Here is a collection of our favorite places to visit in Philadelphia. Feel free to check out any of these places anytime. We know you cannot do it all in one visit, but we wanted you to have your choice of our recommendations.
Please follow the links for more specific information, including address and other information. Links created in 2008
Franklin Court: especially the working Post Office, the printing press and the movie made in 1985 which is a Levine family favorite.
"Franklin Court was the site of the handsome brick home of Benjamin Franklin, who lived here while serving in the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. Franklin died here in 1790; the house was torn down about 20 years later. Today the site contains a steel "ghost structure" outlining the spot where Franklin's house stood and features an underground museum with a film and displays, an 18th century printing office, an architectural/archaeological exhibit, an operating post office and a postal museum."
Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell
Carpenter's Hall. Please see the National Park Service site for more information.
Everything in the Independence Mall area is within walking distance of each other. Start at the visitor's center at 6th & Market and decide what spots are your priority. Independence Hall requires timed tickets for free.
Follow this walk along the Ben Franklin Parkway. It incorporates many of our favorites on the other side of City Hall, including the Franklin Institute:
http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/philadelphia/parkway.htm
This house/museum on Delancy Street has the Maurice Sendak collection and the original, hand-written "Ulysses" by James Joyce. The first place Dalia made sure Mike saw on his first trip to Philly. For two book geeks, we just stared in awe at the collection.
Free Library of Philadelphia Medieval Manuscripts
The main branch of the library on the Ben Franklin Parkway is where the Levine children spent their time getting books to read, studying, researching and then taking their charges while they baby-sat. Almost hidden away from the public is the library's amazing collection of Medieval Manuscripts and the Elkins Room which has Charles Dickens' writing desk and other gems.
Mütter Museum: The Museum of Medical Oddities at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
Skeletons on display. Weird things in jars. But seriously worth a visit.
The tours and museum through the prison are fascinating. It also helps that it's amazing structure with an even better history. During October, they run a haunted tour at night called "Terror Behind the Walls."
This company runs a few public hunts around Philadelphia and other cities. We've participated in hunts in the past and they are fun and challenging. It's at least 2 hours of non-stop walking and thinking (not for the faint of heart).
Philadelphia Museum of Art Great art inside, Rocky steps out front.
Calder Mobile on 22nd and the Ben Franklin Parkway (the Parkway).
Rodin Museum The Thinker sits outside, The Gates Of Hell welcome you in.
There are more sights to see, but this is a good start. And our favorites!
Reading Terminal Market is located in the old train station which is now the Convention Center at 13th and Arch Streets and 2 blocks from the Courtyard by Marriott, Downtown. The Amish will sell their wares on certain days. Full of fresh food of all kinds. Stop by for lunch or a snack.
And then there are those pretzels...