Philadelphia: Liberty and Inspiration

Philadelphia City Hall, Pennsylvania, USA

Home of Benjamin Franklin, the Liberty Bell and Philly Steaks. Philadelphia is hard not to like, so let's take a ride through some of the major attractions the 6th most populous city in the US has to offer.

Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Independence Hall is the building where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and later adopted. A corner-piece in the American history.

Libery Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Right across the street from Independence Hall you can visit the original Liberty Bell, which used to hang in the tower of the Independence Hall. The bell has grown into an iconic symbol of American independence since it was believed to have been rung before the public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776.

Love Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Designed by famous artist Andy Warhol the Love Sculpture stands proud inside Love Park in Philadelphia. Leading up to the park is the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which holds flags from every UN nation in the world. On the other side of the park rises Philadelphia City Hall. A very centered spot with a lot of busy people passing by.

Magic Gardens in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Magic Gardens in Philly is actually just a neighborhood area decorated... magically? Grafitti art, mosaics and other creative wall decorations are everywhere in this south part of the city center. Worth a stroll for sure.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

One of many cathedrals in Philadelphia, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is located on near Logan Square and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Besides being an architectural masterpiece it's also the largest Catholic church in Pennsylvania.

The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

The Franklin Institute functions as a science museum. Inside the lobby you'll find the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. Prices to enter the museum are quite spicy, but having a look inside the lobby is completely free of charge.

Benjamin Franklin's grave in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 

Once you've visited the memorial honoring good old Ben, why not visit his grave site? Benjamin Franklin's grave is located at Christ Church Burial Ground not too far from Independence Hall. There's a 3 dollar admission fee, but Ben's grave is next to a gate and can be seen for free from Arch St. You can toss a few coins for good luck.

Boathouse Row in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

In the northwest part of Philadelphia is a place named Boathouse Row. And you've guessed it, it's a row of boathouses... but! There's more to it than meets the eye. Each boathouse has its own history and all of them are at least a century old. They still all house rowing clubs and several Olympic rowers have come from the different houses at Boathouse Row.

Rocky Statue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

The Rocky Statue was briefly place on top of the famous Rocky Steps for the filming of Rocky III. That's right, Philadelphia set the scene for Sylvester Stallone's masterpiece movies about amateur boxer Rocky, who struggles to make it big. The statue's new location is to the right of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you most-likely have to stand in line for a photo.

The "Rocky Steps" in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

The Rocky Steps is actually the steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. These steps were used and immortalized in several epic scenes from the Rocky-movies. There's even a small plate with a set of footprints from a pair of Converse-shoes.

Italian Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Another location used in Rocky is the Italian Market. The market is still very much alive, like it was back in the 70's when Rocky ran through this area trying to get in shape for his big match. Located not too far from the Magic Gardens.

Rocky Balboa's Apartment in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Rocky's Arpartment is a bit far from the city center, near the metro stop; Somerset Station. The apartment is privately owned and there's not much here unless you're a die-hard Rocky fan.

"Mighty Micks" in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Might Micks used to be the gym, which Rocky trained in. The building used for the gym in 1973 still stands to this day on the corner of N Front St and E Susquehanna Ave. Nearest metro-stop is York-Dauphin.

Besides liberty and the inspirational story of Rocky, Philadelphia also has its very own food; the Philly Steak'n'Cheese. You really can't leave Philadelphia without trying one of these steak and cheese filled sandwiches.