Philadelphia
 Philadelphia is one of the oldest and the largest city in Pennsylvania, the fifth-most-populous city in the United States. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of the city proper was 1,526,006 and 5,7 million together with its suburbs.
Philadelphia historical and cultural life is very diverse. In the historic part of town still reigns the atmosphere of a small and quiet town, which was both Philadelphia and other colonial cities during the formation of the United States.
Philadelphia is a commercial, educational, and cultural center, Philadelphia was the social and geographical center of the original 13 American colonies. It was a centerpiece of early American history, host to many of the ideas and actions that gave birth to the American Revolution and independence. Throughout its history it was considered one of the most multi-ethnic cities in America: the Italian and Irish, Eastern European and Asian communities have lived side by side with a large black population of the city, many of whom are the descendants of people who fled here during the Civil war between north and south.
Founded in 1682 by William Penn. Popular nicknames for Philadelphia include Philly and The City of Brotherly Love, from the literal meaning of the city's name in Greek (from Greek philos (φίλος) "love", and adelphos (ἀδελφός) "brother"). In 1776, in Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress of the thirteen North American states adopted the Declaration of Independence. In 1781, during the War of Independence, 1775-1783, Philadelphia became the capital of the "United Colonies", and in 1790-1800 – the first capital of the United States, the largest city in North America.
One of the famous inhabitants of the city was Benjamin Franklin.
 The main historical attraction of Philadelphia and the United States is Independence Hall, where in 1776 the Declaration of Independence was adopted, and in 1787 – the U.S. Constitution.
Near the two-story building of Independence Hall in a special pavilion there is the Liberty Bell, the symbol of American independence, its ringing on July 8, 1776 became the announcement of Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776.
Here you can find also the Hall of Congress, where the Bill of Rights was signed.
Here there is also the Second Bank of the United States / Portrait Gallery, Old Joseph Church, Church of Christ, and Betsy Ross Museum.
All these attractions are surrounded by green vegetation, forming several park districts in the city center.
Philadelphia Elfreth's Alley is the oldest street in the U.S. Its 30 homes were built during 1728-1836. Well-known city sights are: Penn Center, Powell House, Italian Market, Acquarama, Elfreth's Alley, as well as the country's first department store Wanamaker's – a popular meeting place in downtown Philadelphia.
 Philosophy Hall still holds meetings of the First Philosophical Society of the United States, founded by Benjamin Franklin. Philadelphia's major universities are the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, The Academy of Natural Sciences – a total of 88 universities and colleges.
Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world. Here the country's oldest zoo is situated (founded in 1874).
Philadelphia is now overcome with the idea of restoring its old splendor and beauty. Every corner of the city, from the prosperous districts composing the Central City to exciting historic buildings, is restored and renovated. City Hall made of granite and white marble, finally will be able to show its high tower, which for years had been chained by scaffold. The renovated main station of Philadelphia now looks the same as in the Great Depression times.
More than any other city, Philadelphia reveals the history of American architecture. Main Street in Manayunk is ranked among the top ten best streets in America, due to the XIX-century houses, which features shops, art galleries and pubs.
 Here the art thrives, mainly in theaters and performing centers built on Art Avenue. Broad Street houses Philadelphia Orchestra, Ballet of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Opera, as well as jazz studios, drama and musical theaters. The city is known for its hoagies, scrapple, water ice, Tastykake, and is home to the cheesesteak.
In Philadelphia the headquarters of the railway company Pennsylvania Railroad was established in 1846. This company owned a wide railway network in the north-eastern United States. During the times of the greatest prosperity the railway company controlled about 16,000 km of railways, with almost 250 thousand employees. In 1968 the company merged with the Central New York Railroad and stopped its existence.
Museums:
- University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
- Mütter Museum - museum of medical pathologies, ancient medical equipment and biological exhibits, situated in the College of Physicians.
Enjoy a never-to-be-forgotten stay in Philadelphia together with Golden Times Travel.
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