Eastern State Penitentiary
The castle-like exterior looks threatening, but with a skylight in every cell and solitary confinement, it was state-of-the-art when it opened in 1829. Previously prisoners were thrown into one big room, so this structure was considered a big step forward in social reform. The institution operated for 142 years. The cell of its most notorious inmate, Chicago mobster Al Capone, has been preserved. Note that children under seven are not admitted. On select evenings from late September through October, the penitentiary turns into a haunted house in its annual 'Terror Behind the Walls'.

2124 Fairmount Avenue
Tel: (215) 236 3300.
Website: www.easternstate.org
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1700.
Admission charge.

Italian Market
Founded by Italian immigrants over 125 years ago, the Italian Market in south Philadelphia is said to be the world's largest outdoor food market and is a ‘must' for foodies and people-watchers. Imported and domestic products range from cheeses, spices, meats and fresh pastas, along with dry goods. This is one of the oldest markets in America, and many shops and restaurants are still run by original family members.

South Ninth Street, between Wharton Street and Fitzwater Street
Website: www.phillyitalianmarket.com
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 0900-1400.
Free admission.

Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park, by the Schuylkill River, is the largest landscaped city park in the USA, with over 3,700 hectares (9200 acres) of lush parkland and sights. Highlights include the Japanese House and Garden and Boathouse Row - a string of mid 19th-century riverside buildings housing several rowing clubs. Dotted throughout the park are 18th- and 19th-century mansions, some of which can be toured. The park also houses the nation's first menagerie, the Philadelphia Zoo. Joggers and cyclists will want to take advantage of the 346 kilometres (215 miles) of scenic trails winding through the park, including the Schuylkill River Trail, a paved 40km-long (25-mile) trail that follows a lovely stretch of the river.

Fairmount Park
Tel: (215) 683 0200.
Website: www.fairmountpark.org

Philadelphia Zoo
34th Street and Girard Avenue
Tel: (215) 243 1100.
Website: www.philadelphiazoo.org
Opening hours: Daily 0930-1700 (Mar-Nov); daily 0930-1600 (Dec-Feb).
Admission charge.

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
Money, US$100 million of it, is encased in a 7.6m (25ft) tower. Unfortunately, it is all shredded. The Money in Motion interactive exhibit traces the history of US currency from the 1600s to the present. Quizzes and touch TVs make learning about the monetary system, banking and the Federal Reserve interesting and fun. On display is a rare US$100,000 bill.

100 North Sixth Street (Sixth and Arch)
Tel: (215) 574 6115 or 1 866 574 3727.
Website:  www.philadelphiafed.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1630 (Mar-Dec).
Free admission.