Location: City Center East
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Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in City Center East, Pennsylvania (PA)
One of the most historic cities in America, Philadelphia is an ideal place to spend a weekend - preferably a long one. Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Both are part of Independence National Historic Park. Philadelphia also boasts some outstanding art museums, including the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is one of many area attractions honoring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city's most famous ambassador. After digesting all of that history, be sure you save room for a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.
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1. Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
The site of this church, the mother church of the African Methodist Episcopal order, is the oldest tract of land continuously owned by blacks in the U.S. Theres a small museum to A.M.E. founder Richard Allen below the church.
Reviewed By Herstory_62 - Philadelphia, United States
Along with nearby Independence Hall & other historic places of worship in the area, such as Christ Church & the Arch Street Meeting, don't miss the opportunity to visit or worship at this monumental church, the mother church of the AME, the first African-American denomination. Founded in 1787, the congregation worships in a building which sits on the nation's oldest parcel of land owned by African-Americans. The stained glass windows (with Masonic symbols) are magnificent & the crypt museum is a treasure trove of artifacts & significant history.
2. Athenaeum of Philadelphia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
A non-profit library and historic site furnished with fine and decorative arts from the first half of the 19th century. Free exhibitions.
3. Old St. Mary's Church
4. Liberty Bell Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,738 reviews
Though it can no longer be rung, the bell remains a lasting American symbol of freedom.
Reviewed By Southjp - London, United Kingdom
A must do!!! Visit very emotional and educational about the iconic symbol of American independence, set in the ruins of the colonial house.
5. Independence Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,956 reviews
Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in this historic building.
Reviewed By jdc8mbc
This is a must-see attraction which requires a timed entry ticket which should be reserved way in advance, especially during holidays, spring break, and summer. We went in October and could not get tickets for our first-choice date, so we re-juggled our planned itinerary around the date for which we could get tickets to Independence Hall. It seems to us the first place to visit in Philadelphia is Independence Hall for people interested in American history. (If you're an art aficionado, then the Barnes would be the first stop in Philly.) The park ranger provided an informative overview and history of Independence Hall, after which we were allowed to roam and explore the Independence Square buildings. To get or pick-up reserved tickets, go to the modern Independence Visitor Center which across the street from the entrance to Independence Hall.
6. Christ Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 956 reviews
This church's congregation has included Ben Franklin, George Washington and Betsy Ross.
Reviewed By antoinettel389
Where else can you visit one building and find history about religion, politics, social events, presidents, founding fathers, Betsy Ross, the Penn family, see a letter written by George Washington, see the tallest building in the colonies for 56 years, the 600 year old baptisimal font used to baptise William Penn, sit in The Presidents Pew .....and much, much more. All the church historians are knowledgeable and friendly. They are always willing to take time to answer questions. As a tour guide in Historic Philadelphia for the past 20 years I have the opportunity to vist with our guest from throughout the world and for many it is the highlight of their tour. They most often mention the passion of the guides which brings the church history alive. A trip to Historic Philadelphia is incomplete without a visit to Christ Church.
7. Elfreth's Alley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,121 reviews
America's oldest residential street was built in 1702 and is now designated a National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By stacywanderlust - Nashville, United States
This alley is representative of an era of history preserved in a single area and is the oldest residential street in the U.S. I took the best photos of my entire trip here. Private citizens occupy the houses, so I tried to be respectful of privacy and kept quiet. Elfreth's Alley is a must-see in Philly. I only wish the museum had been open the day I visited.
8. National Museum of American Jewish History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,113 reviews
Visit the National Museum of American Jewish History, right on Independence Mall. Explore our collection of interactive exhibitions highlighting the journey of American immigrants and their stories that have helped shape America into the country we know and love. Reserve your tickets now!
Reviewed By flo220 - New York City, United States
A part of the Smithsonian (so all but special exhibits are free) this very interesting and informative museum covers life of Jews in the United State. It has a nice mix of exhibits with historical information (including immigration facts and figures), artifacts, interactive exhibits and film/tv clips. Informative and enjoyable. Worth a trip to Philadelphia for.
9. Society Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
A treasure of a red-brick neighborhood.
Reviewed By 27claudettec - Washington, United States
My sister and I spent three days in Philadelphia and this was one of our favorite things. The neighborhood is a step back in time with old row houses, old churches and cemeteries. The old row houses have the original plaques of the company who provided fire insurance including some from the Ben Franklin company. There are two old cemeteries that have graves of people who fought in revolutionary war and other pivotal figures in our history.
10. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Though amidst a number of other historical sites, the tomb is one of a kind. It's the only memorial to the unknown heroes of the American Revolution.
Reviewed By xXscullyXx
A must visit. A quiet, thought provoking place to reflect on the great sacrifice so many made. Many with no choice, who stood up for what they believed and lost their lives as a result. There are thousands of soldiers buried on the grounds in a mass unmarked grave.
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