Given its status as the cradle of American democracy, any discussion of Philadelphia attractions simply must start with the "Old City," those few square blocks of real estate that house so many historical spots from the birth and infancy of the great republic. Known as "America's most historic square mile," the Independence National Historical Park is home to the two most popular Philly attractions: The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. We'll get to those in a moment, but first let's look at four destinations in the Old City with which you may not be as familiar:

• Elfreth's Alley is the oldest continuously inhabited street in America and it gives you a remarkably good notion about what the entire City of Brotherly Love looked like in colonial times. Visit the Mantua Maker's House, now a museum. Off 2nd Street btw. Arch and Race Streets. elfrethsalley.org. 215-574-0560.
• Christ Church Burial Ground is the final resting place for four signers of the Declaration of Independence, including Benjamin Franklin and his wife, Deborah. Local legend has it that tossing a penny onto Franklin's grave is good luck, but we'll leave you to sort that out. 5th and Arch Streets. oldchristchurch.org. 215-922-1695.
• Tour the neighborhood of The First United States Mint. Authors Len Augsburger and Joel Orosz uncovered a treasure trove of visual documentation of the first U.S. Mint in the form of the Stewart Archive. They will present images from their forthcoming book, “Pictures of the First United States Mint: The Numismatic Legacy of Frank H. Stewart” and then lead an informative walking tour of the Mint site and the surrounding historic neighborhood. Friday, October 1 at 1pm in Room 305 at the Convention Center. [A test to see if you've read this far: the first 15 people to present themselves at this presentation will also enjoy a Numismatic Tour of Independence Hall!]
• The Benjamin Franklin Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1926. A long-term restoration of the bridge has begun. Start from the Philly side just two blocks north of the current U.S. Mint and stroll the 1.75 miles to New Jersey, at which point you can decide whether to hoof it back, or catch a taxi. 5th and Vine Streets. 215-218-3750. drpa.org.

If you need a pick-me-up before or after your Old City expedition, check out Old City Metro Café in Farmicia for coffee and sweets as well as breakfast and lunch items. 15 South 3rd Street. 215-627-6274. farmiciarestaurant.com. And, as promised, here is some information to get you started on the top Old City destinations:

• The Liberty Bell is Philly's most popular tourist attraction. Moved to its current location during the Bicentennial celebrations, this icon of American independence must be experienced first-hand. The interpretive exhibit area includes everything you need to know about the history of this priceless artifact.
• For your visit to Independence Hall, you will want to begin by stopping by the Independence Visitor Center, which also serves as the official visitor center for the City of Philadelphia. Remember that, from March through December and on all major holidays, you must stop by, call or log onto the website for the Visitor Center for free tickets stamped with a particular time. 500 Chestunut Street, btw. 5th and 6th Streets. nps.gov/inde 215-965-2305 or 800-967-2283.

Of course, the Old City is only the tip