Philadelphia

Philadelphia, commonly known as Philly, is the largest city in Pennsylvania and a major urban center in the Northeast. It lies in the southeastern part of the state along the Delaware River. The city proper has about 1.6 million residents, while the surrounding metro area contains roughly 6 million.

Founded by William Penn in 1682, Philadelphia became a leading colonial city. It hosted the Continental Congresses, the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 at Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell is another well-known symbol associated with the city.

Today the economy is diverse, with emphasis on healthcare, education, biotechnology, and services. Major institutions include the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Drexel University, plus hospitals such as Penn Medicine and CHOP. The city also maintains a large arts and culture sector and historic districts.

Key attractions include Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Franklin Institute. Notable neighborhoods include Center City, Old City, and Fairmount. Philadelphia supports a rich sports scene with teams such as the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, and Flyers.

Transportation is served by SEPTA, Amtrak at 30th Street Station, and Philadelphia International Airport. The city is connected to the region by major highways and ongoing transit improvements aimed at increasing mobility and sustainability.