How to Spend Fourth of July in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is rightfully considered the ideal place to celebrate the Fourth of July. Known as the "birthplace of America," Philadelphia is home to the original draft of the United States Constitution and the Liberty Bell. Celebrate America's birthday by walking the streets and enjoying the sights that our founding fathers once did, as well as by taking part in some very modern Fourth of July events.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Visit Independence Hall (500 Chestnut Street) for the Welcome America Festival, an annual event that lasts for eight days and culminates on the Fourth of July. The festival includes various bands and musical performances, as well as carnivals and acrobatic acts. On the Fourth of July, the Festival makes its way to Independence Hall, the building in which the original Constitution is housed.

2. Take part in the Let Freedom Ring celebration at Independence Mall near Independence Hall. This nationwide bell-ringing event begins with the tapping of the Liberty Bell and continues with the ringing of bells all across the United States. Each bell rings thirteen times, in honor of the thirteen original colonies.

3. Browse the patriotic exhibits at National Constitution Center (525 Arch Street), Philadelphia's museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. The center always plans a special Fourth of July exhibit. Be sure to allow plenty of time, because the 160,000-square-foot museum is full of fascinating and detailed interactive exhibits.

4. Watch the Fourth of July parade at Liberty Bell Center (501 Market Street).The parade features floats, marching bands, drill teams, and it marches past the Liberty Bell, one of Philadelphia's most famous landmarks.

5. Attend the Fourth of July celebration at City Tavern (138 South Second Street). This bar is a replica of a tavern that once sat in the same location and that our country's founding fathers once frequented. The City Tavern is known for its delicious food and ale brewed according to George Washington's original recipe.

6. Watch the fireworks from the vicinity of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Art Museum Drive, corner of Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 26th Street). The fireworks actually burst forth from behind the museum and are visible from several different locations near the museum.

Tips & Warnings

• The telephone number for Independence Hall is [phone].

• The telephone number for the National Constitution Center is [phone].

• The telephone number for the City Tavern is [phone].

• Decide whether you want to view the Let Freedom Ring celebration from the Independence Mall or at Liberty Bell Center. Performances and concerts take place on the mall near Independence Hall, while the actual tapping of the bell takes place at the nearby Liberty Bell Center.