Philadelphia offers myriad attractions for history buffs, foodies, art connoisseurs, shoppers, and sports enthusiasts alike. More information is available on the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau website at www.pcvb.org.
City Hall
The City Hall Tower Observation Deck--located 500 feet above the ground at the base of the giant bronze statue of William Penn--offers amazing, 360-degree views of Philadelphia.
Independence Hall
The birthplace of America, Independence Hall was originally built as the Pennsylvania State House. It was at the Independence Hall that the Declaration of Independence was first adopted and where the United States Constitution was written. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free, timed-entry tickets are required and can be picked up in the visitor center.
Reading Terminal Market
Celebrating over 120 years of bringing fresh and local food to the area and occupying an entire city block, Reading Terminal Market is brimming with food options of all sorts, with styles and cuisines for every meal of the day. Pick up produce to eat in your hotel room from Iovine Brothers or Fair Food Farmstand, or dive into a wealth of eats from famous vendors like DiNic’s (the roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe), Beiler’s (the awesome Amish-styled doughnuts), Bassetts (the creamiest of ice cream) and many more. From cheesesteaks to hoagies, classic Philly eats abound as well.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
The oldest art museum in the United States, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) boasts a vast collection of American art and treasures by local and national luminaries. Browse exhibitions filled with many of the greats and get a peek at work from up-and-comers enrolled in the academy. PAFA’s Historic Landmark Building, designed by Philadelphia-born architect Frank Furness and George Hewitt, is considered one of the finest surviving examples of Gothic architecture in the country.
Philadelphia Zoo
America’s first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to more than 1,600 animals and features white lions, polar bears, elephants, reptiles, and magnificent birds from around the world. The PECO Primate Reserve houses 10 primate species, including gorillas, orangutans, lemurs, langurs, and gibbons. For more information about admission, directions, and hours of operation, please call the zoo directly at (215) 243-1100 or visit www.philadephiazoo.org.
LOVE Sculpture
One of the City of Brotherly Love’s best-known landmarks is Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture, located in John F. Kennedy Plaza. After snapping a pic in front of the iconic sculpture, make your way over to nearby Sister Cities Park to see its bilingual reinterpretation, the equally-impressive AMOR sculpture.
Philly Celebrates Jazz
April is Jazz Appreciation Month in Philadelphia and a number of arts venues and performance groups celebrate Philly’s jazz history and jazz future with special events and concerts throughout the month. Events range from jazz brunch to concerts in major performance halls.
Sports Enthusiast?
The Phillies play the Mets April 15, 16, and 17 at Citizens Bank Park. If you “Trust the Process” the Philadelphia 76ers will be the in NBA playoffs during the conference. The Philadelphia Union schedule for 2019 was not published at the time of printing but check to see if they are playing at Talen Energy Stadium.