The City of Brotherly Love, Cradle of a Nation
Long before Washington D.C. existed, the history of the United States was written in Philadelphia. In its colonial streets, a group of delegates declared independence from Britain and, years later, drafted the Constitution that still governs the country. Walking through its historic center means walking through the place where the nation was born.
In this guide we tell you the story of Philadelphia, its most important places and what lies behind each one, and then how to visit the city in one day from New York.
Last updated: October 22, 2026.
William Penn’s “Holy Experiment”
Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by the Quaker William Penn, who imagined a city of religious tolerance and named it with two Greek words meaning “brotherly love.” The idea attracted settlers of many faiths, and the city quickly became one of the largest and most prosperous in the colonies.
Where Independence Was Declared
In 1774, delegates from the colonies met at Carpenters’ Hall for the First Continental Congress. Two years later, on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in the Pennsylvania State House, known today as Independence Hall. In the same building, in 1787, the delegates drafted the Constitution of the United States. Philadelphia also served as the nation’s capital from 1790 to 1800, while Washington D.C. was being built.
The Liberty Bell
Next to Independence Hall hangs the Liberty Bell, cast in the 1750s for the State House. Its famous crack appeared in its early years and widened in the 19th century, until the bell could no longer ring. Its name came later: in the 1830s, abolitionists adopted it as a symbol of their fight against slavery, and since then it has become a universal symbol of freedom.
Elfreth’s Alley and Colonial Philadelphia
A few blocks away, Elfreth’s Alley is considered the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States, with small brick houses dating back to the 18th century. Nearby is the Betsy Ross House, where, according to tradition, the seamstress sewed one of the first American flags.
From the LOVE Sculpture to the Rocky Steps
Modern Philadelphia has its own icons. In JFK Plaza, the LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana became one of the city’s symbols. And at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, thousands of visitors climb the 72 steps made famous by Rocky Balboa in the 1976 film, to raise their arms at the top with one of the best views of the city.
How to Visit Philadelphia in One Day From New York
Philadelphia is about two hours from New York, which makes it perfect for a day trip. Our Philadelphia and Amish Country tour visits Elfreth’s Alley, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, Carpenters’ Hall, the LOVE sculpture and the Rocky steps, and then continues to Lancaster County to discover the Amish way of life. It departs from the Hotel Riu Plaza, 305 West 46th Street, lasts about 13 to 14 hours and returns to Times Square around 7:30 p.m. If you also want to see the capital, the Washington D.C. and Philadelphia tour combines both cities in one day. Both are guided in Spanish and English.
Our Guides’ Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, because the historic center is explored on foot. Bring a valid ID. And if you return to Philadelphia on your own, try a cheesesteak, the city’s most famous sandwich, or visit the Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest public markets in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Philadelphia from New York?
About two hours by road, depending on traffic.
Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?
At Independence Hall, then the Pennsylvania State House, in Philadelphia, where it was adopted on July 4, 1776.
Why is the Liberty Bell cracked?
The crack appeared in its early years and widened in the 19th century, until the bell could no longer ring.
Can you visit Philadelphia and the Amish in one day?
Yes. Our Philadelphia and Amish Country tour combines both in a full-day trip from New York.
Related Articles
Pennsylvania Amish Country: History, Traditions and How to Visit From New York
The History of Boston: Birthplace of the American Revolution
Excursions from New York 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Amish & Boston
Sources
Sources: Real’s Tours NYC, Philadelphia and Amish Country and Washington D.C. and Philadelphia tour itineraries (realstoursnyc.com); National Park Service, Independence National Historical Park (nps.gov); Wikipedia, History of Philadelphia, Liberty Bell and Elfreth’s Alley. Schedules and itineraries may change.
Real’s Tours NYC is not affiliated with the National Park Service, the Philadelphia Museum of Art or any organization mentioned in this article. Schedules and itineraries may change, so please confirm current details when you book.
