5 of Philadelphia's Top Historic Attractions

[rohny jones]

Are you heading to Philadelphia soon? If so, you should make sure to include lots of historic landmarks on your itinerary. After all, the City of Brotherly Love is one of the most historic in the United States. When you visit Philadelphia, you should also rent a car to ensure that you can get around at your most convenient pace. Make sure to rent your vehicle at the airport when you arrive.

 

The Liberty Bell

Ensconce in a pavilion next to Independence Hall, one of the world's most famous bells was created in Great Britain but was recast in 1753 so that it could embellish the Pennsylvania State House, and was once used to summon Pennsylvania Assembly meetings. Later is was adopted by many different groups as their symbol, including, for example, civil rights advocates and immigrants. A visit to Philadelphia without seeing the Liberty Bell is simply unthinkable, so make sure this wonderful landmark is one of the first you consider when planning your itinerary.

The Betsy Ross House

The birthplace of the American flag, the onetime home of its creator is open to the public with a self-guided audio tour, featuring a narrator acting as Betsy Ross (there's one available especially for kids, too). It will help you explore and understand the house, which includes tiny rooms and narrow staircases, as well as her life in 18th-century Philadelphia and why she made the American flag. You'll also see her upholstery shop and view the basement where she put together musket cartridges for the Continental Army.

Benjamin Franklin Museum

Dedicated to the famous Founding Father, diplomat, thinker, and scientists who was a Philadelphia native, this museum is full of Franklin's personal effects as well as many interactive displays that will educate you about his life and times. You'll finish your exploration of this must-see museum knowing much more than you ever thought possible about one of the most important historic figures in the United States and what life was like in the country's earliest days.

National Museum of American Jewish History

Founded in 1976, and reopened at its current location in 2010, this museum features more than 20,000 artifacts as well as interactive displays that will help you learn about and understand stories of Jewish immigrants and refugees who came to the United States. Many of these artifacts dates back at least 300 years.

Battleship New Jersey

Launched in 1942, the 871-foo-long, 45,000-ton USS New Jersey played a significant part in American naval history from World War II  through patrolling the Persian Gulf in 1990 before it was decommissioned for the last tie in 1991. You can tour it and learn about what life was like onboard this impressive ship.