Philadelphia – the Largest City in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia in the southeastern state of Pennsylvania likes to call itself the “Birthplace of Nation”, the birthplace of the nation. The 1st Continental Congress met here (1774), the independence of the United States was declared when the Liberty Bell was rung (1776) and the 1st Constitution was passed (1787). The first US government (1790-1799) was also based in Philadelphia.

The city has lost its political importance, but with 1.6 million residents in the urban area it is still an important metropolis as an economic and cultural center. In addition to numerous historical buildings, memorials and museums, there is well-kept colonial architecture. Modern skyscrapers harmonize with historical districts. The historic city center is a generous complex planned according to the checkerboard pattern. According to the plan by William Penn and Thomas Holme, a square with City Hall was to form the center of the city between Delaware and Schuylkill River, and an axillary consisting of four main roads should divide the center into four quarters. This axis system received two more diagonals in the 19th century (Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Ridge Avenue).

Inextricably linked with Philadelphia is the name Benjamin Franklin, who was born in 1706 exactly 300 years ago. The city has a total population of 1,517,550.

Shopping

The main shopping area in downtown ranges from 8th to 18th Street, Market, Chestnut and Walnut Streets. “Meet me at the eagle” is a winged word in Phialdelphia and refers to the bronze bird of the Lord & Taylor Department Store, which is popular as a meeting place (13th St and Market St.). The department store also has a multi-story organ with daily concerts. Further east on Market Street is the modern shopping mall Fashion Outlets Philadelphia (website), Ninth and Market Street. Opposite the Liberty Bell on the Independence Mall is the Bourse, a former commodity exchange from the 19th century with a hall that extends over 6 floors. Today there are shops, restaurants and offices here. The food court offers good food. China Town Mall, 143 North 11th St., offers oriental products and food. Italian Market along 9th Street from Christian St. to Dickinson Ave. has fresh products such as pasta and spices, but also clothes.

Other larger shopping opportunities outside the city center:

• Franklin Mills, 1455 Franklin Mills Circle, at I-95, approx. 25 km north of the city.
  Huge shopping center with mile-long shopping arcades, direct sales from the manufacturer
• Cherry Hill Mall, Route 73, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
• King of Prussia, Route 202 at Mall Boulevard
  One of the largest malls on the east coast.
• Monk’s Cafe & Beer Emporium
  Monk’s Cafe in Philadelphia offers 200 types of beer. In the restaurant there are recommendations as to which beer goes with which dish.

Two daily newspapers appear in Philadelphia: the Philadelphia Inquirer in the morning and on Sunday, on Friday with an event section on the weekend; Daily news in the afternoon.

Means of transport

Due to the lack of parking spaces, no car should be used in the city center, parking tickets are quickly distributed.

Local public transportation with buses, subways, and suburban trains is operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). There is a uniform fare, a change (transfer) costs a surcharge. There is no change (exact change is required)! Unlimited travel is possible with day tickets (Daypass). The most interesting route for visitors is Route 76 Ben Franklin from Independence National Historical Park Center on 3rd and Chestnut St. along Market St. to City Hall, Benjamn Franklin Parkway to the Museum of Art and back. The Route 42 is concerned, Chestnut St. Transitway between the 2nd and the 17th St. and continue through the Walnut St. by West Philadelphia.

Greyhound Lines Inc. serves the bus terminal on 10th and Filbert Streets (tel. 800-231-2222). The New Jersey Transit Buses also run to southern New Jersey and the coast from here (Tel. 215-569-3752). Amtrak trains service the main 30th Street Station, 30th Street and Market Streets, and North Philadelphia Stations, Broad Street and Glenwood Avenue. To get to the city center, get off at 30th Street Station. Amtrak information phone number 215-824-1600.

Philadelphia International Airport (website) is approximately 10 km (6.5 miles) from the business district and is accessible via Interstate 76 (Schuykill Expressway) and SR 291 (Penrose Avenue). SEPTA`s Airport Rail Line connects the airport with Market Street East Station, Suburban Station and 30th Street Station every half hour from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Climate and Weather

The climate in Philadelphia is fluctuating, the weather can change very quickly. Summers are hot and sticky, winters cold. Sudden thunderstorms are possible in summer. Snow in winter does not usually stay long. Spring and autumn are usually perceived as pleasant. Spring is rainy, autumn is sometimes quite cool, but Indian summer can also offer warm temperatures well into October.