Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love,” is home of the Liberty Bell, the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.  Philadelphia was the social and geographical center of the original 13 American colonies, giving birth to the American Revolution. It also served as the nation’s second capital in 1774. Today, it’s also home to the Philly Cheesesteak, Rocky and the fourth largest metroplex in the U.S.

Below are some cultural attractions that you can experience while in Philadelphia, PA. 

Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776 - 1876

Its primary focus is to re-count the stories of and contributions made by people of African descent in Philadelphia. The overall goal is to draw visitors into another time and place called “history,” where they can encounter and come to understand the people who created the world that they now inhabit. Through this exhibit visitors will learn who the people were, how they lived and worked, and their unheralded impact on our nation.

For more details visit: http://aampmuseum.org/index.php/page/audacious-freedom

Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Mansion

Experience 18th and 19th century history through the events and lives of people associated with Belmont Mansion in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, PA. Our house museum is dedicated to colonial history and the 19th century network of people and places known as the "underground railroad."

Website:     www.belmontmansion.org

Academy of Music

Philadelphia's Academy of Music is both a celebrated historical landmark and a current focus of cultural life in the city. Opened in 1857, the Academy is the oldest grand opera house in the United States still used for its original purpose. It remains one of the busiest halls in the world and hosts a myriad of community functions and cultural activities, including performances by the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Ballet and Philly Pops with Peter Nero. The Academy is owned by The Philadelphia Orchestra Association and is managed by The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

For more details visit: http://www.academyofmusic.org/home.php

All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors

The All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors honors the service of African American soldiers and sailors. At the top of the artwork the ''torch of life'' is depicted guarded by four eagles. On the front side 6 soldiers and sailors flank the allegorical figure of Justice who holds symbols of ''Honor'' and ''Reward.'' Originally located in West Fairmount Park, the artwork was relocated in 1994, sixty years after its original installation to its more prominent location in Logan Square. Commissioned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, donated to the City of Philadelphia.

For more details visit: http://philadelphia.about.com/library/gallery/blparkway41.htm

Charles Blockson Afro-American Collection

Contains over 40,000 African American history documents and artifacts; the collection features books, slave narratives, photographs, sheet music and original recording.

Website:     www.library.temple.edu

Adventure Aquarium

Sharks, hippos, penguins, seals and many animals to touch--there's something for everyone! You're in their world now!

For more details visit: http://www.adventureaquarium.com/

Betsy Ross House

No visit to Historic Philadelphia would be complete without a stop at the home of America's most famous flag-maker. The Betsy Ross House is located in the heart of Philadelphia's Most Historic Square Mile just blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. After you tour the house, make sure to meet Betsy Ross and plan to spend some time relaxing in our shady courtyard where you'll enjoy free family friendly programming like the crowd favorite Joke & Dagger, hear storytelling and see colonial crafters at work.

For more details visit: http://www.betsyrosshouse.org/

John Coltrane Site

John Coltrane (1926-1967) moved to Philadelphia in 1944 where he began his professional career; he cut his professional teeth with Miles, Dizzy, and Thelonius and became a jazz immortal in 1960 when he formed a pioneering group that fused African American, African, and Indian melodic elements; John W Coltrane Society preserves his musical legacy at his former address.

Website:  http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1183362119&ResourceType=Building

Lincoln University

One of the oldest historically Black colleges was founded in 1854, it was first called Ashmun Institute; distinguished alumni include Thurgood Marshall and Langston Hughes.

Website: http://02bee66.netsolhost.com/lincolnhomepage/

Brandywine Valley Wine Trail

You will find the BVWT in the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania, where the states of Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey converge on the commonwealth. The wineries are sprinkled across the beautiful and historic region that lies between the cities of Philadelphia, Wilmington, Lancaster, and West Chester. Access to the wine trail is entirely by Route 1 corridor, which will transport you to all of the wineries. The wineries are in easy driving distances from one another. The distance between wineries normally varies from five minutes to a maximum of 20 minutes in drive time.

For more details visit: http://www.bvwinetrail.com/

Cheyney University

Cheyney, the oldest historically Black college, is located 24 miles outside Philadelphia.

Website:  http://www.cheyney.edu/

Chestnut Hill Shopping District

Chestnut Hill is a favorite destination in Philadelphia for shopping. Here you'll find upscale stores filled with unique items that you won't find anywhere else as well as favorite nationally-known retailers. Chestnut Hill is known for its quality merchandise and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, and at every stop, you'll receive personal service from shopkeepers. Every year Philadelphia Magazine gives ''Best of Philly'' awards to several Chestnut Hill retailers.

For more details visit: http://www.chestnuthillpa.com/

Comcast Center

The Comcast Center is located at 1701 John F Kennedy Boulevard. The Market & Shops at Comcast Center offer an exciting array of restaurants, specialty food purveyors and high-end retailers. Conveniently located on the Concourse Level of the Comcast Center, The Market & Shops is directly accessible from Suburban Station and provides a wonderful dining and shopping location for the surrounding offices and apartment communities. Whether you stop by for a quick breakfast, lunch from over nine fabulous eateries or to pick up dinner, you are sure to find something deliciously out-of-the-ordinary.

For more details visit: http://www.visitphilly.com/museums-attractions/philadelphia/comcast-center/

Fairmount Park

It might be taking lunch on a bench by a majestic statue, participating in the summer rowing camp, rollerblading down West River Drive on the weekends, mountain biking on the Wissahickon Trails or visiting a park playground. No city resident lives more than a mile from one of 62 neighborhood parks. All of these parks make up Philadelphia's 9,200 acre citywide park system, known as Fairmount Park. Everyone has their favorite corner of the park; while very few of us see the entire park in all its splendor, most Philadelphia residents have some part that they call their own.

For more details visit: http://www.fairmountpark.org/