Pennsylvania · the United States

Philadelphia — United States: Philadelphia; Bethlehem

The buildings and symbols of American independence, major art museums, and, an hour and a half away, the Moravian town of Bethlehem.

Washington and the Mid-Atlantic

In the photo: Center City Philadelphia seen from the Schuylkill River

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A region to enjoy
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Philadelphia hosted the congresses that, in the 18th century, declared the independence of the thirteen colonies and drafted the United States Constitution. The building where both documents were approved, a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces the Liberty Bell Pavilion in a national historical park that also includes Congress Hall and a museum dedicated to Benjamin Franklin.

The city has a grid layout designed in the 17th century, easy to explore on foot between the Delaware River and the Schuylkill River. Benjamin Franklin Parkway connects City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, whose steps became famous in the film Rocky, and along the way it brings together the Barnes Foundation and other museums.

Bethlehem, in the Lehigh Valley, was founded in 1741 by Moravian missionaries from Central Europe. The 18th-century stone buildings they erected are part of the UNESCO property of the Moravian Church Settlements, which the country shares with Germany, Denmark and the United Kingdom. Nearby, the blast furnaces of the former steelworks have been turned into an open-air cultural complex.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Philadelphia, Bethlehem.

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Where Philadelphia — United States: Philadelphia; Bethlehem is

Boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau / geoBoundaries (public domain). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Philadelphia — United States: Philadelphia; Bethlehem

✈ Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) · 13 km to Philadelphia

Flights arrive at PHL, in the southwest of the city, from where a regional train takes you to Center City in less than half an hour. 30th Street Station serves Northeast Corridor trains between Washington and New York. Bethlehem is about 95 km away via I-476 and I-78. Entry requirements depend on your nationality: confirm the requirements before traveling.

Suggested arrival point: Philadelphia

Pensilvânia · Philadelphia — United States: Philadelphia; Bethlehem Suggested arrival point

Philadelphia

The largest city in Pennsylvania, on the banks of the Delaware River, and the nation's first capital. The historic center has Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Museum of the American Revolution. On the Benjamin Franklin Parkway are the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with the Rocky steps, and the Barnes Foundation. The Eastern State Penitentiary, a 19th-century prison, rounds out the visit.

Pensilvânia · Philadelphia — United States: Philadelphia; Bethlehem

Bethlehem

City in the Lehigh Valley founded in 1741 by Moravian missionaries. The limestone buildings of the early settlers, from communal houses to a church and a cemetery, were added to the World Heritage List in 2024. On the other side of the river, the Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces became SteelStacks, a cultural venue with an elevated walkway. In December, the Christmas market and candles in windows recall the nickname Christmas City.

The local experience

Things to do in Philadelphia — United States: Philadelphia; Bethlehem

Bethlehem · Pennsylvania · Historic centre

Historic Moravian Bethlehem

A group of stone buildings erected by Moravian missionaries from 1741, including the communal house, the church and the cemetery. UNESCO World Heritage site.

Philadelphia · Pennsylvania · Historic building

Independence Hall

An 18th-century brick building where the Continental Congress approved independence and, eleven years later, the convention drafted the Constitution. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Philadelphia · Pennsylvania · Historic monument

Liberty Bell

The cracked bell that became a symbol of American independence, displayed in a glass pavilion facing Independence Hall.

Bethlehem · Pennsylvania · Industrial heritage

SteelStacks

A cultural space beside the blast furnaces of the former Bethlehem Steel, with an elevated walkway, outdoor stages and concerts.

See 4 more places in Philadelphia — United States: Philadelphia; Bethlehem

Philadelphia · Pennsylvania · Museum

Museum of the American Revolution

A museum in the historic center devoted to the American War of Independence, featuring the campaign tent used by George Washington.

Philadelphia · Pennsylvania · Museum

Philadelphia Museum of Art

One of the country’s largest art museums, atop the steps made famous in the film Rocky, with collections from Europe, Asia and the United States.

Philadelphia · Pennsylvania · Museum

Barnes Foundation

A collection of Impressionist and modern art gathered by Albert C. Barnes, with works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse and Picasso arranged as he left them.

Philadelphia · Pennsylvania · Historic building

Eastern State Penitentiary

A prison opened in 1829 with radial cell blocks from a central hub, closed in 1971 and open to visitors with its deteriorated walls preserved.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

April to June and September to October usually have mild days for walking. July and August are hot and humid; December to February is cold, with snow on some days. In Bethlehem, the Christmas market occupies the weeks of December.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Three days in Philadelphia, for the historic center, the Parkway and the neighborhoods; add one day for Bethlehem.

Which city to stay in

Old City and Society Hill are next to Independence National Historical Park; Center City, near Rittenhouse Square, has restaurants and subway access. In Bethlehem, the historic center along Main Street allows walking to the Moravian buildings.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Philadelphia — United States: Philadelphia; Bethlehem

How do you get to Philadelphia?

Via PHL airport, connected to downtown by train, or via 30th Street Station, a stop for trains between New York and Washington.

How many days should I book for Philadelphia?

Three days allow you to see the historic center, the museums on Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the neighborhoods. With Bethlehem, count on four.

When is the best time to visit Philadelphia?

Spring, from April to June, and autumn, from September to October, usually have pleasant temperatures for walking tours.

Do I need a car in Philadelphia?

Not for the city itself, which is walkable and served by subway and buses. A car is helpful for getting to Bethlehem, which is also served by intercity buses.

Can you visit Philadelphia from New York?

Yes, on a day trip by train that takes about an hour and a half from New York. To see the museums at a relaxed pace, it’s worth staying overnight in the city.

What time zone is Philadelphia in?

UTC−5, and UTC−4 during daylight saving time, from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

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Philadelphia — United States: Philadelphia; Bethlehem

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

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