The Philadelphia Region is in eastern Pennsylvania. Its two largest cities are Philadelphia and Allentown. Philadelphia is the cradle of American democracy, a former capital of the United States and the nation's fifth most populous city.

Regions

Berks County (Reading)

Delaware Valley (Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia (coterminous with Philadelphia County))

Lehigh Valley (Lehigh County, Northampton County)

Cities

• 1 Allentown — Pennsylvania's third largest city is the center of the Lehigh Valley region and home of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.
• 2 Bethlehem — Originally settled by Moravian missionaries, Pennsylvania's seventh largest city was once a major center for the U.S. steel industry. Now, the city is home to a vibrant arts scene and Pennsylvania's largest casino.
• 3 Chester — A struggling city located between Philadelphia and Wilmington, the city's redeveloping waterfront is home to a casino and a Major League Soccer team.
• 4 King of Prussia — Home of Valley Forge National Historic Park and the largest mall in the United States.
• 5 Philadelphia — Pennsylvania's largest city is the birthplace of American democracy and home of the cheesesteak.
• 6 Reading — As the urban center of mostly rural Berks County, Pennsylvania's fifth largest city hosts a number of cultural festivals each year.
• 7 Media — A popular culinary destination accessible by SEPTA regional rail in neighboring Delaware County.

Other destinations

• 1 Honey Brook
• 2 Kutztown

Talk

Philadelphia is home to the Philadelphia accent but is also a home to the greater Mid-Atlantic dialect. Some unique words found in the dialect include "pavement" instead of "concrete," "center city" instead of "downtown" and "hoagie" instead of "sub" or "grinder."

Get around

Public transportation

In the city of Philadelphia, public transportation is extensive and convenient. In the suburbs however, service tends to be more spotty.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the body that is in charge of public transportation in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. It has bus, subway, trolley and commuter rail services.

New Jersey Transit (or NJ Transit) operates bus service between Philadelphia and various points in New Jersey, and also commuter rail services on the Northeast Corridor between Trenton, New Jersey and New York.

See

• Shangy's is a famous beer distributor located on Main Street in Emmaus and one of the largest beer distributors on the East Coast. It advertises itself as having the largest number of beer brands from all over the world of any distributor in the nation. Shangy's attracts beer enthusiasts from around the nation, especially those looking for hard to find domestic or international beers.

Do

• Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, 3830 Dorney Park Road, ☏ +1 610-395-3724. Located on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78, in Allentown, this popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200 foot tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. 
• Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the AAA-level minor league team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies, play their home games from early April through early October at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. Tickets: +1 610-841-PIGS.
• Liberty Bell Museum, 622 W. Hamilton St, ☏ +1 610-435-4232. Allentown. See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell which was hidden from the British in this historic church during the Revolutionary War. 

Eat

• Lee Gribben's on Main, ☏ +1 610-967-4409. 2nd & Main Sts., Emmaus. High-end dining establishment. Formal. Bar separate from restaurant. Exceptional food among the best in the Philadelphia Region and Lehigh Valley. 

Drink

• Volpe's Sports Bar, 501 Broad St, ☏ +1 610-965-0311. Emmaus. Renovated sports bar with over 10 large screen plasma televisions, including all out of town games. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. Formerly known as the Broad Street Saloon, the upper floors are apartments. Under new management, and still among the top places to go in Philadelphia Region and Lehigh Valley for affordable drinks, cold beer and televised sports. 

Go next

Travelers on East Coast itineraries can easily find a bus or train to other major cities on the east coast, including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Baltimore. Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore are also a short drive, bus, or train ride away. Travelers wishing to see more of Pennsylvania have the option of visiting Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch Country by journeying westward.