Philadelphia

The Declaration and the Constitution were signed in the same assembly room, in 1776 and 1787. Franklin reportedly said the half sun carved on the presiding chair was rising, not setting. From March to December entry needs a free timed ticket.

Known for its crack, the bell rang for Washington's birthday in 1846, the crack widened, and it has not been properly rung since. Independence Hall shows through the glass wall behind. No ticket is needed, but security lines are long, so many go in at opening.

The 72 front steps Rocky ran up are here, and all day people reach the top and raise both arms. The film's statue now stands to the right at the bottom. Inside, Duchamp's last work can be seen only through peepholes in a wooden door.

This indoor market opened in 1893 beneath a railway terminal and still holds over 70 vendors. The Amish stands from Lancaster shut on Sundays, so their bread and doughnuts mean a weekday visit. Around midday the aisles jam and seats are hard to find.

Opened in 1829, the prison runs its cellblocks out from a hub like wheel spokes. It was built on the idea that solitude would bring penitence, and since closing in 1971 it has been shown as a ruin. Al Capone's cell keeps its rugs and lamp.

People have lived in this narrow lane since 1702, making it the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the US. Every house is still a home, so do not peer in windows or sit on steps. In June and December a few open their doors for a day.

Paintings and ironwork hang densely on every wall in the groupings set by Albert Barnes, a doctor turned collector. There are nearly 180 Renoirs alone, plus plenty of Matisse and Cézanne. Works carry no labels, so pick up the printed guide on entry.

Isaiah Zagar covered a building and its yard in a maze of mosaic made from broken tiles, bottles and bicycle wheels. Dozens more of his mosaic walls can be found around South Street. The narrow passages crowd quickly, so buy a timed ticket ahead.

About 40 km northwest lie the fields where Washington's Continental Army camped through the winter of 1777. Log huts like the soldiers' have been rebuilt, and the stone house he used as headquarters survives. The park needs a car or bike.

Franklin lies with his wife in the Christ Church Burial Ground downtown. After his line that a penny saved is a penny earned, visitors toss coins onto the slab, and the wear forced a repair of the marble some years ago. It is visible from outside the wall.

Opened in 2017 two blocks from Independence Hall. It holds the actual tent George Washington used as his field headquarters; after a short film the screen lifts to reveal it behind glass. That room comes at the end, so leave time.

The College of Physicians runs this medical history museum, its cases crammed with 19th-century anatomical specimens, malformed skeletons and surgical tools. Microscope slides cut from Einstein's brain are here too. No photos may be taken in the galleries.

Nearly 1km of awning-covered stalls, butchers and cheese shops along 9th Street in South Philadelphia. It began as an Italian immigrant strip and now mixes in Mexican grocers and taquerias. Many shops close on Monday, and mornings are liveliest.

About 50km southwest of the city, the gardens were created by Pierre du Pont. A vast glass conservatory changes its displays through the year, and summer nights bring an illuminated fountain show set to music. The holiday lights sell out early.

A line of 19th-century rowing club boathouses lining the Schuylkill River's eastern shore. At night lights trace their rooflines and window frames and shimmer on the water. Viewed from the far bank or the hill behind the art museum, it is the city's postcard.

Counted as the largest Rodin collection outside Paris, with The Thinker seated in the front courtyard and a cast of The Gates of Hell at the entrance. Set on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, it is a 10-minute stroll down from the art museum steps.