Philadelphia International Visitors Guide 2008 - UK - (Page 12)

GET TO KNOW PHILADELPHIA Explore our Diverse Districts It’s easy to plan a tour through the city’s walkable neighbourhoods. Historic/Waterfront District – This is often the first stop for sightseers who want to begin with a journey through U.S. history, as it is home to Independence National Historical Park. Old City: This neighbourhood is filled with some of the city’s trendiest bars, bistros, and clothing boutiques, along with contemporary art galleries. But, in America’s first business district, you will also find an abundance of history, including the Betsy Ross House, where Ross is said to have sewn America’s first flag in 1776. Tucked between Arch and Race streets is Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously residential street. Society Hill: Walk past wonderful old buildings and churches to the south end of the Historic/Waterfront District to see serpentine cobblestone walkways lined with charming townhouses in Society Hill. Next, walk to Penn’s Landing and visit the Independence Seaport Museum. Catch the RiverLink Ferry to New Jersey, where you can visit the Adventure Aquarium and Battleship New Jersey Memorial & Museum. Convention Center District – In this district renowned Mural Arts Program. The district is also home to Antique Row on Pine Street and Jewellers’ Row on Sansom Street. Rittenhouse Square District – At the centre of this neighbourhood is a genteel park called Rittenhouse Square, designed by French planner Paul Cret to resemble Paris’ Parc Monceau. Some of the city’s premier restaurants frame the square. A stroll along Walnut Street will take you past some of the world’s most famous retailers, high-end boutiques, upscale restaurants, and charming outdoor cafes. Parkway/Museum District – Perhaps the west of Old City is the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and the Reading Terminal Market. A one-time combination train shed and market, Reading Terminal is the oldest continuous farmers’ market in North America featuring local favourites, like an authentic Philly cheesesteak and Amish specialties. Nearby, the Chinese Friendship Gate, at 10th and Arch Streets, welcomes tourists to Chinatown. Washington Square District – South of the Convention Center District, this area features many of the colourful murals that are part of Philadelphia’s internationally most dramatic street in Philadelphia is the majestic Benjamin Franklin Parkway, adorned with public art and lined with the flags of the world from spring to fall. The picturesque Swann Memorial Fountain by Alexander Stirling Calder can be found in Logan Circle. The Parkway is home to some of Philadelphia’s most acclaimed cultural institutions such as The Franklin Institute Science Museum, The Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Rodin Museum. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway ultimately leads to the magnificent Philadelphia Museum of Art. Designed by the first major African-American architect in the U.S., this is also one of the nation’s largest art museums and site of the steps made famous in the film Rocky! A statue honouring this American film character stands at the bottom of the steps. Lively Street Scenes Philadelphia’s vibrant performing arts community is situated along the Avenue of the Arts. Just a few blocks away is the Italian Market on 9th Street. Nearby South Street, Philadelphia’s most eclectic and unconventional street, is famous for its specialty shops and dynamic nightlife. It is also a great place for people watching. 12 www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel http://www.philadelphiausa.travel

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Philadelphia International Visitors Guide 2008 - UK

Philadelphia International Visitors Guide 2008 - UK Contents Get to Know Philadelphia Fall in Love with Philadelphia Major Events Timelines: History of the City and Modern Philadelphia Independence National Historical Park Philadelphia's Visitor Centers Philadelphia Neighbourhoods and The Countryside Itinerary Ideas Attractions and Activities Museums, Arts & Culture, and Other Major Attractions Sports & Recreation Experiential Tours for Groups Dining & Nightlife Shopping Visitor Information & Transportation International Offices of the PCVB Currency Exchange International Language Translation Consulates Climate Data Approximate Flight Times from World Cities Approximate Travel Times to Other U.S. Cities Maps

Philadelphia International Visitors Guide 2008 - UK

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.