Pennsylvania's Big Kahunas: Don't Get Lost in the City Sprawl (Unless You Want Pizza)
Pennsylvania: home of cheesesteaks, liberty bells, and, you guessed it, some pretty darn big cities! But with 56 municipalities rocking the "city" title, where do you even begin? Fear not, fellow explorer (or maybe you're just hungry for some Primanti Bros.), because we're about to dive headfirst into the Keystone State's urban jungle.
What Are The Largest Cities In Pennsylvania |
Philly: The City of Brotherly Love (and Cheesesteaks)
Topping the charts with a population of over 1.6 million, Philadelphia is Pennsylvania's undisputed king (or queen, depending on your preference). Think Rocky running the steps, Liberty Bell ringing for freedom (and maybe cheesesteak deals), and enough museums to keep your brain occupied for, well, Rocky-style training montages. But Philly's not all historical sights and iconic sandwiches. This vibrant city boasts a killer art scene, trendy neighborhoods, and cheesesteak shops on every corner (seriously, it's a thing).
Pittsburgh: Steel City with a Soul (and Great Fries)
Pittsburgh, with a population of around 300,000, is Pennsylvania's second fiddle, but don't let that fool you. This former steel town has transformed into a cultural hub with a ton to offer. Catch a Steelers game (and devour some Primanti Bros. sandwiches, because fries on your sandwich is just how they roll here), explore the Andy Warhol Museum, or take a stroll through the beautiful Phipps Conservatory. Pittsburgh might be known for its industrial past, but its present is all about innovation, good eats, and friendly folks (except maybe on Steeler game days... Still love ya, Pittsburgh!).
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Beyond the Big Two: Allentown, Reading, Erie, and More!
Pennsylvania isn't a two-city show, folks! Allentown, Reading, Erie, and Scranton (hey, Dunder Mifflin fans!) all crack the top 10, each offering a unique flavor. Allentown boasts a vibrant arts scene and a developing downtown. Reading is all about pretzels and historical charm. Erie sits pretty on Lake Erie, offering stunning views and access to all things nautical.
So, how big are these other cities? Let's just say you won't get lost in a crowd, but there's still plenty to explore.
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Important Note: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any cheesesteak-induced comas or uncontrollable urges to yell "Yinzer!" in public.
FAQ: Pennsylvania's City Slicker Survival Guide (Cliff Notes Edition)
How to pick a city to visit? Think about what interests you! History buff? Head to Philly. Sports fanatic? Pittsburgh awaits! Foodie? Well, any city will do you good in Pennsylvania.
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
How to avoid getting lost in Philly? Follow the cheesesteak smell. Seriously, it's like a built-in GPS.
How to speak Yinzer in Pittsburgh? Start with "yinz" (you guys) and work your way up from there. Just don't blame us if you get tackled by a Steeler fan for butchering the lingo.
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
How to find the best cheesesteak? This, my friend, is a lifelong quest. There's no single answer, but asking a local is a good place to begin (just be prepared for heated debates).
How to score the best Primanti Bros. sandwich? Go hungry. Those things are massive (and delicious).