Having experienced countless plane rides and road trips, both American coasts, and only about a thousand hotels and campsites, I think I earned the right to call myself an avid traveler. I always feel myself, however, gravitating back to one place: Philadelphia. Although Philly is where I call home, that isn't why I love it so much. It's simply just one of the most awesome places to be, and here's why:
Music
Regardless of what genre of music you're partial to, Philadelphia is the place to be. In fact, Philly was just named the number one music city in North America. It has amazing small venues that host more intimate shows like the TLA, Union Transfer, the Electric Factory and the Barbary. The Festival Pier in Penn's Landing is a unique place to catch riverfront concerts, and right over the bridge is the Susquehanna Bank Center for big-name shows and music festivals. Radio 104.5, Philadelphia's alternative radio station, also throws a number of free concerts every summer and winter.
Food
While it is true that the only place in the world to get a real cheesesteak is Philly, there's a lot more culinary gems to be unearthed in this city. Located in the heart of center city is the famed Reading Terminal Market, a bustling maze of kiosks crafting delicious food from a variety of cultures. Philadelphia is also home to the "oldest Italian restaurant in America," Ralph's, nestled in South Philly's Little Italy, is cozy, delicious and authentic. The City of Brotherly Love also landed a spot on Travel and Leisure's Best New Restaurants of 2015 list. There are annual food festivals like the Manayunk food fest and Chestnut Hill Harry Potter Beer Crawl. Philly also boasts its own Chinatown that is full of delicious oriental cuisine. There are plenty more unsung eateries that are worth a visit anywhere you turn in the city.
History
Even if you aren't a history aficionado, Philadelphia is so steeped in it that you're bound to find something historical here that interests you. In old city, there is, of course, the Liberty Bell, as well as the Constitution Center and the Betsy Ross House. Even just walking around that part of town you'll be passing homes that are centuries old. A less talked about historic site that is worth mentioning is Eastern State Penitentiary, an abandoned prison-turned-museum (and haunted house around Halloween) where Al Capone was once held.
Art
Philadelphia is undeniably brimming with art. The most obvious attraction is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is home to 10 acres of esteemed artwork and the famous Rocky Balboa steps, where you can find countless tourists running up and down like the movie. Another historic art landmark is The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; established in 1805, it is one of the oldest art institutions in the nation and is now a museum as well. There are plenty of niche galleries and museums hidden around Philadelphia as well, my favorite being Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, which is one giant mosaic walkthrough on South Street. Even the city itself is called "the museum without walls" because of all of the public sculpture and murals around the city.
Philadelphia obviously has a lot to offer to both locals and tourists. Not only that, it is definitely a cheaper trip than visiting a lot of other big cities like New York City and its comprehensive public transportation system makes it simple to get around. It's no wonder why it landed third place on New York Times' list of 52 Places to Go in 2015 (right behind Milan and Cuba). From its beautiful parks to every unique neighborhood, Philadelphia is a most unique city that you just have to experience for yourself.
