel on subway trains and trolley cars.
Philadelphia 30th Street Station
The train from New York Pennsylvania Station stops at Philadelphia 30th Street Station. Philadelphia 30th Street Station is a busy transportation hub with direct connections with Philadelphia local transport network. The station building has been a Philadelphia landmark since its opening in 1933. This stylish building is remarkable for its high ceilings, travertine walls, and Tennessee marble floors.
Reading Terminal Market
Established in 1893, Reading Terminal Market is one of America’s largest and oldest public markets. The popular enclosed markets offer a wide range of fresh produce, meats and poultry, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, crafts, confections, books, kitchenware, jewellery, and a wide variety of dining options.
Check out the Reading Terminal Market website for more information about the market.
Chinatown
Philadelphia Chinatown is considerably smaller than New York Chinatown. Nevertheless, like most Chinatowns in the USA, this is the place to go for authentic Asian and Chinese cuisines.
Independence Hall
The Independence Hall was originally Pennsylvania State House. The building was completed in 1753. It was in this building that both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution of the United States (1787) were signed. Therefore, this building is of fundamental importance to American history.
Entrance to Independence Hall is by tour only. Come and visit this building to know American history better from a knowledgeable tour guide.
The Liberty Bell Center
The Liberty Bell is a traditional symbol of American independence and is a well-known symbol of freedom. This symbol of freedom, commissioned in 1752, was once placed in the Independence Hall. Today, the Liberty Bell is displayed in the Liberty Bell Center.
The famous crack on the Liberty Bell is very visible. Interested to know the history of how the crack was developed? Visit The Liberty Bell website or visit The Liberty Bell Center to learn more.
Maybe the crack is a sign to tell us true liberty is fragile and freedom is constantly in need of preservation and protection.
Love Park
The popular LOVE sculpture has made Love Park a very well-visited park. The sculpture was designed and installed by Robert Indiana in 1976, based on his painting in 1964. Initially, the sculpture was on loan to the city. Fitz Eugene Dixon, a local businessman, later bought the sculpture for $35,000 and donated it to the city.
Love Park’s official name John F. Kennedy Plaza is much lesser-known than Love Park.
The streets of Philadelphia
City Hall is just across John F. Kennedy Boulevard from Love Park. You may start from City Hall, with the help of unlimited rides on a 1-day SEPTA individual pass, walk around the City Hall area, Midtown Village area, and Center City area to feel the vibe of different districts of Philadelphia city.
Check out “Travel and Destinations Blogs” for more travel blogs on a wide range of destinations from popular, exotic, unique to obscure.
Philadelphia was founded in 1682. The USA Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia on 4th July 1776. Therefore this 339-year-old city is older than that of the United States.
It is very easy and convenient to get around using Philadelphia’s subway and above-ground trolley to attractions such as Reading Terminal Market, Chinatown, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, and Love Park.