There is never a dull moment in Philadelphia. Locals and visitors alike love the diversity of entertainment options, park and recreation opportunities, museums and historical sites that dot the city. In this article we highlight just five ways you can keep yourself amused and surprised in the City of Brotherly Love.
Play in Fairmount Park
Even though Philadelphia is a bustling city, there are plenty of spaces to relax and unwind. In fact, Philadelphia was named one of the ten best cities for parks in the world. A real gem is Fairmont Park, with over 9,000 acres of rolling hills, plenty of shady areas and a waterfront. The developed trail network in the park is perfect for walking or jogging. Wilderness trails in the park can accommodate mountain bikes and horses. Fairmont Park has several playgrounds and is home to the Philadelphia Zoo.
Meander in the Museums of Philadelphia
Philadelphia has many museums, including the world’s first pizza museum. Some notable museums include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which has more than 300,000 works in its collection. The Paul Robeson House Museum honors the life and legacy of one of Philadelphia’s local civil rights leaders, Paul Robeson. A really unique museum is the Marvin Samson Center for the History of Pharmacy. There are over 10,000 pharmaceutical and medical objects in the collection. For those that love science and nature, the Academy of Natural Sciences is certainly worth a visit. It is one of the world’s top natural history museums with a 200 year history in Philadelphia.
Be Sporty
Philadelphians love their sports teams and it’s always fun to take in a game. Professional sports teams that call Philadelphia home include the Phillies (baseball), the Eagles (football), the Flyers (hockey), the 76ers (basketball), the Union (major league soccer), and the Wings (lacrosse). There are also several college sports teams that play and draw large crowds. In addition to pro and college sports, Philadelphia is home to many great golf opportunities, marathons and running races, boating races and a plethora of indoor sports.
Shop the Italian Markets of Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a rich cultural tapestry from the different immigrant groups that helped shape the city. The Italian Market, which is also known as 9th Street, has been a market venue for well over 100 years. For a great mix of food vendors, people watching and a slice of Philadelphia life a trip to the Italian Market can be fun. Â Vendors sell fruits, vegetables, fish and household items. The market is open year round, rain or shine. In addition to vendors there are small shops and cafes. The Italian Market Festival takes place in May and includes a procession of the saints, booths, live entertainment, food and a fun atmosphere.
History Comes to Life
The National Constitution Center is a dedicated exclusively to the U.S. Constitution. It is located in historic Philadelphia. This state-of-the-art museum really brings history to life and includes interactive exhibits, a 360-degree theatrical production and more. The National Constitution Center is just one of many places you can visit to experience the history of the U.S. and the role that Philadelphia played in the shaping of our country.
