Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/298224
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 APRIL 2014 38 Philadelphia Known as the birthplace of Amer- ica, the Pennsylvanian city is home to world-class museum and galler- ies and has a fine culinary scene to boot. Why go? Situated just a couple of hours away from New York, Philadelphia often gets overlooked in favour of the most famous of cities. However it's well worth a detour for a cou- ple of days to discover just what the 'City of Brotherly Love', as it is nicknamed, is all about. A city of firsts – Philadelphia was home to America's first theatre, its first zoo and the world's first computer – it's both refined and edgy, and in addition to enjoying the elegant fa- cades, you'll find there is plenty to discover. What to do? Philadelphia is well known as the birthplace of America, so there are of course the must-sees – the Lib- erty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independ- ence was signed in 1776, as well as world class museums such as the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the Philadelphia Museum of Art – America's first art museum. However if you only have time to see one, then you should head to the Barnes Foundation – a first rate art collection, which reopened in 2012 after moving to a new pur- pose-built $150 million complex. As well as the historical and the classical, the city has its fair share of the quirky and the unusual, such as the Eastern State Penitentiary, the Mütter Museum of mysterious medical history and the unique vintage shops, which are found along North 3rd Street. Philadelphia has more murals than any other city in the world thanks to its Mural Arts Program. Take the official tour, allowing you to step away from the tour- ist districts and discover different parts of Philly, as well as getting a glimpse of the world's largest out- door art gallery. Where to stay? Located right in the heart of the city in Rittenhouse Square is the historic Rittenhouse Hotel with its beaux-arts style, cosy yet elegant lounges and famous afternoon teas. If you're after something a bit more contemporary, the centrally locat- ed Hotel Monaco is a stylish choice, with its eclectic, colourful guest rooms and rooftop lounge. Where to eat and drink? Philadephia's rapidly evolving res- taurant scene is now attracting glo- bal attention, though many would still prefer to head straight for an old favourite, the Philly chees- esteak. If you want to try Philly's most famous snack of crusty rolls filled with sautéed rib-eye steak, fried onions and melted cheese, then head to Pat's King of Steaks. Founded by brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri, said to have invented the steak sandwich back in 1930, it's one of the best places in town. The crown for best cheesesteak is hotly contested and many locals claim Geno's Steaks to be the best spot. For sophisticated, modern fare, it's hard to beat Serpico, with award-winning chef Peter Serpico at the helm, offering elegant, sea- sonal dishes – standouts include deep-fried duck leg served on a potato roll. For one of the best places in the city for brunch, head to Lacroix. Think elegant buffet tables filled with oysters, sushi and fresh fruit smoothies. Head back into the kitchens and you'll find anything from peanut butter pancakes to freshly baked waff les, Applewood smoked bacon and chocolate foun- tains. Sounding more like a bank than a bar, Franklin Mortgage and In- vestment Co is a perfect venue for a cocktail – an underground speak- easy where 1920s-style artwork adorns the walls and chandeliers light up the cosy booths. For the best views of the city check out R2L – a restaurant and cocktail bar that serves up elegant dishes such as roasted Atlantic skate wing with fettuccine and clams, and pork loin with pancetta stew with winter squash and polenta. How to get there? Though there are no direct f lights to Philadelphia from Malta, a number of airlines offer f lights from all major European cities. Flights from Frankfurt to Phila- delphia leaving on 1 May and re- turning 15 May start from €1,239. Flights on the same dates leaving Heathrow start at €857, Rome €780, Milan €775 and Paris €917. TRAVEL A city of firsts Situated just a couple of hours away from New York, Philadelphia often gets overlooked in favour of the most famous of cities Philadephia's rapidly evolving restaurant scene is now attracting global attention, though many would still prefer to head straight for an old favourite, the Philly cheesesteak Philadelphia has more murals than any other city. Catch a glimpse of the world's largest outdoor gallery Check out Philadelphia's quirky Mütter Museum of mysterious medical history Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776