Audio Guide: Philadelphia Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Philadelphia

The sixth largest city in the United States and the largest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a dynamic city heaped with old-world charm and contemporary infrastructure. Notable for its rich history, primarily as the birthplace of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love – a combination of two Greek words: love (phileo) and brother (adelphos). Its founder, English Quaker William Penn, envisioned a city of religious tolerance where everyone was free to practice their religion without fear of persecution. Pursuant to this goal, he made treaties with the Native Americans living on the land to ensure peace.

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the area was inhabited by the Lenape (Delaware) Indians. The first European colony, founded by the Dutch in the early 17th century and known as New Netherland, was captured by an English fleet in 1664. 1682 is considered the year of Philadelphia's foundation when the area was included in William Penn's charter for Pennsylvania which was granted to him by King Charles II of England a year earlier.

The city served as the capital of the Pennsylvania Colony during the British colonial era and went on to play a vital role in the 18th century as the central meeting place for the nation's founding fathers whose plans and actions ultimately inspired and resulted in the American Revolution. Philadelphia hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774, preserved the Liberty Bell, and hosted the Second Continental Congress during which the Declaration of Independence was signed in what's now known as Independence Hall.

The U.S. Constitution was later ratified at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. The city remained the nation's largest until 1790, and served as its first capital, from May 10, 1775 until December 12, 1776, and on four subsequent occasions during and following the American Revolution.

The architectural history of Philadelphia, started in colonial times, includes a wide range of styles. During the 18th century, the cityscape was dominated by Georgian architecture, seen in the likes of Christ Church.

In the 19th century, the city became a key national industrial center and railroad hub flooded by immigrants, first Europeans and then African Americans who came from the South. In the 20th century, Philadelphia enjoyed further vitalization and gentrification of neighborhoods.

To explore the most famous sights of Philadelphia, some of which have seen actions that shaped the United States as we know today, take this self-guided walk!