Philadelphia is known for its cheesecakes. It’s a historic colonial city with a modern downtown and a healthy mixture of new and old. It’s also a city with high walkability, with many hiking trails that go around the town. Most attractions are accessible with a comfortable walk, and although Philly is a large city, the best way to experience it is on foot.
People that plan walking tours around in Philadelphia want to know is Philadelphia safe? Like any other substantial American city, the answer is not a simple yes or no. Most tourist parts of town are perfectly safe, but statistics show that 2020 had a sharp increase in homicide in the US, and Philadelphia is second on that infamous list. As a tourist, you’ll be fine, but avoid parts like Hunting Park, Elmwood, Fairhill, and Strawberry Mansion at night.
Best walking routes
In 1776 the United States of America was founded in Philadelphia, and Independence Hall is a place where the Declaration of Independence was brought. Historic Philadelphia tour will take you from Market and 6Th street to Independence Hall and Liberty Bell. Go to Library Street and explore Old City and its cobbled streets. Explore the oldest residential street in America in Elfreth’s Alley, and go to the Betsy Ross House where an American flag was first created.
Downtown Philly has a scenic route beginning at Love Park. You can explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art and walk on Rocky and Fresh Prince’s famous steps. Walk down the Boathouse Row, go by Thorfinn Karlsefni sculpture and walk by the river where you can enjoy the city skyline.
Suppose you want to experience a new and modern twist on Philadelphia, head to North Philly and enjoy the hipster hike through Northern Liberties and Fishtown. You can browse through local eateries and boutiques and see shopping areas and nightlife spots.
West Philadelphia is a great place to stroll by colorful houses and large old trees with many outdoor cafes. The large Fairmount Park has plenty of hiking routes to enjoy.
Famous buildings in Philadelphia
If you decide to explore Philadelphia on foot, you should see many historical and other famous buildings. Independence Hall mentioned above was build in 1748 in a Georgian style. A steeple was added two years after the building was finished. The site was the US capitol for ten years, after which it was moved to Washington.
Christ Chuch is another historic landmark in the Old City. Built-in 1754, the church is an example of Georgian-style architecture. It has a 196-foot-tall Steeple and was the tallest building in the town for more than 100 years.
The Bourse Building is in the heart of Old City. Built-in the late 19th century, it was used as a commodities exchange.
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts is considered the first modern building in America and built-in in 1871. It is designed to look like a jewel box with an emphasis on functionality.
Philadelphia City Hall is by far the largest city building in the country. It took 30 years to complete, and in 1901 when the construction was finished, it was the tallest building in the world.
Historic Bellevue-Stratford Hotel stands out with an ornate French Renaissance Facade and slate mansard roof. OneLiberty Place is the tallest Philadelphia building and the first that was taller than City Hall. Bult in 1987, it became the first skyscraper in downtown Philly.
Other notable buildings in Philadelphia include the Eastern State Penitentiary, Kimmel Center, Comcast Innovation and Technology Center, Barnes Foundation, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Places to eat near the Philadelphia art museum
The museum is a huge structure finished in 1928, and it is one of Philadelphia’s most popular attractions. After exploring the massive collection in the museum, you’ll probably be hungry. You can grab one of the best sushi in town at Umai Umai.
La Calaca Feliz is an excellent authentic Mexican restaurant with the best nachos in Philly. Fare serves contemporary American cuisine, while Figs have a large selection of Moroccan food with huge servings. Jack’s Firehouse offers southern BBQ in the historic 19th-century Firehouse.
If you didn’t plan a visit to the restaurant on the first day, you might wonder what food can I take to USA. It’s hard to make predictions about what custom officers will allow, but you’ll be on the safe side if you decide not to bring food with you. If you do, choose packed items like wrapped baked products.
Customs also allow properly packed cheeses and originally sealed condiments. But, the US is known for strict policies about food imports.
Bottom line
Philadelphia is a beautiful northeast city close to other great cities like New York, Pittsburgh, Washington, Baltimore, and Boston. It can be a great starting point for an East Coast tour. The town is extremely pedestrian-friendly, and there is a lot of historic and modern attractions to explore while sightseeing on foot.
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