Traveling to Philadelphia: History, Neighborhoods, and the English to Enjoy It

Based on an interview with Harriet, a Philadelphia native. Philadelphia is the major city of the state of Pennsylvania, on the east coast of the United States. Founded in 1682 by William Penn, it became the main port of the American Colonies after Boston. Its name means the City of Brotherly Love, and it remains one of the most rewarding stops on any east coast trip. Whether you are visiting for the history, the art, or the sport, a little confidence in American English will help you get the most out of it.

Philadelphia in history

Philadelphia played a central role in the American Revolution. The Declaration of Independence was written and proclaimed here on July 4, 1776, and the city served as the capital of the United States while Washington, in the District of Columbia, was being built. Walking through the historic district, you can stand where the founders debated and signed the documents that shaped the country. For anyone learning English, these sites are also a living lesson in the language and ideas behind American culture.

A beautiful city of neighborhoods

Philadelphia is a gorgeous city, full of unique private homes that span many architectural periods. Some are very old, set in characterful neighborhoods with quaint stores on tree-lined streets. The trees, plants, and flowers are wonderful to see as they change through the seasons. The city also has a huge park system, arguably larger than Central Park in New York, so nature is never far away, whether you are strolling a neighborhood or driving across town. Two major rivers, the Delaware and the Schuylkill, plus many creeks, add to the green feel.

It is a city made of many neighborhoods, several of which were historically shaped by particular communities, from Italian to Irish, Polish, and Jewish. Center City, the upscale heart of town, is full of townhouses, theaters, and restaurants. This is where you will find the famed Academy of Music, where Eugene Ormandy once conducted the Philadelphia Orchestra, along with a variety of interesting stores that make the area buzz.

Things to do in Philadelphia

One of the city’s most unusual museums is the Barnes Foundation. Albert Barnes, an unconventional and wealthy entrepreneur, travelled to France in the 1920s and bought a great many paintings from European artists. His collection, now housed close to the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art, holds one of the world’s largest private collections of French Impressionist art, with works by Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, Manet, and Monet. Nearby you will also find the Rodin Museum and, of course, the art museum steps that Rocky famously climbed while training for his big fight.

No visit is complete without a sporting event. Philadelphia is fiercely proud of its teams: the Phillies play baseball, the 76ers play basketball, the Eagles play American football, and the Flyers play ice hockey. For food and shopping, explore the Italian Market and the Reading Terminal Market. One local quirk to remember: liquor other than beer is sold at the State Store, which closes on Sundays, so buy enough for the weekend in advance.

Speak comfortably with locals

If you are heading to the east coast, make Philadelphia a stop and enjoy a mix of the old and new. The best way to prepare is to get comfortable with everyday American English so you can order a cheesesteak, ask directions to the museum, or discuss the ball game without hesitation. Working with a native speaker helps you tune your ear to the local accent and pick up natural expressions before you arrive. Try our American accent English course to sound at home, sharpen your everyday speaking through the spoken English course, and if you are still mapping out your route, our guide to travelling to New Zealand offers ideas for a very different adventure.

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