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Philadelphia, also known as "Philly," is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. As a tourist from Ireland visiting for the first time, you will find this city is easily walkable and has a lot to offer. From significantly historic sights to fantastic dining, immersive museums to excellent shopping and thrilling sporting events to unique attractions, it ticks all epic city break boxes.
Philadelphia is a compact, easily walkable city that is complimented by its great architecture. The city's Historic District is home to many famous buildings, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell and it is a great place to explore on foot. The architecture in Philadelphia is diverse and reflects the city's rich history, with influences from colonial, Victorian and modern eras.
Philadelphia is also a fantastic shopping city and and home to tax-free shopping on clothes and shoes. Throughout its downtown, you will find a huge selection of stores to enjoy. Whether you're looking for high-end fashion or a unique local souvenir, you'll find it in Philly. The city is also home to many unique boutiques and shops that sell handmade crafts and goods. Some of the best areas to shop include Rittenhouse Square and South Street.
Philadelphia also offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy, such as sports, music, and theater. The city is home to several professional sports teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, Flyers and Union. If you're a sports fan, catching a game is a must-do experience. The city also has a vibrant music scene, with many venues featuring live music. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is one of the best places to catch a show, and it is home to the famous Philadelphia Orchestra.
Philadelphia is the perfect multi-centre city
One of the best things about Philadelphia is its location. It is situated halfway between New York City and Washington D.C., making it the perfect destination for a multi-centre holiday. With trains running between Philadelphia and both New York City and Washington D.C., you can easily extend your USA holiday by adding on a few nights in another fantastic USA city. New York is a short 75- minute train journey from Philadelphia, while Washington D.C. is approximately 105 minutes by train.
Speak to our USA Travel Experts about your Philadelphia City Break
Here at Holidays with Aer Lingus, we specialise in Philadelphia holidays from Ireland and we would be delighted to help you plan your perfect trip. From experiencing the iconic ‘Rocky Steps’ at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, to visiting LOVE Park or Independence Hall, a city break to this exciting East Coast city will be jam packed with memories. Holidays with Aer Lingus USA Travel Experts are available by phone seven days a week to help you plan your perfect USA holiday. We offer fantastic flight options to Philadelphia from Ireland and all of our Philadelphia hotel accommodation is handpicked by our expert team to ensure you have the best holiday possible.
Independence Hall:First opened in 1753, both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed inside Independence Hall. Now, it is the centre of Independence National Historic Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Liberty Bell:Once placed at the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House, the Liberty Bell heralded important political meetings taking place inside, as well as stood as a symbol for freedom and independence. It famously cracked shortly after it was hung but is now a major tourist attraction across the street from Independence Hall.
Elfreth's Alley:This historic street dates all the way back to 1702, before America became an independent country. It’s the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street. There are 32 houses on the street which were built between the years 1728 and 1836, as well as an Elfreth's Alley Museum, which is a National Historic Landmark.
Betsy Ross House:You can visit the historic home of Betsy Ross, who is believed to have sewn the first American flag. The colonial house was built in 1740 and remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city today.
Philadelphia Museum of Art:As one of the largest art museums in the world, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is an essential stop on your Philadelphia holiday. Don't miss extensive exhibits ranging from Ancient Greek sculpture to Impressionist paintings. Also, be sure to climb the famous 72 stone steps to the museum entrance which feature in the Rocky films.
The Franklin Institute:Named after the influential scientist and politician Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is a science museum and major centre of research and education in Philly. The science museum hosts a variety of engaging, interactive exhibits, and a planetarium, making it an enjoyable stop for people of all ages.
Barnes Foundation:This museum is one of the gems of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway – known as Philadelphia’s Museum Mile – and home to one of the most impressive collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modernist paintings. Here you can view pieces by Cezanne and Matisse that are available nowhere else in the world. The Barnes is also home to 181 Renoir paintings, the world’s largest collection of the artist’s work.
Museum of the American Revolution:Here you can learn all about how the former colonies achieved independence from Great Britain and became the United States of America. Guests will learn how Philadelphia played a majopr role in the events of the war. The museum is located just two blocks from Independence Hall in Philadelphia’s Old City neighbourhood.
Reading Terminal Market:Consistently regarded as one of the best farmers markets and the longest-running farmer's market in the United States, the 128 year old Reading Terminal Market is a great place to check out. The market is home to more than 80 merchants who sell all sorts of meals and goods, from fresh produce to gourmet chocolate to the iconic Philly cheesesteak. The market is open all year round and is indoors.
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens:Located on trendy, upbeat South Street, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a folk-art exhibit and non-profit organization. The art collection is a series of colourful mosaics, spreading across three outdoor lots and an indoor exhibit.
LOVE Park:One of the most iconic spots for a photograph in Philly, LOVE Park houses Robert Indiana's LOVE sculpture which overlooks the square. The sculpture is considered to Philadelphia what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris and is a must visit, especially for that perfect Instagram shot or TikTok video. The park is located right in the heart of the city and offers amazing views of the surrounding architecture, including historic City Hall.
Delaware River Waterfront:The Delaware River Waterfront is a vibrant destination for outdoor fun year-round. Spruce Street Harbor Park offers a great place to spend some time outdoors in the spring and summer. During the summer and winter months, Blue Cross RiverRink features food, drinks, and cool activities. Cherry Street Pier, a mixed-use public space hosts pop-up markets, art installations and a garden offering tasty food and drink. For picturesque views of the Ben Franklin Bridge, Race Street Pier is perfect for lazing on the spacious lawn while enjoying river views. Washington Avenue Pier honors the waterfront’s shipbuilding heritage and historic port-of-entry for immigrants. A path brings visitors to the tip of the pier and Land Buoy, a climbable, 55-foot spire that offers additional city and river views.
