The American East Coast is rich in beautiful travel options. New York is the flagship destination. But it's a beacon that somewhat overshadows other destinations that are just as worthy of travelers' interest. Philadelphia, for example, is a one-and-a-half-hour train ride from Manhattan. This proximity even allows you to arrive in Philadelphia and depart via New York to explore two of America's largest metropolises. Philadelphia is the sixth-largest city in the United States, just behind New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Phoenix, and the eighth-largest metropolitan area with over 6 million inhabitants. A destination that has everything to seduce travelers, with the dynamism of a big city, from shopping to entertainment options like listening to music or seeing musicals, and a uniquely rich historical heritage.
It is with this heritage that one begins to discover Philadelphia a few hours after landing. The historic center can be explored like the living pages of an American history book. A temporary capital, Philadelphia was the cradle of independence, proclaimed on July 4, 1776, by delegates gathered at Independence Hall, one of the few American buildings listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Legend has it that the Liberty Bell, which Americans visit as a testament to this founding day, was a proclamation celebrated here. It was also here that the U.S. Constitution was signed in September 1787, and just a stone's throw away in Congress Hall, the Bill of Rights and the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution were drafted in 1790. A true immersion into the founding myths of the United States, this journey takes us on a journey of discovery through Philadelphia's historical heritage, alongside intellectuals and scientists like Benjamin Franklin. And a historic center, all red brick, in the Georgian or neoclassical style, that embodies this era when America was born, which can be discovered by taking Elfreth's Alley, the oldest inhabited street in the United States, with houses 124 to 136 open to the public, allowing visitors to discover the American way of life in the 18th century.
But Philadelphia is not a museum city. On the contrary, it is a city rich in possibilities for spending pleasant days and evenings. You can stroll the streets of University City and enjoy a moment in a lively neighborhood, and browse farmers' markets like the Clark Park Farmers' Market. And take advantage of the many green spaces like John F. Collins Park in the heart of Philadelphia to take a break from reading or simply to enjoy a beautiful sunny day. At Dilworth Park and its interactive fountain. Or at the giant Fairmount, six times larger than Central Park.
All that's left is to plan your trip. Many airlines serve Philadelphia Airport, particularly from Paris, such as Air France, British Airways, and American Airlines, with direct flights or via a stopover in London or Frankfurt. For those who choose to combine New York with Philadelphia, it's just over an hour by train from Pennsylvania Station in New York. Tickets can be purchased online on the Amtrak website. Next, you'll need to find a hotel in the historic center, such as the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel. Afterwards, all that's left is to enjoy Philadelphia, which you'll soon come to call Philly like all Americans, and treat yourself to a discovery full of beautiful images and surprises!
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