It was only fitting that last week’s trade mission to Toronto by the Philadelphia Visitors and Convention Bureau culminated in an evening at the Royal Conservatory with the Philadelphia Orchestra, which also performed its first international concert in the city 100 years ago. PHLCVB President and CEO Gregg Caren said the event symbolized the long history of cultural connections between the two cities and noted that Canada is Philadelphia’s top partner in both trade and tourism.
“The market is so extraordinary,” he said, adding, “It’s a simple one-hour flight or a beautiful seven-hour drive (from Toronto). We believe there is so much potential (in appealing to Canadians).”
That’s because Philadelphia is rich in history, not least from the era of US independence, and culture – Caren noting it has been called “the world’s largest outdoor museum.”
Indeed, some of America’s most historically significant sites can be found in Independence National Historical Park. Dubbed America’s “most historic square mile,” it features essential spots including Independence Hall – where the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were debated and adopted – and the Liberty Bell, the iconic symbol of freedom.
Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that tell the story of the US Constitution at the National Constitution Center. Carpenters’ Hall was the host of the First Continental Congress and houses colonial artifacts, including a display of chairs used by the Founding Fathers during that fateful session. The Second National Bank of the United States displays a collection of over 150 18th and 19th century political leaders, military officers, explorers. and scientists.
Other renowned attractions include Franklin Institute, with its newest core exhibit dedicated to space exploration; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and the Barnes Foundation.
Home to one of the largest collections of sculptor Auguste Rodin’s works outside of Paris, the Rodin Museum is dedicated to the artist’s work. “The Thinker” sits in front of the museum greeting guests as they enter the museum along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. And Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the first and oldest art museum and art school in the nation is home to an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century American art.
Note to be overlooked, Philly loves food, and the city boasts a vibrant culinary scene, including being home to James Beard award-winning restaurants like Friday Saturday Sunday, celebrated in an annual restaurant weekly, typically held at the end of January.
And sports, including being a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In addition to pro and college sports, the Schuylkill River has hosted some of the US’s more prominent rowing events, including the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta featuring 1,000 boats racing.
If not taking in an event in person, many will be on TV in one of the city’s famous sports bars.
2026 will also be the 50th anniversary of one of Philly’s favourite “sons” – Rocky Balboa, the iconic cinematic boxer played by Sylvester Stallone who has come to represent the city’s enduring grit and determination. In the meantime, requisite photos can be taken at the Rocky statue in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the energetic can also conquer the steps just as Balboa did in the movie.
But while Philadelphia has plenty to entice, it’s “Philly” that the tourism officials are touting in the city’s current promotional campaign: “Come for Philadelphia. Stay for Philly” – Philly being the eminently walkable, down-to-earth city full of “surprises,” such as its 4,000 murals (tours, both formal and self-guided are available). Or as the campaign suggests: “Come for the fine art, stay for the street art.”
Less frantic and less pricy that New York, just a couple of hours up the coast, It’s also a city with endless options – for example, activities range from the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival to the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, and Beer Week to the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival.
Meanwhile, the performing arts scene this year includes Hadestown, Cirque du Soleil, and Madame Butterfly by the Philadelphia Opera, plus much more.
“Thirty years ago, Philadelphia was a stepchild between New York and Washington, now it’s a culturally vibrant, walkable city,” says Caren, who adds it also boasts a lively LGBTQ scene, leading to the updated tagline “the City of Brotherly Love – and Sisterly Affection.”
Caren also points out how close the charming Pennsylvania countryside is, maintaining that visiting Philadelphia without going out of it would be like going to Paris and skipping Versailles. A must is Longwood Gardens, renowned as one of the beautiful in the country.
Indeed, the Philadelphia region has more gardens in close proximity than anywhere else on the continent, with 37 public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes all located within 50 km of the city, such as Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum, a 20-hectare riverside estate and National Historic Landmark located just north of Philadelphia
In conclusion, Caren says “Philadelphia really is a special experience” – and a city, he promises where visitors “go home with surprises that you didn’t even know about”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Michelin, which said of the city in its Green Guide 2023: “(Philadelphia is a) city packed with art, history, and a cultural effervescence few people expect.”