Join BlackAtlas.com Travel Expert-at-Large Nelson George as he takes you on a trip through Philadelphia.

Lots of movies are shot in Philly, which has a cinematic mix of skyscrapers, historic sites and funky hoods. M. Night Shyamalan has shot all his thrillers (The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and The Happening) in and around the city. But, for me, the most visually arresting part of Philadelphia can be viewed for free.

Philadelphia has the most ambitious public mural program in the U.S. and, perhaps, the world. Since 1984 the city has encouraged and supported local artists to create wall size murals on the sides of buildings all over town. There are over 2,500 of them with Julius Erving, Sonia Sanchez, Joe Frazier, John Coltrane, and Patti LaBelle a among the many hometown heroes immortalized. Truth is that some of the most remarkable murals celebrate ordinary Philadelphians in vibrant color. There are mural tours every day that cover different areas (www.muralarts.org) and on line listings (www.cml.upenn.edu) where you can find your favorites and create your own tour.

But Philly is also known, in the U.S. and around the world, as a breeding ground for great DJs. Among the brand names DJs based of out the city are Jazzy Jeff, Rich Medina, King Britt, and ?uestlove, the drummer/mastermind behind the Roots, who’s busy these days playing weeknights on Jimmy Fallon’s show.

Many of these Philly based DJs play regular or semi-regular nights in town. Medina, who’s well known for his Jump & Funk Afro-beat parties, has been working out of the Arts Garage (1535 Ridge Avenue) most of the summer when he’s in town.

My favorite Philly club is Silk City (435 Spring Garden, 215-592-8838), which is located in the North Liberties section, an area that has become a Mecca for young artists. You’ll see noted record producers, DJs and singers riding their bike, shopping for groceries or stopping into Silk City for a bite.

Half of Silk City is a diner that serves up a tasty brunch and is also open late for club goers. That makes it a busy space at night since the other half of Silk City is a club, where Britt and ?…