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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A typical street scene in the older parts of central Philadelphia.
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 is probably the main tourist attraction of the city and something you should not miss. The Birthplace of America!
A Statue of George Washington in front of Independence Hall.
The Liberty Bell has become a symbol of American Independence and is found in a museum near Independence Hall.
Ben Franklin's grave in Christ Church Burial Ground.
Elfreth's Alley is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States and a major sight of Philadelphia Old Town.
A view of the Skyline from the top of Philadelphia Museum of Art, also known as the "Rocky Steps".
Eastern State Penitentiary is a famous, former prison that has now been turned into a museum. I can highly recommend a tour there!
A street scene in the Fairmount District, North of Downtown.