Philadelphia is a truly underrated city- often forgotten in the shadow of the great New York City- you really would be silly to overlook Philly!
Philadelphia's rich political history and its centrality to the formation of The Constitution and The Bill of Rights is what I think gives it such a unique edge over other American cities. We started our day by visiting The National Constitution Centre, which I would certainly recommend visiting, and then the (slightly underwhelming) Liberty Bell.
One of the city’s greatest assets- aside from its infamous cheesesteak sandwiches and general foodie allure- is the diversity of its architecture.
The buildings and monuments really document the city's progression. The classical aesthetic of the museums which became very popular during ‘The Greek Revival’ in the early 19th century reference the significance of democracy in the city’s political foundations. Classical buildings are then set against sky-high forms of glass and steel that stand testimony to the city’s economic and financial evolution. The contrast makes for a fantastically distinctive cityscape.
Amidst this there are definite references to earlier 18th century Georgian and Federal styles, which depict the British and Dutch
influence and the city’s colonial beginnings.
One of my favourite spots in the city was The Swann Memorial Fountain where my friends and I sat, chatted and paddled our feet after it had become very hot and humid by mid-afternoon.
Philadelphia's true architectural marvel has to be the City Hall. The hall was designed by a Scottish architect in the Second Empire style and is topped with a statue of the city’s founder, William Penn. To put it crudely, it looks a little like it has been plucked straight from 19th century France, pumped with steroids and then placed bang in the centre of the city’s financial district, but it is beautiful and spectacular nonetheless.
We also ventured to Philly’s epic food market; Reading Terminal Market to try ‘The Best Sandwich in America’ (according to Man vs. Food’s Adam Richman).
Tommy DiNic’s succulent three-day marinated roast pork, lined with cheese and brocoli in a soft baguette was all kinds of good!
The Reading Terminal Market is a must visit, the sheer scale of the place demands its own indoor street system and the array of great food on offer is like no other. There are all forms of temptation, from lobster, to purple peppers to chocolate covered bacon (which has become a tourist attraction in its own right!)
I couldn’t help but feel a little cheated that my great lunch in Philapdelphia wasn’t a classic Philly cheesesteak sanwich so in a few weeks time- once I have worked off this supersized pork sanwich- I will most certainly be making a pilgrimage to Philly to pay homage to the great Philly Cheesesteak!
