Philadelphia - The Birthplace Of The USA

Do you know which city in the US was the first to be considered UNESCO World Heritage Site? Do you know where the oldest street in the US is located? Do you know where the “most historic square mile in America” is located? The answer to all those questions: Philadelphia.

As you might have understood so far, I am a huge fan of day-trips. My wanderlust usually gets quite satiated as soon as I book a trip but next thing I know I am discovering interesting places to visit nearby and the whole trip grows into a bigger project than it started out as. The same happened once the NYC trip was booked: I started researching and suddenly realized how fast it would actually be to take a bus to Philadelphia. When I read more about the city's interesting places to visit and knowing the importance it had in US History, I was happy to sacrifice one of my days in NYC to see it.

Long story short, on a beautiful and sunny March day, there we were somewhere in New York waiting for the bus that would take us to Philadelphia. Lots of interesting things laid ahead of us.

Bus to Philadelphia

Chinatown

Close to our bus stop, the Chinatown of Philadelphia was the first interesting place to explore in the city. It actually felt quite unique to see one more of the so famous China Towns in American cities that we hear so much about.

With much less souvenir shops (or none?) than in the Chinatown we visited in NYC, the Chinatown in Philadelphia felt much more genuine and special to see. Plenty of Chinese restaurants surrounded the street and tons of Asian people walked around the area, making it actually feel like a Chinatown in the true sense of the word.

The iconic entrance made for a big part of the atmosphere as well, of course.

Chinatown entrance in Philadelphia

National Constitution Center

As a nonprofit and private organization, the National Constitution Center considers itself as "The Museum of We The People". The Center's main purpose is to be the USA's central platform for stimulating debate and education regarding the Constitution of the United States of America.

Aimed at visitors of all ages and from anywhere in the World, the Center provides interactive ways and exhibitions to learn about the Constitution, as well as it allows its visitors to see some of the most important Historical constitutional documents in American history, such as the first draft of what would later become the Constitution.

Learn more about the Museum and its exhibitions here and take note that it is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance if you want to visit the Museum.

Benjamin Franklin's Burial Place

Close by to the National Constitution Center is another important place: the grave of Benjamin Franklin. Even if it might be considered too morbid by some to visit his grave, one has to admit that it isn't every day one gets the opportunity to stand right next to the resting place of such an important man.

Known as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America and even as "the first American", Benjamin Franklin is one of the most relevant figures in USA's History. Having been one of the most accomplished men of his time and one of the most influential Founding Fathers, his life has entailed way too much to overwhelm you with here. But if you going to Philadelphia and want to learn more about the remarkable life of Benjamin Franklin, make sure to visit the Benjamin Franklin Museum which is located not far from his burial place.

Benjamin Franklin's Burial Place in Philadelphia

Independence Hall

Arguably the most important building in all of the History of the United States, the Independence Hall is the place where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were first debated and later adopted.

Built during the 18th century as the Pennsylvania State House, the building later became the main meeting place for the Second Continental Congress (which led to the declaration of independence of the colonies as the "United States"), as well as it housed the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

Nowadays it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is a place where people can contemplate the important History of the United States of America.

Across the street from the Independence Hall, visitors can see the iconic Liberty Bell as well. Historically it used to be located at the Independence Hall but nowadays it is kept at the Liberty Bell Center. The famous cracked bell is known around the world as a symbol of American Independence.

Independence Hall in Philadelphia

Museum of the American Revolution

If you got a taste for American History, you might as well head to the close by Museum of the American Revolution after you visit the Independence Hall. At this Museum, visitors can learn interesting stories about the people and struggles hidden behind the American Revolution.

There are interesting interactive exhibitions such as the "Finding Freedom" and the "Season of Independence". Even bigger highlights are the precious objects in display at the Museum, such as George Washington's war tent and some of his personal items, such as cups and a flag.

If you are thinking of visiting the Museum, make sure to buy your ticket online so that you get a lower fare than the one in place for tickets bought at the door.

Elfreth's Alley

As Elfreth's Alley Association puts it, the alley is "three hundred years of History on one residential street". This unique street in Philadelphia used to be the home of tradespeople and artisans, who were extremely relevant in the colonial era of Philadelphia, during the 18th century. Nowadays it is famous for being the oldest street in the US and a trip to Philadelphia should definitely include taking a look at it.

Nowadays it is considered a National Historic Landmark and there is even a museum and a gift shop for visitors wanting to dive into this piece of American History. It is lovely to explore the beautiful alley and simply enjoy the Historical value of the place.