Philadelphia often gets overlooked between New York and Washington, yet the city has an old-world charm that rewards a slower visit. If you are searching for Philadelphia beautiful spots, here are eight places worth seeing.
Rittenhouse Square
One of the original city squares laid out by William Penn, it is a green space surrounded by apartments and cafes. Sit on a bench with a coffee and watch locals walk their dogs.
Boathouse Row
These Victorian boathouses line the Schuylkill River and are lit up at night. The view from the Kelly Drive trail or the Lloyd Hall area is lovely, especially at dusk.
Elfreth’s Alley
Often described as the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States, with brick houses dating back to the 1700s. Small, quiet and photogenic.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
On South Street, artist Isaiah Zagar covered walls with mosaics made of mirrors, tiles and bicycle wheels. Buy tickets for the indoor and outdoor parts.
Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Parkway
The museum sits at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with the famous steps from the Rocky films. Inside, there are significant European and American collections, and the view down the Parkway is among the best in the city.
Fairmount Park
One of the largest urban park systems in the country, it has trails, gardens, a Japanese house and open lawns. Great for cycling.
Mural Arts
Philadelphia is known for thousands of murals. The Mural Arts Program offers walking and trolley tours, an easy way to see a different side of the city.
Longwood Gardens
Technically in Kennett Square, about an hour from the city, this large garden is impressive in all seasons, with fountains and conservatories. It makes a good half-day trip. See the official site for tickets.
Tips for visiting
- The historic centre is walkable; use SEPTA buses and trains for longer trips.
- Spring and autumn are comfortable; summers are hot and humid.
- Try a cheesesteak, a soft pretzel and a visit to Reading Terminal Market.
Give the city two or three days, and you will understand why locals defend it so fiercely. More travel ideas are on invisionfree.com.
Featured image: 颐园居, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
