‘New York Times’ ranks Philly no. 3 in list of places to go in 2015

Today, the New York Times offers us "52 Places to Go in 2015," an expansive and gorgeous presentation of some of the world's most exciting cities. This year, Philadelphia ranked number three.

Coming in just behind leaders Milan, Italy and the entirety of Cuba, Philly is described by in the NY Times by Nell McShane Wulfhart as "the making of an urban outdoor oasis," with much of our write-up focusing on all the improvements the city has undergone in recent years.

There is, of course, the redesign of Dilworth Park:

Dilworth Park, formerly a hideous slab of concrete adjoining City Hall, reopened this past autumn as a green, pedestrian-friendly public space with a winter ice-skating rink (and a cafe by the indefatigable chef Jose Garces). 

The beloved Spruce Street Harbor Park:

The Delaware River waterfront was reworked for summer 2014 with the Spruce Street Harbor Park (complete with hammocks, lanterns and floating bar) becoming a new fixture, following the renovation of the Race Street Pier, completed in 2011, and offers free yoga classes on a bi-level strip of high-design decking and grass. 

And, last but not least, our coming bike share program:

To top it off, this spring, Philadelphia will get its first bike share program, making this mostly flat city even more friendly for those on two wheels.

Coming in behind our third place spot is Yellowstone National Park, Elqui Valley, Chile, and Singapore, to name a few.

[NYTimes]