Must See Sights and Landmarks in Blue Bell Area

"This L-shaped park, between 6th, 2nd, Walnut and Arch Sts, protects and honors the history and institutions that formed the foundation of the United States government. Stroll around and you'll see storied buildings in which the seeds for the Revolutionary War were planted and the US government came into bloom. You'll also find beautiful, shaded urban lawns dotted with plenty of squirrels, pigeons and, in warmer months, costumed actors."

"Known as the birthplace of American democracy, Independence National Historical Park (INHP) is located on 55-acres. Keep in mind that this area was part of the American Revolution and the nation’s founding history. In a small area, you have Independence Hall where most of it began, the liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and much more."

"Independence National Historical Park is nicknamed "America's most historic square mile" because the 55-acre park comprises much of Philadelphia's most-visited historic district. It preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution and the nation's founding history."

"From South Street, we took another Lyft ride to visit the Philadelphia City Hall, a majestic and beautiful Government building built in the Baroque architectural style. This National Historic Landmark was completed in 1901. Just nearby is the Masonic Temple, which serves as the headquarters for a Philly Masonic fraternity. Built in medieval Europe architectural style, it has been called one of the great “wonders” of the Masonic world."

"If you visit Philadelphia, everyone will tell you about City Hall and Dilworth Park. Located right in the middle of the city, it provides so much more than just the repeated photo on the divider in the middle of Broad Street. People from all walks of life come together here: tourists, doctors, lawyers, you name it."

"The structure sits on 14.5 acres of land and is made up of more than 700 rooms. It took 30 years to construct and was designed by Thomas Utsick and John McArthur, and was officially opened in 1901. Then, it was the tallest building in the world."

"One of the wonderful things about Philadelphia is how colonial and modern day are woven together to make a city that is both historic and vibrant. So much of the historic buildings listed here speak of Philadelphia’s elite – the men who signed the Declaration of Independence and were wealthy enough to be buried within the city gates. But we often don’t get to see how the “common man” lived."

"With its quiet, intimate and romantic feel, the Elfreth's Alley is one the Old City’s highlights. Dating back to 1702, this national historic landmark has become one of the most popular photography locations among the newly engaged couples. And as wedding photographers, we absolutely love this place too!"

"The Liberty Bell once housed in the steeple of Independence Hall is today located in the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. In its early years, the bell was used to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions and to alert citizens about public meetings and proclamations. The bell became famous after an 1847 short story claimed that an aged bellringer rang it on July 4, 1776, upon hearing of the Second Continental Congress' vote for independence."

"Visit the Liberty Bell Center Another must-see landmark of Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell, is located across the road from the Independence Hall. It will take you no more than 1 minute to get there. Admission is free and tickets are not required."

"The Liberty Bell is obviously one of Philadelphia's most famous sites, but did you know it's also one of the most memorable free attractions in the city?"

"Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, there was the First Continental Congress. In 1774, delegates from 12 colonies gathered at Carpenters’ Hall and voted to support a trade embargo against England, one of the first unified acts of defiance against the King. The building still stands tall, showcasing its gorgeous Georgian architecture, and free exhibitions inside educate visitors on the events of 1774 and the building’s history."

"This museum is situated in the Old City neighbourhood of Philadelphia and was designed by architect Robert Smith in the Georgian style. This place could be a perfect spot if you want to show your kid what furniture, architecture and art looked like hundreds of years ago. It would be like travelling back in time for both of you."

"Carpenter’s Hall played a significant role in the history of Pennsylvania. It is the birthplace of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

"Their collection includes works from 71 different countries and items that date back as far as 500 BC. The Drexel University Collection is made up of three separate galleries on the University City Campus: The Anthony J. Drexel Picture Gallery, the Rincliffe Gallery, and the Paul Peck Alumni Center Gallery."

"What do blooming cherry blossom trees plus a cell phone equal?. Excellent Instagram photos. The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden blissfully mix Japanese nature and culture together, creating a fabulous place to hang out and snap some pix."

"Shofuso is a beautiful Japanese garden that you can find in the city. What makes this one of the best Philadelphia Instagram spots is nature. View this post on Instagram"

"This replica of a 16th-century guesthouse was reassembled here in 1958 after being exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York…"

"The offerings at Rione bear no resemblance to your average slice on a paper plate. This Center City shop serves pizza al taglio, a rectangular-shaped Roman specialty with simple toppings scattered across a lighter-than-it-looks crust. Owners Francesco and Alison Crovetti keep it fresh with a daily-changing variety of options sold by the piece, each ranging in price from $2.50 to $4.25."

"The eatery features neon colored booths lit from within, wavy bamboo walls and ceilings, and funky little tables in the lounge that give the place a super stylish, modern atmosphere. You may recognize chef Morimoto from his Iron Chef days, or even from Nobu in NYC. The menu includes a number of entrees, including several dishes from Nobu, but for a truly unique Morimoto experience, you must order the Omakase."

"There's a lot to choose from besides sushi at Starr Restaurants’ long-running Morimoto, including hot entrees and standout desserts, but if ever there was a time to go the omakase route ($90 for 38 bites), this is it. Cheaper options (like a $45 package) and a la carte sushi are available as well. Call for pickup or order delivery on Caviar or DoorDash."

"This is the flagship restaurant of renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto, and he offers creative takes on traditional Japanese and Western dishes. Featuring sushi, steaks, and a variety ..."

"Philadelphians talk about Termini Brothers with a reverence not often seen in this no-nonsense town. In business since 1921, the bakery now sells its signature, handmade cannoli at four locations, two in its original home of South Philly, and two in Center City. Among the many sweet treats on offer are authentic Italian specialties like sfogliatelle (crispy puff pastries filled with ricotta and orange peel), torrone (nougats dotted with pistachio), and regina biscotti (crunchy lemon cookies rolled in sesame seeds)."

"But if you need recommendations, Kamal’s Middle Eastern Specialties makes amazing falafel, Carmen’s has delicious cheesesteaks approved by President Barack Obama himself, and Termini Bros has mind-blowing ricotta-cheese cannoli (the chocolate one was a bit underwhelming, though). Address: 51 N 12th St"

"For classic Italian treats like cannolis and pizzelles, Philadelphia staple Termini Brothers delivers locally as well as shipping a variety of items across the East Coast by FedEx, including cookie tins and gift boxes. 📍multiple locations including 1538 Packer Ave., 1523 S. Eighth St., and 51 N."

"Situated in the West Philadelphia enclave known as Little Lebanon, this welcoming spot is named after the traditional Levantine flatbread that’s long been popular in the Lebanese Republic. Manakeesh is a mainstay of the menu, with topping options that include spiced ground lamb, za'atar and labneh. But this cafe is also frequented for its sweet, flaky pastries, particularly the bite-size Lebanese baklava."

"Manakeesh is a Lebanese bakery and cafe specializing in, of course, manakeesh. The filling flatbread (which has a few spellings in English) comes with a choice of toppings at this halal eatery, like za’atar and labneh or spiced ground beef, with prices hovering around $10. Hummus, falafel, kebabs, sweet and savory crepes, pastries, and fruit smoothies are also served here."

"Housed into a former bank building in the Spruce Hill area of West Philly, Manakeesh specializes in the Lebanese flatbread of the same name...Read More"

"Consider Sweet Freedom Bakery your safe space: The menu is packed to the gills with pastries that are free of refined sugars, soy, dairy, corn and eggs. While they offer a mostly standard selection of cakes and cookies, turn your attention to the carrot cake—made with fascinating switchups like coconut milk, ground ginger and tapioca flour—and the orange cranberry loaf, made extra moist with its use of applesauce."

"If you have food allergies or diet restrictions but still want to enjoy donuts, then Sweet Freedom Bakery is the perfect place. It is gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, corn-free, peanut-free, refined sugar-free, and kosher. Some of the flavors that can be found at this bakery include chocolate, cinnamon sugar, lemon coconut glazed, plain with chocolate glaze, apple cider, and pumpkin."

"Royal Tea Truck proprietor Stephen Ngo got into the rolled ice cream game relatively early, and his one-year-old Chinatown parlor offers seating and also a whole menu of freshly-brewed bubble tea."

"1-900-Ice Cream is one of the toughest pints in the city to procure; you have to really want 1-900 to get 1-900. And (within limits) you should do whatever it takes. Ryan Fitzgerald has been making batches of inventive, sometimes unhinged, flavors since 2018, using local dairy and tapping classic childhood flavors elevated by exceptional ingredients (think: Madagascar vanilla beans, Van Leer chocolate)."

"The best ice cream in the city is made out of a Kensington basement, and the only way to get your hands on a pint is to sign up for their flavor drops and buy something before they sell out. The flavors vary with every drop, but they range from key lime pie to dark chocolate with potato chips - and they’re all incredible."

"Float Dreamery, a new “cow-lorie free” (cheeky, just like all their Instagram captions) gelato venture that operates out of Castellino’s side window every Saturday, could be considered the vegan version of 1-900-Ice-Cream, as they sell out almost every week. That comes as no surprise, with flavors like MMM Matcha Say which is made with a matcha base, wild blueberry jam, and white chocolate flecks, and I-Cupo made with a vanilla base, lemon curd, and bits of olive oil cake on the menu. If they’re sold out for the week, fret not, they have some walk-up pints available at the window along with rotating scoops and ice cream sandwiches."