The Liberty Bell is a Historic National Landmark drawing thousands of visitors year-round. The Liberty Bell, with its famous crack, was first called the State House bell in the 1700s. It is the national symbol of life and liberty. This is why Philadelphia is often referred to as the "nation's cradle of liberty."
Parking and transportation at the Liberty Bell
There is metered street parking all around the Liberty Bell for people traveling around the city by car.
The closest and most popular parking garage is the Independence Visitor Center underground garage.
For public transportation options, visitors can take SEPTA's Market- Frankford line to 5th Street and walk one block. For travelers coming from New Jersey, the PATCO line's 8th Street stop is a four block walk.
Best and worst times to go to the Liberty Bell
Visitors who love a family-friendly party should visit the Liberty Bell on the fourth of July. There are special events planned all day and night. Visitors can also walk a few blocks to see spectacular fireworks at Penn's Landing.
The worst time to visit the Liberty Bell is in February, based on weather in Philadelphia. Frigid temperatures and snow can make for canceled flights and possible street closures.
Admission to the Liberty Bell
Admission to the Liberty Bell is free.
Must see/do at the Liberty Bell
Travelers to the Liberty Bell will see how it is now located in a visitor's center. This center has many interactive exhibits explaining the history of the bell followed by a National Park Ranger providing a live history lesson right under the bell.
The Liberty Bell is situated on Independence Mall where visitors can stop and visit the President's House for free right next door. This outdoor exhibit focuses on the history of slavery in Philadelphia and by the founding fathers.
Other places to visit near the Liberty Bell
The National Constitution Center is two blocks north of the Liberty Bell and has free general admission. Certain special exhibits charge admission fees.
Other places to visit near the Liberty Bell
The National Constitution Center is two blocks north of the Liberty Bell and has free admission except for certain special exhibits.
The Benjamin Franklin Museum is located two blocks east of the Liberty Bell. This interactive museum focuses on the many contributions Benjamin Franklin made to society. It is perfect for visitors of all ages. The museum does charge a small fee for admission.
The City Tavern was founded in 1773 and is a big favorite for visitors to Philadelphia. Servers are dressed in colonial outfits, and the menu reflects the cuisine of 18th Century Colonial America.
Insider tip for visitors to the Liberty Bell
Most visitors to Philadelphia want to have a cheesesteak or an Italian hoagie. Not too many people know there is a famous Italian sandwich spot called Campo's Deli just three blocks from the Liberty Bell. Campos's offers other sandwiches with a Philadelphia flare. But visitors looking for cheese whiz on their steak need to say, "Wit Whiz".
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist and digital media specialist for 20 years.
Cliveden is a local historical site. It is the site of the Chew House, built by attorney Benjamin Chew in 1767. It is known for being the location of the 1777 Battle of Germantown. The National Trust for Historic Preservation owns and runs the site. It is available to the public for walking tours during the hours listed on this page. Visitors are requested to call in advance of attending a tour.
Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market is an urban foodie's paradise, a whole city block of fresh meat and seafood, local produce and dairy, decadent pastries and desserts. Since 1892, the Reading (pronounced like "redding") Terminal Market, named after the train station that was once located here, has been home to dozens of retailers serving the public, as well as local chefs looking to pick up ingredients.
Parking and Public Transportation at Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market offers $4 parking at nearby garages at 11th and Arch and at 12th and Filbert; you can take advantage of this deal if you've made $10 worth of purchases and get your parking validated.
Reading Terminal is right near the nexus of all public transportation in Philadelphia. Nearly every trolley line entering Center City from the west ends at City Hall, just two blocks from the market. The Broad Street subway line lets off at City Hall as well; the Market-Frankford east/west subway line has a stop at 11th Street, a block south of the market.
Admission to Reading Terminal Market
Admission is free, though walking past the roughly 100 merchants without buying something is tough.
Reading Terminal Market is open 8:00AM-6:00PM Monday-Saturday and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Keep in mind that many of the Pennsylvania Dutch merchants are not open Sundays and Mondays.
Must See/Do at Reading Terminal Market
This is one of the best places in the city to get high-quality produce as dirt-cheap prices. If you're hungry now, grab a roast pork sandwich from Tommy DiNic's and head to the food court for some great people watching.
Other Places to Visit Near Reading Terminal Market
If you're looking for more retail therapy, the Rittenhouse neighborhood, with its high-end boutiques, is a few blocks west. You can also take the Market-Frankford subway line to Independence Hall to brush up on your history, or the PHLASH shuttle system to the museum district for the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and the Franklin Institute.
Insider tip for visitors to Reading Terminal Market
The best time to visit Reading Terminal Market is in the mornings or mid-afternoons. Lunch time and weekends are packed with people, locals and tourists alike.
Author's bio: Jeff Birou is an education administrator by day, travel and freelance writer by night. You can find him at his blog, Lance+Jeff, or on Twitter at @Jetsetter_Jeff.
The Naval Yard in Philadelphia is a must-see for maritime enthusiasts and lovers of green energy and innovative technology, all while relaxing on a mixed-use island. Visitors are surround by enormous Navy ships docked at eye-level on the river. There is a Marriott so travelers can spend the night in order to roam around all 1,200 acres. There is retail shopping, and even free outdoor yoga in the summer.
Parking and public transportation to the Naval Yard
Situated at the southern end of Broad Street, The Navy Yard is one of the region's most accessible destinations. Visitors can reach The Navy Yard by subway, shuttle, car, bike, bus, or even on foot. The best options are the two free shuttle buses provided by the Naval Yard to take visitors from Center City Philadelphia and the AT&T Broad Street subway station directly there.
Best and worst time to go to the Naval Yard
The Naval yard does very much rely on two seasons. From May through September the yard is hopping every night of the week with special events from beer festivals to free outdoor yoga to bocce ball.
January and February would be the worst months to go since that is the thick of the freezing Philadelphia winter and the wind off the river will be biting and bitter. One can always expect snow in those months as well.
Admission to the Naval Yard
It is free to go to the Naval Yard between 6am-8pm on weekdays. Travelers staying at the Marriott on the island do not have the same restrictions as to when the yard opens and closes. Weekends are open for special events such as the annual Broad Street run.
Must see/do at the Naval Yard
Visitors must see the enormous Navy ships docked on the rolling river at street level. One cannot help but be overwhelmed at the sheer size and proximity of those ships.
Shopping and eating is a great way to experience the yard. Taste Philly pork sandwiches or hang out at a café on the water. Buy some locally made items by Philadelphians while soaking in the soothing waterfront. It is a brand new way of blending urban and nature with still a vibrant big city feel.
The Navy Yard has over 20 acres of parks and a mile of waterfront trail. These open spaces provide opportunities for visitors to stretch their legs, expand their minds, and enjoy the outdoors.
Other places to visit near the Naval Yard
If you are a sports fan, you are in heaven. All of the Philadelphia sports arenas are less than a mile away and can easily be accessed via the free shuttle that goes there.
Travelers can continue on the subway's Orange-Broad Street Line heading north and in a few short stops get off at South Street. No matter if one heads east or west on South Street, visitors are in for a fun, funky, artsy treat.
And if it is a big day for history, take that same subway line up to City Hall and check out the brand new Dilworth Plaza. There is a skating rink too.
Insider tip for visitors to Naval Yard
Whether you go to a food truck or pizza joint, you need to have a cheesesteak. Remember the way to order your cheesteak is to say "wit whiz". Don't worry, the person serving you will be extremely impressed.
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist for 20 years.
Located in Philadelphia, Wyck Historic House and Garden is an 18th century home with grounds that include a nationally recognized garden with more than 30 varieties of roses. The Wyck House offers guided and self-guided tours, programs and events, summer camps and more. For registration, volunteer and donation information, be sure to call the telephone number provided or visit the Wyck Historic House and Garden website.