There is no better place to start than the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which spans the Delaware River from Camden, New Jersey to Philadelphia. For motorists, the bridge may simply be a way to enter the city. At night, it comes to life with a magnificent light display sponsored by the Benjamin Franklin Bridge Lighting Committee. The patterns change on a rotating basis; currently, the lights pulsate whenever a Patco train thunders across the bridge creating a wave of luminescence set against the night sky.  During the daytime, the bridge’s elevated walkway itself makes for a fine place to stroll. Walking out over the Delaware, one gets magnificent views of the city, the river, and the Camden waterfront. It’s nearly two miles to walk the length of the bridge and back. Bikers are encouraged to use the walkway as well.

Coming into Philadelphia, by car, bicycle, or on foot, one is greeted by a large steel Bolt of Lighting, an imposing memorial to Franklin that stands over a hundred feet tall. Designed by Isamu Noguchi, the dynamic lightning bolt structure commemorates one of Franklin’s most famous exploits, flying a kite in an electrical storm to capture electrical sparks. Just past this breathtaking display lies Franklin Park, a lovely tree-shaded park, which is one of Philadelphia’s original five city squares. In addition to a fine playground, the park hosts a miniature golf course and a carousel. There’s even a burger stand if you’re feeling a bit peckish.

Rising high above, don't forget to look up when taking your tour of Philly's Ben Franklin statues

It isn’t far from Franklin Park to the city’s historic district. There, of course, you will find Independence National Historical Park, featuring the Liberty Bell and the rooms where the U.S. constitution was hammered out and the Declaration of Independence was signed. Make sure to visit the Ghost Structures, as well the minimalist tribute to the only home Benjamin Franklin ever owned. The elegant steel frame of a house is light and airy, summoning, as advertised, the “ghost” of Franklin’s residence and print shop, which was razed in 1812.

When visiting the city with children, a trip to the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia premier museum for science and exploration, is likely to be on the itinerary. If you are visiting the Franklin, take some time to soak  in the impressive James Earle Fraser statue of a seated Franklin that greets museum goers coming in via the 20th Street entrance. Formed from 30 tons of Italian marble, this grand statue is as classical a rendering of Franklin as you are likely come across, the great thinker resting in his chair, eyes alert as if he is turning something important over in his mind.

Frankly, there’s enough art and history in Center City to occupy most visitors for days—if not weeks. Those hearty souls who venture across the Schuylkill River to West Philadelphia can get a bit more of the Ben Franklin Experience. A stroll through the leafy campus of the University of Pennsylvania offers any number of treats—and four Franklin statues along the way. R. Tait McKenzie’s “Young Franklin,” greets visitors outside of Weightman Hall on South 33rd Street. Walking stick in hand, the statue captures the then 17 year-old Franklin’s arrival in Philadelphia, a fitting model for the new cohorts of Penn students arriving on campus each fall.

A few blocks away, a bronze statue of a seated Franklin presides over Blanch Levy Park. And just a few steps from that, you will find one of the most irreverent—and approachable—Franklin statues. At first glance, the large, broken white button by Claes Oldenburg seems to have little to do with the venerable Franklin. The button turns out to be a visual joke, speculation on Oldenburg’s part that the neighboring bronze Franklin is missing a button. Not everyone’s idea of humor, perhaps, the button is certainly user-friendly, and you are likely to find children climbing over it—quite possibly your own.

A broken button is a perfect climbing place for kids.

Ambling down Locust Walk toward 37th  Street, you will find another bronze statue of Franklin, sitting on a park bench, communing with a pigeon as he reads the Pennsylvania Gazette the newspaper he so famously ran for many years. By this point, you might want a rest your self and there should be plenty of available benches. It is also just a short walk to Spruce or Walnut Streets form here either, either of which boast business districts offering any number of good options for grub. If you aren’t tired, keep your map open; there is still plenty of Ben Franklin—and Philadelphia—to see.

Did you take a walking tour of the Ben Franklin statues? Which is your favorite? Head over to our Facebook page and tell us - we'd love to know!