Philadelphia Freedom!

The only UNESCO World Heritage City in the US, William Penn’s town has a cultural vibe all its own.

- Ramsey Qubein

From the top of the new One Liberty Observation deck in downtown Philadelphia, you can see for miles. Children and adults alike are delighted with the mesmerizing city view from this scenic perch. But it is what’s hidden away below, tucked in between those city blocks, that’s the true magic of the nation’s fifth largest city waiting to be discovered.

Philadelphia is a walkable metropolis, thanks in part to having the largest navigable pedestrian sign system in North America according to the Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition it’s also ringed with 205 miles of bike lanes. The city is comprised of numerous neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and energy, weaving a cultural patchwork that gives the city true international flair.

From the colorful street signs and exotic aromas of Chinatown to the bars and cafes of Washington Square West, the transitions between neighborhoods are noticeable.

Popular with tourists, this is the 13th most-visited US city by international travelers based upon the latest CVB data. Sandwiched between New York and Washington, Philly can sometimes get a “bum rap” with foreign visitors who are just passing through as they split their time between the Big Apple and DC.

Domestic visitors, while strong in number, often have eyes aglaze for New York’s bright city lights. But once people discover Philadelphia’s burgeoning dining scene and historic landmarks intertwined with modern shopping, they are hooked.

With more than a hundred Fortune 500 companies within a 200-mile radius, the City of Brotherly Love welcomes its fair share of business travelers too. The mix of visitors creates a buzz in all corners of this historic metropolis.

Getting Your Bearings