With a population of over 1.5 million residents, and another 4 million in the surrounding metropolitan area, Philadelphia is the 6th largest city in the United States. Rather than having a big-city feeling, Philadelphia is more like a "collection of neighborhoods", each with their own personality.
Travel to and from Philadelphia is extremely convenient. Located in the south end of the city is Philadelphia International Airport. Downtown you will find access to Amtrak rail and Greyhound bus services. Travel around Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs is through a mix of trolley, train, subway, bus and regional rail routes coordinated by SEPTA. Philadelphia is also close to other major cities in the northeast corridor.
- New York City, NY: 100 miles
- Washington DC: 125 miles
- Atlantic City, NJ: 60 miles
- Baltimore, MD: 100 miles
Philadelphia is a home to all major professional sports teams as well as a number of semi-professional and collegiate teams.
The city of Philadelphia is known as one of the most historic places in the nation. In fact, one area of downtown Philadelphia has more sites of U.S. historic interest in one square half-mile than anywhere else in the county. Historic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, U.S. Mint, Betsy Ross House, Benjamin Franklins Grave and Independence Hall are all withing just a few hundred yards of eachother.
Arts and Entertainment are also popular attractions in the city. The U.S. Constitution Center, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Opera Company, Philadelphia Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra are all located downtown. There is a plethora of bars, jazz clubs, performance theaters and movie theaters located in the city.
High end stores, farmers markets & fairs and small boutiques call all be found intermixed downtown. Located just 20 minutes outside Philadelphia in King Of Prussia, PA is the 2nd largest mall in the United States.
Food is a passion in Philadelphia and it extends beyond the famous Philadelphia Cheesesteak. Just about any type of food, price range and dining atmosphere can be found in the city. Famous chefs like Bobby Flay, Masaharu Morimoto, Stephen Starr and Jose Garces all have restaurants that are busy on any given night of the week.
Of particular interest to the medical community is the famous Mutter Museum located at the College of Physicians building. Home to medical oddities, thousands of tissue specimens and antique medical equipment, the Mutter Museum is a popular attraction. Across town you can find the Physick House, the historically preserved residence of Dr. Philip Syng Physick who is regarded as the "Father of American Surgery".
If you feel like getting out of the "city" for awhile you can visit Philadelphia's Fairmount Park. The park is actually a conglomerate of multiple parks located throughout the area with the largest portion being just a mile from the PCOM campus. Five times larger than New York City's Central Park, Fairmount Park includes dozens of landmarks and attractions including the Centennial Arboretum, Philadelphia Horticultural Center, the Philadelphia Zoo, Belmont Mansion, Boathouse Row and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
More information on Philadelphia can be found at the following websites:
VisitPhilly.com
PhiladelphiaUSA.travel
Philly.com
PhillyLiving.com
Phila.gov
Philadelphia.com
