Philly Sights: All luxuries do not necessarily come with an expensive price tag. the four Philadelphia must-sees recommended here offer valuable insight as to how the United States became united. While there are many high-end options for nightlife, dining, shopping, and sightseeing in the City of Brotherly Love, these places will remain national treasures forever.
Liberty Bell
There are two things you must do when visiting Philadelphia. Eat at least one Philly cheese steak and see the Liberty Bell. There are free tours daily at the Liberty Bell Center. The LBC provides the full history of William Penn's ringing symbol of liberty with films, historical documents and displays that depict the significance of the bell's status as a national memento.
Independence Hall
Freedom is definitely in the air at Independence Hall. This is where it all began. Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and other compatriots gathered, signed, and announced the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later, the U.S. Constitution was written at this site. This is a luxury you cannot afford to miss in Philadelphia. And like the tours of the Liberty Bell, admission is free.
Lights of Liberty
This is an after-dark extravaganza that includes a walking tour by a costumed guide through the cobblestone streets that takes in Independence Hall and the various surrounding historical landmark buildings. Participants receive a a lightweight audio headset and listen to stories on U.S. history as told by celebrity narrators, such as Walter Cronkite, Charlton Heston, and Whoppi Goldberg. An entire new Lights of Liberty Show is in the making for 2011. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Maximum group size per tour is 50.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
This is a public site and there is no official tour. TheTomb of the Unknown Soldier is a tribute to honor the passing of soldiers who died in wars without being identified. There are several such sites throughout the world. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Philadelphia was set up in 1866 to honor soldiers who died during the American Civil War. In later years a statue of George Washington was erected and the site is dedicated to his memory. Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Franklin Institute of Science are within walking distance of the site.
