Philadelphia is the fifth-largest city in America, so there’s plenty to do. Plus, tons of Revolutionary history to explore. Grab a cheesesteak and take a stroll around this city that’s exploding with different storylines and cultures.

Great eats and historic feats, Philadelphia is booming with energy and tons of free attractions that can fill up a weekend away in seconds flat. William Penn nicknamed it the “City of Brotherly Love,” to encourage acceptance, especially when it came to religion. Philadelphia is a melting pot of cultures and traditions which makes for some truly amazing and dynamic city life.

History

There’s no better place to learn about early American history than Philadelphia — from the founding fathers signing the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall to the ringing of the Liberty Bell in 1776. There are a ton of attractions for history buffs that are completely free, plus a variety of guided tours with captivating stories about the neighborhoods, monuments, and U.S. founders that once lived in Philadelphia.

The Rocky Statue

One of the most famous Philly monuments sits at the bottom of the 72 steps to the Museum of Arts. Fictional character Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, stands victorious and larger than life in bronze. Stallone donated the statue in 1982, immortalizing this iconic Rocky III scene forever. Tourists from all over the world snap photos with the “Italian Stallion” and jog up those 72 steps along their Philly tour.

Art and Murals

To combat an abundance of graffiti scattered around the city, Philly put into effect the Mural Arts project (the nation’s largest public art program) in 1984 and the outcome is breathtaking. Today, scenes, skylines, and sculptures are beautifully scattered all over the city. The city itself is one big work of art, with creations from professional painters that will catch your eye wherever you look. Philly is a major destination for public art, with iconic pieces like the LOVE sculpture and Keith Haring’s We the Youth mural.