- From USA series
More articles from this series:
- Washington, DC. So many museums, so little time.
- The colorful Cape May
- New York for three days
- New York (Part 1)
Let’s change our latitude, shall we? We will travel from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. If you’re staying on the East coast, you simply should visit the old American capital and the historic city of brotherly love – Philadelphia.
Let's plan our one-day trip to #philadelphia 🙂 Are you ready? #omtripping #omtripsblog #thepeaceisinsideus
— Om Trips Blog (@omtripsblog) October 26, 2015
You can visit the most important Philadelphia sights just for a day with good planning and no rush. Trust me! Once we decided to go I made the perfect plan. But let me tell you something first. Sorry, but the famous “Rocky steps” are not on our list. Perhaps I just lost a few readers, but c’est la vie… The reason is not that we do not like the movie, but jumping and running up the stairs Hollywood style…. and the statue of Sylvester Stallone (ok, right, of his movie character), who is still alive, is a bit too much for me if you know what I mean…
(BG) Улиците на Филаделфия
We took the bus early in the morning from Wildwood (like I mentioned in previous posts we spent four months there). It takes three hours to get to Philadelphia. We woke up quite early so I spent some time sleeping on the bus(my favorite combination – travel, and sleep).
The Adventure Aquarium
The first thing on our list was The Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey. This is a small town located directly across Philadelphia on the Delaware River. Camden and Philadelphia are in different states, but we are in the U.S. and everything is so easy with transportation. The two cities are connected by subway, water transport, etc. So, no worries!
I went to the bus driver and asked him to drop us at the Port Authority Transit in Camden as we would walk to Adventure Aquarium. He looked at me and asked: “Are you sure?”. “Yes, I am!” – I confirmed without hesitation, although the question sounded strange to me…
Well, a few minutes later we realized what actually the bus driver had asked us. Definitely, this itinerary was shorter but the neighborhood we found ourselves bothered me a little. We went by some industrial buildings and I wanted to run away really quickly. Honestly!!!
After 15 minutes we reached the civilization – a.k.a The Aquarium. We saw the Delaware River, the skyscrapers on the other side, and then everything fell into place.
Travel Channel writes about the top aquariums across the U.S. and The Adventure Aquarium is one of the favorite ones (you can find more information here). We spent several hours there. It was fun, educational, and very interactive. American museums are such a great experience. Which is the top Aquarium on your list? Please share in the comment form below!
Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
For a few hours, we felt like little kids but everything comes to an end. There are ferries which go from one side of the river to the other, but we didn’t have luck as the water transport wasn’t working that day. And guess what? We had to go back to Camden for catching the subway. “Again, really?!” – I thought. We crossed our fingers and went to the station. Then caught the subway and got to a fabulous metro station – a wonderful mall.
We found ourselves a few blocks away from the Independence National Historical Park, where the Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are situated. We didn’t have the chance to visit the Independence Hall because of some reconstructions. As a historian I felt the soul of this building – it was impressive. Statements, discussions, and notable personalities and that luster of the past – irreplaceable!
Washington Square
Around noon, we were already thinking about the famous Philly Cheesesteak. Yummy! We didn’t even go to some special spot for authentic Philly Cheesesteaks but bought some on the street as they could be found everywhere. Sorry, we don’t have pictures of ourselves eating but in September 2010 Instagram wasn’t launched yet (This social media was launched in October 2010, one month later). But here’s one interesting video from http://www.visitphilly.com/
We had our lunch at Washington Square and we came across an interesting find – The Bicentennial Moon Tree. It was planted from a seed carried to the Moon by the astronaut Stuart A. Roosa. Love it!
Chinatown and Dilworth Park
It was time to go back to the streets of Philly and continue our walk. We passed through Chinatown.
And here we are at Dilworth Park which is more like a square to me. It doesn’t look like a real park at all as there aren’t green areas – maybe just a few trees. Anyway, let it be a park! In Dilworth Park is located the City Hall which was built in 1871-1901 and it’s the largest municipal building in the United States.
Right next to Dilworth Park are the JFK Plaza, the famous “LOVE” sculpture of Robert Indiana and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Did you know that Benjamin Franklin Parkway is designed like the Champs-Elysees in Paris? It’s a place for annual parades and various city events. All the national flags are lined up on both sides there, a fact which also attracts many tourists.
We took a little break on a bench and for the first time in our lives, we saw a hummingbird <3 A fairytale! Here’s a challenge for you – find the hummingbird on the picture, xoxo.
It was time to catch the bus back to Wildwood. We had enough time to take some pictures and enjoy the night lights of the City of Brotherly Love.
This town was such a strange experience for us. We were so tired in a very strange way. Philadelphia is a mix of the past and the present, of the old and new architecture. The city is a little bit chaotic and with a very different atmosphere from the other American cities. It left me with a feeling that I can’t quite put into words. All this on the streets of Philadelphia! The last location – Greyhound Terminal! Goodbye, Philly!
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Greetings, Moni
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I’ve always wanted to see the liberty bell! What a cool and fun trip! And great layout for the day to see everything!
Thank you, Brittany! I am happy that you liked the post!
This is great! I love the video of how to order a philly. The map that you added is such a cool feature!
I am glad that you find the map useful!
Beautiful pictures! Thanks for your in depth description of your activities. I went to Philly on the way back from DC as a kid, it we only saw the liberty bell. Seems like there’s a lot more to do!
Thank you for your nice comment!
The old American capital is amazing option for a weekend trip. 🙂
This looks amazing!! My sister lives in Philly and I want to visit. That aquarium reminds me of the one here in ATL, its gorgeous!
I also thought it was the Georgia Aquarium at glance. 🙂
Nailil
http://www.thirtyminusone.com
You have to visit Philly when you have a chance! The Adventure Aquarium is indeed gorgeous, do not miss it 🙂
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Great pics!I have never been to Philly but it sounds like it would be an interesting experience!
I have really great memories from there 🙂
I want to visit Philly so bad. I have heard great things…this post backs them up.
It is really impressive!
Loved your pictures! Would love to visit Philadelphia one day, looks like there are so many things to see and enjoy!
As an old American capital, Philadelphia is still hiding its history and oldtime glory. Very interesting city! I hope that you can visit it one day!
Looks like you guys had a lot of fun there. The scenery looks amazing!
Yes, we’ve had wonderful time! Thank you for the positive words!
These are some great pics… I wish I can go there sometime soon 😀
New year, new opportunities 🙂
Great pics! I love the way you presented this article>
🙂 you are so sweet, thank you, @MONNKA
This is a nice guide if you want to explore Philly. I love the story of the bicentennial moon tree the most. It has travelled so far.
@Stargazer Writes, I was also so impressed, that I can’t take my eyes off it.
Love the way this travel guide is displayed with photos slides for locations!! Maybe a tri for future!
Dear Melina, I am glad that the post has inspired you somehow. 🙂
Thank you for virtually touring us in Philadelphia. This city is something I just only saw in various movies, and glad you enjoyed your trip.
Where is your next stop?
@Blair Villanueva, we really enjoyed our stay in Philadelphia. Speaking of future travels we haven’t decided yet. And what about you, where are heading next?
Such a great guide! I remember visiting Philiadelphia once as a little girl-my uncle lived there. I would love to go back as an adult and visit the aquarium and Chinatown. Looks so fun!
Thank you, @adstanfield25! Philadelphia is definitely a must! Great history, remarkable architecture and so many things to do. The Aquarium and Chintown is very good choice indeed 🙂
I’ve never been to Philadelphia, but you just made me think twice about why we haven’t visited whilst in the US.. I love aquariums we don’t have good ones in Ireland so wherever we travel we have to visit one.
If I have to be honest the Aquariym in Philadelphia is the best I have ever visited. So when you go there do not miss it! Happy travels!
I wish to visit this state once in my life but thanks for the photos and the experience though i haven’t been I felt that somehow I know how it looks like and got an idea what to see in that place.
I am happy that you felt this way while reading the article! Thanks!
Nice guide to Philadelphia! I’ve never been there but would love to visit one day. Maybe this could be another bucket list item!
Yey, so many inspired people here! 🙂
I have never been to philadelphia and the only pics I saw where from It is always sunny in philadelphia (tv show). The city looks amazing! so many things to do there!
I don’t know this TV show but I will check it right away.
What a fun place! I’ll probably visit there near future. Love your photos. And Moon Tree is really cool!
Yes, the moon tree is still in front of my eyes.
It is a very good travel guide. I have just moved to USA a year ago. Right now we are exploring California, the state where we love but I would love to see other cities. I do not know much about Philadelfia and your article gave some insight. the pictures are very pretty as well
Enjoy your stay in the States and do not forget to travel around. 🙂
Great guide and love the photos, I hope to visit there one day.
You are so nice! Thanks!
Lovely travel guide for Philadelphia, I will probably never go there because its suuuuuper far away for me so I enjoyed reading about it! Thanks! I love the thin long tree, so beautiful!
Nothing is so far away, it is only our perspective 🙂
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