City Views, Philadelphia

Favorite thing: The Ben Franklin Parkway connects City Hall with the Philadelphia Museum of Art and also is a conduit between Center City and Fairmount Park. Along the way, you'll find the Franklin Institute, the Free Library, the Rodin Museum, the Cathdral of S.S. Peter and Paul and other interesting sights. Originally, it was supposed to be Philly's version of the Champs Elysees, but I wouldn't go so far to draw that comparison.

Favorite thing: Here is a spectacular example of the murals of Philadelphia. Guess the punishment was pretty severe to have warranted a mural of this size. You see the murals are done as community service work for violators. Great way to combine rehabilitation with community service and art!

Favorite thing: There are some great parks in Center City to break up the monotony of cement and skyscrapers. A bit of green space can help to keep the sanity of city dwellers in tact and Here is a shot of Washington Square, which is located near Society Hill on the east side of town.

Favorite thing: The best thing about Philly is that although it is very urban, it is not like New York where it is mile after mile after mile of concrete and steel. Philadelphia does have a lot of concrete and steel, but there are also more country-like areas you wont find in a city like New York.

Favorite thing: see the Masonic Temple - 1 North Broad Street. In front of the City Hall. It is the largest Masonic Temple of the USA. Inside, there is a masonic museum.

Fondest memory: The masonic sign (a pyramid and a wide open eye) is on the 1$ bill... Do you know that ?

Favorite thing: I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Philadelphia during my first visit. When we started to plan our Grand Tour for 2002, it was natural that I return and show my family the sights.

Fondest memory: The Museum of Art and of course the Cheesesteaks!

Favorite thing: Liberty Place is the highest building in Philly. Before its completion in 1987, no building could rise taller than William Penn's statue on City Hall (world's ugliest building,below), by a 'gentlemen's agreement'. Give me a break.

Fondest memory: By Helmut Jahn

Favorite thing: You gotta love a city on a river, and Philly is divided from Camden, New Jersey by the Delaware. The Ben Franklin Bridge spans the river and gives good views back to the city and over the water.