hamburger

Hello, my husband and my two kids and I are travelling through Philadelphia and are thinking maybe we should make a day of it. Can anyone suggest what we might see if we have just 4-5 hours? I'm thinking of sights that have historical significane. Thanks.

schmerl

You could start at the Visitors Center to get tickets to Independance Hall. They are free, but will give you time to go there. The Constitution Center is worth a visit also. The Liberty Bell is also in the same area. We also enjoy Franklin Court and the museum there.

Kerry392

The Reading Terminal Market would be a fun stop. There are tons of different types of food and other items. A great spot for lunch!

mowebster1

HI,
Id start at 5th and Market--head to the Constituition Center, then Independence Hall, head to Betsy Ross' house, Ben Franklin's print shop, and if there is time, the Franklin Mint (I like money!). Maybe wrap it up with a cheesesteak on South Street (not Pat's or Gino's, but still Philly)--all within about a saure mile.

Mo

hamburger

Thanks everyone for the great info!

schmerl

Check out www.gophila.com for some good information.

PaulRabe

Some things to know:

If you just show up at the Visitor Center, you MIGHT get a timed ticket to go inside Independence Hall for a visit within the next five hours -- or not. If you absolutely must see the rooms where the events took place, you should reserve the tickets in advance (there is a fee for advance reservations).
www.nps.gov/inde/independence-hall.htm

The story that Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag is an obvious hoax created by social-climbing descendants. There is some dispute on whether she lived at the place called the Betsy Ross House. You may wish to visit this place anyway, but be aware it's mythology, not history.

Independence Hall, the Constitution Center, Franklin Court, and Christ Church are all within a few blocks within each other; and together they will take up about the 4-5 hours you have alloted for Philly.

lmoneylsauce

If you have kids then Franklin Institute is a must-see. I used to LOVE that place when I was a kid. This will take up at least a few hours.

http://www2.fi.edu/

Then do Independence Hall & all of the "historical" stuff

marginal_margiela

The King Tut exhibit starts at Franklin Institute on Feb. 3 and runs until June.


I am come from the most famous family in Philadelphia, sweetie.

What else do you want to know?

BarryK

Elfreths Alley is a neat to see, too. And there are self-guided tour of the US Mint. Depending how old the kids are, they may (and you, too) enjoy exhibit at the Federal Reserve, a few blocks away. At the Fed, there's an exhibit what the Fed does and the history and workings of money. Also, they give out samples - actually, a bag of shredded currency. The kids may get a kick out of that.

skatedancer

I would skip the Franklin Institute, because you can go to a science museum in other cities, but you cannot see the other historical sights elsewhere. I thought the Constitution Center was really interesting. I don't think you could do both that and the Mint in the time you have allotted, and personally, I would pick the C. Center.

marginal_margiela

Sorry, the Tut Exhibit at the Franklin Institute is until Sept. 30, 2007.

SomeDude

Rocky's route! Tata tanana tanana tanana...
http://philadelphia.citysearch.com/roundup/40876