History permeates Philadelphia. It's easy to imagine the Old City crowded with the nation's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson and founding mother, Betsy Ross.

Philadelphians proudly boast of their role in the founding of the American nation, and most historic sites lie within an easy walk of one another. You can feel the spirit of the great Americans who once frequented these cobbled streets. No less than forty early American sites are preserved within Independence National Historical Park, including Independence Hall and the beloved Liberty Bell.

Philadelphia loves its independent shops. Even in Center City, where you'll find all the chain stores, locally owned boutiques, book stores and art galleries lie tucked between the big box stores. Sneaker emporiums, vintage clothing shops and costume jewellers rank among the trendy independent retailers on South Street in the arty Old City.

Philly cheese steaks and Italian dishes used to sum up eating in Philadelphia. No more. A vibrant restaurant scene allows diners to feast on contemporary global cuisine these days. Mouth-watering Japanese fare is served in the spaceship-shaped Morimoto. Alma de Cuba dishes up Cuban and Caribbean specialties in a Havana-inspired Center City restaurant, while Moroccan spices fill the air and the menu at Tangerine. And if you really want a cheese steak or lasagne, you'll find it in South Philadelphia.