Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy. Historic Independence Mall is called America’s Most Historic Square Mile. Any city that can honor Benjamin Franklin and the Three Stooges certainly has something for everyone. For more information check visitphilly.com or call 1(800) 537-7676.

1. Visitor Center: Make the Visitor Center your first stop. There are several interesting displays but don’t miss the two videos that offer an insight to America’s Revolution. Staff will help plan everything from tours to accommodations. Tickets for a free, timed tour of Independence Hall and other tours can be booked at the Center. There are also maps and brochures.
2. Getting acquainted: Take the Big Bus Tour for an overview of things to see and do in Philadelphia. It is fully narrated. There is so much to see and do in Philly so that if you have less than a lifetime, this is the best way to pick out what you would most like to see. Take it once around (90 minutes) then plan your hop-off spots among the 21 available.
3. Independence Hall: This is where the Second Continental Congress met, where George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army, and where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Take note of the "rising sun" chair used by George Washington as he presided over the Constitutional Convention. The sun carved at the top of the chair caused Benjamin Franklin to hope it was a rising sun and a good omen for the new nation they were forming.
4. Liberty Bell Center: The Liberty Bell Center is located between the Visitor Center and Independence Hall. There is a video presentation and exhibits dealing with the concept of liberty. The bell cracked on its first ringing and was recast several times. The bell gained the title of “Liberty Bell” in the 1800s by abolitionists hoping to bring liberty and freedom to enslaved people.
5. National Constitution Center: Touted as “America’s Most Interactive Museum” it is the only museum dedicated to the U.S Constitution. “Freedom Rising,” the center’s multi-media presentation is a journey from the inception of the Constitution to the present time. Be one of the thousands who have signed the Constitution with the bronze statues of the original signers standing nearby.
6. Betsy Ross House: Did Betsy Ross create the first U.S. flag? You decide after a visit to her home. Her small house is a good example of the era and has a small shop where the docent explains that Betsy Ross was responsible for designing our flag’s five-pointed star, which she claimed was easier to make than a six-pointed star.
7. The arts: The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s collection includes over 227,000 works of art. Nearby is the Rodin Museum with the largest collection of French sculptor Auguste Rodin’s work outside of France. Explore the Barnes Foundation collection now in a new location. What started as an effort to channel the energy of graffiti artists into something worthwhile has resulted in over 3000 murals earning Philadelphia the title of “City of Murals.”
8. Culinary delights: No visit to Philly is complete without trying their iconic culinary treats including Philly Cheese Steak, a sandwich of thinly sliced beef, onions, and cheese on a small loaf of Italian-style bread. Don’t miss their hoagie sandwich and try a whoopie, a soft chocolate cake-like cookie filled with sweet cream frosting. The best place to try Philly’s culinary delights is the Reading Terminal Market.
9. Festivals and more: Philadelphia has an event or festival for every season and every reason. Start the year off with their fireworks along the river followed by the Mummer’s parade, America’s oldest folk festival, on New Year’s day. The daylong parade includes comics, fancy brigades and string bands. Outdoor food, art and music festivals take place (nearly) every weekend.
10. And then there is: Wander Effert’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously occupied residential street. Leave a penny on Franklin’s grave. At Liberty 360 there is a 15-minute film that deals with America’s most treasured value – liberty. The National Liberty Museum is a tribute to freedom with a dynamic section devoted to religious freedom. Finally, Philly is home to the only museum devoted to the Three Stooges, The Stoogeum.

Sandra Scott travels the globe recording the top attractions at every destination.

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