Insider Travel Blog: information from The Insider Travel Guides for New York City, Boston, Hawaii, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Bermuda

We read recently that Philadelphia is one of the most visited cities in the country, but that many visitors just come into town for the day. We at TheInsiderTravelGuides.com think that's a real shame. Oh sure, it's nice to know that you can see a good part of Independence National Historic Park, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Ben Franklin's house, and still be home for the 11 o'clock news. But since Philadelphia offers so much more than just its famed historic sites, we think you ought to plan at least to extend your visit to last at least through the weekend. As a bonus, many Philadelphia hotels now have enticing special offers like a "stay for breakfast" and "just the two of you" rates.

And when you see how much there is to see and do in the City of Brotherly love, you'll be glad you didn't rush home. For example, in addition to attractions connected to its role in the founding of our nation, the city has plenty of wonderful gems tucked away -- you just have to know where to find them.

Here are some of Philly's special secrets:

There is a beautiful glass mosaic by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the lobby of the Curtis Center, an office building on Washington Square.
College Hall, an administration building at the University of Pennsylvania, is said to be the inspiration of the house in Charles Addams' The Addams Family cartoons.
The Curtis Institute of Music (1726 Locust Street) provided the facade you'll recognize from the Eddie Murphy movie Trading Places.
Boathouse Row is made up of 11 Victorian buildings that house the "Schuylkill Navy" -- rowing clubs that practice on the nearby river. Tiny white lights that outline each of the buildings create a wondrous sight every night throughout the year.
On the first Friday of each month, dozens of galleries and cultural organizations in Old City stay open late for receptions and shows. It's like an elegant, traveling cocktail party. Sponsored by the Old City Arts Association, this free event is held year-round, rain or shine.