24 Hours in Philadelphia

When I flew back from Florida about a year ago, I got stuck for 24 hours in Philadelphia due to massive dumpings of snow. Thanks to US Airways/ American Airlines (who offered the rudest service ever and no accommodation or any form of food or drink) I was put on a flight the next day, so I thought I'd make the most of my additional holiday day. Here’s what I got up to.

Now it wasn’t my first time in the city of brotherly love. In fact I had been here many times before during my tour guiding days, taking passengers from NYC to DC and back, making a stop in Philly where I took them around the historic part of the city. I thought it would be fun to see if I could retrace the city tour I took them on.

First though, it was breakfast time. I was staying at Penn Square, right opposite the imposing City Hall Building, so plenty of food options there. Walking around, I couldn’t help but notice how New Yorkie this bit of Philly was. I didn’t remember this at all about Philadelphia, so it was a nice surprise. I saw lots of brownstones and plenty of trendy cafes and coffee shops. I happened on a place called Toast, where they made me the most amazing French toast.

After breakfast I headed towards Independence Hall. Back in the day, this is where I started the tour at the cracked Liberty Bell to be precise. I reminisced a bit longer while walking around the very spot where the Declaration of Independence was signed. It is worth going in an having a look around, but I had done that so many times before, so I walked on. I walked around the historic district a bit more to see if I recognised places like Carpenter’s Hall and Christchurch.

Leaving the nostalgia behind, I headed to the house of Betsy Ross, the lady who supposedly created the first American flag. It now houses a lovely, little museum which showcases period furniture and tells you a little bit about the life of Betsy herself. You can even see Betsy at work and she actually showed me how to make a perfect star.

After my visit to the museum I headed to Elfreth’s Alley. It’s only a short and narrow street, but it’s apparently the oldest residential street in the USA. I love it for its colourful Georgian and Federal-style architecture and cobblestoned pavement.

My next stop was the place where Franklin’s house once stood. All that is left now is a metal frame mimicking the house, but right next to it is a superb museum showcasing everything you ever wanted to know about the man. I spent a good hour in there as there was so much to see and learn.

I headed towards Bohemian South Street, which is lined with restaurants, shops and cafes. I walked a few blocks, before popping back into the residential streets right behind it, warping me straight back into the times of George Washington and co.

By this time, it was starting to get dark which was my cue to head back to the airport to try and see if US/AA would let me catch my flight back to the UK this time.  Regardless of the way the airline treated me, I was happy to have spent an extra day in the USA and discover how lovely Philadelphia really is.