Philadelphia

Where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed: Independence Hall (free, with timed tickets for most of the year) and the Liberty Bell, the old town around Elfreth's Alley, the "Rocky steps" of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Reading Terminal Market for lunch (vegetarian cheesesteaks included). An hour and a half from New York by train and two from Washington, so often a day stop between them.

Highlights

• Independence Hall
• The Liberty Bell
• Run up the Rocky steps
• Reading Terminal Market
• Elfreth's Alley
• Museum of the American Revolution
• Murals of the Mural Arts programme

Things to do

• Independence Hall and the Liberty BellMorning · 2h 30m
• Reading Terminal Market lunchAfternoon · 1h 30m
• Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rocky stepsAfternoon · 2h 30m
• Old City and Elfreth's Alley walkEvening · 1h 30m

Tours & tickets

When to go

Best time: April – June, September – November

• Independence Day (Fourth of July) — Fireworks across the country: Macy's over the East River in New York, on the National Mall in Washington (with the parade on Constitution Avenue), and the Boston Pops on the Esplanade. A national holiday: parks and beaches are crowded and the holiday week's flights dear.