Philadelphia
Philadelphia, colloquially referred to as Philly, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It is the sixth-most populous city in the United States with a population of 1.6 million, while the Philadelphia metropolitan area (sometimes called the Delaware Valley) with 6.33 million residents is the nation's ninth-largest metropolitan area. Philadelphia is known for its culture, cuisine, and history, maintaining contemporary influence in business and technology, sports, and music.
Philadelphia is one of the nation's leading centers for higher education and academic research. The city hosts more outdoor sculptures and murals than any other city in the nation. Fairmount Park, when combined with adjacent Wissahickon Valley Park in the same watershed, has an area of 2,052 acres (830 ha), representing one of the nation's largest urban parks and the world's 55th largest. With five professional sports teams and one of the nation's most loyal and passionate fan bases, Philadelphia is often ranked as the nation's best city for professional sports fans. The city has a culturally and philanthropically active LGBTQ+ community. Philadelphia also has played an influential historic and ongoing role in the development and evolution of American music, especially R&B, soul, and rock.
About the city
As of 2023, the Philadelphia metropolitan area had a gross metropolitan product of US$557.6 billion and is home to 13 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters. Metropolitan Philadelphia ranks as one of the nation's Big Five venture capital hubs, facilitated by its proximity to both the financial ecosystems of New York City and the regulatory environment of Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Philadelphia is also a biotechnology hub and has garnered the nickname "Cellicon Valley" for its central role in the development of immunotherapies to treat different cancers. The Philadelphia Stock Exchange, owned by Nasdaq since 2008, is the nation's oldest stock exchange and a global leader in options trading. 30th Street Station, the city's primary rail station, is the third-busiest Amtrak hub in the nation with over 4.1 million passengers in 2023. The city's multimodal transportation and logistics infrastructure includes Philadelphia International Airport, the PhilaPort seaport, and Interstate 95, a primary component of the north–south highway system along the U.S. East Coast.
Philadelphia is a city of many firsts, including the nation's first library (1731), hospital (1751), medical school (1765), national capital (1774), university (by some accounts) (1779), central bank (1781), stock exchange (1790), zoo (1874), and business school (1881). Philadelphia contains 67 National Historic Landmarks, including Independence Hall. From the city's 17th century founding through the present, Philadelphia has been the birthplace of or home to many prominent and influential Americans.
SEPTA
SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) is one of the largest transit systems in the country. We support five counties in the Greater Philadelphia area. We also connect to transit systems in Delaware and New Jersey. Our services include regional rail, buses, trolleys, subways and a high-speed line.
SEPTA moves the Southeastern Pennsylvania region forward by providing safe, reliable and accessible mobility choices for everyone. We support equity and enhance quality of life by connecting people with opportunity, catalyzing the economy and sustaining our environment.
Fan Fest at Lemon Hill
Lemon Hill Mansion offers a whimsical blend of nature and history, making it a delightful spot for those seeking stunning views of Philadelphia and picturesque surroundings. Overlooking the iconic Schuylkill River, the vistas here are nothing short of breathtaking, especially in spring when vibrant blooms come alive around the mansion. Lemon Hill Mansion offers one of the best views in Philadelphia—whether you're an avid history buff or a nature lover at heart.
