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Boston and Philadelphia are both American cities steeped in rich histories that significantly influenced the nation. Each city boasts world-class institutions of art and culture, dedicated sports teams with fervent supporters, and distinct culinary offerings. However, if you can only visit one city, which should it be? To assist in making this choice, we consulted two writers to advocate for their preferred city and elucidate what makes it exceptional.
Boston is a college town with history, artistry and diversity
Author of GoTravelDaily Boston and Pocket Boston, Mara Vorhees has been residing in the Olde Towne since the last millennium. Her preferred way to spend a morning involves cycling along the Charles River.
Upon relocating to Boston, I perceived it as the most intellectually stimulating place on Earth. I immediately fell in love with the city’s dynamic student culture and an overarching appreciation for learning. I continue to regard Boston as exceptionally intellectual; however, I now recognize this is merely the beginning of what this vibrant city has to offer. Additionally, there is a profound historical significance, a wide array of artistic and musical pursuits, and—not to be overlooked—superb seafood. All of this is concentrated within a compact urban center that spans only a few square miles.
Although modest in size, Boston is considerable in its influence. This coastal city provides arts, education, and innovation comparable to cities twice its size (I am considering you, Philadelphia). The city is home to cultural institutions that rank among the best in the nation, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of Fine Arts. A thriving contemporary art scene is evident in the SoWa Arts District and at the remarkable Institute for Contemporary Art. Numerous colleges and universities, along with their students, provide an ongoing source of vitality, creativity, and local culture throughout the city.
Regarding local culture, Boston is a prominent sports town, owing to its teams’ rich histories and exceptional winning records. Admittedly, there is a lingering disappointment from the Eagles’ triumph over the Patriots in the 2018 Super Bowl. Nevertheless, it is difficult to dwell on a single game when the Patriots have six Super Bowl banners displayed at Gillette Stadium. In addition, consider the Red Sox’s nine World Series victories and the Celtics’ astounding 18 championships (more than any other NBA team), and the origin of the nickname “City of Champions” becomes clear. While it is true that Boston sports enthusiasts can be excessively passionate, it seems that Philadelphia supporters may actually surpass that intensity.
Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge that no city matches Boston’s significance in U.S. revolutionary history, not even Philadelphia. This city is where the Sons of Liberty ignited resistance against oppressive British taxation, exemplified by protests such as the Boston Tea Party (which visitors today can reenact at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum). Additionally, it is where the Crown implemented a military occupation and the subsequent Boston Massacre occurred in front of the Old State House. Furthermore, the conflict escalated to the first battles of the U.S. War for Independence in Lexington and Concord (now preserved by the Minute Man National Historical Park).
While Philadelphia is indeed a historic city, with some notable documents crafted there, it is important to recognize that many revolutionary concepts embodied in those documents originated in Boston. A noteworthy fact is that the founding fathers based the U.S. Constitution on the Massachusetts Constitution, drafted by John Adams nine years earlier. (You can view early versions of this document in the Hall of Flags at the Massachusetts State House.)
Ultimately, Boston and Philadelphia share a multitude of similarities. A weekend in either city will likely lead you to historic landmarks, exceptional artwork, captivating local music, or exciting sporting events. Nevertheless, a crucial question arises: What will you choose to eat? A Philly cheesesteak, often regarded as a heart attack in a roll? Personally, I would opt for the simple perfection of a lobster roll any day.
Come to Philadelphia for the attitude, stay for the world-class city
Tim McManus, a Philadelphian who moved away and returned to his home city – twice – is a freelance writer who focuses on sport, travel, and culinary topics.
There exists a particular narrative about Philadelphia that circulates annually among sportswriters and broadcasters. It is often recounted that Philadelphia is the city that threw snowballs at Santa Claus.
This incident indeed occurred at Franklin Field on December 15, 1968, during halftime of a game featuring a notably disappointing Philadelphia Eagles team. However, narratives seldom mention the crucial detail: Santa deserved it. How do I know this? My father was present at the event.
With snowfall that morning, the Santa scheduled to appear at halftime ultimately declined, prompting the team to select an imposter from the crowd: a slender young man in an old red suit and a sagging fake beard. They equipped him with a bag meant to represent a sack, provided him with inexpensive candy canes to distribute, and placed him on a sleigh that promptly became stuck. This was the final embarrassment for fans who had arrived that frigid morning only to find their seats covered in snow. One fan initiated the first throw, leading to a cascade of snowballs.
The imposter Santa took it in stride and returned to his seat for the second half. Subsequently, Howard Cosell discussed it on ABC. This narrative solidified: Philadelphians were perceived as a mean-spirited, antisocial group. It became known that even Santa was not safe in Philadelphia.
What many fail to understand is that the story of throwing snowballs at Santa does exemplify the spirit of Philadelphia, but not in the manner they suppose. The true narrative reveals that Philadelphia is a place where authenticity reigns supreme, and pretense is promptly denounced. It is a locale where individuals demand the recognition they deserve.
This inherent chip on our shoulder is quite natural. The nation’s founding took place here, but New York took the cultural spotlight, and Washington claimed our status as the capital. Consequently, we find ourselves positioned between these two giants, holding onto our pride and a workmanlike attitude. We may not be the epicenter of the universe, yet if that fact irritates us, we certainly won’t confess it.
Philadelphia isn’t as bad as Philadelphians claim it to be. Surprising as it may seem, this phrase was an actual Chamber of Commerce slogan in the ‘70s. It was also a realization I needed to confront personally. Many Philadelphians never leave; we remain closely connected to our families and traditions. I did venture away—for nearly a decade, across two separations. While the city wasn’t the reason for my return, it became the reason I stayed.
Philadelphia is situated 90 minutes from both the mountains and the beach (“down the shore,” as locals refer to it). It is nestled between the banks of the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers, both of which are currently being revitalized after extended periods of separation from the city.
Homeownership is actually attainable here, and the city’s walkability enables residents to forgo their cars if they choose to do so. Neighborhoods surrounding Center City, such as Graduate Hospital, Fishtown, and Passyunk Square, have been rejuvenated by young families attracted to their accessibility and a vibrant dining scene that rivals the best in the country.
We have The Fabulous Philadelphians orchestra, and both the Barnes Foundation and Philadelphia Museum of Art are home to some of the world’s finest collections, situated less than a mile apart. Although Hollywood may overlook our universities, we too host an Ivy League institution and at least 30 other colleges.
The city features a thriving Italian Market, which now encompasses Mexican and Vietnamese elements, a Chinatown, and a Southeast Asian market. Of course, there is also Reading Terminal Market, the acclaimed food hall that has paved the way for them all.
This is the Philadelphia I discovered upon my return: a city still capable of throwing snowballs, yet one that is gradually embracing a future requiring more than just that.
