Philadelphia information
Founded by William Penn in the late 17th century, Philadelphia is America's first real city and the nation's first capital. Noble, colonial-era buildings sit side by side on narrow streets next to residential monoliths made of steel and glass in America's fifth-largest city.
Philadelphia is possessed with a new civic determination to renew and refurbish its old splendor, beauty, and drive. Everything, from the flourishing neighborhoods known collectively as Center City to the once majestic historical buildings, is being cleansed, repaired, and dreamed anew. City Hall, a stately granite and white marble building, has finally seen its lofty tower liberated from years of scaffolding. Philadelphia's temple of transportation, the stunning neoclassical 30th Street Station, has been restored to its Depression-era grandeur.
More than any other city, Philadelphia showcases the history of architecture in America. Main Street in Manayunk was named one of the "Top Ten Best Streets in America" for its 19th-century rowhouses, which are set amid shops, restaurants, art galleries, steak shops, and neon beer signs. Philadelphia is also home to such landmarks of American history as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Franklin Institute Science Museum.
There is a growing arts scene anchored by a strip of theaters and performance centers being built called the Avenue of the Arts. This ambitious $350 million project will eventually comprise at least sixteen venues for performing arts groups, including the world-class Philadelphia Orchestra, Pennsylvania Ballet, Philadelphia Opera Company, and jazz, drama, and musical theaters along bustling Broad Street.
William Penn named Philadelphia the City of Brotherly Love and indeed Conde Nast Traveler has called it the country's friendliest. When it comes to culinary pursuits, the city is the inventor of sumptuous delights such as cheese steaks, hoagies, TastyCakes, and hot, soft pretzels. From the rapturous Fairmount Park to the distinct and charming neighborhoods of the Historic District, there is so much to see, do, and remember. As W. C. Fields famously said, "On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia."
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