In 2005, National Geographic Magazine named Philadelphia the “Next Great City.” Everywhere you go these days, you’ll see a rebirth and a revolution in the city known as the birthplace of America.

One of the largest college and university towns in the country, the area’s “youthquake” is responsible for much of the vitality of the arts, culture and design scenes putting the city on the national map. From North Philadelphia factories renovated into innovative art galleries to fashion-forward independent boutiques opening in nineteenth-century storefronts, today’s Philadelphia is where old and new come together to create something entirely different.

Philadelphia is a big city with a small-town heart. You’ll want to explore this city of neighborhoods from the colonial charm of Society Hill to the funky vibe of Northern Liberties. You can stroll the Italian Market, the oldest working outdoor food market in the country, or hit one of the over 200 new sidewalk cafes that bring the streets of the city to life at night. You can find funk, jazz, hiphop, world music, punk or alternative rock at a local club, or hear classical musicians perform under the soaring dome of the new Kimmel Center. Catch the subway to enjoy a day at the ballpark or an evening courtside with the Phillies, 76ers, or other national sports teams, or walk up the street from The Art Institute of Philadelphia to window shop on upscale Walnut Street.

When you need relief from the urban grind, you can hike, bike, run, picnic or just relax in the over 9,000 acres of green space that make up the city’s parks. For cycling enthusiasts, Philadelphia is consistently rated among the top five large cities for the sport, offering more bike lanes than any other city and a network of toprated off-road trails.

Philadelphia offers the excitement of a major urban environment and the security of small close-knit neighborhoods, a fascinating past and a bright future. There’s no better place to explore your creativity.