Philadelphia travel guide

Besides its iconic historical sights, including Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, Philadelphia also has a vibrant arts scene, with a renowned orchestra, world-class museums and some fantastic restaurants.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is the city's crown jewel, though 'Philly', as natives refer to it, is also home to art house cinemas, forward-leaning galleries and traditional and avant-garde theatre.

Over 100 multi-ethnic neighbourhoods have created a colourful tapestry of the urban setting, from the bustling Italian market to African-American festivals, from blues and jazz clubs to the traditional Amish community who sell produce and foodstuffs in Reading Terminal Market.

Philadelphia is also the gateway for those travelling west into Pennsylvania Dutch Country, north to the ski resorts of the Pocono Mountains and southeast to the Delaware Peninsula and Atlantic Seaboard beaches.