Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and it is a city of firsts. The first university in the United States, the first art school, and the first hospital were all founded in Philadelphia. Every year, people flock to Philadelphia to learn its history and its role in the history of the United States.
People who are interested in the history of Revolutionary America can take constitutional walking tours or Segway tours to visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were drafted, and Franklin Court, where Benjamin Franklin’s home once stood. Visitors can visit Congress Hall free of charge, and view portraits of historically-significant people in the Second Bank of the United States.
There are many city tours available for visitors who are interested in things other than Revolutionary War history, as well. The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and the Mütter Museum will appeal to fans of the macabre, while the Philadelphia Zoo (another first for the United States) houses more than 13,000 animals for science fans to visit. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is the oldest natural sciences center in the Western hemisphere, opening to the public in 1828 and featuring exhibits such as the fossil preparation lab, live animal presentations, and replica fossil digs.
People with an interest in criminal justice may want to visit the historic Eastern State Penitentiary, which was founded in 1829 in an attempt to focus on reforming convicts, rather than punishing them. Housing famous inmates like Al Capone and Willie Sutton, the prison closed after 142 years in 1971, and currently offers tours focusing on its revolutionary operating practices and unique architecture.
Of course, historical and city tours aren’t the only thing to do in Philadelphia. With four major sports teams, an award-winning orchestra, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, there is something for everyone in Philadelphia.