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Ultimately, it was a song that brought me to the city of Philadelphia. I wanted to split my train ride from New York to Washington, and the metropolis was in the middle of the route. And when I looked at the map, the song “Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Spingsteen came to mind, so the decision was made.
I discovered a city that excited me with its atmosphere, wonderful cuisine and, above all, its historical richness. Because this was where the United States of America was born in the years after 1776. This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution was adopted.
Philadelphia is still an insider tip. Nearby New York attracts a lot of tourists, and almost no one goes to Philly, as its residents affectionately call their city.
My advice is: The Big Apple is only 1.5 hours away by train. Anyone visiting New York should definitely plan a day trip to Philadelphia, or better yet, a trip with a one- or two-night stay.
You shouldn’t miss these highlights when visiting:
Independence Hall – America is born
Independence Hall is arguably the most important building in US history. This is where the “Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States” was signed on July 4, 1776. A total of 56 delegates committed treason by signing the document. Because the original 13 states were British colonies. Therefore, declaring independence was a betrayal of the British king. This did not last long and war was declared against the traitors and this war lasted until 1783.
In 1787, the Pennsylvania State Parliament Building regained its importance with the American Constitution adopted here, and the “Constitution of the United States of America” became the second oldest fundamental law in the world.
Only during a guided visit can you see the signature room, the meeting room of the first American parliament, and displays of documents containing originals from the period. A must for history buffs.
My advice is: The visit is free, but you must make an appointment online. You can find more information on the internet.
photo tip: Independence Hall is featured on the $100 bill. Photos with dollar bills and the original in the background are funny.
Liberty Bell – the sound of freedom
Every founding story needs legends and symbols. In Switzerland, these include William Tell and the Battle of Morgarten. In the USA, it is the Liberty Bell, which, among other things, is the bell of freedom. Background: The bell is said to have rung on July 8, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was read publicly for the first time in Philadelphia.
It owes its reputation as a symbol of freedom to the Old Testament inscription inserted before America’s desire for freedom: “Proclaim liberty throughout the whole land, to all who live therein.”
Since it is not historically certain whether the bell actually rang for the reading of the Declaration, I find another situation even more symbolic: the Liberty Bell has a large crack, as if it wants to tell us: “The freedom of the people is always in danger”
The presentation of the Liberty Bell is accompanied by an exhibition depicting the bell as a symbol of various freedom movements. The exhibit also highlights contradictions in American history: While the 1776 Declaration of Independence stated that all men are created equal, African slaves also worked on America’s fields. It took another 90 years for their liberation.
The President’s House – A White House full of slaves
For a decade (1790-1800) Philadelphia was the capital of the United States. During this time, the first two presidents resided in a representative city villa near Independence Hall. Only the foundations of the “Philadelphia White House” remain. Still, it is worth visiting the partially reconstructed building: here the story of the liberation of the slaves is told. What was particularly shocking was that as many as 300 slaves worked on the plantation of President George Washington (1732-1799); some of whom also worked from his home in Philadelphia.
My advice isOther important evidence of the early years of the United States is Christ Church Cemetery, the site of the first bank of the United States (Benjamin Franklin’s grave, 1706-1790) and Independence House, where Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) wrote the Declaration. Independence.
Reading Terminal Market – upscale street food
The best place for lunch is Reading Terminal Market. There are a few grocery stores in the extraordinarily chaotic market, but the standouts are the food stalls. Especially at noon, the market hall is filled with employees from the surrounding offices. From Asian noodle soups to Italian desserts to German-born bagels, you can choose from all the different cuisines in the multi-ethnic American state.
My advice is: Thommy Dinic’s has the best roast pork sandwich in town; A calorie bomb that provides enough energy for more trips. You have to wait in line for a long time at lunch. But it’s worth it!
Chinatown – a flying visit to another world
Philadelphia’s Chinatown is only seven blocks long, but it’s like a trip to distant Asia: Supermarkets sell foods you’ve never heard of, pharmacies offer traditional medicines, and palmistry readers predict the future. It’s a lot of fun to wander the streets. And of course, dining at one of the many restaurants specializing in cuisines from different regions of China is part of it. The good: The menu was not tailored to Western tastes, as is often the case in our Asian restaurants.
My advice is: I love Chinese dim sum. The stuffed meatballs at Dim Sum Garden restaurant are very delicious.
Travel through the southern regions
Tall buildings are rising in Philadelphia city center, as in other American city centers. Philly is much more attractive in the neighborhoods south of Independence Hall (Society Hill, Queen Village, Bella Vista), where picturesque four- to five-story brick houses and quaint little parks characterize the neighborhoods. Here you can set yourself free, browse the small boutiques and have a pleasant time in the cafe. The most beautiful street is South Street, where restaurants, galleries and boutiques are located.
My advice is: Penn’s Landing, on the waterfront on the Delaware River, is also ideal for hiking. There are various bars, restaurants and museums here.
Philly Cheesesteak – street food star
In 1930, sandwich salesman Pat Olivieri came up with the idea of putting steak cut into strips in a bun and garnishing it with cheese and fried onions – the result was cheesesteak, one of the most famous fast food dishes in the world. United States of America. Pat’s famous buffet, Pat’s King of Steaks, is still there today. A visit is a must. However, you should pay attention to cheesesteak slang when ordering: If you want steak with onions, just say “zeki”. As for cheese, you can choose from provolone, whiz or American cheese. I recommend Whiz, liquid cheese.
My advice is: Opposite Pat’s King of Steaks is its rival, Geno’s Steak. Which variant tastes better?
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
