Wanderlust World Wanderlust World You can spend weeks in the nation's first capital and still not see everything the city. But if you want to know the places that are must-sees in the City of Brotherly Love, check out these spots. After the flag, the Liberty Bell, with its first tolling in 1776, is perhaps the most iconic symbol of American freedom. You can also see where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution was written at Independence Hall. The Hall also includes George Washington's chair, though don't plan on sitting on it.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art houses one of the largest collections in America, and includes international work by Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet and Cezanne, as well as local artists, such as Thomas Eakins. If you are a fan of Rocky, you'll surely want to run up the steps and get your picture taken with the Rocky statue in front of the museum.
Animal lovers should consider visiting the Philadelphia Zoo, the oldest zoo in America, and home to nearly 2,000 forms of wildlife, including polar bears and giant river otters.
If you want to get a literal taste of what Philadelphia offers, be sure to visit the Italian Market, which sums up South Philadelphia. Here you can find cheeses, pastas, meats and produce in an open air and lively environment. Other sites worth visiting include the Constitution Center, Ben Franklin's Grave, the Betsy Ross House and the Franklin Institute.
On the western side of Pennsylvania sits Pittsburgh, or the "Steel City." Aside from being named by "The Economist" as the most livable city in the United States, Pittsburgh offers several attractions. For example, you can have your 15 minutes of fame at the Andy Warhol Museum, which contains the most comprehensive collection of art and memorabilia from the city's most famous artist.
At the Carnegie Science Center, visitors can see how the Industrial Revolution changed the American workforce; swim with tropical fishes at the Pacific Coral Reef Aquarium; travel through the human body at the Rangos Omnimax Theater; or blast through space at the Henry Buhl Jr. Planetarium and Observatory.
Finally, one option for those who enjoy the great outdoors is to hike through the 36 acres of Point State Park, which includes the site of Fort Pitt and one of the world's largest fountains.
Pennsylvania is not, though, just about its two major cities. The state has a history as long as the America itself. For instance, you can get your Civil War fix at Gettysburg National Military Park and the American Civil War Museum. As an alternative, the curious can see the Amish perform master carpentry and agricultural with tools that haven't changed in hundreds of years in Lancaster--which has some of the best food in the state. Other places known for its glorious past include the Daniel Boone Homestead near Reading, and the site where George Washington led tired troops across the Delaware River at Washington Crossing Historic Park.