Philadelphia, PA Local Community

This city holds a lot of American history. Its colonial legacy and architecture are almost unrivaled and its universities, museums, companies, and laboratories are world class. 

Philly has 8 districts and for most visitors, the landing point is always the Center City or the downtown. There are other popular districts such as Old City, West Philly, and South Philly. Philadelphia, often called the "Birthplace of America," is the birthplace of the modern republic. It was founded by William Penn in the late 17th century, and the name of the place means "city of brotherly love." Philly played a huge part in the American Revolutionary War- this is where the convening of the Continental Congress and the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution took place. 

Due to Philly's participation in the war, the city was named the nation's capital from 1790 until 1800. Then Washington, D.C. took Philly's place.

This city has a humid subtropical climate with four complete and distinct seasons. Winters completely forget about the "subtropical" part, because they can be cold and often snowy. 

Getting around in Philadelphia:
This city has a growing bicycle-friendly culture. You will find networks of bike lanes and a citywide bike share service called Indego (with over 600 blue bikes and 60 stations throughout the city and the surrounding areas).

You can also use the SEPTA BUS that runs an extensive bus network in this city. Buses are frequently a convenient way to get around, they will take you almost anywhere. You will also find the Phlash Bus, a seasonal trolley bus for tourists that will take you to all the major tourist locations. 

SEPTA also operates two elevated/subway lines and a Subway Surface line. 

Philadelphia has tons of street art displayed for the pedestrians, like the Magic Gardens are a gallery space from a nonprofit organization that showcases the work of mosaicist Isaiah Zagar. The Magic Gardens includes a fully mosaiced indoor gallery and a massive outdoor labyrinthine mosaic sculpture. If you like art you can also visit museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum and the Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia History.

Foodies will be sure to partake in the city’s signature dish- a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, which combines beef, onions, and cheese on a small loaf of bread (or long bun). Different restaurants and street carts use different types of beef and cheese, with some places adding lettuce and tomato.