Philadelphia

Nickname(s):

"The City of Brotherly Love"

Demonym(s):

Philadelphian

Founded:

1682

Democracy:

Developed:

European Union:

Schengen:

Euro:

National Capital:

RegionalState Capital:

Population (City):

1 604 000

Population (Urban):

5 696 000

Population (Metro):

6 245 000

Population Density (km2):

4 600

Population Density (mi2):

11 900

Largest City in Pennsylvania

6th Largest City in the United States

7th Largest Metropolitan Area in the United States

Language:

English

Currency:

Dollar

Avg. Summertime High:

31 °C

88 °F

Avg. Summertime Low:

21 °C

70 °F

Warmest Month:

July

Coldest Month:

January

Avg. Wintertime High:

5 °C

41 °F

Avg. Wintertime Low:

-3 °C

26 °F

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Possibly the most important city in American history, Philadelphia was the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Visit where it happened at Independence Hall and continue to take a stroll through the European-style Old Town. Modern Downtown Philadelphia is a vibrant city with skyscrapers and street life, one of the densest cities in the United States. Philadelphia is a place where a rich history meets modern society.

United States of America

United States

English

Estados Unidos

Spanish

Region:

North America

Area:

9 525 067 km2

Ranked 4 out of 195

Population:

Population:

331 500 000

Ranked 3 out of 235

Urbanization:

83 %

Ranked 36 out of 194

Capital:

Washington D.C.

Population: 6 385 000

Largest City:

New York City

Population: 21 140 000

Major Cities:

New York City
Los Angeles
Chicago
Dallas
Houston

Economy & Development:

Human Development Index:

Very High

Ranked 17 out of 189

Inequality-Adjusted HDI:

Very High

Ranked 28 out of 189

GDP (PPP) Per Capita:

Very High

Ranked 15 out of 225

Democracy & Freedom:

Democracy Index:

Flawed Democracy

Ranked 25 out of 167

Freedom House:

Free

83 points out of 100 possible

Press Freedom:

Satisfactory

Ranked 42 out of 180

Economic Freedom:

Most Free

Ranked 5 out of 162

National Identity:

Independence Since:

1776

Independence From:

United Kingdom

National Day:

4th of July

What Is Celebrated On The National Day:

The signing of the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July 1776 where it was declared that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer a subject under the Monarch of Britain (United Kingdom).

Facts & Codes:

Driving Side:

Right

-

Time Zone:

Several

-

Country Calling Code:

+ 1

-

Country Code:

US

ISO 3166

US State

Pennsylvania

English

Region:

Northeastern United States

Area:

119 283 km2

Ranked 33 out of 51

Population:

Population:

13 012 000

Ranked 9 out of 51

Population Share:

4 %

Of National Population

Capital:

Harrisburg

Population: 592 000

Largest City:

Philadelphia

Population: 6 245 000

Major Cities:

Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Allentown
Harrisburg
Scranton

Information:

GDP Per Capita::

$64 751

Higher than national average

Climate:

Humid Subtropical Climate

Köppen: Cfa

Time Zone:

UTC -5 (EST)

Summer: UTC -4 (EDT)

US State Information:

Statehood Since:

1787

Nickname:

"The Keystone State"

Abbreviation:

PA

Independence Hall

Historic Civic Building

Liberty Bell

Iconic symbol of American Independence

Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps

Rocky Steps

A city I've wanted to visit for many years, but it never suited during my previous trips to the Northeastern United States. I was finally able to visit in the summer of 2022. But only as two separate day trips. But you're able to fit a lot into your schedule in ten hours!

Do I Recommend You To Visit?

Yes! It works both as a day trip from New York City, as I did, or as a longer stay for 2-3 days. I don't think you should stay for longer than that though.

Will I Come Back Again?

I feel that I was able to do most of what I wanted to see in Philadelphia and would probably prioritize other cities and sights in the region next time I get an opportunity to visit. But I wouldn't be against visiting again to see a couple of more museums.

Weather During My Stay:

It started sunny, and it was supposed to be sunny and hot all day according to the forecast. But unfortunately, it turned out to be cloudy and overcast for most of the day. It cleared up in the late afternoon again. I'm quite disappointed with the weather during my short visit.

Best:

Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell! These two alone made the trip worth it. Anyone interested in history, and especially American history, have to see them once in their lifetime!

Not As Good:

The Old Town is not what you would expect of a city with a such rich history. It's small, and not as compact as Old Towns often are in Europe for example.

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Philadelphia Streets

A typical street scene in the older parts of central Philadelphia.

Philadelphia City Hall

Philadelphia City Hall. This building was quite hard to photograph as it was hard to find good spots to view it from. The building could be considered the absolute center of Philadelphia and is a prominent part of the cityscape.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall is probably the main tourist attraction of the city and something you should not miss. The Birthplace of America!

Statue of George Washington

A Statue of George Washington in front of Independence Hall.

Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell has become a symbol of American Independence and is found in a museum near Independence Hall.

Grave of Ben Franklin

Ben Franklin's grave in Christ Church Burial Ground.

Elfreth's Alley

Elfreth's Alley is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States and a major sight of Philadelphia Old Town.

Skyline of Philadelphia

A view of the Skyline from the top of Philadelphia Museum of Art, also known as the "Rocky Steps".

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary is a famous, former prison that has now been turned into a museum. I can highly recommend a tour there!

 Fairmount

A street scene in the Fairmount District, North of Downtown.