Philadelphia is the second largest metropolis on the East Coast of the United States and is best known as the city where the United States was founded. The temporary capital of the then-young nation is not only America’s first World Heritage City, but also boasts more historic sites related to American history than any other metropolitan city in the United States. These include the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, two of the most important monuments commemorating American independence. The original city layout has been preserved to this day and the bombastic town hall, a 165 meter high building with various reliefs and sculptures, has stood on the central square for more than 100 years.

According to allcitycodes, Philadelphia is also home to a large number of museums and has a great cultural program with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Pennsylvania Ballet, among others. The neoclassical colossal building of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, whose outside staircase Sylvester Stallone once stormed up as “Rocky” in the film of the same name, as well as numerous other art museums, various art objects and impressive wall paintings (“mural arts”) on streets and public places, have Philadelphia the reputation introduced to a modern cultural metropolis. Did you know that Philadelphia is the world capital of mural arts? “The City of Brotherly Love” is both the cradle of the nation and a modern metropolis, combining the flair of a big city with the charm of a small town steeped in history.

Location and size
Philadelphia is located in the state of Pennsylvania on the US east coast. Pennsylvania borders the states of New York (north), New Jersey (east), Delaware (southeast), Maryland (south), West Virginia (southwest), and Ohio (west). Philadelphia is located in the southeastern part of the state between the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers. The city covers an area of ​​370 km².

Population
As the seventh largest city in the USA, Pennsylvania has a population of just over 1.5 million.

Arriving
by plane
US Airways, like American Airlines, flies non-stop to Philadelphia from Frankfurt and Munich. With Lufthansa you fly daily direct from Frankfurt to Philadelphia. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is eight miles southwest of downtown.

Climate
Philadelphia has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with average temperatures around 30°C, while winters are moderate with temperatures around 0°C. Spring and fall usually have a pleasant climate, making Philadelphia a worthwhile year-round travel destination.

Average temperatures in Philadelphia in °C
Month	Jan	Feb	March	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Max	4	7	12	18	23	28	31	29	26	19	13	7
Min	-3	-2	1	7	12	18	21	20	16	9	4	-1

Sights and top ten attractions

Philadelphia Museum of Art
Collections spanning over 2,000 years of human cultural history and acclaimed exhibitions make this museum one of the nation’s most important cultural institutions and a Philadelphia landmark. Masterpieces of painting, sculpture, decorative arts and architecture from Europe, Asia and America can be seen here. The Museum of Art (or the steps that lead up to the museum) became world famous through the film Rocky (1976) with Sylvester Stallone. Events such as readings, concerts, film screenings and family events take place regularly in the imposing neoclassical building.

Reading Terminal Market
After two markets were demolished to make way for a railway station in 1892, a new market was created under the roof of a train hall. Back then, people would come here from as far away as New Jersey to buy fresh Lancaster County produce. However, the terminal market then almost fell into disrepair and was even to be dissolved in the 1970s. But it has been revived and now boasts more than 80 shops selling groceries, flowers, crafts and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties. Various events such as live music, market tours or cooking classes take place there throughout the year.

Barnes Foundation
The largest private collection of French early modernist paintings and post-impressionist works from around the world opened in 2012 in a new museum on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Over 600 works of art, including 181 Renoirs, 46 Picassos, antique furniture, ceramics, African sculptures and wrought iron objects can be admired here.

National Museum of American Jewish History
The only museum in the United States dedicated to the history, challenges, and achievements of American Jews. The striking glass building offers visitors state-of-the-art interactive exhibitions.

Independence National Historical Park
The story of the founding of America can be experienced on a tour of the most historic square mile in the United States. It is home to more than a dozen important historical sites and attractions, such as the Liberty Bell Center – which houses and reports on the bell that ushered in the first reading of the American Declaration of Independence in Independence Square – the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Independence Hall , where Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776 and the President’s House are located here. The tour should start at the Independence Visitor Center.

National Constitution Center
The only museum in the world dedicated entirely to the United States Constitution tells the story of that document through a moving live amphitheater, interactive exhibits and artifacts in a large building in Independence National Historical Park.

Tax Free Shopping
Pennsylvania has no taxes on shoes and clothing, making Philadelphia a shopper’s paradise. Downtown Philadelphia offers a variety of shops and specialty stores such as Antique Row, exclusive boutiques and other great deals. Popular American brands also feature King of Prussia Mall and Philadelphia Premium Outlets just a few miles outside of Center City.

Avenue of the Arts
Avenue of the Arts is one of the most interesting streets in the region. Home to over 50 arts and cultural venues, including the spectacular Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts , as well as numerous shopping and dining options. Countless theatres, galleries, concerts and dance performances make a visit a unique experience.

Elfreth’s Alley
Thirty-two of the oldest surviving homes in the United States occupies this cobblestone block that was once home to colonial artisans such as blacksmith Jeremiah Elfreth and historical figures. In addition to a stroll through Elfreth’s Alley, a visit to the street museum, which is divided between house numbers 124 and 126, is also worthwhile. Guided tours are offered in building number 124, which also houses the museum shop, giving an overview of the 300-year history of the street and an insight into everyday life in the 18th century.

Sports
Philadelphia is one of the cities in the USA that is particularly enthusiastic about sports and offers five professional sports teams that can be experienced live in state-of-the-art sports facilities as well as high-class college sports. In addition to the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team and the Philadelphia Eagles (American Football), ice hockey (Philadelphia Flyers), basketball (Philadelphia 76ers) and lacrosse (Philadelphia Wings) games can also be attended.