Made in America.
Of the many places I’ve seen in the United States, Philadelphia by far inspires the most patriotism and reflection on American History. Thoroughly impressed by the authenticity of everything we saw and the emotion behind it, I found myself moved to tears by the bricks that created the foundation upon which our country stands. There are an innumerable amount of things to see and do – five days was not nearly enough – but among them, these five are the most patriotic places to visit in Philadelphia:
1. The Liberty Bell
6th St & Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States (map, website)
As soon as you arrive in Philadelphia, head to the visitor’s center across the street from the Liberty Bell for information about tours and ticket information. There, you can acquire tickets for Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and more. With an introduction about the history of the Liberty Bell and a beautiful view of Independence Hall behind it, this attraction is one that cannot be missed.
Photo: Amanda Rodrigues2. Independence Hall
520 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19106 (map, website)
Tours of Independence Hall should be booked the day before to guarantee admission but can also be purchased the day of if there are tickets left. Only lasting for a half hour, the tours of Independence Hall are perfectly timed to be informative, interesting, and leaving you hanging for more. Standing where the founding fathers stood when signing both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution was more than overwhelming. With Independence Hall kept in such perfect condition, it’s easy to feel like the 1700s were just yesterday.
Photo: Amanda Rodrigues3. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
217-231 W Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States (map, website)
This was the first place that brought me to tears in Philadelphia. Located just behind Independence Hall, the site of the burial ground and everlasting flame is a location that absolutely cannot be skipped. Over the tomb it hauntingly reads: “Freedom is a light for which many men have died in darkness.”
Photo: Amanda Rodrigues4. The Second National Bank
420 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States (map, website)
Now a portrait gallery, the Second National Bank is teeming with history. From its promising origins to its immediate closing by Andrew Jackson, the Second National Bank may have been short lived but now, it is thriving with life as it represents the known and unknown faces of America’s beginning.
Photo: Amanda Rodrigues5. Christ Church Burial Ground
20 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States (map, website)
The site of Ben Franklin’s tombstone, Christ Church Burial Ground is an easy site to miss but should be at the top of the list. For only $2, it’s a quick stop but allows viewers to be as close as possible to the men who made history.
