A city in renaissance, Philadelphia has developed from a workshop to the world into a centre for cool thriving on its history and celebrating its future with bars, restaurants, clubs and cafes to dip in and out of, while there is a major gay scene that is now being embraced by the tourist board. As one of the world's most dynamic destinations it is a shopping paradise and filled with historical wealth as the site of the Independence National Historical Park where the constitution of the United States was written. Choosing the time of year to visit is crucial as the summer can be unbearably humid, while the winters are freezing cold. Consequently spring and autumn are the best times to travel with daily flights from the UK to Philadelphia taking about eight hours.
From a workshop to the world to the centre for the cool, Philadelphia's historical wealth is only the start for travellers…
Most tourists are drawn to Philadelphia because of its historical wealth and musical history, but in truth there is something for everyone. With extensive shopping, fine dining and acres of beautiful parkland there is something to satisfy every taste during the day, and by night the city has rapidly developed into one of the most versatile and vibrant communities in the United States.
The past still drives the present in Philadelphia and that's why Independence National Historical Park is still the hubbub of tourism. The park is L-shaped and dubbed "America's most historic square mile". It is revered as the birthplace of the nation and it is here that you can see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and numerous buildings of historical significance.
Elsewhere there are historical influences throughout the city, including the Independence Seaport Museum, which highlights Philadelphia's influence as an immigration hub, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation Gallery which houses works from the likes of Cezanne and Monet. The most visited museum however, is Franklin Institute Science Museum, which sits close to Franklin Court that contains a 54ft high skeleton structure of arguably the most remarkable man in US history, Benjamin Franklin.
Doylestown is about 25 miles north of Philadelphia and is renowned for its historic district that draws hundreds of visitors and is filled with restaurants, antique shops and is surrounded by the Bucks County countryside where you can enjoy a peaceful day walking or floating on a fishing boat. Indeed Philadelphia is home to some of the nation's largest malls, including the Bourse Food Court and Shops, Franklin Mills Mall, The Gallery at East Market and Philadelphia's 9th Street Italian Market, which is the oldest and largest outdoor working market in the USA with gourmet cooks on-hand to enhance your experience.
Children are well catered for in Philadelphia, with Hershey's Chocolate World appearing like a real-life version of Wonka's factory. Philadelphia's Zoo is also worth a visit with wonderful animal exhibitions and award winning conservation programmes.
For those who want to be more active in the evenings, nightlife in Philadelphia is thriving with dozens of bars, restaurants, lounges and clubs featuring DJs spinning house, reggae, techno, hip-hop and more. The gay scene in the city of brotherly love has become world renowned with numerous special events for the gay community throughout the year. There are many gay-owned bars, restaurants and bed and breakfasts and the Pride and Progress mural pays tribute to the gay civil rights marches of the 1960s.
Elsewhere, trips into the Dutch country are an extremely popular and rewarding experience, particularly as you discover Pennsylvania's Amish population who live with old-age traditions and values. Gettysburg National Military Park is also worth travelling to in south-central Pennsylvania - it is at this site that Abraham Lincoln made his immortal address.
