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As the seat of American government during the first decades of American independence, Philadelphia is rich in history and culture. From Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, to Penn's Landing, named after the charismatic governor William Penn, Philadelphia has much to teach visitors about the early years of America.

Philadelphia's history is even older than the United States itself. As a British Colony founded by William Penn and the Quakers, Pennsylvania attracted many religious denominations to its tolerant atmosphere. Many of those faiths built beautiful churches throughout the city in celebration of the religious freedom they found in Philadelphia. Franklin himself helped found many of the educational and cultural offerings of the city. Numerous universities and museums can be found here in the City of Brotherly Love. The Philadelphia Art Museum is the third largest in the country. In Penn's Landing a collection of historical ships provides the background for numerous restaurants and entertainment venues. Philadelphia has a special place in American history, and visitors come to the city to learn about that history.