Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a major American metropolis with a storied past. Its population in 2020 was 1,603,797, making it the sixth-largest U.S. city. The broader metro area has over 6.2 million residents, spanning eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware. Philadelphia’s economy is substantial: the metropolitan Gross Domestic Product exceeded $518 billion in 2022. The city is diverse: about 39% of residents identify as Black/African American and roughly 15% as Hispanic/Latino. Nearly 35% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting many colleges and universities in the city. Median household income hovers around $52,900, with about 22.8% of Philadelphians living below the poverty line.

Philadelphia’s economy is anchored by finance, education and healthcare, with employment centers on the University City campus, central business district and a growing tech and startup sector. It is also a hub for culture and tourism; in 2016 the city drew an estimated 42 million domestic visitors. In recent years Philadelphia has seen a modest population resurgence, after decades of decline – city planners note that its urban density and central role in the Northeast give it enduring importance in industry and culture.

Located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Philadelphia sits in southeastern Pennsylvania on the banks of the Delaware River. It is about 20 miles from the Delaware Bay and 100 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, in a broad coastal plain just west of the Atlantic seaboard. The city’s terrain is generally flat but rises into hills west of the center, including the Wissahickon Gorge and the high point at Cobbs Creek Park (~480 feet). To the northwest lie the low Pocono Mountains, and to the west the Appalachian Piedmont begins rising.

Climatically, Philadelphia lies on the edge of a humid subtropical zone. Summers are typically hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms, while winters are moderately cold with occasional snow. Autumn and spring are generally mild and can be pleasant but changeable. The city enjoys about 2,500 hours of sunshine per year. The Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers run through the city, and Fairmount Park on these riverbanks is one of the nation’s largest urban park systems. Philadelphia’s setting – a big Northeast river port and an early national capital – historically made it a transportation crossroads, and today it remains a hub on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and interstate highway system (I-95, I-76).

Philadelphia’s history is foundational to the United States. Founded in 1682 by William Penn, an English Quaker, it was planned as a “greene countrie towne” known for religious tolerance and orderly streets. In colonial times it became the Province of Pennsylvania’s capital. As tensions with Britain grew, Philadelphia became the epicenter of the American Revolution. The city hosted the First and Second Continental Congresses and was the meeting place of the nation’s Founding Fathers. In July 1776, the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. The city briefly served as the young republic’s capital in the 1780s and saw the framing and signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Philadelphia expanded rapidly as an industrial and port city. Its 19th-century wealth is evident in Victorian mansions, civic monuments and the tree-lined boulevard known as the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (modeled after the Champs-Élysées). The city was a powerhouse of textiles, printing, shipbuilding and later manufacturing. It was also a center of education and medicine (home to early American medical schools and hospitals). By mid-20th century, Philly’s population peaked and then declined as industries changed, but its historic districts (Old City, Rittenhouse Square) were preserved. Today Philadelphia honors its colonial heritage with landmarks like Liberty Bell and Independence Hall (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites) and celebrates that legacy at national museums and annual festivals.

Modern Philadelphia is a tapestry of neighborhoods each with its own character. Over a dozen ethnic groups have shaped the city: Italian Americans in South Philly, Irish in Northeast Philly, Jewish communities in West Philly, large African-American heritage neighborhoods in North and West, and a vibrant Puerto Rican/Latin community in the city’s “Northeast” section and Southwest. (Today the city is roughly 41% Black, 34% white, and 15% Hispanic.) English is dominant, but Spanish is widely spoken (over 10% of residents speak Spanish at home).

The city’s atmosphere is both gritty and passionate. Philadelphians are famously straightforward – prideful of their city’s resilience. In daily life one often feels a friendly toughness: locals cheer vociferously for their Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), 76ers (NBA) and Flyers (NHL) and take rivalry (especially with neighboring New York and Washington) in stride. On city streets, people stroll with purpose; historic red-brick buildings stand next to modern high-rises. The food culture is a cornerstone of daily life. Residents and visitors indulge in fast-eats like cheesesteaks, hoagies and soft pretzels from market stalls. Reading Terminal Market downtown hums with an eclectic crowd grabbing Amish pies, Middle Eastern falafel, Indian curries or Jewish bagels – a true foodie must-see. The arts scene is robust: major institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art (famed for its “Rocky steps”), the Barnes Foundation, the Franklin Institute, and countless galleries line the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Neighborhood festivals and events underscore the city’s diversity. Summer sees ethnic street festivals (Italian Market Festival, Caribbean J’ouvert) and July 4th celebrations on the Delaware River waterfront. The annual Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day (with feathered costumes and marching bands) is quintessential Philadelphia. Despite its size, Philly maintains a strong local feel: corner diners, proud barbershops, and murals (the city literally has thousands of them). With warm summers and mild springs/falls, much social life happens outdoors – on porch steps, in corner pubs, and on sunny park lawns. Yet there is a down-to-earth work ethic, too, given the city’s rich industrial roots. In short, Philadelphia’s “vibe” is urban and historic, blending old-world charm with blue-collar authenticity.

Philadelphia is rich in attractions that span its history and culture. The centerpiece is Independence National Historical Park in Old City. Here stand Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, where the nation’s founders gathered. Visitors can tour the assembly room where both the Declaration and Constitution were signed. Nearby are colonial-era sites like Congress Hall and Betsy Ross’s house, preserving the Revolutionary story. Just blocks away, modern attractions abound.

On the Benjamin Franklin Parkway – often called “Philly’s Museum Mile” – major cultural institutions cluster. The Philadelphia Museum of Art (gateway to the city’s murals and home of the famous Rocky statue) and the Barnes Foundation (renowned art collection) lie here. Science and history museums (Franklin Institute, National Constitution Center, new Museum of the American Revolution) provide educational draws. Also in this area, the restored Eastern State Penitentiary (a gothic prison ruin) offers a haunting look at 19th-century incarceration. For food lovers, Reading Terminal Market (an indoor food bazaar housed in a 19th-century rail shed) is a must-see – it’s ranked among America’s best food markets.

Philadelphia’s riverfronts have been reborn into lively public spaces. Spruce Street Harbor Park on the Delaware River offers hammocks, food vendors, and summer events. On the Schuylkill River, the Schuylkill Banks boardwalk and kayak launches invite fitness and leisure. Historic Fairmount Park (one of the nation’s largest urban parks) spans miles of trails, historic mansions (like the Betsy Ross House and Fairmount Water Works) and the acclaimed Philadelphia Zoo.

Everyday pleasures are also attractions: a grilled cheesesteak stand or baker’s window, the colorful murals painted on neighborhood walls (Philadelphia is renowned as the “Mural Capital” of the world), or the Fourth Street Italian Market (America’s oldest outdoor market). Sports fans may time visits to coincide with an Eagles, Phillies or Sixers game to feel local spirit. In winter, Blue Cross RiverRink is a seasonal ice-skating rink by the river with fireworks over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

Philadelphia is very accessible. Its major airport is Philadelphia International (PHL), a large hub with global and domestic flights. By train, 30th Street Station is the city’s grand Amtrak hub, the third-busiest in the nation, with frequent service to New York, Washington and beyond. Interstate highways I-95 (northeast-southwest) and I-76 (west to Pittsburgh) run near the city, but be prepared for urban traffic congestion and toll bridges if driving. For regional travel, New Jersey’s PATCO Speedline (subway) and NJ Transit trains connect Philadelphia to Atlantic City and local NJ suburbs.

Philadelphia’s downtown (Center City) is compact and walkable, with a grid of numbered streets and distinctive neighborhood districts. Public transit is extensive: SEPTA operates subways (Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines), trolley lines, regional rail trains and buses. Many commuters rely on SEPTA – nearly 24% of Philadelphians use public transit to work. Taxis and rideshares are common downtown, and two trolley lines run near University City. From Center City, everything is easily reached by foot or short transit ride.

Currency is U.S. dollars, and tipping is expected (15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per bag for bellhops, etc.). The main languages are English and Spanish (you’ll see Spanish signage in many stores and restaurants). In conversation, Philadelphians appreciate straightforward friendliness – a quick “hello” or “how ya doin’?” to strangers is typical local courtesy. Safety-wise, Philadelphia’s tourist areas (Old City, Center City, University City) are generally safe by day, but exercise usual caution at night in less crowded zones. Be aware of your belongings in busy SEPTA stations. Weather can be a factor: snow in winter can briefly paralyze transit (allow extra time), while summer thunderstorm floods can disrupt traffic. Dress comfortably for walking on city sidewalks (especially in historic districts with uneven bricks or cobblestones). Summer can be hot and humid, so lightweight clothing and an umbrella or raincoat are wise. In short, Philadelphia is an easy city to enjoy as a visitor: plan on mixing guided history tours with spontaneous neighborhood exploration.