On a trip to Pennsylvania, explore the metropolis of Philadelphia as well as the Amish villages and unspoiled nature on Lake Erie. Pennsylvania is one of the thirteen founding states of the United States and, with Philadelphia, was the capital of the newly created state between 1790 and 1800.
The state stretches from the Delaware River near the Atlantic to Lake Erie. The so-called Pennsylvania Dutch, which also includes the Amish, make up a considerable part of the population. Overall, Pennsylvania is particularly characterized by German immigrants, and the German heritage is omnipresent, for example through city foundations such as Germantown.
Attractions
To be able to visit all of the state’s attractions, car tours or motorhome trips are best suited. The main point of any visit to Pennsylvania should definitely be the largest city, Philadelphia. The metropolis on the Delaware River is one of the oldest cities in the United States and impresses with numerous sights.
The most famous are in the Independence National Historical Park, such as the Liberty Bell, which commemorates the declaration of independence. Pennsylvania is also known for the Amish. This religious community lives in its own unique way and tried to avoid modernity as much as possible. On a round trip you can experience such a community up close with its characteristic carriages and long beards. The area around Lake Erie is particularly interesting in terms of landscape. This is surrounded by dense forests and is particularly popular with anglers because of the abundance of fish. At this lake are also the breathtaking Niagara Falls, which are easily and quickly accessible from Pennsylvania.
Travel tips and best travel times
Philadelphia International Airport, to which there are direct connections from several German cities, is the largest and most important airport in Pennsylvania. Please note the time difference of six hours between the east of the USA and Central Europe.
The climate in the so-called Keystone State is temperate and can be compared to that in Germany. Since winter can be very cold, but summer can also be hot, the best time to travel is spring and autumn.
List of all zip codes for the state of Pennsylvania, PA. Sorted by city. For each zip code listed, names of city and county are provided. For specific information of each postal code, please click the following links for Pennsylvania zip codes.
- ABBREVIATIONFINDER: Find the most commonly used abbreviations about the state of Pennsylvania. We offer a comprehensive list of major cities, state profile, common acronyms and map of Pennsylvania.
- COUNTRYAAH: How many airports are there in Pennsylvania? Here, you will find a full list of all airports in alphabetical order as well as airport abbreviations for Pennsylvania.
Note: Check COUNTRYAAH for top 10 cities in the state of Pennsylvania.
Highlights
INDEPENDENCE NAT. HISTORICAL PARK
Philadelphia is home to the historic legacy of the United States. It was here that the Liberty Bell rang for the first time to announce the declaration of independence.
STRASBURG RAIL ROAD
Embark on a nostalgic journey with a Strasburg Railroad steam locomotive from Strasburg to Paradise.
ONE LIBERTY OBSERVATION DECK
From the observation deck of the One Liberty Place skyscraper, you have a breathtaking view of all of Philadelphia.
EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY
The former prison is based on a medieval castle. Celebrities like Al Capone and Willie Sutton were already here.
Philadelphia
Go on a trip to the modern metropolis of Philadelphia – where innovative creativity meets fresh energy, education and science. History was once written here, and the idea of independence is still reflected today – in the city, in the region and in the people who make up the unique flair in Philadelphia.
Experience a fascinating mix of past and present as you stroll through the lively streets of Philadelphia. The city center is very easy to explore on foot, and along the way you will find a colorful variety of parks, shops, works of art, restaurants, museums and friendly people.
There is plenty of shopping on Walnut Street and Chestnut Street. Since there are no taxes on clothing and shoes in Pennsylvania, it is worth going for a bargain here.
Philadelphia – the birthplace of the United States. Colonial times and founder romanticism prevail here. Drive the horse-drawn carriage through the streets and you will feel as if Benjamin Franklin wants to greet everyone personally. Original or fake? Restored or new and creatively supplemented? This is often difficult to distinguish.
No other city in the United States is more closely connected to the country’s history and origins than Philadelphia in eastern Pennsylvania.
Here is the Independence National Historical Park, which the Philadelphians tongue in cheekly call “America’s most historic square mile”. Because here the declaration of independence of the country was signed in 1776 and the famous liberty bell is kept here to this day.
All of these historic sites are located in downtown Philadelphia.
The convenient connection to other cities such as New York, Boston or Washington DC also speaks for a visit to the “City of Brotherly Love”.
Other cities can be reached in a very short time by train, bus or rental car. Traveling on by train is highly recommended – a trip from Washington DC or New York City to Philadelphia takes less than two hours, and Boston is around six hours away. Various bus companies also have a well-developed network and travel to the surrounding large cities of the country at affordable prices.
Philadelphia itself today presents itself as an endearing and modern city with classic skyscrapers, spacious shopping centers and exclusive boutiques, numerous world-class museums and galleries, many cozy bars and some of the best restaurants in North America, as well as countless green spaces and parks. It is not for nothing that “Philly” is often awarded the superlative “greenest city in the USA”.
ATTRACTIONS IN PHILADELPHIA
Independence National Historical Park and Liberty Bell
On a short walking tour, you can visit dozens of America’s most important historical monuments and sights, such as the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall. Tip: Free tickets for the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall are available from the Independence Visitor Center.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
This museum is one of the most important cultural institutions in the country. Famous collections, renowned special exhibitions and interesting programs make a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art a must.
Reading Terminal Market
More than 80 vendors sell their goods at this lively historic weekly market, where visitors can sample fruits, vegetables and other products from the region’s farms.
Rodin Museum
This museum opened in 1929 and has one of the largest collections of Rodin’s works outside of Paris, including the famous sculpture “The Thinker”.
National Constitution Center
This is the only museum in the world dedicated to the American Constitution, and it displays the document lifelike through interactive exhibits, films, photos, and artifacts.
Elfreth’s Alley
cobblestone streets and colonial buildings make up the charm of the oldest, most inhabited street in the United States.
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Let yourself be seduced by a symphony orchestra or the acoustics of a huge concert hall organ in this spectacular center for the performing arts.
Franklin Institute Science Museum
Attractions include a huge model of the human heart that is so big that you can walk through it, a huge IMAX screen and a still working 350 ton locomotive.
Eastern State Penitentiary
The Eastern State Penitentiary is a former prison where Al Capone has already served his sentences, this eerily beautiful ruin is definitely worth a visit.
Pittsburgh
Discover trendy neighborhoods, diverse cultural offerings and gastronomic highlights.
Pittsburgh – once a center of steel construction – is now one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the United States. Instead of steelworks, the city scores with a huge range of sports. There are three professional teams here that you can cheer on with the fans when you visit the stadium, the Progressive Field.
The more than 90 different neighborhoods, all of which have their unique character and individual culture, speak for the versatility. Experience the incomparable hospitality of the locals with a delicious dinner in one of the first-class restaurants and small bistros. Don’t miss out on Pittsburgh’s diverse, vibrant cultural district. Dance, singing or theater – there is something for every taste to discover.
Almost all sights can be explored on foot, which makes the city your perfect destination for an exciting and varied city trip.
Sports in Pittsburgh is an experience Sports
lovers will find plenty to do in Pittsburgh: Games of the Steelers (football), Pirates (baseball) and Penguins (ice hockey).
The city has established itself in professional sports and has been nominated as “Best Sports City”. Be in a thrilling game at the stadium there and experience first hand the electric atmosphere and the incomparable team spirit.
Actively But even you can sport in and around Pittsburgh For example, ride a section of the approximately 240-kilometer Great Allegheny Passage – a bike path that runs on former railroad tracks in western Pennsylvania is ideal for a tour with a mountain bike. Or explore the large Frick Park, which offers countless hiking trails, some tennis courts and the traditional “Lawn Bowling”.
Green Pittsburgh
vacation in Pittsburgh means not only an exciting city break, but also enjoying the diverse nature. A nice hike in Emerald View Park takes you up Mount Washington. In this way, a detour into nature can be combined with a spectacular view of the skyline.
It is also worth taking a bike tour along the three rivers. The approximately 40 km long Three Rivers Heritage Trail is ideal for this.
This cycle path is a good mix of relaxation in the countryside and sightseeing, because many sights are on the way.
Would you like to see the city from a completely different perspective? Then take a kayak and take an exciting tour on the rivers.
Feast and enjoy
The culinary offerings of Pittsburgh are impressively diverse. No wonder that the city is described in the Zagat restaurant guide as the best “Food City” in the USA. Regardless of whether it is upscale restaurants, cozy bistros or simple fast-food restaurants – there is something for every budget. Again and again, the chefs come up with new creations Prepare with fresh local ingredients Eat like a local and try a hearty “primanti sandwich” with meat, chips and coleslaw, and don’t miss a visit to the Smallman Galley in the Strip District.
Cultural highlights
Pittsburgh has a wide range of art, culture and architecture to offer. The city center offers a wide variety of theater, music and dance performances – there is something for every taste.
Pittsburgh’s cultural offering also includes numerous museums. Visit the beautiful contemporary art exhibitions at the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Mattress Factory.
The Andy Warhol Museum also offers a fascinating art exhibition. Here you can marvel at the extraordinary works of the famous pop art artist Andy Warhol.
Family
Vacation in Pittsburgh For families, a vacation in Pittsburgh offers numerous opportunities to explore the city together. The Carnegie Science Center promises excitement and fun, as there are various interactive exhibitions where children themselves can become little researchers and experiment. The Pittsburgh Zoo is also very popular. Visit tigers, rhinos, giraffes and many other great animals with your children.
