Philadelphia has long been celebrated as the city of many American firsts; it might just be the city of many of the nation's best, too, with its culinary, historical and cultural relevance spanning even further than the cheesesteak, Declaration of Independence and Rocky might have you believe
As America ramps up its celebrations for its 250th anniversary of independence this year, where better to celebrate than a city where the nation's first library, central bank, zoo and hospital meet modern deconstructions of its history and works by some of the most renowned modern chefs, artists and cultural heavyweights?
There is no starker metaphor for the city's old-meets-new spirit than its most photographed attraction: on the 72 steps leading up to the near-150-year-old Philadelphia Art Museum (which itself houses art from early-20th-century modernist icons like Dalà and Picasso) stands a bronze statue of a victorious Rocky Balboa, commissioned by Sylvester Stallone himself just before Rocky III came out in 1982.
(Add 'First 100-plus-year-old art museum adorned with bronze statue of an 80s cultural icon' to the list of firsts, Philly.)
Stars meet stripes, American Dream meets American realities
Admission to the Philadelphia Art Museum is included in the commissionable Go City pass, alongside other attractions that weave the nation's 250-year story. Those include the Museum of the American Revolution, which houses George Washington's original tent from the Revolutionary War, and the Betsy Ross House, which brings to life the story of the woman who sewed the first Stars and Stripes.
That's not to mention Independence Mall, which is adorned by the Liberty Bell Center, National Constitution Center, and Independent Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were debated and eventually signed. The Mall's attractions are all free and operated by the US National Parks Service, but often require pre-booking.
It is not all Founding Fathers and Stars and Stripes: Philadelphia's underdog spirit platforms the paradox of the American Dream—that is, the battle between independence and inequality, and freedom and enslavement. Those debates and stories stand to attention at the African American Museum, which celebrates a special anniversary in 2026 (50 years since opening at the nation's bicentennial) and showcases the Black experience throughout history, and the President's House, an outdoor exhibit on the former site of George Washington's house which unpacks the first President's slave ownership and the wider role the slave trade played in writing America's story.
From melting pot to stove top
The city's status as a landmark of the American melting pot, beginning with the arrival of William Penn (as in 'Penn'-sylvania) in the 17th century and continuing today, has not only birthed historical firsts and paradoxes, but an incredible blend of culture perfectly reflected in its culinary scene.
The creation of the iconic cheesesteak is largely attributed to two second-generation Italian immigrants (with one, Pat, founding Pat's King of Steaks, which is still open to this day). That tasty clash of cultures permeates the city's ongoing dining developments: Parc, which opened in 2008, reimagines the French bistro and elevates the city of Brotherly Love to the city of l'Amour Fraternel. Suraya headed even further east when it opened in 2018: its Levantine cuisine earned Michelin Recommended status in the recent Michelin Northeast Cities guide.
Kicking off 2026 the right way
The next chapter in Philadelphia's history is almost as important as its encyclopaedic past: the city is anticipating more than half a million visitors to the six games it is due to host at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, culminating in a July 4th game that falls on the nation's 250th anniversary.
The celebrations for that 'semiquincentennial' will span far beyond the Lincoln Financial Field turnstiles: '52 Weeks of Firsts' will see celebrations of everything from the invention of the Slinky to the American Flag across the city with pop-up activations and festivals, and each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties will welcome a celebratory painted Liberty Bell in a 'Bells Across PA' initiative; Philly will welcome 20 of those.
While the spotlight will undoubtedly fall on the nation itself, Rocky also celebrates a key milestone, with 2026 marking 50 years since the film's initial release. The Philadelphia Art Museum will host 'Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments', exploring how monuments are reimagined over time from April 25th to August 2nd. Early December will see the return of RockyFest, with filming locations hosting special events, fan meet-ups and more. November 14th will see the Rocky Run invite 30,000 fans to run like the boxing icon itself with 5km, 10km and half-marathon options, culminating on the iconic steps.
Despite having much to celebrate in its past, Philadelphia remains a city that continues to write its own history, which, much like the nation that was founded there, might surprise travellers with its diversity, opportunity, and forward-thinking spirit. 2026 brings more reasons than ever to celebrate that.
