Philadelphia Backgrounders

Philadelphia boasts premier art museums and galleries such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation, incomparable public art (including over 4,000 murals), and top-notch performances at the Academy of Music or Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.  Discover why Philadelphia is consistently cited for its cultural offerings.

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Fall in love with Philadelphia, the first World Heritage City in the U.S and second-largest city on the East Coast. Visit Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Liberty Bell, two of 67 National Historical Landmarks in a walkable, charming, colonial neighborhood with cobblestone streets.

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Philadelphia is not only the birthplace of America, but also of American medicine. Home to the nation's first hospital, medical school, children's hospital, college of pharmacy, and medical library, Philadelphia is steeped in science history. It's no wonder that the Brookings Institution has called Philadelphia one of the top “Knowledge Capitals” in the U.S. and Europe.

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From its humble Quaker roots, to hosting the World's Fair, Philadelphia has held a special place in global history. Here's a timeline of significant events that happened in Philadelphia.

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Philadelphia has starred in numerous blockbuster movies, showcasing the city's iconic sights. Due in large part to its diversity of landscape, architecture, neighborhoods and population, the City of Brotherly Love has solidified its place as a major filmmaking hub in the United States. Discover Philadelphia's innovative spirit through the movies.  

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Philadelphia is a melting pot of global cuisines and an alluring destination for dining thanks to the roster of renowned chefs and restaurateurs in the city including Jose Garces, Michael Solomonov, Steven Starr, Marc Vetri, Nicholas Elmi, and Greg Vernick. Whether you want to treat yourself to a sure-to-be-unforgettable gourmet meal, chow down on the city's trademark cheesesteak or try something new and different, the Philadelphia dining scene is diverse enough to suit every taste. 

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Philadelphia is one of the country's most LGBT-friendly cities with a long history of tolerance. In 1965, four years before the Stonewall Riots in New York ignited the worldwide modern gay rights movement, a group of protesters began an annual July 4th pride march in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Since then, Philadelphia has been a seat of progress and activism for the LGBT community.

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Philadelphia is filled with wonderful art museums and galleries to explore. A round up of some of the exciting exhibits that are happening this spring and summer.

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Though many visitors come to Philadelphia to get a first-hand look at the birthplace of modern democracy and experience the historical sites, the City of Brotherly Love is also home to many family friendly attractions, where children can pique their interest, make new discoveries, learn and play, as families make memories together to last a lifetime.

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Before you book your trip to Philadelphia, here are some friendly tips, tricks, and important local knowledge.

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