Since the bicentennial, a construction boom, restaurant revival and cultural explosion has revitalized the City of Brotherly Love. One of the most ethnically mixed cities in the United States, locals find it hard to leave the parks, cultural attractions and quaint atmosphere of the birthplace of their country, Philadelphia.

Containing one of the most historic square miles in America, Philadelphia houses more than 90 museums, an Ivy League campus, parks, row houses and Colonial churches. Some of the most important historical attractions in the United States belong to the City of Brotherly Love.

The birthplace of the United States took place at Independence Hall, where George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army, Thomas Jefferson signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution was adopted. The West Wing contains the final draft of the Constitution, a copy of the Articles of Confederation and the first printing of the Declaration of Independence. Admission is free. For more information, call 215-597-8974. Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets, Philadelphia.

Wearing wireless headsets, guests can experience the magnificent Lights of Liberty, the “world’s first walkable sound-and-light show”, touring Franklin Court, the site of Benjamin Franklin’s residence and Independence Hall. The tour is one-half mile, with six shows per hour. Tours run from April to October. For reservations, call 215-542-3789. 620 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.

The Liberty Bell, the symbol of America’s freedom and independence, was commissioned in 1751 and hung in Independence Hall as the Declaration of Independence was read to citizens. The 2000-pound bell was adopted by a group of abolitionists in the 1830s, at which time the bell was given its name. The new Liberty Bell complex houses the bell chamber and an interactive exhibit area. Admission is free. For more information, call 215-597-8974. Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets, Philadelphia.

Philadelphia holds one of the world’s most prestigious art collections, is home to numerous art galleries, and displays dance and music of every persuasion at beautiful theaters and halls.

Constructed in 1928, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is the city’s premier cultural attraction, with outstanding permanent collections including Western art from the Renaissance to the 19th century, van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Duchamp’s Nude Descending a Staircase and Cézanne’s The Large Bathers. Notable artifacts include a 12th-century French cloister, a 16th-century Buddhist temple and the Kienbusch Collection of Arms and Armor. Sundays feature “pay what you wish” admission. For more information, call 215-763-8100. 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts features the 2500-seat cello-shaped Verizon Hall and the more intimate Perelman Theater, both topped by a glass vaulted roof. Home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra and the American Theater Arts for Youth, the center hosts touring orchestras, jazz and dance companies. For more information, call 215-790-5800. 260 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia.

The Merriam Theatre, a turn-of-the-century theater that has displayed the talents of Sammy Davis Jr., Katharine Hepburn and Sir Laurence Olivier, now hosts Broadway shows, dance troupes and popular musical artists. For more information, call 215-732-5446. 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia.