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The 26 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

By Regan Stephens and Devra Ferst

Without a doubt, first time visitors to Philadelphia should prioritize a few must-dos: explore American history in Old City, climb the Rocky steps in front of the Museum of Art , devour a cheesesteak and a roast pork sandwich at John’s . But there’s so much more to see and do (and eat) in the City of Brotherly Love, like take in a performance at America’s oldest opera house, sample barbacoa tacos in the Italian Market, and ascend above the clouds in a glass elevator for a world-class view of the city (just to name a few). To help get you started, we took the liberty of curating these very best things to do in Philadelphia, whether it's your first visit or your fifth.

Read our complete Philadelphia travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History Arrow

Established in 1976, the original The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History was a small, intimate museum visited largely by the Jewish community. But in 2010, Newseum architect Jim Polshek designed a new building that transformed it into a museum on the scale of the Smithsonian , complete with three-and-a-half floors of permanent collections and special exhibits. In June, the museum reopened after more than two years with a new name (after shoe designer Stuart Weitzman), and a new OY/YO sculpture by Deborah Kass marking the building’s entrance. Starting with the arrival of a small group of Jews in 1654, the museum traces the American Jewish experience through today, telling the story with its collection of 30,000 artifacts. The core exhibition walks visitors through the wave of immigration from Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, through World War II, the establishment of Israel, and ends with an Only in America Gallery/Hall of Fame. Start your tour at the top of the building and wind your way down through the years.

Longwood Gardens Arrow

Longwood Gardens, purchased by industrialist Pierre du Pont in 1906, is a little like Philadelphia’s answer to Versailles , with 1,083 acres of themed, manicured gardens. Naturally, spring and summer are the best seasons for florals, but with a Conservatory renowned for its indoor displays, this Kennett Square spot is a popular year-round destination. If you're here in the summer, make sure to check out the Fountain Garden, when a dramatic water show set to classical music is performed several times every day—the Conservatory, with its twinkling lights, trees, and poinsettias, is a must at Christmas .

Yowie Arrow

Shannon Maldonado's tiny Queen Village shop has an outsized presence thanks to its impeccably-curated and colorful collection of gifts, art objects and housewares. Her design cred is dead serious, but—as evidenced by the selection, collaborations, and her own laid back demeanor—the brand doesn’t take itself too seriously. Maldonado sells an ever-evolving range range of products with common threads: beautiful designs in vivid hues: curvilinear candles and catchall trays from Barcelona’s Octaevo, avant-garde vases from New York design studio Chen & Kai, Cold Picnic bath mats, and Dusen Dusen textiles. In late 2022, Yowie will relocate to a bigger space on South Street along with a hotel and cafe.

Rittenhouse Square Arrow

When William Penn (the man Pennsylvania is named for and the chap atop City Hall ) planned Philadelphia, he designed five squares that function as parks. Rittenhouse, the most glamorous of them all, is both a park and a catchall name for the surrounding neighborhood, which is home to some of the city’s best restaurants , shopping, and real estate. Rittenhouse Square is a beautifully designed, well maintained park. In summer, a fountain in the center functions as a gathering space. If the weather's nice, pick up picnic supplies at Di Bruno Bros. Rittenhouse and find a seat on one of the park’s many benches. Don’t be surprised if someone’s taking wedding photos nearby. If it’s chilly out—or if you have money to burn—grab a meal at Parc , which overlooks the square. After, stretch your legs by walking along Walnut Street, which is lined with high-end national brands.

Sarah Enelow-Snyder

Juliana Shallcross

Boutayna Chokrane

Sarah James

JG SkyHigh Arrow

Float to the top of the Comcast Technology Center by glass elevator, bypass a jungle of floral arrangements, and skip past the Four Seasons front desk to find JG SkyHigh. We have beautiful restaurants and bars in Philadelphia, designed by lauded architecture firms, but nothing like this. Forty-foot glass walls show off an unparalleled view from the city’s tallest building, a staircase bordered with waterfall walls descending into the restaurant, mirror-paneled ceilings that reflect the sidewalks some 60 stories below—are stunning. Why else would you wait in line (in Philadelphia) to pay $22 for a drink (in Philadelphia)? Most are here for the atmosphere, not the drinks, although the lemongrass Collins, made with local Bluecoat gin, is flawless.

Reading Terminal Market Arrow

All of humanity seems to have come together in a happy hubbub at Reading Terminal Market. The sprawling space has been around since 1893, though now, its vegetable, fish, and meat vendors are compounded by dozens of restaurants, bakeries, and bars. Look for old-timey neon signs to help you make sense of the dozens of options—or just head straight for DiNic's, where the roast pork sandwich, topped with a frenzy of broccoli rabe, is practically the beating heart of the place. Follow it up with a scoop (or three) of Bassett's silky ice cream.

Independence National Historic Park Arrow

Philadelphia is the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the United States precisely because of the historical events that transpired right here, and it’s not just one museum or historic landmark. Rather, it’s a collection of buildings that played host to events that shaped American independence or honor that hard-won heritage. Begin at the Visitor Center to get your bearings and start your tour—visitors can enter with timed entry tickets—at Independence Hall, then stop by the Liberty Bell Center for a look at ostensibly the most famous broken item in the world. Afterwards, wander past the park’s other historic buildings including Carpenters Hall, the meeting site of the first Continental Congress, then make your way to the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Just note the airport-style security (and subsequent foot traffic) you're bound to encounter, and make sure you wear comfortable shoes—you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Bok Building Arrow

The Bok Building is a shuttered Vocational High School in South Philly, built in 1936 with funds from FDR’s Public Works Administration. After the school closed in 2013, urban development and design firm Scout transformed the absolute behemoth of a building—clocking in at 340,000 square feet of retrofitted former classrooms, an auditorium, and a rooftop—into a magnet for some of Philly’s most talented independent makers and creators. Among the dozens of artists, designers, printmakers, ceramicists, jewelers, florists, tattoo artists, and sculptors, there’s one of the world’s foremost clarinet repairers Atelier Jacobi , two sisters behind Second Daughter Baking Co. making the city’s (maybe even the world’s?) best brownie, and Moore Vintage Archive , where you can peruse tightly-curated racks sourced from Parisian markets and beyond.

The Academy of Music Arrow

Not only can you see boundary-pushing performances from Opera Philadelphia and ballets like George Balanchine's The Nutcracker , but the Academy is also home to most of the touring Broadway shows (this season includes Six, Come from Away , and Les Miserables .) Other performances—comedians, traveling Disney shows, and even game shows like Wheel of Fortune—are also on the roster. It also feels like a bonus to get to sit in such a historic, opulent theater—one where Susan B. Anthony once delivered a speech about women’s suffrage, where Peter Tchaikovsky conducted music, and where the Philadelphia Orchestra recorded the music for Disney’s Fantasia . Both performing arts and history lovers should make it a point to snag tickets to something when they visit.

John's Roast Pork Arrow

Philadelphia’s best-known sandwich might be the cheesesteak —but that doesn't mean it's the city's official sandwich. For that, look to the roast pork, which stacks thin slices of pork, broccoli rabe, and sharp provolone on an Italian hoagie roll. Though the originator of the sandwich is unknown, this small shop in South Philly makes one of the most beloved iterations. The hearty portions and location draw a mix of construction workers, cops, locals, and tourists. But a word of caution: Pay attention to how the locals ahead of you in line order—there’s little patience here for indecision. A trip to John’s offers you not only an outstanding and filling sandwich, but a look at a Philadelphia institution that's been around for more than 80 years.

Fairmount Park Arrow

You'll find the Schuylkill-hugging Fairmount Park in the heart of the city. But this isn’t your typical city park: At more than 2,000 acres, it's home to miles of trails, biking and hiking paths, a Japanese garden and house, the country’s oldest zoo, historical mansions, and the city’s iconic Boathouse Row. Those with young kids in tow should explore the interactive Please Touch Museum , as well as the Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, with its century-old wooden slide.

University of Pennsylvania Arrow

Founded in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania (better known as Penn) looks like the textbook definition of an Ivy League university, with enough elaborate Gothic buildings and lush courtyards to make you want to dive headfirst into the nearest library. The campus, and particularly Locust Walk, which runs through it, offers visitors and students a respite from the bustle of the city, and on nice days, even doubles as a picnic site. The grounds are also home to Alexander Calder's art, and “Brick House,” a new Simone Leigh sculpture; a statue of Ben Franklin hanging out on a bench; and Franklin Field, the country's oldest operating football stadium. Head west to explore the campus, and have lunch at West Philly institution White Dog Café.

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens Arrow

Visiting this gallery-slash-outdoor sculpture garden feels like you've stepped into the mind of Philadelphia’s beloved mosaic artist, Isaiah Zagar: His creations are beautiful, and often surreal, places. The project, which covers three city lots, is a melange of mirror fragments, tiles, and found objects like bike wheels and glass bottles, combined to mesmerizing effect. A walk through the indoor and outdoor space doesn’t take long, and there’s plenty for kids to enjoy, making it an ideal weekend pitstop for families exploring the city. If you can’t swing the $15 entry fee, you can still peer into the garden from the South Street entrance, and wander the neighborhood to spot other walls covered with Zagar’s work.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Arrow

Classic, grand, and impressive, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a cultural institution. It is Philadelphia's answer to the Louvre, and houses one of the country's finest collections of art and sculpture. Tourists, locals, the stroller set…the gang's all here and they're all taking in the art at their own pace. Some skip entire galleries based on interests, while others read every placard. It's a choose your own adventure kind of place. And if all of this culture makes you hungry, you're in luck. The Cafe is bright and welcoming and features a variety of tasty sandwiches, soups, pizzas, and more. Prefer to cool your heels in a more formal setting? The Stir is an elegant spot designed by Frank Gehry that's perfect for lingering and lunching.

Franklin Square Arrow

One of the original five public squares William Penn plotted out when he designed the city, the eight-acre Franklin Square is home to a classic carousel, Philly-themed mini golf course, and a sprawling playground. The historic square attracts plenty of Old City tourists visiting Philly’s most famous attractions just a few blocks south, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. But it’s also a hub for locals—especially those with kids—in the neighborhood, who come for a ride on the merry-go-round or to romp around the playground. Set to music and lights, a seasonal fountain show is reason enough to visit the park, perhaps on the way back from dinner in Chinatown a few blocks away.

The Italian Market Arrow

Philadelphians often call their hometown “a city of neighborhoods.” The Italian Market, and the neighborhood that's been built up around it, is a perfect example. Open since the 1880s, this year-round market is the beating heart of South Philly, a historically Italian neighborhood that, in recent years, has also become home to pockets of Mexican and Vietnamese immigrants. The market, which lines South 9th Street, buzzes with shops and outdoor vendors, all showing off the best of the community. Don’t miss the old guard provision shops like DiBruno’s, Claudio’s, and Talluto’s—you must sample the fresh mozzarella—and if you’re looking for lunch, check out the newer additions to the area, like South Philly Barbacoa and Kalaya Thai Kitchen . No matter what brings you to the market, make sure to arrive hungry, with cash in hand.

City Hall Arrow

City Hall isn’t the tallest building in Philadelphia, but it’s still hard to miss it when you're walking around Center City. Look up and you’ll see William Penn, 548 feet above the ground, looking out over the city he designed. The views of the building—the largest municipal building in the United States—are impressive, but don’t simply stroll past. Dilworth Park, which hosts an annual Christmas market , a seasonal ice skating rink, and free summertime fitness classes, is on its doorstep. City Hall helps make the case that outside of Washington D.C. , Philadelphia is the best city in the U.S. for travelers interested in American history and government. 

New Liberty Distillery Arrow

In Philly’s South Kensington neighborhood, a smidge west of Fishtown, New Liberty Distillery specializes in making highly-regarded craft whiskey. The distillery is housed in a restored brick building that was once a horse stable, and includes a tasting room with a bar and a seasonal outdoor cocktail garden. The bar is comfortable and unpretentious, with leather arm chairs and barrel tables, brick walls and a low, exposed beam ceiling, making it feel like the kind of place you could easily spend an entire winter afternoon. In the nicer weather, though, the cocktail garden, surrounded by wildflowers and thickets of herbs and trees, is a bit of a hidden gem in the city.

National Constitution Center Arrow

For history loving visitors to Philadelphia, there’s a lot to choose from—the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Museum of the American Revolution , to name a few spots. But those interested in democracy shouldn’t miss the National Constitution Center. Located near the Liberty Bell, the center was created as a bipartisan institution by Congress and opened in 2003. Nearly 20 years in, the building still feels fresh and modern, and so does the programming. The center regularly hosts events about American democracy; including, for instance, a Democratic primary debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in 2008.

The Franklin Institute Arrow

The Franklin Institute is like a giant science lab, albeit one with a walk-through model of the heart (claustrophobes, beware). The layout is highly interactive, whether you're stepping on a scale to learn how many pints of blood you have or climbing a webbed trail of nets that mimic the brain's pathways. The museum is almost always packed with excited kids, harried parents, and field trips. It's the domain of elementary and middle school students during the week and families on weekends.

Hop Sing Laundromat Arrow

You really have to want to go to Hop Sing: Since there's no phone number, website, or even sign pointing to the space, you'll have to seek out the unmarked, brushed-steel door on Chinatown’s Race Street on your own. Have your ID at the ready for a quick scan by the bouncer to sure your name isn't on the “banned list”—the bar's indexed nearly 3,000 “no longer welcome” patrons, who either ignored the rules (no phones, hats, or photos) or tipped poorly. Once inside, though, you’ll be seated in a spacious, high-ceilinged, candlelit room with plaster artfully peeling off the walls, where the whole experience will start to unfurl. Not only does Hop Sing have bragging rights to one of the largest selections of spirits in the country, but their meticulously crafted cocktails are extraordinary mixtures of supremely high-quality well spirits. The Hop Sing Manhattan, for example, costs $16, but is made with an $80 bottle of Booker’s bourbon. You won't get that value anywhere else. The air of exclusivity and commitment to rules may put off some bargoers, but this is one of the only speakeasy-style bars in Philadelphia that still feels like a secret, so embrace it.

Mural Arts Philadelphia Arrow

Philadelphia is known for its world-class museums , but few realize that it's also home to one of the world’s great outdoor art galleries, courtesy of its 4,000 (and counting) murals. Mural Arts Philadelphia, the brains behind these public art displays, runs walking tours of the seemingly endless string of outdoor art—but the best way to see it all is, undoubtedly, by foot. Groups of 15-20 meet at PAFA, the oldest art institution in the U.S., before meandering through Center City, and taking in a dozen or so murals. Whether it’s the tile lining the walls of the subway, or the mural brightening a city parking lot, it's not just something we look at; it’s something we live with every day. Guides are professional and passionate; they enjoy showing off the murals, and sharing insight into how they’re created, as well as stories about the program’s outreach to area homeless, incarcerated, and schoolchildren.

Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse Arrow

In 2015, Ariell Johnson opened the first Black, female-owned comic book store on the East Coast. Come to Amalgam for the broad and inclusive selection—ranging from the big players (Marvel and DC Comics, from Captain America to X-Men) to indie publishers, like the Kickstarter-backed Tuskegee Heirs. But also come to soak up the warm and inclusive vibes in this haven for geek culture. Pick up a copy of Black Panther World of Wakanda #1-6, by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Roxane Gay, and Yona Harvey; the novel Lovecraft Country ; or David Crownson’s Kickstarter-backed Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer.

Delaware River Waterfront Arrow

The historic spot where William Penn first landed in 1682 is now a series of piers and parks on the Delaware River waterfront, each with its own personality and draw. Since 2012, the nonprofit Delaware River Waterfront Corporation has been slowly transforming the stretch of riverfront between Oregon and Allegheny Avenues, adding public parks, running and biking trails, and spaces for recreational and cultural activities—all with the goal of giving Philadelphia’s public spaces a beautifying boost for residents and visitors to enjoy. It’s easy to hop to a couple piers in one day. A good place to start is Cherry Street Pier for a cocktail in the garden bar, rotating art exhibitions and concession stands. If kids are in tow, stroll the half-mile to Spruce Street Harbor Park for a beer while they run around on the lawn, play with a giant Connect Four, and gawk at the tall ships docked nearby.

The Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia Arrow

The Mütter Museum, housed within a portion of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, can trace its origins back to 1858, when Dr. Thomas Mütter donated his collection of medical models and specimens in an effort to honor medicine’s heritage and celebrate its advancements. The museum's 25,000-item collection, spread between two floors, includes everything from medical instruments and wax models, to bones and anatomical, or “wet,” specimens, all ranging from the fascinating, to the disturbing, to the downright disgusting. A few highlights include a Civil War-era set of amputation instruments, a jar of skin from a patient with a skin-picking disorder, and a giant, desiccated colon that'll have you eating kale for weeks. All gawking aside, it’s a true testament to the study and practice of medicine.

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Explore Philadelphia

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Essential Philadelphia

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• Loews Philadelphia Hotel
• Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
• The Windsor Suites
• The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
• Ristorante Pesto
• Talula's Garden
• Butcher and Singer
• The Couch Tomato Café & Bistro, Manayunk
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Reading Terminal Market
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Independence Hall
• Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
• Dark Philly Adult Night Tour
• Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
• Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia
• Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites
• Philadelphia History, Highlights, & Revolution Walking Tour

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Philadelphia International Airport Guide

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The Best Live Music Venues

The Best Food to Try

Best Cheesesteaks

Philly's Top Restaurants

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Nightlife Guide

Breweries in Philadelphia

Your Trip to Philadelphia: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Lynn Brown is a writer, teacher, digital storyteller, and traveler whose work centers on issues of race, place, culture, and history. Her work has appeared in GQ, Ebony, and more.

Located only two hours south of New York and two and a half hours north of D.C., Philadelphia is a convenient getaway and also ideal jumping off point from several other larger Northeastern cities. With its blend of historic roots and funky charm, Philly, home to a population of about 1.5 million people  , is more laid back than its more prominent neighbors, and it offers just as much to do , such as world-class art museums, diverse and award-winning food options, and tours of significant historical sites.  

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: Philly is a great place to visit year-round, the summer is when the city really gets hopping. This is the best time to stroll around and see the many historic neighborhoods and outdoor attractions like Rittenhouse Square and the Philadelphia Zoo. There are also quite a few festivals this time of year as well.

Getting Around: Philly has a pretty good public transportation system, called the SEPTA, which uses a variety of modes including buses, rapid transit, commuter rails, and even trolleys. Check out the SEPTA website for information on routes, times, and where to purchase Independence Passes, which will allow you unlimited travel in the city for a set number of days. Ride Share apps like Uber and Lyft are also available in the city and can be an affordable way to get around, especially if you’re staying mostly in the downtown area.

Travel Tip: The city’s downtown area is extremely walkable, and the beauty of the historic buildings in this area make for a perfect stroll. If you’re up for a little exercise, grab a historic Philadelphia map from the visitor’s center and take a stroll…or even snag one of the Ride Indego share bicycles! 

Things to Do

The things most newcomers associate with Philadelphia are the Liberty Bell and the Rocky movies. Amusingly enough, these are actually great jumping off points for some of things that make this city great: history, sports, and art.

History : Definitely pay a visit to the Liberty Bell Center and the Independence Hall, but also make sure to visit other historical sites and museums. Visit the Betsy Ross House, where the woman who sewed the first American flag resided, and the Rosenbach museum, which houses a stunning collection of rare and ancient books.

Art : The “Rocky Steps” best remembered from the iconic scene in the classic movie are actually the steps that lead up to the world class Philadelphia Museum of Art  . If this leaves you wanting more of the city’s art scene stop by the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts or take a stroll down “Mural Mile” in Central City to view just a few of the 4000 murals around the city that are part of the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program.

Sports : Philly is a sports city, and there are a variety of different venues and teams here to cheer on. Football fans can check visit Lincoln Financial Field to check out an Eagles game. During baseball season, the Philadelphia Phillies often play home games at Citizens Bank Park. And yes, there are plenty of local boxing gyms and events that you can attend if you want to have a Rocky moment. 

What to Eat and Drink

The food item on everyone’s mind when they come to Philadelphia are the cheesesteaks. Pat’s (the inventor of the sandwich  ) and Geno’s, both located in Passyunk Square, are two of the most popular, though Jim’s on South Street also deserves a mention as well. However, if that’s the only food you try here, you’re doing yourself a disservice. The food scene here is as delicious as it is diverse, the cheesesteaks are delicious, but there’s way more to eat here than just sandwiches. First, head to Chinatown to trying out the Chinese food haunts like Sang Kee Peking Duck House and Dim Sum Garden. For Ethiopian, head to the University City neighborhood and have Doro Wat at a local spot like Abyssinia or Meskerem. There are plenty of fine dining options here too, such as Vetri or Volvér.

The cocktail scene in Philly is also worth trying out. There are actually a number of speakeasy-style places that serve wonderful craft cocktails like The Ranstead Room, Hop Sing Laundromat, and The Franklin Bar. There’s also a burgeoning craft beer scene in the area with places like Dock Street and Forest and Main, serving a variety of local, national, and international beer selections.

Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods and each has a slightly different feel. Most visitors gravitate towards the downtown Center City area. This includes the beautiful Rittenhouse Square area, known for its historic buildings and proximity to all the action of downtown.

Another option for history buffs is the historic Old City, which is located closer to the Delaware River. Hotels like Morris House Hotel and The Bellevue are great places to stay in these two neighborhoods, especially if you’re looking for that historic charm, but Center City has a wide variety of hotel options to satisfy every type of traveler.

For a more trendy vacation, consider further afield locations like the newly hip Fishtown area north of downtown. There's also the option of camping outside of the city for nature lovers .

Getting There

Getting to Philadelphia is easy. The main airport, Philadelphia International , is only about 20 minutes from the city center. If you’re coming from one of the larger nearby cities, like New York or DC, you can also catch a train via Amtrak or a bus via Megabus, both of which leave you at 30 th Street station, or a Greyhound which stops right downtown near Reading Terminal Market.

Money-Saving Tips

• Many of the historical sites in town, such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are free to all visitors.
• Many of the bars in the city have great happy hour prices, deals downtown.
• Passes geared at travelers, like the Philadelphia Pass and SEPTA’s Independence Pass, give discounts on admission and transportation at various destinations around the city. 

United States Census Bureau. "Quick Facts: Philadelphia City, Pennsylvania."

Visit Philadelphia. "The Rocky Statue and the Rocky Steps."

Visit Philadelphia. "Philadelphia Cheesesteaks."

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This U.S. Destination Is the Country’s First UNESCO World Heritage City

Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with this highly curated Philadelphia travel guide.

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With its rich history and a food scene that just keeps getting better, a trip to Philadelphia can be a real treat.

It's the nation's first UNESCO World Heritage City (because both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed here) and is the perfect destination for anyone enthusiastic about the birth of the United States. Stop by Independence National Historic Park to learn all you can about the country's founding, and wear your red, white, and blue with pride on Independence Day at the Wawa Welcome America Festival, the largest July 4 celebration in the county.

Foodies can stop by South Philly Barbacoa for delicious slow-cooked lamb or pop into Vedge, a restaurant that works "magic with vegetables," according to Cara Schneider Bongiorno, the founder of Philly History Pops Ups and former media relations director at Visit Philadelphia. Those looking to take their own ingredients home will love the 9th Street Italian Market, which sells everything from artisanal cheeses to pastries.

When you visit Philadelphia, you're visiting a city that feels gravid with its history in a way that some equally storied cities don't quite manage. There's a lot about the city of brotherly (and sisterly) love to, well, love.

Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Center

One of Travel + Leisure's best new hotels in 2020 , the Four Seasons Philadelphia brings modernity to this historic city. Home to fine-dining options from award-winning chefs, an infinity-edge pool on the 57th floor, and "luxe accents, from dazzling arrangements by celebrity florist Jeff Leatham to the sparkling spa, whose walls are embedded with healing crystals," as T+L previously reported , this hotel is one of the most luxurious stays in the area. Schneider Bongiorno told T+L that "the glass elevator up to the sky-high lobby is a total thrill. (But, look the other way if you don't  like  that kind of thrill.)"

The Rittenhouse

A luxurious hotel alongside Rittenhouse Square, The Rittenhouse combines timeless luxury with modern amenities in a sophisticated balance. Family friendly and centrally located, the hotel is a classic luxury experience from decor to amenities. "Drink in the stately old vibe of Rittenhouse Square in the Library Bar, tucked away in the far side of the lobby," Schneider Bongiorno added.

Lokal Hotel Fishtown

If you're looking for an experience that isn't quite as rote as a standard hotel, consider Lokal Hotel , an apartment hotel comprised of six thoughtfully curated studio suites. With an excellent location and a true home-away-from-home feel, this Fishtown favorite is in high demand during the height of tourist season.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia

A few streets over is Hotel Monaco's sister, Hotel Palomar , an equally gorgeous but somewhat more serene stay. If Hotel Monaco is color and texture, Hotel Palomar is muted and calm, a true oasis away from the bustling Center City.

Hotel Suites at the Touraine

The Touraine is actually a historical landmark apartment building, and prospective residents jostle for the opportunity to move in permanently any time there is an opening. Lucky for us, The Touraine has several "travel apartments," gorgeously decorated suites that can be rented for short-term stays by visitors.

Independence National Historical Park

This park contains the Liberty Bell and rubs shoulders with Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The park itself has played host to suffragettes, civil rights leaders, and more, gathering to protest for expanded rights and liberty for all. Cara Schneider Bongiorno recommends that tourists pick the tour or park location that they find most interesting, but to "listen with the mindset of how  radical  the founding of the United States was when there wasn't a country in the world that chose to let the people govern."

Barnes Foundation

A museum with a stunning collection, including works by Picasso, Renoir, Van Gogh, Modigliani, and more. On display is also a selection of Native American arts and textiles, African sculpture and arts, and an arboretum replete with rare plants.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is, most importantly, home to the "Rocky steps" — the staircase Rocky Balboa ran up in his self-titled film. (You can run up them, too, and don't forget to take a picture at the top.) In addition to that unbeatable cultural icon, the Philadelphia Museum of Art features works by Mary Cassatt, Henri Matisse, Georgia O'Keefe, Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, and many more.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Built in the Gothic architectural style, this decommissioned prison once housed Al Capone and is allegedly one of the most haunted places in America. These days, Eastern State Penitentiary is a nonprofit dedicated to educating and exploring the history of American criminal justice reform. The Penitentiary offers regular tours and exhibits and, around Halloween, partially transforms into a haunted house.

Philadelphia Zoo

Opened in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is devoted to conservation and education through experiences with animals. With more than 1,300 animals, it's easy to spend an entire day here, enjoying the company of giraffes, rhinos, chimpanzees, and more. Schneider Bongiorno recommends guests "look up and watch for animals as they wander through the overhead trail system."

Read More: 25 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia, According to a Local

Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market is one of America's oldest and largest markets, continuously operating since 1893 and home not only to specialty and grocery shops but bars and restaurants. Here, you'll find not only fresh ingredients but the tools to make a delicious meal: kitchenware, linens, cookbooks, and more. Reading Terminal Market has "so much food to choose from. It's the ultimate place to get a taste of Philly as a tourist," said Kurt Evans, chef, activist, partner of  CYL Hospitality Group , and founder of  EMI Dinner and  Everybody Eats . "Whenever I go, [I visit] Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles and get the fried fish and cabbage."

9th Street Italian Market

This 100-year-old community space has a rich history of immigrant families, and part of its mission is to continue to foster and build the community that first began over a century ago. When you shop here — and shop here you should, for fresh and delicious cheeses, baked goods, flowers, seafood, vintage finds, and everything else you can think of — you're part of a century-old tradition.

Jeweler's Row

Established in 1851, Jeweler's Row is historically specific to, well, jewelry, but has branched out a bit in recent years to include swanky restaurants and salons. While it's a perfect place to find a one of a kind gem (literally) for yourself or as a gift, Jeweler's Row is fun to explore even if jewelry isn't on your shopping list.

Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books

This beloved Philadelphia institution lives by the motto "Cool People. Dope Books. Great Coffee." and lives up to all three of those promises. With a fun and eclectic event schedule, a thoughtfully curated selection of books, and a seriously delicious cafe, Uncle Bobbie's should be top of the list for any visitor with a love of books, coffee, or cool people.

Zahav , named an outstanding restaurant by the James Beard Foundation in 2019 and labeled as the best restaurant in America by T+L that same year, is Israel-born chef Michael Solomonov's first restaurant in Philadelphia (he now owns nine). Guests are treated to a five-course prix-fixe menu, which includes delicious breads and mezzes, a choice of entrée (try the famous pomegranate lamb shoulder), and ends with dessert. The meal costs $75 per person, and you will need to make reservations well in advance.

JG Skyhigh Lounge

If the $200 prix-fixe menu at Jean Georges Philadelphia isn't for you, head upstairs to the 60th floor of the Four Seasons Philadelphia where you'll find the JG Skyhigh Lounge . The lounge is Jean-Georges Vongerichten's first a la carte restaurant in Philadelphia and offers snacks and small plates. Sip on a cocktail, like a lychee raspberry bellini, at the bar, and soak in the incredible view.

Suraya is a Lebanese eatery with a cult following in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood. If you don't have your heart set on something specific, definitely go for the tasting menu — at $75 for two people, it's a great option to taste an abundance of what Suraya has to offer. "Don't miss the Lebanese chai latte made with salep , or orchid powder, and topped with pistachios and rose petals," T+L editors have previously recommended . "It's exactly the right amount of sweet and, devastatingly, impossible to replicate at home."

Laser Wolf is one of the best Middle Eastern meals in all of Pennsylvania, and the three-course prix-fixe menu is a must-try (prices start at $37). Also created by chef Michael Solomonov, Laser Wolf's best dishes are its traditional ones, like savory kebabs, whole branzino on the grill, and braised short ribs. "This is how people in Israel actually eat," Andrew Henshaw, the executive chef of Laser Wolf, previously told T+L , "It's like the pub in England or the diner in America." They are known for their excellent cocktail pairings, too.

Luscious, seasonal vegan and vegetarian dishes are given the star treatment at this former mansion . Come ready for fresh vegetables, house-made pickles, and a shifting menu that gives you a unique experience with every visit.

South Philly Barbacoa

One word: tacos. South Philly Barbacoa is a roaming pop-up that appears in cities nationwide, but lives in Philadelphia full-time. Their pop-ups elsewhere sell out almost immediately, and there is almost always a line at the Philly location, but it's worth it. "The unusual hours for chef and activist Cristina Martinez's South Philly Barbacoa (open Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. or sellout, and Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or sellout) are due to the time it takes to slow-roast the lamb," Schneider Bongiorno said. Kurt Evans also gave a glowing review of the lamb, and said that the dish itself is "worth a trip to Philly" for. Cash only.

The best time to visit Philadelphia is from March to May when temperatures are mild and crowds are small. Spring brings many fun events to the city, including the Philadelphia Flower Show , the U.S.'s largest flower show that takes place every March, and the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, where you can celebrate Japanese culture through food and music every April.

If you're comfortable with higher temperatures and larger crowds, you can visit in the summer to experience the city's Pride March and Festival , Juneteenth Festival , and the Wawa Welcome America Festival , the largest July 4 celebration in the county.

If you can brave the winter chill, you can enjoy the city's many holiday decorations and events. " The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is probably the closest you can get to an authentic German Christmas market in the U.S.," T+L contributor Skye Sherman said previously . "Enjoy thousands of twinkling lights and the heartwarming scent of waffles, gingerbread, and bratwurst in the air — best washed down with a cup of hot mulled wine."

Read More : The Best Times to Visit Philadelphia for Fun Events, Fewer Crowds, and Beautiful Weather

You can fly into Philadelphia International Airport from over 140 different destinations and on every major U.S. airline. Once you arrive, hop on the SEPTA Airport Rail Line — it'll take you north to Center City and beyond, depending on where you need to be.

If you're visiting from the Northeast, you can opt to take the train to the city instead of flying in — Amtrak offers two lines that run through Philadelphia, the Keystone Service route , which runs from New York to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the Acela route , which runs from Boston to D.C.

Center City : Center City could be considered the main hub of Philadelphia in the way that Times Square is the most iconic area of New York. It's home to some of the city's most iconic attractions, including the Liberty Bell, Barnes Foundation, Independence Hall, and Franklin Institute. "Numbered streets run north to south and tree or named streets run east to west." Cara Schneider Bongiorno says, "The river trails on each side (scenic Schuylkill on the West; bustling Delaware on the East) are worth a walk or run as well."  

Logan Square: Center City is broken up into smaller neighborhoods, and Logan Square is one of these. Home to the Barnes Foundation and the Franklin Institute, Logan Square is also where you'll find the iconic LOVE sculpture — if you're going to Philadelphia, a selfie with this sculpture is the ultimate in gotta-do-it cheesy-fun tourist experiences.

Rittenhouse Square : Located within Center City, Rittenhouse Square is one of Philadelphia's most fashionable neighborhoods. If your interest is in chic shopping and high-profile restaurants, make your way to this beautiful, idyllic enclave of Philadelphia's bustling heart. Walnut Street, the heart of the neighborhood, features art galleries, fashion boutiques, and spas. Cara Schneider Bongiorno recommends tourists "stroll through or people watch from the sidewalk cafés on 18th Street."

Fishtown : Fishtown is by far the coolest of Philadelphia's many neighborhoods. Formerly a working-class neighborhood home to — you guessed it – sailors and fishermen, Fishtown has become an enclave of creative, youthful energy. Trends in fashion, art, and food start here, and this is the place to be for the trendiest bars, restaurants, and nightlife. "Notice the decorative fish everywhere," Cara Schneider Bongiorno says.

Transit in Philadelphia is maintained by SEPTA , which runs trains, buses, and trolleys. These are all paid for either through SEPTA's Travel Wallet program and a SEPTA Key card, or with cash in hand. You can reload your card at one of the many SEPTA kiosks, which accepts cash, credit, debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. SEPTA is in the process of a five-year transportation revitalization program called SEPTA Forward . With this program, the transit company hopes to create a unified and equitable transit network. Download the SEPTA app for on-the-go access to schedule information, fare options, and more.

Trains: Philly's rapid transit system combines subway lines, buses, and trolleys to get you where you need to go. The subways run out of two major lines, the Broad Street Line and Market-Frankfort Line. Together, these lines are quite comprehensive , making Philly a highly navigable city.

Buses: What you can't reach by subway, you can probably reach by bus — the lines are connected through SEPTA, and you can easily transfer from one mode to the other. SEPTA is constructing a new transit hub on Ridge Avenue to help with wait times and congestion.

Trolleys: Of course, the trackless trolleys are the most fun way to travel around Philly, just for the sheer novelty. They are also connected through SEPTA, making for easy transfer.

Taxis: Taxis are abundant in Philadelphia and can be hailed from most main streets.

Car service: Lyft and Uber are available in Philadelphia, and independently owned car services are also available — the most popular is Philly Black Car.

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Philadelphia

Check out this year's Best in Travel winners

Blessed with the glamour and culture of a big city, 'Philly' as it's affectionately known, also delights visitors with its rich history and small-town charm.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, attractions, must-see attractions.

Independence National Historical Park

This L-shaped Philadelphia park, bound by 6th, 2nd, Walnut and Arch Sts, protects and honors the institutions that formed the foundation of the United…

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Logan Square & Fairmount

The premier cultural institution in Philadelphia, this epic art museum would stand out even without Rocky's famous antics on the east steps. Every visitor…

Barnes Foundation

Since 2012, Dr Albert C Barnes' eye-popping collection of artworks – predominantly focused on French masterpieces from the late 19th and early 20th…

Independence Hall

The 'birthplace of American government', this modest, early 18th-century Georgian building is where delegates from the 13 colonies met to approve the…

Reading Terminal Market

Chinatown & Center City East

Getting the balance just right between food shopping hub and dining destination, Reading Terminal Market opened way back in 1893 and it's been a…

Masonic Temple

Although the fortress-like exterior of this 1873 building is pretty impressive, it's the spectacular interiors – which took a further 15 years to complete…

Completed in 1901 following 30 years of construction, City Hall takes up a whole block, and at 548ft is the world's tallest structure without a steel…

Museum of the American Revolution

This impressive, multimedia-rich museum will have you virtually participating in the American Revolution; interactive dioramas and 3-D experiences take…

Top picks from our travel experts

Top 10 things to do in philadelphia.

African American Museum in Philadelphia

Founded in 1976, this was the first museum in the country built by a major city to house exhibitions on the life and work of African Americans. Exhibits…

Eastern State Penitentiary

The modern prison didn't just happen – it was invented, and Eastern State Penitentiary was the first one, opened in 1829 and finally closed in 1971. A…

Benjamin Franklin Museum

This underground museum is dedicated to Franklin's storied life as a printer (he started the nation's first newspaper), inventor (Bifocals! Lightning rods…

Boathouse Row

A major Philly landmark, this picturesque strip of rowing clubs is made up of mock Tudor and Victorian boathouses from the late 19th and early 20th…

Liberty Bell Center

A glass-walled building protects this icon of Philadelphia history from the elements. You can peek from outside, or join the line to file past, reading…

The best things to do for free in Philadelphia

Kimmel Center

The city's most active and prestigious arts institution, this modern concert hall, designed by Rafael Viñoly, hosts the Philadelphia Orchestra, the…

Xfinity Live! Philadelphia

South Philadelphia

There are several drinking and dining venues under one roof here, but they all have in common their close proximity to Philadelphia's major sports and…

Chinese Friendship Gate

At the junction with Arch St and marking the entrance to Chinatown, this 40ft structure was built in 1984 in part by artisans from Philadelphia's sister…

President's House Site

This free outdoor exhibition is constructed on the former location of the presidential offices of George Washington and John Adams. Displays focus on the…

Spruce St Harbor Park

This summer-season park is a great place to hang out by the river during the warmer months. Relax in one of the two-person hammocks, take part in free…

Dilworth Park

On the west side of City Hall this compact public area includes the Rothman Ice Rink in winter, which is replaced by a fountain with dancing water spouts…

Institute of Contemporary Art

Worth a stop if you're in the area, this place usually hosts two exhibits at a time, from retrospectives to themed group shows. An impressive Virgil Marti…

Fairmount Park

The snaking Schuylkill River bisects this 2050-acre green space, the largest city park in the US, splitting it into east and west sections. On either side…

United States Mint

Take the 45-minute self-guided tour to see coins being made (they can churn out 50 million of them per day), and to admire the Tiffany mosaics inside this…

Franklin Square

Ringed by busy roads, this square – one of the originals from William Penn's masterplan for his new city – feels somewhat cut off from the other sights of…

Rodin Museum

This is the only institution outside of Paris dedicated to the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The superb collection is based on works amassed by Jules E…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Things to Know

Get to know Philadelphia before you go with these tips on health, safety and etiquette.

Best Neighborhoods

Get to know the real Philadelphia through its vibrant neighborhoods, with these top places that are perfect for lovers of beer, food, music and culture.

Philadelphia is a prime jumping-off point to explore sandy beaches, bucolic farms and wineries and one delicious ice cream trail. 

Money and Costs

Unlike its Empire State neighbor, Philadelphia offers plenty of ways to visit on a budget. Here are 11 tips to help your dollars go further.

Transportation

Philadelphia is an easy city to get around, whether you take public transportation, rent a bike or walk around its neighborhoods.

Free Things to Do

Philadelphia is a city with a rich history and a thriving art scene – much of which can be enjoyed for nothing at all.

Traveling with Kids

From hands-on museums to historic sites, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy with kids in Philadelphia. Here are the best.

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Philadelphia   Travel Guide

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Why Go To Philadelphia

With its rich historical heritage, Philadelphia is one of the United States' most visited cities. After all, both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed here in  Independence Hall . Renaissance man Benjamin Franklin once called this city home. And before  Washington, D.C.  usurped its role, Philadelphia served as the country's capital. Yet the city is far from being stuck in its glorious past. The Philly of today is filled with notable museums, a bumping nightlife, beloved sports teams and a thriving restaurant scene that encompasses more than just the ubiquitous cheesesteak. Not sure where to start your visit? Sign up for a guided tour  and let a local show you around.

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• # 1 in Best Day Trips from NYC
• # 4 in Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA
• # 5 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

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Best of Philadelphia

Best hotels in philadelphia.

• # 1 in The Rittenhouse
• # 2 in Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center
• # 3 in The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton

Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

• # 1 in Independence Hall
• # 2 in Liberty Bell Center
• # 3 in Rocky Statue and Steps

Popular Tours

Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

(1271 reviews)

from $ 43.50

Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet

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from $ 94.58

Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

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from $ 36.00

Philadelphia Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Philadelphia is from March to May, when the city thaws from the cold winter and moderate room rates can be found at the hotels. Plus, a spring visit will yield a burst of photogenic cherry blossoms around the city. Fall and winter are the coldest and cheapest seasons to visit the City of Brotherly Love (but with the possibility of snowstorms, you might want to look at some cheap travel insurance policies just in case). Peak season is the summer when multitudes of tourists swarm sites like  Independence Hall  and the  Philadelphia Zoo .

Weather in Philadelphia

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Nice neighborhoods sidle not-so-nice ones If you're planning on touring Philly by foot, make sure to carry a good map and be aware of your surroundings.

America's birthday is crazy Unless you want to be enveloped in the crowds, festivals, fireworks and overall madness that define July 4, steer clear of Independence Day.

Keep the car parked Walking or hopping aboard a trolley are much less stressful ways of touring the city.

Take a tour Whether you want an in-depth look at Philadelphia history or have a craving for the best cheesesteak in the city, there's a tour for you. We rounded up 16 of the city's best .

How to Save Money in Philadelphia

Cash in on the free attractions  Several of the most popular attractions, like the  Liberty Bell Center ,  Independence Hall  and  Rittenhouse Square  are absolutely free to tour. And for those that aren't, you can nab some impressive discounts by purchasing the Philadelphia Pass or  Philadelphia CityPASS .

Head to the theater for free or discounted tickets  The Kimmel Center offers a series of  free shows , and the Walnut Street Theatre often offers $35 standby tickets for same-day shows.

Buy a SEPTA family pass If you're planning to rely on Philadelphia's public transportation system and you're traveling with a family, consider the SEPTA family pass. The $30 pass covers unlimited, one-day travel throughout SEPTA's system for up to five family members.

Heed the advice of local hotel concierges For even more ways to save, see what local experts have to say.

Culture & Customs

Philadelphia is known for having a laid-back vibe and a very diverse and accepting atmosphere. It's not called the City of Brotherly Love for nothing. Philly is home to a huge number of ethnic neighborhoods and one of the largest gay communities in the U.S. In fact, one of the first gay rights protests in the country occurred outside of  Independence Hall ; the tourism board once had a "Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay" campaign. The local "gayborhood," the heart of the community, sits in Center City in a block bordered by Chestnut, Pine, 11th and Broad Streets.

While you're in town, be sure to step back and admire some of the city's unique collection of public art, including everything from sculptures to fountains to murals. Graffiti murals are sometimes commissioned in an attempt to make Philadelphia a "museum without walls." The endeavor is a prime example of the city's well-known grassroots culture. Perhaps as a vestige of Philly's storied revolutionary history, residents here have a reputation for being very involved in their communities and local activities.

What to Eat

Philadelphia's dining scene has experienced a culinary makeover in recent decades, with new dining establishments rapidly popping up all over the city. The pricier restaurants are concentrated around trendy Old City and Rittenhouse Square ( Parc , The Dandelion and The Love are two relatively new favorites). Meanwhile, you can enjoy French, Indian and Japanese fare in Center City. Head to South Philly or Center City for simple Italian and farm-to-table cuisine ( Talula's Garden is a hit with both critics and visitors).

But no trip to Philly would be complete without tasting a soft pretzel or a  Philadelphia cheesesteak . A hoagie-like sandwich made with thin slices of steak and cheese and often accented with onions, peppers and mushrooms, Philly's trademark sandwich is best experienced in South Philly. Recent travelers specifically recommend the area's Italian Market for your own customized cheesesteak, but Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks are also popular stops. Another great place to sample a variety of foods is the Reading Terminal Market.

BYOB (bring your own bottle) establishments abound in Philly and can help keep you within budget, since you can pick up your own libations and take them to the restaurant. Call ahead if you're unsure about a certain establishment's BYOB policies.

Although the main tourist areas of Philadelphia like Center City are generally safe, frequent travelers say other parts of the city (like South, North or West Philly) can be very dangerous. Use common sense during your stay: Keep your valuables near you (and preferably hidden from view) at all times. If you're unsure about how to get to a certain destination, take a cab or drive, especially at night.

Getting Around Philadelphia

The best way to get around Philadelphia is by foot or PHLASH bus. Although some attractions like the Philadelphia Zoo require some other mode of transport, most sightseeing is centered in the Old City, Rittenhouse Square and Society Hill areas, all of which are very pedestrian-friendly. To get from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and around the city, you can use a tangle of trolleys, buses and subways. A cab ride from the airport to Center City costs a flat rate of $28.50. From March to December, you can also get around via the purple PHLASH buses. Hailing a cab is also an option, but the cost of the rides can add up quickly, or you can use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft. And if you – like the majority of Philly travelers – come to the city by car, you should invest in a good map and be prepared for some driving and parking frustrations.

If you're traveling to Philadelphia from a nearby city, you might want to take Amtrak into the 30th Street Station. For New York travelers, you'll save some money by taking a combination of New Jersey Transit and SEPTA trains.

You'll find the famous Robert Indiana LOVE sculpture in LOVE Park , northwest of City Hall.

Explore More of Philadelphia

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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# 2 in  Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA

Washington, D.C.

# 1 in  Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA

# 8 in  Best Places to Visit in Maryland

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Philadelphia

• 1 Districts
• 2.1 History
• 2.3 Economy
• 2.4 Climate
• 2.5 Tourist information
• 4.1 By plane
• 4.2 By train
• 4.5 By boat
• 5.1 By foot
• 5.2 By bicycle
• 5.4.1 Commuter rail
• 5.4.2 SEPTA Metro
• 5.5.1 SEPTA passes
• 5.6 By taxi
• 5.7 By ride-hailing services
• 5.8.1.1 Park and Ride
• 5.8.2 Traffic
• 6.1 Public art
• 6.2 Museums
• 6.3 Historic sites
• 7.2 Theater and music
• 11.1 Cheesesteaks
• 11.2 Local and street food
• 11.3 Fine dining
• 12.1 Quizzo
• 12.2 Breweries
• 12.3 Brewpubs
• 13.1 Hostels
• 13.2 Hotels
• 15.1 Neighborhoods
• 15.2 Non-violent crimes & scams
• 15.3 Driving
• 15.4 Sports
• 15.5 Philadelphia's suburbs
• 16.1 Consulates
• 17.1 Pennsylvania
• 17.2 New Jersey
• 17.3 Delaware
• 17.4 Elsewhere

Philadelphia , routinely referred to as Philly , is the birthplace of American democracy. In Independence Hall and in taverns and other locations around the city, the nation's founders planned and launched the American Revolution, which gave birth to the nation. Visitors interested in U.S. history will also discover that it is a city of firsts: the first library (1731), first hospital (1751), first medical school (1765), first national capital (1774), first stock exchange (1790), first zoo (1874), and first business school (1881).

Districts [ edit ]

For most visitors, the focal point will be Center City and Old City , which comprise the downtown section of Philadelphia. It is bounded by Vine St. to the north, the Delaware River to the east, South St. to the south, and the Schuylkill River to the west. The 2010 Center City residential population of 57,000 makes it the third most populated central business district in America, behind New York City and Chicago . Other popular districts to visit are West Philly and South Philly .

Understand [ edit ]

Philadelphia, often called the "Birthplace of America", is the birthplace of the country's modern democracy. Philly was founded by William Penn in 1681, and assumed its present-day shape and size in 1784 when Montgomery County was split off from Philadelphia. The city's name translates to "City of Brotherly Love" and it has been a seat of freedom since its inception; founded by Quakers, the colony promoted religious freedom among its residents in stark contrast to the England of the time.

The definition of "Philadelphia" changed in 1854. Prior to that time, the term "Philadelphia" referred to what is today called "Center City", and what we today call "Philadelphia" was referred to as "Philadelphia County" (that term is still used today in legal and administrative contexts). For clarity's sake we will use modern terminology, though many people will refer to Center City as "Philadelphia" when referring to pre-1854 periods.

The city is the largest in Pennsylvania , the second-largest in the Northeast megalopolis behind New York City , and the sixth-largest city in the United States . Philadelphia sits adjacent to New Jersey , on the west side of the Delaware River, and is only 15 miles from Delaware . The Philadelphia Region , a metropolitan area known as the Delaware Valley with a population exceeding six million, is the nation's sixth and world's 67th largest metropolitan region. It encompasses counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and even Maryland .

History [ edit ]

Known for its role in the American Revolutionary War, Philadelphia saw the convening of the Continental Congress as well as the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Shortly after the nation's inception took place in Philadelphia, Center City was named the nation's capital, a role it filled from 1790 until 1800, when Washington, D.C. took over. Prior to 1854, the city of Philadelphia only consisted roughly of what we now call Center City, extending east to west between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers and north to south between Vine and South Streets. Everything else was Philadelphia County and contained thirteen townships, six boroughs, and nine districts. The Act of Consolidation in 1854 consolidated all these areas within the city of Philadelphia, creating the boundaries you see today.

Benjamin Franklin, probably Philadelphia's most famous resident, was responsible for the city's alternative title, the "new Athens." While Franklin's most famous experiment dealt with the conducting of electricity, he was also responsible for the country's first insurance company, the city's first public library and the first fire department; Franklin also played a great role in establishing the city's postal system and inventing new conveniences such as bifocal lenses and the Franklin Stove.

Philadelphia has seen its skyline and its name in lights throughout the years in such famous films as the Rocky series; the statue from Rocky III still stands prominently atop the "Rocky Steps" outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Films like namesake Philadelphia and many of Philadelphia native M. Night Shyamalan's thrillers take place in the city.

The Liberty Bell is right in the center of Philadelphia inside of a pavilion near Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell is a major artifact in Philly's history. It was rung for the first teading of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776, to announce the passage of the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829 in Great Britain, and on other major historic occasions. John Sartain in his book, Reminiscences of a Very Old Man , claims the bell was cracked during the 1829 announcement:

People [ edit ]

The Philadelphia area's 6.2 million inhabitants comprise a diverse group of almost every nationality. Philadelphia's primary cultural influences can be seen in its plethora of Irish pubs, the city's Italian Market, the Chinatown District, and the Reading Terminal which plays host to a diverse crowd of merchants — from first-generation European and Asian immigrants to the area's local Amish and Mennonite farmers.

Compared to other major American cities, especially those in the Northeast, Philadelphia has a much smaller immigrant population; up until 1950 it was a magnet for European immigrants, with smaller African populations. But due to a sluggish economy, racial tensions, and the rising prominence of cities like New York, Boston, or even Atlanta, Philadelphia's immigrant population dwindled. Things have changed since the early 2000s however, with the area once again becoming an immigration gateway. Immigrants now flock from places as varied as China, India, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Ghana, Morocco, and Russia.

Economy [ edit ]

Philadelphia's economy is as diverse as the population that inhabits the city. In Old City, the 'Third Street Corridor', from 3rd and Chestnut Streets to Vine Street, is home to many locally owned businesses contributing to art, design and fashion industries. The Philadelphia Stock Exchange, the oldest one in America, has been in operation since 1790. In addition, the city is host to several Fortune 500 companies, including Comcast (the nation's largest cable television and broadband Internet provider), CIGNA insurance, Aramark, and Lincoln Financial Group. The largest private employers in the city are the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and Temple University. In the region there are approximately 50 higher educational institutions making Philadelphia a large 'college town'.

Dating back to the city's roots as the nation's first capital, the federal government's presence is also strong in Philadelphia. A U.S. Mint is near Philadelphia's historic district and the Philadelphia division of the Federal Reserve Bank is close to that. Thanks to this governmental presence the city plays host to a large number of prestigious law firms and is considered one of the nation's centers of law.

The Pennsylvania Railroad, once the largest railroad company in the world, continues to influence Philadelphia's economy under the Amtrak name. Amtrak's second-busiest station, 30th Street Station, is on the west bank of the Schuylkill River and employs many Philadelphians in customer service, engineering, accounting, and IT jobs at the station.

Many medical schools, pharmaceutical companies, and medical technology firms make their homes in and around Philadelphia, arguably making it the nation's healthcare capital. And numerous virtual commerce firms have made their home in the Philadelphia area, including QVC, Half.com (purchased by eBay), DuckDuckGo, and Monetate.

Climate [ edit ]

Philadelphia sits at the northernmost boundary of the humid subtropical climate zone; it has many features of a humid continental climate, and the climate has four seasons. Winters are cold and often snowy, but are rarely unbearable like in Boston or Chicago; temperatures usually hover around 32°F (0°C) during the colder months. Average annual snowfall is 24 inches (59 cm) which is spread out mainly from December to March, but the area is sometimes hit by devastating blizzards that can dump up to half that total or even more on the city in one day, such as in 1996 when a single storm dumped 30.7 inches (78 cm) of snow on the city in just a couple days.

On the other hand, summers in Philadelphia are notoriously hot and humid, and conditions can get quite unpleasant when the air temperature is near 90°F (32°C) and humidity is high.

Spring and fall are rather pleasant, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s °F (15°C-25°C).

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Discover Philadelphia website

Talk [ edit ]

For those who are unfamiliar with either the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast or even just Philadelphia regions, local lingo and enunciation can seem rather daunting. Older white working-class locals mostly speak with a distinctive accent, as does Philadelphia's African-American community; in fact, the latter is responsible for many modern-day slang words and expressions that have become ubiquitous in American culture. However, transplants, academics, other ethnic minorities (especially Asians), and Millennials now tend to speak with a more general American accent. Most young people from the Philadelphia area have made laudable efforts in keeping elements of the accent alive, most notably with regards to vowels and vocabulary.

Here is a breakdown of Philadelphia's most popular local terms:

• Wooder Water. This is seen as the ultimate giveaway that someone is from Philadelphia.
• Youse (guys) You guys, you all. Second-person plural. (Can sound like /juːs/ ( yooce ) or /juːz/ ( yooze .)
• Water Ice A dessert served by local restaurants that features flavored slushy ice. Sometimes called Italian Ice. Pop's, near the corners of Oregon Avenue and Broad Street, is arguably the most popular.
• Gravy This is tomato sauce, and is for the most part only used by those who are of Italian heritage. "Gravy" is usually prepared with meat including meatballs, sausage, and sometimes pork in order to give it flavor.
• Coffee Regular (pronounced Caw-fee Reg-lar) Coffee with cream and sugar.
• Jimmies Chocolate or rainbow colored candy sprinkled onto ice cream or cookies.
• Steak Any sandwich in the cheesesteak family. An entire menu category at neighborhood pizza joints.
• Hoagie Submarine sandwich.
• Grinder A toasted hoagie.
• Tomato pie Pizza crust with tomato sauce but no cheese (besides, perhaps, a little Parmesan).
• Stromboli A sauceless pizza rolled up: like a calzone, but with mozzarella and without ricotta.
• Jawn A substitute noun used as a placeholder for most things.
• Strapper A fairly new term, used derogatorily to describe someone you do not like.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Taxis offer a flat rate of $28.50 from the airport to Center City.

The Airport Line serves each terminal throughout the day until approximately midnight and takes about twenty minutes to travel between the airport and Center City Philadelphia, making stops at all major commuter tunnel stations: 30th Street Station (Amtrak), Suburban Station (Penn Center, City Hall) and Jefferson Station (formerly "Market East Station": East Market Street, The Fashion District, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Reading Terminal). Tickets for the Airport Line can be purchased on the train platform at a fare kiosk, the cost of the journey to center city is $6.75 at the kiosk or $6.50 (plus $4.95 initial fee) from a travel wallet on the SEPTA Key. Tickets purchased at ticket windows at stations in Center City cost $6.75. You can also buy a day pass for $13 valid on all regional rail trains after 9:30AM except into New Jersey either on board the train or at a ticket office. A family pass is available for $30; the same restrictions apply.

Or, the #37 SEPTA bus stops at all terminals (Directly outside baggage claim) and goes into South Philadelphia, terminating at the Broad Street Line subway station "Snyder." The trip costs $2.50 cash exact change only or from the SEPTA key, payable to the driver.

Alternatively, you can fly to Newark Liberty International Airport ( EWR  IATA ) or Baltimore-Washington International Airport ( BWI  IATA ), each of which is connected by Amtrak to 30th Street Station (1 hr from EWR; 80 min from BWI). Other New York and Washington-area airports are less convenient.

• Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown is the best option for those traveling to the Lehigh Valley , and is located roughly 60 miles north of Philadelphia.

By train [ edit ]

• Acela travels multiple times daily between Boston and Washington, D.C. with stops in Westwood , Providence , New Haven , Stamford , New York City , Newark , Philadelphia, Wilmington , and Baltimore .
• Cardinal operating three trips weekly between Chicago and New York City with stops in Dyer , Rensselaer , Lafayette , Crawfordsville , Indianapolis , Connersville , Cincinnati , Ashland , Huntington , Charleston , Hinton , White Sulphur Springs , Staunton , Charlottesville , Culpeper , Manassas , Alexandria , Washington, D.C. , Baltimore , Wilmington , Philadelphia, Trenton , and Newark .
• Carolinian between Charlotte and New York City via Raleigh , Richmond , and Washington, D.C.
• Crescent between New Orleans and New York City via Birmingham , Atlanta , Charlotte , and Washington, D.C.
• Keystone multiple trips per day between Harrisburg and New York City with stops in Elizabethtown , Lancaster , Coatesville , Downingtown , Exton , Paoli , Ardmore , Philadelphia, Trenton , and Newark . Some trips only operate between Harrisburg and Philadephia. Travel time to Philadephia from Harrisburg is 1.75 hours and from New York City is 1.25 hours.
• Northeast Regional is Amtrak's busiest regional service, connecting Boston , New York City , Philadelphia, Baltimore , Washington, D.C. , and the many towns and cities in-between. Toward the east end of the route, some trips terminate at Springfield instead of Boston. Some services also continue south into Virginia towards Newport News , Roanoke and Norfolk on three separate branch routes from Alexandria . This is also Amtrak's most frequent service, with multiple daily departures, and the longest trip takes 12.5 hours. Stops at Union Station and State Street.
• Palmetto between Savannah and New York City .
• Pennsylvanian operates daily between Pittsburgh and New York City with stops in Greensburg , Latrobe , Johnstown , Altoona , Huntingdon, Lewistown , Harrisburg , Elizabethtown , Lancaster , Exton , Paoli , Philadelphia, Trenton , and Newark .
• Silver Meteor and Silver Star between Miami and New York City via Savannah .
• Vermonter operates daily between St. Albans and Washington, D.C. including stops in Essex Junction , Waterbury , Montpelier , White River Junction , Claremont , Bellows Falls , Brattleboro , Greenfield , Northampton , Holyoke , Springfield , Windsor Locks , Hartford , Meriden , New Haven , Bridgeport , Stamford , New York City , Newark , Trenton , Philadelphia, Wilmington , Baltimore , and New Carrollton .
• SEPTA Regional Rail lines (commuter rail) connect Philadelphia to its many suburbs. All regional rail lines stop at 30th St Station (at the upper level/SEPTA concourse), and at two stops in Center City (Suburban and Jefferson stations).
• The New Jersey Transit Atlantic City Line connects 30th Street Station to Atlantic City .

It is possible to get to Philadelphia from NYC via commuter rail rather than by Amtrak. Using this method, one would take New Jersey Transit from New York Penn Station to Trenton and then transfer to the SEPTA Regional Rail Trenton Line. While this is about a third the price of Amtrak service from NYC, it is more than an hour slower; on the other hand, this is comparable to both the speed and price of an average bus trip from New York, with much more frequent journeys and a more comfortable trip.

By car [ edit ]

Philadelphia is connected to neighboring cities by freeways:

• The New Jersey Turnpike, running just outside Philadelphia in New Jersey , is the main route to New York City . Strangely, there is no direct freeway connection between the cities - you will have to get off the Turnpike and go through a few traffic lights before getting on a Philadelphia freeway.
• Interstate 95 continues south from Philadelphia to Baltimore , Washington D.C. , and the remainder of the East Coast, ending in Miami .
• The Pennsylvania Turnpike traverses the state of Pennsylvania from east to west. The Northeast Extension of the Turnpike connects Philadelphia to the Poconos and Wilkes-Barre-Scranton.
• Within the city, the main freeways are I-95 (north-south), I-76 (north-south within the city), and I-676 (east-west). Route 1 (also called the Roosevelt Expressway) connects Northeast Philadelphia to Center City.

Several bridges across the Delaware River link Philadelphia to New Jersey. Of these bridges are Tacony Palmyra Bridge (Route 73), Betsy Ross Bridge (Route 90), Benjamin Franklin Bridge (US 30) and Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76).

By bus [ edit ]

Philadelphia is served by the Greyhound, Trailways, Bieber, and Peter Pan bus routes to cities across the U.S. The city is also served by a Chinatown Bus service, which began as a way to shuttle Chinese immigrant workers between various Chinatowns, but are now low-cost bus options for anyone looking to get in to Philadelphia from New York City or Washington, D.C. Although the buses are a bargain compared to corporate competitors like Greyhound, they are far from luxurious; they also use small terminals in both Chinatown districts, and have a poor reputation for safety, which can be daunting for less adventurous visitors.

To compete against the Chinatown buses in the low-cost, low-frills bus market, corporate bus companies have started Megabus and BoltBus services. There are two main bus terminals. Greyhound operates the City's main bus terminal at 1001 Filbert Street in Center City. Megabus and BoltBus make curbside stops near 30th Street Station.

• Apex Bus . The NYC stop is at 88 E Broadway. The stop for Philadelphia is on 121 N 11th St. The ride is about 1½ hr. $20 one way, $35 round-trip (from NYC) .  
• Today's Bus . The NYC stop is at 28 Allen St. The stop for Philadelphia is on 121 N 11th St. No advance purchase is required. $12 each way (from NYC) .  
• Megabus . Provides service from NYC, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Pittsburgh, State College, Harrisburg, Toronto, Buffalo, Boston, Richmond, and Hampton; fares start at $1 when ordered far enough in advance. Buses arrive and depart on the east side of Schuylkill Ave. between Chestnut and Walnut streets, a couple of blocks south of 30th street station.  

If you buy tickets online, be sure to get on the right bus. Some companies trick you into taking the wrong bus and then charge you again.

By boat [ edit ]

The RiverLink and Freedom Ferry services [dead link] provide travel from Philadelphia to neighboring Camden, New Jersey, between April and September. The service provides direct service to Camden's Susquehanna Bank Center on the Waterfront, a popular concert venue for the Philadelphia area. Access to the other waterfront attractions, including an aquarium, is also provided by the ferry service.

Get around [ edit ]

There are plenty of public transportation options to get around the downtown core of Philadelphia. Buses, trains, and trolleys gather at 30th St. Station and the 69th St. Transportation Center.

Absolutely no smoking is allowed in any SEPTA Transit Station. SEPTA Staff, transit police officers, and even fellow riders will ask you to extinguish/dispose of tobacco before entering. Violators may be subject to fines, arrest, or even community service.

By foot [ edit ]

Philadelphia is one of America's most walkable cities. This has been taken advantage of and the city is marked extremely well by "Walk! Philadelphia" signs that are placed on each block, sometimes only several feet apart, that guide visitors toward shopping, dining, gallery perusing, cultural enjoyment, local must-sees and public transportation should it need to be taken. The city has two very walkable shopping districts as well as the walkable Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which is home to many museums, including the Franklin Institute and the Museum of Art that was made famous in the "Rocky" movies. Walking between most locations within Center City is possible in 30 minutes or less.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Depending on where you are from, you may find Philadelphia's bicycle infrastructure to be much better, or much worse, than what you are used to. Cycling is made easy by many quiet streets and generally flat terrain, and thus is extremely popular in the city, but some regressive policies regarding bicycle infrastructure have left something to be desired. The Schuylkill River Trail runs along the eastern bank of its namesake river, and is extraordinarily popular among residents and tourists alike. It connects South Philadelphia, Center City, 30th Street Station, the Art Museum, Boathouse Row, and Manayunk, before continuing over 140 miles to the headwaters of the river. Another popular trail is the Delaware River Trail, which is a bit patchwork, but runs in sections through the northeastern part of the city. Cyclists are also permitted on the side walkways of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which provides good views of the city. Philadelphia drivers can be aggressive towards cyclists at times, and it's not uncommon for drivers to park illegally in bike lanes, so extreme care must be exercised if riding on major streets, especially in Center City and University City. Although it may be tempting to do so, riding on sidewalks is illegal citywide, except in locations where it is signed otherwise. Bicycles may also be brought on all SEPTA services, except trolleys.

Philadelphia also has a bike sharing program, known as Indego . A 24-hour pass is available for $15, but a 30-day pass is just $20 (Aug 2023), so is the better choice for many riders. The majority of Indego bikes are e-bikes, which will get you to your destination faster, but cost an additional $0.20/min. Many bicycle shops around the city also have bikes available for rent at modest rates.

SEPTA Bus . SEPTA runs an extensive bus network in Philadelphia. Buses are a convenient (if slow) method of getting almost anywhere within the city. Due to driver shortages (Aug 2023), on-time performance can be lacking, especially in the suburbs and on weekends, and you are likely to experience occasional dropped trips. Frequencies are spotty in the outer suburbs so plan ahead. In Center City, bus routes will be fairly well documented on bus shelters, but in all other locations around Philadelphia, route maps and schedules will generally not be posted; in fact the stops or route markers may only be posted on a tree branch, so do your bus route research early.

Phlash Bus . Philadelphia has a seasonal (May-October) trolley bus for tourists called the Phlash. It runs in a 20-stop east-west circuit of major tourist locations, from the Museum of Art in the west to Penn's Landing in the east. It is $2 per ride or $5 for a one day pass. SEPTA pass and key card holders ride free, as do children ages 4 and under and seniors 65 and older. Look for the purple trolley bus or the winged purple & blue logo.

The 69th St. Transportation Center and 30th St. Station are the main hubs of major commuter (regional) rail, subway rail and trolley lines.

Commuter rail [ edit ]

SEPTA Regional Rail regional commuter rail trains stop in Center City at underground commuter rail tunnels. The three major Center City stops, 30th Street Station, Suburban Station and Jefferson Station, serve most of the city's major attractions. Suburban Station is located near City Hall, the shopping district, the financial district, and many cultural attractions; Jefferson Station connects to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, shopping at the Fashion District and the Reading Terminal Market, a famous local marketplace. Fares operate on a zone-based system, ranging from $3.75-$8.25 when paid with a Key Card, $4.25-$9.25 when purchased from a station vending machine, or $5-10 when purchased with cash or credit/debit card on board the train. Seniors holding a Senior Fare Card ride for free, excluding trips to/from stations in Delaware or New Jersey. Riders holding a valid same-day Amtrak ticket may also ride free between Center City stations. Between Temple University, the Center City stations and Penn Medicine, service is generally frequent enough that you won't need a schedule. Service in other areas tends to be about every half-hour on weekdays, and hourly on weekends, with more frequent service during peak hours. The Airport Line comes every 30 minutes daily from about 4:30AM to midnight, and Paoli/Thorndale Line (between Center City and Malvern) and Lansdale/Doylestown Line (between Center City and Lansdale) also have half-hourly service during the day on weekdays. The lightly used Cynwyd Line only operates Monday through Friday on an erratic, rush hour-centered schedule.

New Jersey Transit Atlantic City Line provides service to suburbs in New Jersey and to Atlantic City. Service patterns are somewhat uneven; be sure to check the schedule online in advance. These trains pick up passengers from the Amtrak concourse at 30th Street Station. Fares are distance-based and range from $2.25-$10.75 for adults and $1.00-$4.90 for children under 12, seniors, riders with disabilities, and active-duty military. Tickets may be purchased from station vending machines or in the NJ Transit mobile app. Tickets may also be purchased aboard the train, but a $5 surcharge is applied (except riders with disabilities and seniors).

SEPTA Metro [ edit ]

SEPTA Metro is SEPTA's branding for its various rail transit services within the city and its nearby suburbs. It is undergoing a rebranding effort, and various names may be seen on signage and maps throughout late 2023 and early 2024.

Broad Street (Orange) Line (BSL; future B) — referred to by locals as the "subway" — runs North-South underneath Broad Street, the main north-south arterial. It serves Temple University, City Hall, the Sports Stadium Complex and everywhere in between. The BSL also has a "spur" called the Broad-Ridge Spur that serves Chinatown and 8th & Market Sts. in Center City. At City Hall station, there are free transfers to the Market-Frankford Line and Subway-Surface Trolley Lines. Transfer to the Market-Frankford Line and PATCO Lindenwold Line is also available at the 8th/Market station on the Ridge Spur, but is not free.

Market-Frankford (Blue) Line (MFL; future L) — referred to by locals as the "el" — follows Market St from 69th St east to 2nd St, then turns northeast to Frankford Transportation Center in Northeast Philadelphia. The line runs underground beneath Market Street from 2nd to 45th Streets, and is elevated elsewhere. An free interchange with the BSL is available at 15th St, and a paid interchange with the Broad-Ridge Spur at 8th St station. Paid interchanges with SEPTA's Regional Rail are available at 11th St, 15th St, and 30th St stations. At 30th St you can also board Amtrak intercity trains.

Trolley (Green, Yellow, and Pink) Lines (future T, G, D) — referred to by locals as the "trolleys" — are a set of five streetcar lines: 10/T1 (Lancaster), 11/T4 (Woodland), 13/T3 (Chester), 34/T2 (Baltimore), and 36/T5 (Elmwood). These routes each run along a different avenue in West Philadelphia, but all meet at a subway portal at 40 St. and Woodland Ave. (except the #10, which joins the subway at a portal at 36th St.) to run in a streetcar subway under the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University to 30 St., then under Market St. from 30 to Juniper St, near 13 St. The trolley shares 30th, 15th, and Juniper/13th St stations with the MFL, but is the only subway stopping at 19th and 22nd Sts along Market St. There is a free interchange between the lines at all three shared stations. A sixth trolley line, 15/G, runs through North Philly along Girard Avenue and uses refurbished vintage PCC streetcars. Two additional suburban trolley lines, numbered 101/D1 and 102/D2, serve the suburbs of Media and Sharon Hill, respectively, from 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby, which is the western terminus of the Market-Frankford Line. Note that, with the exception of Route 15, trolley lines are not wheelchair accessible.

Norristown High Speed (Purple) Line (formerly known as Route 100, future M) — this above-ground electric train service departs from the MFL's 69th Street terminal, and travels through suburbs in Delaware and Montgomery counties to Norristown. Service comes about every 20 minutes, with more frequent service during peak hours. Stops are made on request only — to request a train to stop, you must be visible on the platform. Otherwise, trains can blast through at up to 65 miles per hour, leaving you stranded. Fares are paid at turnstiles in the station at 69th Street Transportation Center and Norristown Transportation Center, and at the farebox on the train at all other stations.

PATCO Lindenwold Line operated by the Delaware River Port Authority, travels between 16th and Locust Sts. past 8th and Market Sts. in Center City Philadelphia and Lindenwold Station in Southern New Jersey. PATCO runs underground in the city and rises above ground to cross over the Delaware River on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. It then runs underground in the center of Camden, then is above ground through the rest of its trip in New Jersey. There is no free interchange between SEPTA's subways or regional rail and the PATCO service, and SEPTA passes are not valid on PATCO. PATCO line is the easiest way to access Camden, NJ's waterfront attractions, including the Adventure Aquarium and the BB&T Pavilion at the Waterfront concert venue. Fares are based on the distance of travel. Those rates are as follows:

• Lindenwold, Ashland & Woodcrest Stations and Philadelphia: $3.00
• Haddonfield, Westmont & Collingswood Stations and Philadelphia: $2.60
• Ferry Avenue (Camden) Station and Philadelphia: $2.25
• Travel within Pennsylvania, between Broadway and City Hall (Camden), and between PA and those two stations: $1.40
• Any other trip within New Jersey: $1.60

Note that PATCO is not operated by SEPTA and uses its own fare system. The Key Card is not accepted on PATCO, which uses its own farecard, known as the FREEDOM Card. An intercompatible card, known as the FREEDOM SHARE card is sold at some PATCO ticket booths for $5, and is valid on PATCO and all SEPTA services except Regional Rail. However, the FREEDOM SHARE card comes with substantial limitations, as it can only be reloaded on the PATCO website and does not offer the free transfers on SEPTA services available to Key Card users.

Fares [ edit ]

All services operated by SEPTA (except Regional Rail) use a common fare system. Fares may be paid with the SEPTA Key farecard, contactless credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, cash, or the SEPTA mobile app. Fares paid with the SEPTA Key card, credit/debit, or mobile wallets are $2.00 and include two free transfers, which are valid within 2 hours of the first tap. Fares paid with the SEPTA mobile app are also $2.00, but only include one free transfer. Cash fares are $2.50 and do not include any transfers. The SEPTA Key card may be purchased and reloaded from vending machines located at all MFL and BSL stations, major Regional Rail stations, major bus transfer centers, and many local retailers. It costs $4.95, which is automatically loaded to the card's travel wallet if it is registered at septakey.org or in the SEPTA mobile app. Seniors holding a Senior Fare Card ride for free.

Note that when paying by credit/debit or mobile wallet, all fares accrued in a day are charged in single transaction overnight.

SEPTA passes [ edit ]

Passengers who wish to use a combination of SEPTA trolley, bus and subway around Philadelphia may purchase a One-Day Convenience Pass. It costs $6 (Aug 2023) and can only be loaded onto a Key Card from a Key vending machine or the www.septakey.org website. Unlike other metropolitan transit systems, the one-day pass does not entitle the passenger to unlimited rides on the entire system and is limited to eight rides on the day it was first used. That said, it still effectively brings down the cost of each ride to $0.75 (compared to the standard fares of $2.00 to $2.50). A Three-Day Convenience Pass is also available, which costs $15 and entitles the user to 24 rides over the course of 72 hours.

The Convenience Pass is not valid on regional/commuter rail lines. However, SEPTA also offers the FleX Pass, which has two variations: the Anywhere FleX Pass, and the Neighborhood FleX Pass, which are priced at $13 and $10, respectively. Both FleX passes allow up to 10 rides. The Anywhere FleX Pass allows rides on all SEPTA services, including Regional Rail. A $3.75 surcharge is applied to any trips to or from New Jersey. The Neighborhood FleX Pass also allows rides on all services; however, Regional Rail rides extending past Zone 2 will be charged an additional surcharge dependent on the station traveled to/from.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are regulated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority and display a medallion license on their hood. All taxis are metered. Rates are $2.70 at flagfall and $2.50 per mile (1.6 km). There is also a variable fuel surcharge. In December 2023 it was $1.05. For trips between the airport and Center City, a flat rate, including fuel surcharge, of $32 applies. An additional $1 per passenger ($3 maximum) after the first passenger will be charged on flat rate trips from the airport to Center City for those passengers over the age of 12. Trips between the airport and locations other than Center City include a $1.05 surcharge and $12 minimum fare. Tipping for good service is common.

By ride-hailing services [ edit ]

Ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft can be used to get around Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is also home to Enterprise Car Share and Zipcar, where, after registering, you can book vehicles by the hour or day for significantly less than a rental car. Enterprise Car Share has vehicles including Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Beetle and Mini Cooper stationed at various locations called 'pods' around Philadelphia. You first book online, and then use your personal key to unlock the vehicle and away you go. Rental is $5.90-7.90 per hour, or approximately $50 for a full day, plus a few dollars booking fee and $0.09 per mile (1.6 km) traveled.

Parking [ edit ]

Philadelphia is the center of a metro area of 6 million, so the roads are congested from early morning until the mid-evening, and parking is not cheap. Should you choose to bring a car, check with your hotel about parking in the city. Legal street parking is available but is very difficult to find close to Center City attractions or hotels. Secured parking garages can cost $10-35 per day or higher in some cases. In the historic district, there were several parking options under $20. The Philadelphia Parking Authority is renowned (even notorious) for its efficiency, and PPA parking enforcement personnel are as quick to write tickets as they are unlikely to yield to a violator's plea for leniency. Tickets that are not paid promptly quickly accumulate additional penalty fees. Parking meters typically take the form of electronic kiosks, typically with a single kiosk serving an entire block of metered spots. In non-metered parking areas, typically found in residential areas of the city, most spots have a one- or two-hour limit for those without a local resident's permit.

Park and Ride [ edit ]

Parking is available at Fern Rock Transportation Center (northern terminus of Broad Street Line), 69th Street Transportation Center (western terminus of Market-Frankford Line), and Frankford Transportation Center (eastern terminus of Market-Frankford Line), as well as most Regional Rail stations. Parking rates are $1-$2/day for surface lot parking and $3-$4 for garage parking. Surface lot parking at SEPTA stations is free on weekends. NRG station (southern terminus of Broad Street Line) and some Regional Rail stations also have privately-owned lots.

Traffic [ edit ]

In terms of congestion, Center City Philadelphia compares favorably to most large U.S. cities. Gridlock does occur, however, particularly during rush hour. Traffic generally moves at the slowest pace in the Chinatown neighborhood, on the numbered streets west of Broad and in the South St. and Old City areas on weekend evenings. Broad St. is typically only moderately congested. The most heavily-traveled roads in the area are I-95, I-676/I-76 (the Schuylkill Expressway), which connects Center City to the various suburbs west of the city, and I-476 (the "Blue Route") which curves from the south to the northwest of Philadelphia, connecting I-95 with I-76 and, beyond that, the PA Turnpike. Rush-hour delays are common on all these roadways: During the morning rush-hour I-95 south-bound typically backs up between the Bridge St. and Girard Ave. exits; and eastbound I-76 typically jams from Gladwynne to 30th Street. During the evening rush-hour, I-95 usually slows from the Bridge Street to Academy Road exits. On I-676 and the west-bound Schuylkill, traffic can be stop-and-go from roughly Broad St. potentially all the way to the so-called "Conshohocken Curve," just east of the town of the same name, effectively doubling the time it normally takes to drive from Center City to the PA Turnpike entrance at King of Prussia. Anyone planning to drive through Philadelphia during either rush hours would do well to anticipate traffic conditions and plan accordingly.

See [ edit ]

Travelers planning to visit multiple attractions may benefit from Philadelphia CityPASS , which grants admission to 6 Philadelphia attractions within 9 days of first use for a much reduced rate and includes expedited entry in some cases. The included attractions are: THE Franklin Institute; Adventure Aquarium; Phila Trolley & the Big Bus Company, 24 hours of on-off privileges; Philadelphia Zoo; Option Ticket One with choice of either the Academy of Natural Sciences or the National Constitution Center and Option Ticket Two with choice of Please Touch Museum or Eastern State Penitentiary. A Weekend in Philly offers a detailed itinerary that includes several of these attractions.

Public art [ edit ]

Thanks to Philadelphia's innovative Mural Arts Program , the city has a truly massive amount of art that can be seen without paying a dime or entering a single building. Originally designed to help stop graffiti and enliven the city's buildings, the Mural Arts Program has led to Philadelphia now having the largest collection of public art in the world, with over 3500 murals completed since its inception. There are tours offered as well, from trolley or train tours to the mural-mile walking tour. Other public art of note includes the many glass mosaics found throughout the city; a sampling of this great public art can be seen on South St. east of Broad.

Center city Philadelphia offers many public statue displays. "The Clothespin" is a sculpture by Claes Oldenburg that resembles a clothespin located just across from City Hall on West Market St. LOVE Park, serving as a terminus between City Hall and the museum-laden Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., features a famous LOVE statue that has come to represent the brotherly love that Philadelphia was founded on. The site once was the city's (and perhaps the nation's) most popular skating attraction until new legislation and remodeling efforts outlawed skating in the park. Just across the JFK Blvd. from City Hall at the Municipal Services Building, visitors can find many larger than life game pieces from popular board games as well as a statue of former mayor Frank Rizzo.

More statues can be found throughout Fairmount Park along Kelly Dr. on east side of the Schuykill River. Sculptures by Remmington can be found on the path, while several sculptures by Alexander Milne Calder can be found in Laurel Hill Cemetery , which is just off the paved walking path.

Museums [ edit ]

• 39.96581 -75.18121 1 Philadelphia Museum of Art , 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway , ☏ +1 215-763-8100 , [email protected] . Su M Th Sa 10AM-5PM, F 10AM-8:45PM . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 39.96061 -75.17268 2 Barnes Foundation , 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway , ☏ +1 215-278-7000 . Th-M 11AM-5PM . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• The Rare Book department of the Free Library of Philadelphia is also worth a visit.
• Center City East is home to the African American Museum , and Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia History .
• Old City is home to the National Museum of American Jewish History and Independence Seaport Museum .
• West Philly is home to the Penn Museum (for archaeology) and the Please Touch Museum .

Historic sites [ edit ]

39.96198 -75.14998 10 Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site , 532 N 7th St , ☏ +1 215-597-1061 . Su F Sa 9AM-5PM . The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site contains the former home of the famous American author of mystery and the macabre. Free . ( updated Aug 2022 )

39.96634 -75.18349 11 Fairmount Water Works , 640 Waterworks Dr , ☏ +1 215-685-0723 . W-F 11AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-5PM . The Fairmount Water Works features information on local watersheds as well as interpretive art. Free . ( updated Aug 2022 )

Parks [ edit ]

William Penn designed Philadelphia to have "five squares" of public, open space. Four of the five squares are now city parks, somewhat symmetrically located at the four corners of an imaginary square surrounding the very center of Center City. (The fifth square, at the very center of the city, is now occupied by City Hall.)

Fairmount Park is a large park on both sides of the Schuykill River northwest of Center City. East Fairmount Park is home to the Smith Memorial Playground, Dell East Concerts, and a driving range. West Fairmount Park, much of which has been renamed the Centennial District, includes the Mann Music Center (where the Philadelphia Orchestra plays in summer), the Japanese Tea House, Please Touch Museum for kids in a restored Memorial Hall (from the nation's centennial celebration).

LOVE Park is square near City Hall, known for its Robert Indiana "LOVE" sculpture, and for attracting skateboarders from around the world (but since 2002, a ban on skateboarding has been rigorously enforced).

Spruce Street Harbor Park takes on a fairground atmosphere during summer nights, with colorful hammocks, floating gardens, trees adorned in colored lights, local craft beers, and food trucks from some of Philadelphia’s most popular restaurants.

Rittenhouse Square (the southwest park in William Penn's original plan) sits among classic and classy Rittenhouse hotels and residences and attracts people from around the world. It is named after David Rittenhouse, a clockmaker and astronomer.

Logan Square (northwest, better known as Logan Circle), named after William Penn's secretary James Logan, is the gateway to Fairmount Park and the Art Museum area. Until 1823, Logan Circle was an execution site as well as burial ground. In Logan Circle there is the Swann Memorial Fountain.

Washington Square (the southeast park in William Penn's original plan) is near Independence Hall. It was also used as a burial ground and a potter's field. Franklin Square (northeast) is located on the outskirts of Chinatown at 6th and Race Streets. It is home to the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, has a Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course, two playgrounds, a fountain (new technology causes the water to shoot lower on rainy or windy days so bystanders do not become wet), and a gift shop. The center of City Hall' s Square is a large compass in the ground. There are four archways leading into it.

Penn Treaty Park , in North Philly , is a small riverfront park. On this site William Penn famously entered into a treaty of peace with Tamanend, the Lenape Indian chief.

The Philadelphia Zoo , the first zoo in the United States, is located in West Philly .

Clark Park , also in West Philly, maintains a busy events schedule with festivals, flea markets, theatrical performances, concerts and a year-round farmers’ market.

Do [ edit ]

Events [ edit ]

• The Philadelphia Marathon is also another annual event. This marathon race is held every 3rd Sunday in November. There are three races: the full marathon, half marathon and the "Rothman Institute 8k".
• Every year in the beginning of July, an All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival is held down Penns Landing. $5, children under 6 free.
• The Philadelphia Flower Show, one of the largest indoor flower shows in the world, is held every spring at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
• AIDS Walk Philly occurs every October. It is an 8.2-mi (13-km) walk that begins and ends at Eakins Oval (in front of the stairs of the Philadelphia Art Museum). The first walk started in 1987 and raised $33,000 that year. Since then, the event became annual.
• The Mummers Parade is held each New Years Day. The first official parade took place on January 1, 1901. Local clubs (usually called New Years Associations) compete in one of four categories (Comics, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades). They prepare elaborate costumes and moveable scenery, which take months to complete. The parade of over 10,000 marchers travels approximately 3 miles northward on Broad Street, beginning in South Philadelphia and concluding near City Hall in Center City.
• The Made In America Festival is an annual music festival taking place during Labor Day weekend on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. While rappers draw the biggest attention, bands from musical genres as diverse as free-jazz, metalcore, and pop are featured.
• West Philly Porchfest is a beloved annual do-it-yourself music festival featuring free shows on porches all over West Philadelphia.
• The Odunde festival takes over a dozen-block radius in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood on one Sunday every year in June. Hundreds of stalls and several musical stages celebrate Africa and the African diaspora.

Theater and music [ edit ]

Philadelphia prides itself on its wide variety of live performances, particularly for music. Venues can be found throughout Center City East and West , Old City , South Philly and the Northern Liberties/Fishtown districts of North Philly . R5 Productions promotes smaller bands and affordable shows at several local venues.

The Fringe Festival , held every September, is a 4-week-long, city-wide celebration of innovation and creativity in contemporary performance. Each September, the Festival explodes into every nook and cranny of Philadelphia with more than 1,000 artistically daring performances.

Sports [ edit ]

Philadelphia takes its sports seriously and makes a legitimate claim to being the sports capital of the nation. As one of the largest metro areas in the U.S., Philadelphia has an extensive sport history and culture, being the birthplace of notable athletes like Kobe Bryant. However, whenever the topic of American sports is discussed, one will quickly notice that Philadelphia is seen with disgust and derision. This is the result of two preconceived notions: 1) Philadelphia sports teams have had very little luck competing for, let alone winning, championships, 2) Philadelphia fans have a reputation for being a hard-nosed and passionate bunch who wilfully engage in violent behavior. While these statements are not incorrect, you should not be deterred from enjoying yourself, far from it. In fact, Philly sports fans are often praised for their passion and in-depth knowledge of their teams and league rules, and few cities can boast crowds as electrifying as Philly. Having teams with volatile performances in all major sports will inevitably create fans that stick to their teams through thick and thin.

• In addition to the above, Philadelphia is the most common site of the Army–Navy Game , one of the most iconic events in college football. The game involves the teams of the country's two oldest service academies—the Army Black Knights of the United States Military Academy, and the Navy Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy. The game is steeped in decades-old military traditions, and combines bitter competitiveness and mutual respect. Its date is now fixed as the second Saturday of December, the week after FBS conference championship games, making it the last game of the FBS regular season. When in Philly, the game is played at Lincoln Financial Field; it is next scheduled for "The Linc" in 2027.

Learn [ edit ]

Philadelphia is rich with educational opportunities. The most prestigious university in the area is the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania .

Other universities include Temple University , Thomas Jefferson University , Drexel University with the only co-op program in the area, La Salle University a major Catholic university, Saint Joseph's University a Jesuit university, and United Lutheran Seminary a divinity school; as well as "Westminster Theological Seminary" in Glenside.

The Community College of Philadelphia is Philadelphia's premier community college.

Art schools include the University of the Arts , one of the most prestigious art schools in America, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts , Moore College of Art and Design an all-women college, Hussian College , and the Art Institute of Philadelphia [dead link] .

Trade schools include The Wine School of Philadelphia which offers professional sommelier & winemaking diplomas, along with wine tasting classes .

Work [ edit ]

Philadelphia's job market is ever-expanding both in the city and in its suburbs. The 975 ft (297 m) Comcast Center is a constant reminder of the economic revitalization of Philadelphia and of Comcast's presence in the city. Additionally, a Keystone Opportunity Zone over the Powelton Rail Yards adjacent to 30th St. Station promises a bright future for jobs and new office buildings in the city.

Buy [ edit ]

Philadelphia's Old City has always been a center of commerce, and as Philadelphia grew to be a bigger city many shops and department stores were found on Market Street between Old City and City Hall. Two such landmark department stores on Market Street were Gimbels and Strawbridge & Clothiers, which faced increasing difficulty in competing against suburban department chains in the 20th century. In the 1970s, the Gallery at Market East , an urban mall with Gimbels and Strawbridge & Clothiers as major anchors, opened to stem the tide of retailers fleeing the urban core to the regional shopping malls. Despite success in the first decade or so of operation, the Gallery remained unable to compete; Gimbels closed in 1986, while Strawbridge's closed in 2006. The Gallery was replaced by the Fashion District mall located where the Gallery was with a movie theater, other attractions, and stores.

Just northwest of the Fashion District is the Reading Terminal Market, a very successful indoor public market that opened in 1893 at the site of the Reading Railroad's headhouse terminal, now part of the Philadelphia Convention Center, after open-air sidewalk markets were closed down in the 1850s due to health and safety concerns. Some of the vendors have been in business for over a century, and sell produce, meats, chocolates, and a variety of other usually handmade foodstuffs and items. There are a lot of small restaurants and a section for Pennsylvania Dutch (or Amish) vendors.

The high-end shopping district of Center City did eventually regain its footing in downtown Philadelphia starting in the 1980s and 1990s, and is along Chestnut Streets and Walnut Streets west of Broad Street to Rittenhouse Square, featuring national brands and boutiques, from the high-end Burberry, Tiffany and Diesel to locally-managed corporate Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. Chestnut Street also has a larger range of mid-range shops as well, with many ma-and-pa outfits in addition to bargain big-leaguers H&M and Daffy's, and extends from as far east as 11th Street to 22nd Streets. The Shoppes at Liberty Place is in Philadelphia's second-tallest building, and The Shops at the Bellevue is in a historic building on Broad Street.

For a more unique flavor, there are shopping districts with its own distinct character. 3rd Street Corridor in Old City has the city's best in high-end, independent retailers for fashion, art and design. Landmark Sugarcube should not be missed for the fashion savvy. Beauty-goers will enjoy Moko , an organic beauty studio along the corridor. Antique Row , on Pine Street between 9th and 13th ( Center City ), is home to a mix of antique stores and local gift and craft boutiques. The Italian Market in South Philly is an open-air street market with fresh produce and food; although it has been a predominantly Italian district, there is now a large infusion of Mexicans. Chinatown ( Center City ) is similar to many other similar Chinatowns in various U.S. cities, as an ethnic enclave of Asian American immigrants and residents.

Eat [ edit ]

See the Districts articles for specific listings.

Cheesesteaks [ edit ]

No trip to Philadelphia is complete without trying the cheesesteak , Philly's most famous homegrown food, a sandwich made of a fresh roll filled with grilled shaved beef and cheese (as well as onions, mushrooms, and other optional sides). The spiritual homes of the cheesesteak are Pat's King of Steaks , where the cheesesteak was invented, and Geno's Steaks , where they claim to have improved on Pat's version. They are across from each other in South Philly at the intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue.

There are many ways to order a cheesesteak. Some cheesesteaks are made with chopped steak (Pat's and Geno's), while others are made with sliced top-round (Steve's). While Cheez-Wiz is a local favorite, many people also enjoy American or Provolone cheese on their cheesesteaks. The way the cheese is served makes a huge difference. Some cheesesteak joints simply place the cheese on top to melt (Pat's and Geno's), while others, such as Steve's, ladle hot melted cheese on top, adding to the delicious grease from the meat. Any local will tell you as well that the most important part of the cheesesteak (or hoagie, for that matter) is the roll, which is why many have found it difficult to replicate the cheesesteak outside of the Philadelphia region. Many displaced Philadelphians who have started their own restaurants elsewhere have encountered trouble making authentic cheesesteaks, and import their rolls from the Philly area.

Although Pat's and Geno's are the most famous cheesesteak joints, they are far from the best. There are many others to choose from, particularly in South Philadelphia— John's Roast Pork at Snyder and alley-street Weccacoe is considered by many locals to offer a standout. John's offers what sports radio 610 WIP's Cheesesteak Challenge called the best cheesesteak in the city, and an outstanding roast pork sandwich. It is common for people visiting John's to bring a friend and split a cheesesteak and a roast pork sandwich. Placing at #2 on the 610 cheesesteak list is Steve's Prince of Steaks in Northeast Philadelphia, which has 2 great locations. They also serve a delicious side of cheese fries, which can be had with wiz, American, or provolone. Many enjoy Jim's Steaks or Tony Luke's . 'The Great Northeast' is also home to Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop , a delightful drug-store throwback on Torresdale Avenue near the Delaware River. No cheesesteak aficionado can call himself such without a visit to Dalessandro's Steaks or Chubby's on Henry Avenue in the Roxborough section of Northwest Philadelphia (north of Manayunk and East Falls). One of this region's better steaks is found at takeout-only Sorrentino's on Cresson in Manayunk. Sonny's in Old City, on Market St between 3rd and 4th, also serves an excellent cheesesteak in a location close to Independence Hall. Philadelphia's other notable sandwich is roast pork which can be found at DiNic's in the Reading Terminal Market , Tony Luke's, John's, or a Latin version at Porky's Point . Lastly, the city's best roast beef sandwich served on a locally baked Sarcone's roll is at caffe chicco .

A caveat before ordering a cheesesteak, particularly at the often crowded Pat's and Geno's—know how to order. There is somewhat of a 'no soup for you' attitude at these busy and fast-service oriented establishments which can really make a tourist stand out. The way to order is as follows: It is assumed that you are going to order a cheesesteak, so unless you are not, don't specify this. First, say the type of cheese—only American , provolone , and whiz are generally available. Ask for Swiss at your own risk. The only condiment that is not available in a jar outside the stand will be fried onions; with (or "wit" in Philly parlance) or without ("witout") will specify your preference on the matter. So 'Whiz "Wit", Provolone "Witout",' etc. Not too complicated, and a straightforward way to have a nice local moment on your travels.

Local and street food [ edit ]

You can also find cheesesteaks at Reading Terminal Market at 12th and Arch Sts. Here visitors will find many stands selling produce, meats, flowers, and baked goods. Reading Terminal Market is a good place to get lunch if you are in the area. The multitude of vendors and low prices provide plenty of options for a quick meal. It's also home to one of the city's best pretzels (Miller's).

Philadelphia's most famous snack is the salted soft pretzel , which, while shaped with the three holes like soft pretzels everywhere else, are distinctive in that they are flattened into a wide rectangle and are made in long chains in which the wide sides of the pretzels are attached. A person may typically buy two, three, or more attached pretzels at a convenience store or from a street vendor. The price is low, especially compared to national vendor brands sold in other cities and in malls. Unlike pretzels served in many other cities, Philly pretzels are not served hot, but at room temperature and often eaten with mustard.

The most famous sweet snack is from the Tastykake brand. Their main factory is in the Navy Yard in far south Philly, so every flavor and type of TastyKake is sold in Philadelphia, and they are usually extra fresh, since they do not have to travel far to the retail outlet.

Also unique to the area are Goldenberg's Peanut Chews , a bit-sized chocolate bar with a chewy peanut center. Originally developed as a high-energy ration bar during World War I, but still popular today!

Scrapple is a favorite comfort food of native Philadelphians. Best described as a seasoned breakfast pork product, scrapple is of Pennsylvania Dutch origin and is made from pork by-products (you're better off not knowing exactly what's in it) and cornmeal, cooked into a thick pudding, formed into a loaf, sliced, and fried. You'll find it on the breakfast menu of many neighborhood diners in Philly. Ask for it very crispy.

Some other Philly foods include Philadelphia Cream Cheese, water ice, and hoagies.

The Kraft/Nabisco factory is in the far Northeast of Philadelphia at Byberry and Roosevelt Blvd. Drive by with your windows down and take a whiff!

Wawa is a chain of local convenience stores similar to 7-Eleven. They are most famous for their deli ordering terminals, which allow you to specify via a touch-screen monitor exactly what you want on a sandwich. Although locals refuse to consider Wawa's cheesesteaks as authentic, due to its use of ground beef rather than sliced or diced beef, the Wawa option is still delicious and you get to customize it with a wide range of options. Many stores also carry a respectably thick and doughy fresh soft pretzel at their counter.

Fine dining [ edit ]

Philadelphia has an extremely vibrant culinary scene , with many young and enterprising new chefs coming to the City of Brotherly Love for its food-obsessed culture. Local restauranteurs such as Stephen Starr , Marc Vetri , Iron Chefs Masaharu Morimoto and Jose Garces , and others have become household names and food celebrities in their own right, transforming Philadelphia's food scene and exporting its concepts to other parts of the country. In part, the scene is bolstered by a culture of organic and sustainable foodstuffs coming from local farmers.

BYOBs [ edit ]

Pennsylvania's draconian liquor laws make it very expensive and inconvenient for restaurants to obtain liquor licenses. As a result, many restaurants—including some of the best—are BYOB , that is, "Bring Your Own Bottle". These restaurants will advertise their BYOB-status, and will usually help you out by supplying corkscrews, glasses, or club soda, so long as you supply the beer, wine, or spirits. You'll have to pick wine or spirits up at a state-sponsored liquor store, or six-packs or individual beers from a neighborhood bar or bottle shop, which are good locations for finding a variety of craft beers. Convenience stores do not sell alcoholic beverages. Even if you don't drink, or don't want a drink, dining at a BYOB can pay off as the restaurant doesn't need to pay off a license and can charge a little less for the food.

Drink [ edit ]

Because of the state of Pennsylvania's complicated liquor laws, most supermarkets are not able to sell beer or spirits, although some neighborhood stores might and certain locations of grocery stores sell beer and have limited-selections of wine. State-run liquor stores called Fine Wine and Good Spirits are all over the place but don't sell beer, and beer distributors sell beer only in bulk and are scattered in inconvenient locations, and neither will be open late. In part because of this complicated setup, Philadelphia has a visibly strong, public beer culture , celebrated in events such as the annual summertime Philly Beer Week [formerly dead link] or the Philly Craft Beer Festival [dead link] in March.

Local beers include Yuengling , Yards , or Troegs . Many bars will have a varied selection of beers you already know and love alongside ones you've never heard of. If you're ever stuck on a choice but don't want to look out of place, just ask for a "lager" , which in Philly specifically means the Yuengling Traditional Lager, a pre-Prohibition style amber lager rather different from the mass-market pale lager you find elsewhere. You can also order a "Citywide Special" , which is a shot of house whiskey with a can or bottle of light lager usually Pabst Blue Ribbon or Miller Lite.

Primarily, most of the nightlife scene takes place in Center City ( West and East ) and in Old City . The areas around Rittenhouse Square in Center City , and Headhouse Square and Penn's Landing in Old City , are popular destinations that have a large concentration of bars and clubs, many of them attracting the hip, young, pretty people of the suburbs or the universities. Slightly further out, the rapidly-gentrifying Northern Liberties district is another solid nightlife destination with more of a "yuppie" or "hipster" vibe. Yet another area that has a vibrant nightlife is the Manayunk neighborhood [dead link] .

However, bars can be found in just about every corner of Philadelphia, and nothing is more characteristic of Philly than the local bar as a default place for social gathering; every neighborhood's got one or two just around the corner, even if it's a dark, run-down dive without proper signage and a crowd of blue-collar regulars, or a new-but-looks-old pub attracting the yuppies with outdoor seating and live music. Any major street or well-known district is going to have its own selection of watering holes, and each of these establishments will cater to a crowd, whether it's students, sports fans, hipsters or clubbers. In particular, streets and neighborhoods with a notable collection of drinking locales, not including Center City, Old City or Northern Liberties, include University City and West Philly ; South Street and Passyunk Ave in South Philly ; and the Art Museum District .

In the summer, the Center City District sponsors Center City Sips [dead link] , a downtown-wide Happy Hour every Wednesday from 5PM-7PM where many bars and restaurants all participate in drink specials: $4 beers, $5 wines and $6 cocktails, and usually some selection of food specials.

Quizzo [ edit ]

It's been said that Philadelphia invented, or at least popularized, the popular pub trivia event that is known here as Quizzo , which are called by other various names such as "quiz nights" by the time they expanded to other parts of the United States. Philadelphia native Patrick Hines first began running Quizzo games at the New Deck Tavern in University City in 1993 (though he spelled it with one 'z', as in "Quizo"), and began a second one at Fergie's Pub in Center City in 1995; there are now plenty of other bars running their own Quizzo nights throughout Philadelphia, and while Hines has moved to Ireland, he still writes the questions for several local bars. If you're able to find yourself in a game (you'll have to have a team and needlessly long and/or hilarious team name, or see if you can join one as a free agent) it's a fun way to spend a night, but be prepared to be completely left in the dust by trivia buffs who play regularly.

Breweries [ edit ]

• Philadelphia Brewing Company produces a variety of beers. If you can't make it to the brewery (or find it in a bar) you can pick up a sampler pack (24 bottles) for around $30 at a beer distributor.
• Yard's Brewing . Produces a variety of beers, though notably Philadelphia Pale Ale, ESA (especially if you find this in cask format), and the ales of the revolution. Historically certified beers from recipes tied to Ben Franklin, Jefferson, and a porter named after Gen. Washington. Accessible via the Spring Garden Station on the Market Frankford el.  

Brewpubs [ edit ]

• Earth Bread and Brewery - Known as much for their well made beer as they are for their bread and locally sourced food.
• Dock Street Brewery - Two locations in West and South Philadelphia. Also famous for their pizza.
• Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant - It's in the Manayunk neighborhood right on Main St.
• Iron Hill Brewery - Local brewpub chain that has two locations within city limits, one in Chestnut Hill and one in Market East.

Sleep [ edit ]

Hostels [ edit ].

Philadelphia is home to two hostels within the city limits, both are affiliated with Hostelling International USA:

• 39.94889 -75.14528 1 Apple Hostels of Philadelphia , 32 S Bank St, (Old City) , ☏ +1 215-922-0222 , [email protected] . Less than 3 blocks from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, free wireless Internet (for travelers with laptops), free bed linens, no curfews, no lockouts. Affordable, clean hostel with loads of free activities, friendly & knowledgeable staff and plenty of outside tours you can book at the reception desk that's open 24 hours.  
• 40.00377 -75.19635 2 HI — Chamounix Mansion Hostel , 3250 Chamounix Dr (West Fairmount Park) , ☏ +1 215-878-3676 . On a scenic bluff above the Schuylkill River and 45 minutes to downtown Philadelphia's cultural and historic attractions. Associated with Hostelling International  

Hotels [ edit ]

There is a wide variety of hotels located in Philadelphia. Prices usually range from $100 to $200 a night, excluding weeks with major trade conventions. Center City is home to a wide variety of moderate and high end hotel chains that can be found in five main areas:

• Convention Center: Loew's, Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Residences at the Marriott, Four Points, Hampton Inn, Le Meridien, Hilton Garden, Travelodge, Clarion Suites
• Rittenhouse/West Market-Palomar, Latham, Rittenhouse hotel, Bellevue at Stratford, Ritz Carlton, Embassy Suites, Four Seasons, Crowne Plaza, Sofitel, Club Quarters, Windsor Suites, Westin
• East of Broad/Washington Sq West-Doubletree, Alexander Inn, Independent Hotel, Holiday Inn, Rodeway Inn, Parker Spruce
• Old City (near Independence Hall)-Sheraton Society hill, Penn's View, Comfort Inn, Hyatt, Omni, Holiday Inn, Best Western
• Philadelphia International Airport in South Philadelphia

Connect [ edit ]

Philadelphia is thoroughly covered by all of the major American cellular telephone companies. AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile phones will all receive full service in most parts of the city. As always, service indoors varies according to signal strength, phone brand, and the composition of the building itself. AT&T has contracted with SEPTA to provide wireless service in transit tunnels.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Philadelphia has a major crime problem. As early as the late 1980s it was bestowed the notorious moniker of 'Killadelphia'. Even to this day the city suffers from some of the worst crime rates in the USA. However, as a rule of thumb, it is important to know that the places visitors are likely to spend time in are safe and well policed, so be informed about places that are popular with tourists.

Neighborhoods [ edit ]

Center City and surrounding neighborhoods have very low crime rates (some of the lowest in the country). Wealthier neighborhoods like Rittenhouse Square, Old City, and Society Hill, are safe, as are Northeast Philadelphia (for the most part), Northwest Philadelphia, the Art Museum Area, Chinatown, the Parkway, and Bella Vista. Some petty crimes (mostly pickpocketing) happen but much less often than the media suggest. South Philadelphia is generally safe, though certain parts should be avoided at night (especially those near I-95).

On the flip side, other parts of the city struggle with rampant crime. The city's criminal activities are overwhelmingly concentrated in North Philadelphia (with the very notable exception of Temple University), far West Philadelphia (though this area has seen improvements), and Southwest Philadelphia. These areas are of little interest to tourists, but do be careful if you do end up venturing there.

Non-violent crimes & scams [ edit ]

Pickpocketing and scams are nowhere nearly as common in Philadelphia as they are in other cities, but the threat of being mugged or approached by unwanted individuals remains real, so keep an eye on your belongings. One known scam is being "photographed" by homeless men near the Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Arts.

Driving [ edit ]

Be careful of traffic when crossing at major intersections—in Philadelphia, as in many major cities, one must always walk, cross, and drive defensively. The winding Schuylkill expressway provides some beautiful views, particularly around Boathouse Row, but do not try to enjoy them from your car; with the high speeds, the river on one side, and jagged rocks on the other, this is a sure way to cause an accident.

Although it is frequently blown out of proportion, Philadelphia sports fans have earned a reputation as a very passionate and notorious bunch. It is advised to be extra vigilant when attending a major sports match at the Sports Complex, particularly those who have the courage to wear the opposing team's gear in hostile territory. For these fans, it is best not to provoke the Philadelphia faithful and take their jabs in stride, as fans have been assaulted and even seriously injured in fights in and around the Sports Complex and around town.

Philadelphia's suburbs [ edit ]

While Philadelphia has a history of crime, the rest of the Delaware Valley is one of the safest metropolitan areas in the U.S., though certain locations like Camden (across the Delaware river in New Jersey), Reading , Tinicum Township , and Chester have very high crime rates, so visitors should exercise caution when visiting these regions.

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

Pennsylvania [ edit ]

• Allentown , Pennsylvania's third-largest city, is rich in history, contributing to both the American Revolution and the nation's industrialization, and home of Dorney Park.
• Doylestown - browse world-class museums, including the renowned James A. Michener Art Museum, the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works, the Mercer Museum and Fonthill, a 44-room mansion featured on A&Es “America’s Castles.”
• Gettysburg , the historic site of the American Civil War's bloodiest and most important battle that turned the war in the Union's favor. Lincoln later delivered his Gettysburg Address here.
• Harrisburg , Pennsylvania's state capital.
• Hershey , home of Hershey Park.
• Kennett Square , the site of the beautiful Longwood Gardens, featuring over a thousand acres of manicured landscapes and fountains.
• King of Prussia , edge city northwest of Philadelphia that is home to the King of Prussia Mall, which is the largest mall in the United States in terms of leasable retail space, with more than 400 stores.
• Lancaster , home of Pennsylvania Amish.
• Langhorne , home of Sesame Place, a one of a kind theme park aimed towards toddlers, pre-school, and grade school children; approximately 30-45 minutes outside Philadelphia.
• Lehigh Valley , a region of eastern Pennsylvania roughly equidistant from Philadelphia and New York City with a rich history, including as an epicenter of the Industrial Revolution.
• New Hope , a major shopping center north of Philadelphia.
• Poconos and Endless Mountains , home to some ski and other mountain resorts.
• Valley Forge , the historic site where Washington and the Continental Army encamped over the brutal 1777-78 winter after the fall of Philadelphia during the Anerican Revolutionary War.
• Washington Crossing , the historic Revolutionary War site where Washington launched one of the war'S most complex and daring raids, crossing the Delaware River covertly the night of December 25, 1776, prior to prevailing in a surprise attacK in the Battle of Trenton.
• York , a historic site during the Revolutionary War.

New Jersey [ edit ]

• Jersey Shore , including Atlantic City , Cape May , Ocean City , and Wildwood . Visiting the Jersey shore is referred to locally as "going down the shore." Atlantic City is home to the Borgata, Caesar's, and several other casinos. Cape May offers historical tours (and haunted tours!) of the town. And hey, it's a great way to cool off and unwind—and perhaps work off that cheesesteak!
• Princeton , New Jersey, home to Princeton University, is a wealthy, pretty, tree-lined town.

Delaware [ edit ]

• New Castle , south of Philadelphia, is a quiet, charming town.

Elsewhere [ edit ]

• New York City is 1 hour 20 minutes away via Amtrak and somewhat longer on a bus or via SEPTA to Trenton and then NJ Transit to New York Penn Station. Driving is very possible but not recommended, due to traffic and the hassle of parking in New York.
• Washington, D.C. , the capital of the United States, is 2½ hours south on I-95 or more with traffic, or around 1 hour 40 minutes-2 hours 10 minutes on Amtrak.

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Philadelphia Travel Guide

Philadelphia is a city of history and heart. Go to Independence Hall and you’ll see where American democracy was born. Take a snap of Robert Indiana’s iconic statue reproduction, and you’ll feel the love. Stroll through Fairmont Park and relish North America’s largest urban green space (9,200 acres). World-class museums, top-notch universities, striking street art, a fun waterfront, and sports galore are other reasons to visit—not to mention the cheese steaks. —Maureen Littlejohn

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Philadelphia events this weekend, Matt Rife at The Met, Penn Relays, Knicks-Sixers, AMA Supercross, more

By Frederick Sinclair , Jessica MacAulay

April 26, 2024 / 9:22 PM EDT / CBS Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Get ready for an adrenaline-packed weekend in Philadelphia. Between the 2024 Penn Relays , Game 4 of the Knicks-Sixers series and the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship at Lincoln Financial Field, the city is buzzing with thrills, chills and excitement.

Beyond the competitive sports happening this weekend, folks around the Delaware Valley can catch one of Matt Rife's comedy shows at The Met, Dionne Warwick live in A.C., or a showing of "Beautiful - The Carole King Musical" at The Walnut Street Theatre. Check out all those events and more as we break down what's going on in the city of Philadelphia this weekend. 

The 2024 Penn Relays

The prestigious  Penn Relay Carnival  at the historic Franklin Field kicked off its three days of unparalleled track and field competitions on Thursday. But don't worry there's plenty more action coming up.

Catch schools from across the Delaware Valley and even as far as Jamaica kick off the day Friday.

Most of the college teams hit the track on Friday at noon. The excitement continues on the final day on Saturday, beginning bright and early at 7 a.m. with the 5K Race Walks.

But the main attraction is the events for the Toyota Olympic Development. This is where the top track athletes from around the world compete against each other to make a final push to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Two-time Olympian and daughter of Eagles Legend Randall Cunningham, Vashti Cunningham, headlines the high jumps starting at 2 p.m.

Don't miss your chance to witness history in the making at the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States. 

Single-day tickets  start at $29. There is special pricing for current  UPenn students .

Knicks vs. Sixers: Game 4

Sunday's 1 p.m. Game 4 matchup between the 76ers and the Knicks is gearing up to be a good one, with  tickets starting at $187 . 

As the Sixers  look to keep their rollercoaster season alive, this highly anticipated matchup could either set the stage for a thrilling series finale or be the beginning of the end.

Despite battling  Bell's palsy , Sixers superstar  Joel Embiid's  50-point performance in  Thursday's Game 3 win  sets the stage for an intense showdown.

With this potentially being the last chance to catch the Sixers at home if they don't win, Sunday in South Philly is the place to be.

Monster Energy  AMA Supercross Championship

If you're a fan of motocross, then you're sure to be a fan of supercross.

Instead of a fast-paced dirt bike race on long dirt courses and other natural terrains, supercross takes dirt bike racing indoors to stadiums with courses made up of dirt brought inside.

You can expect all the same draws that you see in motocross in the AMA Supercross Championship, like massive jumps, sharp turns and bumps sending riders into the air.

See racers compete for points that could lead to a spot at the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship Finals.

Check out all the thrills and chills of the  Monster Energy AMA Championship  at Lincoln Financial Field exclusively in South Philly, this Saturday afternoon.

The competition kicks off at 2:30 p.m. and  tickets  to see the epic race in person start at $22.

Matt Rife at The Met Philadelphia

Emerging comedian Matt Rife is coming to The Met Philadelphia . And so far, tickets are scarce. Rife has made a name for himself thanks to his large social media following and appearances on hit shows like MTV's "Wild 'N Out" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." All four of Rife's shows in Philadelphia this weekend are sold out but tickets may be available from third-party sellers for as low as $70 . Now might be the time to catch the budding comedian as he is about to embark on what the venue is calling his biggest tour yet starting this summer.

• Dionne Warwick

Grammy award winner, Dionne Warwick will be at Atlantic City's Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Friday night. Warwick's performance will include anthems like "Walk On By" and "I Say a Little Prayer" that will have you feeling nostalgic for a different decade. There's still time to secure those tickets! Warwick's show at Sound Waves inside the Hard Rock starts at 8 p.m. with prices starting at $79 .

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

It's time to grab your tickets because " Beautiful - The Carole King Musical " is on its way out of Philadelphia's Walnut Street Theatre. Get to know the legendary singer/songwriter Carole King in a way you haven't before. 

"Beautiful - The Carole King Musical" takes you from King's inception in the music industry, to her collaborations on songs with musical icons like James Taylor and Aretha Franklin, all the way to her time as a solo performer. This musical runs for two hours and 25 minutes and is only in town until Sunday, May 5!

You'll be singing from the audience as you relive King's incredible hits throughout the decades. Tickets for a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday start at $107 and prices for an 8 p.m. evening showing start at $87.

East Passyunk's Flavors on the Avenue 

East Passyunk's Flavors on the Avenue will be foodies galore this Sunday from 11-5 p.m. With over two dozen restaurants serving up their signature dishes to give you a taste of what they're all about, you'll surely want to come hungry to this event. 

But you don't have to be a foodie to enjoy the street festival, boutiques along East Passyunk from Broad to Dickinson streets will be open for business readily awaiting strolling customers. Some retailers will have special festival day deals, plus select stores will take their store items outside for a sidewalk preview before you head inside. You can also enjoy an afternoon full of live music from bands and DJs. 

With an event as diverse as Flavors on the Avenue, you can almost guarantee fun for people of all ages. Flavors on the Avenue is free to enter and pay-as-you-go when it comes to food and drinks.

The Philadelphia Show

The 61st edition of The Philadelphia Show  is back at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The annual show brings the community together to indulge in fine art, collectible design and antiques from over 40 U.S. exhibitors. Guests can learn from art and design dealers, participate in show tours and even get a little adventurous and try out a self-guided treasure hunt. 

The Philadelphia Art Show begins Friday and runs until Sunday. General admission ticket prices start at $20 and a bundle ticket, which includes the museum and the show, starts at $35. 

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Fredrick Sinclair graduated from Lincoln University in 2018 with a degree in Mass Communications. Sinclair has been with CBS Philadelphia since 2019 and has been a Digital Content Producer for the CBS News Philadelphia stream since 2021.

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Penn Relays return to Philly: 5 things to know about 2024 track and field meet

The penn relays are back bringing an amazing spirit to the franklin field track and field in philadelphia from april 25 to 27, 2024, by nbc10 staff • published april 25, 2024 • updated on april 26, 2024 at 1:15 pm.

The Penn Relays , presented by Toyota, bring over 15,000 participants and more than 100,000 fans to Philadelphia to attend the largest and oldest track and field competition in the United States.

The track meet takes place from Thursday, April 25, 2024, through Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Franklin Field on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia's University City neighborhood. The historic track and field meet dates back to 1895 .

Here are five things to know about the 2024 edition of the Penn Relays:

Who will participate?

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Runners as young as 4th graders to high schoolers to collegians to masters 85 years and older come from as near as Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley and as far away as Jamaica, Belize and New Zealand to compete.

High school and college students from three dozens states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico will compete at Franklin Field.

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There will also be several Special Olympics competitions held Thursday.

Where to get tickets?

Tickets for a one-day entry start at $26 to $30 depending on seat and date. Special prices may be offered to students. You can buy tickets online or on site.

What can you bring to enjoy the day?

Check out what you are and aren't allowed to bring to Franklin Field.

Among the items OK to bring inside are bags no larger than 16x16x8 inches, diaper bags, hand-held cameras, blankets, soft-sided seats, sealed water bottles and outside food in one-gallon bags.

Temps are expected in the 50s and 60s, so you may want to bring a jacket or hoodie.

Some of the prohibited items include larger bags, coolers, umbrellas, firearms and video cameras.

Thinking about driving or public transportation?

Location is everything in University City with Gray 30th Street Station, SEPTA's University City Regional Rail Station, the Market-Frankford subway stopping at 34th Street and trolley lines stopping at 33rd Street, there are plenty of public transit options.

"The best way to Franklin Field is to take Regional Rail to William H. Gray III 30th Street or Penn Medicine stations, the Market-Frankford Line to 34th Street, the Trolley to 33rd Street or Bus Routes 21, 30, 42 or 49," says SEPTA .

SEPTA is adding extra Regional Rail service on Saturday.

If driving, limited $25 on-campus parking is available at:

• Chestnut 34 : located on 34 th  & Chestnut Streets.
• Walnut 38 : located on 38 th  & Walnut Streets.
• Walnut 40 : located on 40 th  and Walnut Streets.
• Museum Garage : located on Convention Ave. and South Street.

Keep in mind, Penn Relays crowds can be big. With thousands of athletes being dropped off, buses and other vehicles dropping off can cause traffic troubles in University City, on the South Street Bridge and even, sometimes, onto the Schuylkill Expressway.

NBC10's Sheila Watko gives you a preview of what to expect:

The #PennRelays return to Philadelphia's Franklin Field this weekend. #FirstAlertTraffic reporter @SheilaWatko breaks down some of the traffic troubles that could arise. pic.twitter.com/yy4mzFGuFU — NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) April 25, 2024

What is the schedule?

The Penn Relays has a packed schedule on the track and in the field. It started with high school girls' 4X800 heats Thursday morning and ends with Philadelphia-area high school boys' 4x400m race Saturday night .

The best bet is to check out the schedule page to make sure you don't miss the race you are looking for.

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Getting here, how to get to the city of brotherly love....

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Philadelphia is the second-largest city on the East Coast and ranks sixth in the nation, with a metropolitan population of more than 6 million people and a thriving Center City that’s incredibly easy to get to.

Conveniently located in the middle of the Northeast Corridor, Philly is 100 miles south of New York, 133 miles north of Washington, D.C. and 55 miles from Atlantic City.

More than 63 million people – approximately a quarter of the U.S. population – live within a 5.5-hour drive from Philadelphia, where the Liberty Bell, award-winning restaurants and stellar arts institutions await.

But you don’t have to drive.

Approximately a quarter of the U.S. population lives within a 5.5-hour drive of Philadelphia.

Those who want to kick back and relax en route to the City of Brotherly Love can hop on Amtrak , which provides service along the Northeast Corridor and points west and south; or arrive via bus through popular lines offered by Greyhound , FlixBus and  Megabus , connecting Philadelphia with Boston, New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), approximately seven miles from Center City, serves 25 airlines with nearly 500 daily departures to more than 120 destinations worldwide. Southwest Airlines offers daily nonstop flights to cities like Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas and Phoenix. With American Airlines , international travelers can also take advantage of service to such destinations as London, Rome, Toronto, Budapest, Cancun, Paris and the Bahamas.

Maps & Directions

To view a list of maps available for download, click the button below.

  — Photo courtesy Southwest Airlines/Boeing Commercial Airplanes

Located just seven miles from Center City,  Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is served by all major domestic carriers and is a major international hub for American Airlines .

Airlines serving Philadelphia International Airport include:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• Eastern Airlines
• Frontier Airlines 
• Qatar Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines

And once you arrive, you won’t have to wait long to get a taste of some of Philadelphia’s famous fare. Check out our guide to the  Best Places to Eat at Philadelphia International Airport to satisfy those post-flight cravings.

Navigating travel to and from PHL is simple, thanks to frequent public transportation service and access to cab and car services:

• SEPTA’s Airport Regional Rail Line serves the airport from University City, 30th Street, Suburban and Jefferson Stations
• Amtrak connects to SEPTA’s Airport Regional Rail at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station
• Three SEPTA bus routes serve several areas in the region: Route 37 to/from South Philadelphia and Chester, Pa.; Route 108 to/from 69th Street Transportation Center; and Route 115 to/from Suburban Square in Ardmore.

Taxis charge a flat rate of $28.50 for travel between Center City and the airport, or you can pay the meter to go anywhere else in the metro area ($2.70 upon entry plus $2.30 per mile). Travelers can also hail a Lyft or Uber to their destination. Seven rental car agencies operate at PHL for travelers who want to venture out on their own.

Centrally located between five other regional and international airports, Philadelphia is a breeze to get to for visitors flying through other cities. A short train, bus or car ride from any of these airports will have you exploring Philly in two hours or less:

• Atlantic City Airport (ACY)
• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Lancaster Airport (LNS)
• Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN)

For more information, contact the Philadelphia International Airport:

• Philadelphia International Airport  – (215) 937-6800
• Philadelphia International Airport Marketplace
• Airline Information

  — Photo by G. Widman for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Philadelphia is remarkably easy to get to by car. Just a two-hour drive from New York City and Baltimore, three hours from Washington, D.C., and about an hour from Lancaster County, Atlantic City and the beaches of the New Jersey shore, Philly is the perfect destination for a spontaneous day trip, weekend getaway or much-needed vacation.

Philly is 100 miles south of New York, 133 miles north of Washington, D.C. and 55 miles from Atlantic City.

Philadelphia is served by the PA Turnpike (I-276), I-76, I-476, I-95, US-1 and the New Jersey Turnpike.

• AAA – Call (800) 222-4357 for emergency road service
• Live Traffic Map – Get real-time traffic information
• Car Sharing and Rentals– Why own when you can borrow? Rates for services like Enterprise CarShare and Zipcar cover everything from insurance and maintenance to parking and even gas, and many car rental companies operate throughout the city, including at Philadelphia International Airport.
• Ride Sharing – Enjoy the convenience of getting picked up and dropped off by Lyft or Uber

Parking Information

Ditch Your Car

One of the things that makes Philadelphia great is its compact Center City. Our neighborhoods are so walkable that you really don’t need your car. After arriving, you can get around Center City and most of Philadelphia’s eclectic neighborhoods easily on foot, via cab or public transportation.

So if you’re driving in to town, store your car in a garage upon arrival and get out there and experience the city.

Parking Lots and Garages

You can find everything you need to know about parking in Philly from the Philadelphia Parking Authority . Find a parking lot or garage near your destination (an attraction, hotel or neighborhood). Type in a specific address or choose from a list of popular locations. Then you can compare nearby garages by their hours and rates.

Meter Parking and meterUP App

Additionally, Philadelphia has thousands of metered and non-metered timed spaces throughout the city, with rates and time limits that vary depending on location. Many neighborhoods have replaced coin-operated meters with parking kiosks that offer a variety of payment options, including credit cards. Or skip the kiosks altogether and use the meterUP app to pay for parking right from your phone.

Look up! The posted meter, meterUP and regulation signs can help you figure out where to park and when. The red signs tell you when you can’t park; the green signs tell you when and how long you can park.

For more information about parking, visit our Parking in Philadelphia page or the Philadelphia Parking Authority  website.

  — Photo courtesy Amtrak

General Information

Philadelphia is served by Amtrak , which operates rail service along the Northeast Corridor stretching from Boston to Washington, and other major cities in the United States and Canada.

30th Station   — Photo courtesy of Amtrak

Amtrak’s William H. Gray III  30th   Street Station is minutes from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Center City hotels, and offers visitors a grand welcome to Philadelphia.

The nearly 100-year-old station greets visitors from the platforms with stunning art deco details and modern amenities that complement the historic architectural features.

Other Trains

Local train service is provided by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority ( SEPTA ), which also connects to NJ Transit trains in Trenton en route to New York. NJ Transit trains also depart from William H. Gray III  30th   Street Station for Atlantic City.

• SEPTA  – (215) 580-7800
• PATCO  – (856) 772-6900
• NJ Transit  – (973) 275-5555

  — Photo by K. Ciappa for Visit Philadelphia

Bus service to and from Philadelphia is excellent, with daily service to all parts of the country.

Greyhound leaves from 100 Spring Garden Street, traveling to such popular cities as New York, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. Don’t forget to check out Greyhound’s Deals & Promotions before booking your trip.

Service to NYC and DC is also available on  Megabus , which both offer spacious seating, free Wi-Fi and affordable fares starting at just $1. Certain Megabus trips depart from 30th Street & JFK Boulevard while others depart from 2nd and Spring Garden streets. In addition to New York and DC, service is available to Boston, Baltimore and Richmond, Va.

For local trips, SEPTA’s bus, trolley and subway services will take you anywhere you want to go in Southeastern Pennsylvania. NJ Transit buses travel between Philadelphia and such South Jersey destinations as Atlantic City, the Cherry Hill Mall and Gloucester Premium Outlets in Blackwood, N.J.

• Greyhound Lines  – (215) 931-4075 or (800) 231-2222
• FlixBus – (855) 626-8585
• Megabus – (877) GO2-MEGA
• SEPTA – (215) 580-7800
• NJ Transit – (973) 275-5555
• Academy Bus Tours – (609) 265-2400

Accessibility Information

Many Philadelphia attractions, museums, restaurants and hotels are accessible to people with disabilities.

For more information about Accessible Philadelphia , including parking, visit the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities . Other accessible travel info can be found at WheelchairTravel , Accessible SEPTA  and accessibleGO .

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21 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

Planning a visit to Pennsylvania's largest city? If you're wondering what to do in Philadelphia, your options are truly endless! Explore America's constitutional history, reenact an iconic movie scene (you know the one), escape to a forest, or glimpse authentic architecture and art. You'll also have to catch a baseball or football game if you can — but that's a given.

In Philly, there's no shortage of old alleys to roam and world cuisines to try. However you choose to spend your time in Philly, you'll discover an adventure!

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Best Things to Do in Philly

When you visit Philadelphia, you get a truly unique experience. Here are some of the best things to do in the City of Brotherly Love.

1. Explore the Liberty Bell Center

The Liberty Bell is one of the nation's most iconic historic landmarks, symbolizing unity, activism, courage, and freedom. It was first installed in 1751 to commemorate 50 years of William Penn's Charter of Privileges . The bell was famously rung numerous times during the next century, including in 1776, when Colonel John Nixon rang the bell to summon residents for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The bell rang for the last time in 1851, creating its famous crack. It was then made “unringable” following a commemoration of George Washington's birthday.

Although silenced, the Liberty Bell remains an iconic symbol of freedom. The bell has inspired abolitionists, women suffragettes, and Civil Rights leaders. You can see the famed crack, read the inscription (including the "Pass and Stow" inscription that inspired that one clue in "National Treasure"), and envision the Liberty Bell's storied history in one memorable visit. You'll also gain greater insight into America's history and heritage at this Philadelphia tourist attraction.

2. Rise Above at the Rocky Statue and Steps

A popular tourist attraction in Philly, the Rocky Statue and Steps are movie stars in their own right, as iconic as Philly itself. The 72 steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art are the same ones from the iconic 1976 film “Rocky.” Sylvester Stallone stars as the underdog boxer Rocky Balboa, who ran up these very steps every morning on his quest to defeat the reigning world champion in a thrilling match.

The towering bronze statue of Rocky at the foot of the steps made its film debut in “Rocky III.” For locals and visitors, the statue symbolizes the underdog's triumph against all odds and people's determination to rise above their circumstances, whatever the challenge.

Whether visiting the Rocky Statue and Steps as a tribute to your favorite films or encouraging yourself to face new challenges, you will feel inspired when you leave. Pro tip: be sure to snap a picture with the Rocky Statue to celebrate your triumphs.

3. Relive History at Independence Hall

Independence Hall holds a unique place in American history. It was here that the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were debated and signed by the Founding Fathers, and the United States was born. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this renowned Philly landmark is an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy.

Originally built in the mid-1700s to house Pennsylvania’s colonial government, the building’s Assembly Room bears witness to the remarkable history that took place here. Explore the distinct architectural influences of this remarkable building. Immerse yourself in history as you imagine listening to Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, and other founding fathers debate the principles on which this country was founded.

As the centerpiece of the Independence National Historical Park, Independence Hall invites you to take a step back in time where history is preserved . Take a guided tour to learn even more about this unique period in U.S. history.

4. Taste World Cuisines at Reading Terminal Market

The Reading Terminal Market is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is one of Philadelphia's best and most diverse places. The market houses rows of food and beverage stalls from everywhere. You can get souvlaki for starters, order an authentic Philly cheesesteak as your entree (of course), and end with a South American or Asian dessert. Aside from the wide range of produce, the Reading Terminal Market has an impressive history.

It is one of the oldest and most significant markets in the nation, with visitors coming by for more than 130 years. The market aims to preserve and promote the history and culture of unique heritages, and you can expect a vibrant atmosphere when you visit. Experience different cultures, share delicious food and drinks, go shopping, take home souvenirs, and enjoy a memorable day in one of the oldest and most culturally relevant destinations in Philly.

5. Explore History Through Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Even non-museum aficionados can appreciate the Philadelphia Museum of Art. After all, who wouldn't want to see paintings by artists like Van Gogh and Renoir in person?

Throughout its 149 years, the museum has become a place for art, history, cultural exhibitions, and teachings. It is also home to 200-year-old pieces from ancient and medieval times, as well as pieces from times of war and eras of industrial transformation. With more than 200,000 exhibitions on display, you can easily spend an afternoon exploring. If you're traveling with art lovers, you may have to drag them away so that you have time for the other Philly sights!

The museum, situated along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, has undergone many renovations over the years to make room for more art. The building itself is just as memorable as what's housed inside, so don't be surprised if you find yourself staring at the stunning Greek-style architecture. The columns, sculptures, and bronze griffins are incredible to see in real life.

Journey through the Renaissance, Impressionist, and Modern movements, and witness the world's history through the eyes of renowned artists at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

6. Explore the Solitary Cells at Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary is one of Philadelphia's most prominent attractions. The prison used solitary isolation as a way of reforming prisoners. However, the controversial method was considered inhumane, and the prison closed down in the 1970s . It was abandoned for many years before becoming a museum and tourist attraction that allows visitors to take guided tours and witness the cell blocks where prisoners like Al Capone served sentences.

The building, molded after a Gothic or medieval structural design, was one of the most expensive developments in the U.S. at the time. Its brick and stone ceilings and secluded cell blocks paint a picture of the cold and strict conditions prisoners endured. You can see its eerie and fascinating history preserved in the cells, walls, arches, and stained windows.

Visiting Eastern State Penitentiary is an enthralling and educational experience for anyone interested in history. The prison is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours for holidays like Halloween.

7. Learn About Art Diversity at the Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation — built by Dr. Albert C. Barnes — is an iconic Philadelphia tourist attraction. It houses a diverse collection of European paintings, African art, Greek antiquities, and Native American ceramics. Situated between the Franklin Institutes and Rodin Museum, the Barnes Foundation offers a unique experience for enthusiasts and admirers. It's an excellent outing for art lovers or school groups visiting Philadelphia.

The art assortment is inclusive, distinct, colorful, masterful, classic, futuristic, and educational, providing a memorable tour. Extra eager learners can scan display barcodes with their smartphones to learn more about the pieces and their contributors, making the Barnes Foundation a traditional art gallery experience with an innovative twist.

8. Witness Creativity at Magic Gardens

Out of all the things to see in Philadelphia, the Magic Gardens is one of the most enchanting. The Magic Gardens is a street art museum on South Street displaying quirky, colorful, and unconventional artwork. The Magic Gardens showcases founder Isiah Zagar's life through mirrors, wheels, bottles, paint, and patterns. It is a hallmark of his experiences and Philadelphia's exceptional heritage.

You can tour the museum or explore the outdoor complex for yourself, complete with vibrancy and intrigue. The Magic Gardens has various exhibits throughout the year, so you can see something new to see each time. Taking a picture in front of the multicolored walls is an excellent way to capture the magic and beauty of your Philly excursion.

9. See Famous Sculptures at the Rodin Museum

The Rodin Museum is an iconic Philly landmark housing the most Rodin sculptures outside Paris. It is home to some of his most famous pieces, like The Thinker and Two Lovers, so whether you're a Rodin admirer or new to his work, you can't go wrong with this experience.

The marble sculptures are sleek against the contemporary walls and floors, each one expressing classical designs and distinguished emotions. Touring the museum offers a chance to learn about Rodin and appreciate the feelings and expressions in his work.

10. Learn Coin History at the United States Mint

You might not consider the coins in your purse interesting, but learning how they're made sure is. Visiting the United States Mint is an essential thing to do in Philadelphia. The United States Mint is a fundamental part of American history and has manufactured coins for more than 200 years. The institution boasts a rich history and illustrates the development and evolution of coins in the U.S.

Visiting the United States Mint offers a chance to explore and learn what goes into coin design and manufacturing. The building offers artifacts, history, and demonstrations on the making and stamping of coins. The United States Mint is located above the manufacturing factory and provides an experience beyond expectations. Families and collectors can enjoy a fascinating educational journey and tour through coinage.

11. Go on a Cultural Journey at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History showcases Jewish culture and history in the U.S. The museum offers an enlightening experience, displaying artifacts from Jewish artists and contributors. Visitors can hear stories about education, work, slavery, and the accomplishments of Jewish people. You can tour four floors of the museum, each providing an extensive look into Jewish America throughout the decades. The displays are sure to provide an intriguing and enriching experience for people of all cultures.

12. Explore the Beauty of Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Philadelphia. It's the most extensive botanical garden in Philly, housing more than 10,000 plant species. When planning what to do in and around Philly, add Longwood Gardens as a day trip. This horticulture wonderland is situated in Kennet Square, 50 miles from Philly, and is an excellent full-day excursion.

Spend the day roaming the gardens and admiring the colorful flower varieties. Attend one of the garden events , like music and fountain shows or concerts. Or, enjoy lunch at one of the restaurant and cafe options and indulge in a drink at the beer garden. Longwood Gardens offers fun, exploration, nature, photo-ops, food, drinks, and good times. It's an ideal destination for couples, friends, and family. You can don your best springtime outfit and surround yourself with beautiful flowers — what's better than that?

13. Kick Back at Spruce Street Harbor Park

The Spruce Street Harbor Park tops the list of fun things to do in Philadelphia. Situated on the Delaware River Waterfront, Spruce Street Harbor is a popular summer destination for locals and tourists. The park overlooks the river and is lively with greenery, sitting areas, food vendors, and activities.

Renting a hammock is one of the highlights of visiting the park. Friends and families can sit back, relax, watch the sunset, play board games, grab a bite to eat, and take in the Philly views. It's an excellent day and night venue and a great way to kick back if you want a relaxing day in Philly. The trees are luminous at night with colorful lights, and the atmosphere is vibrant and packed with families and friends from all over.

14. Marvel at the Views at Cira Green

Sightseeing in Philadelphia is only complete with a stop at Cira Green. Cira Green is no ordinary rooftop park — it sits on a parking structure in Downtown Philadelphia, overlooking the city center. The hidden gem is brimming with greenery and flowers!

Visiting Cira Green is an excellent way to see the city. The rooftop venue hosts various events, like big-screen movie viewings. There's also a bar, food options, and comfortable sitting areas. At Cira Green, you can enjoy a day or night out with friends and make lasting memories. It's also a cozy date night spot and perfect for meeting new people.

15. Visit the Last-Standing Edgar Allen Poe House

We all remember reading Edgar Allen Poe's short stories and poems in high school English class, and if they resonated with you, then the Edgar Allen Poe House would make an interesting Philadelphia tourist attraction. The three-story residence was one of Poe's many homes and is the last one standing. Situated in the National Historical Park, you can get a quick and insightful tour of Edgar Allen Poe's Life and work when you visit. While some parts of the house were restored, many walls and features remain the same, preserving its authenticity.

You might hear a staff member read one of his original poems if you're lucky enough. For enthusiasts and those who want a rare experience in Philly, visiting the Poe house is a fascinating and worthwhile option.

16. Unwind at Shofuso Japanese Garden

If you're looking for quiet or less touristy things to do in Philadelphia, PA, then Shofuso Japanese Garden is the perfect place. The Shofuso Japanese Garden, which is a few miles from the city center, is a small, tranquil, and beautiful oasis. Perfect for those who want an alternative to the inner city tourist spots.

The garden surrounds a traditional Japanese-style house, complete with a koi pond, flowers, waterfalls, and streams. Explore the garden's unique features, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the flowing water and pink cherry blossoms. Tour the house to learn about Japanese heritage through visual displays or relax with a rejuvenating stroll.

17. Escape to Wissahickon Valley Park

Wissahickon Valley Park is an extraordinary nature experience. It is a hidden gem off the beaten path and perfect if you're looking for an outdoor escape and adventure. The park boasts distinct features like a red-covered bridge, stunning greenery, and beautiful views. Wissahickon Park also has historic hiking and running trails — like Forbidden Drive — nestled deep in the forest.

The park also offers a charming roadhouse to stop and refuel. It is home to diverse wildlife and provides an ideal break for those eager for nature activity near the city. In fall, the leaves don beautiful autumn colors, while summer and spring bring a lush green backdrop of leaves. Pack your camera or phone for some mesmerizing photos.

18. Tour the Betsy Ross House

Betsy Ross owned an upholstery business with her first husband, John Ross, and is famous for supposedly sewing the first American flag. If the history of the nation's flag piques your interest, you've got to add the Betsy Ross House to your Philly things-to-do list.

After Betsy's death, a speech by her grandson describes how she helped design the Stars and Stripes. After George Washington and Congress members came to her shop with a sketch of the flag, she also helped stitch it.

While there's no evidence to prove Betsy sewed the American flag, the Betsy Ross House is a trip worth making. You can take a self-guided or audio tour through her home in Old City. The tour provides information about Betsy's life, work, and patriotism. At the end of the tour, a Betsy Ross impersonator answers all your questions, so come prepared with some good ones.

The house remains the same, placing you back in the 17th century when Betsy lived, worked, and contributed to America's history. Quick tip here: The house has three flights of stairs, so wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the experience with friends or family.

19. Enjoy the Vibe at Citizens Bank Park

For more fun things to do in Philly, visit Citizens Bank Park, home to the Philadelphia Phillies. The park offers excellent seating, food and beverage options , and an electric atmosphere — it's a complete vibe.

Sport red, white, and blue and join locals and traveling fans in cheering on their favorite team. There are many delicious food kiosks and outdoor beer gardens to enjoy before and after the game. Also, you might spot famous fans like Bradley Cooper or Miles Teller!

If you want an exclusive experience, book a guided tour of the stadium. Tours last around 75 minutes, giving you an inside look at locker rooms and trophy displays. You'll also get the opportunity to take pictures in the stadium and on the pitch. Visiting Citizens Bank Park is an excellent way to unwind, experience Philly traditions, and have a fun day.

Need a bigger sports fix? Might we recommend a trip to Lincoln Financial Field to catch an Eagles game , or perhaps a stop at the Wells Fargo Center to see the Flyers ? Philadelphia is home to some of the most passionate sports fans out there — so bring the excitement if you head to a game!

20. Walk Back in Time at Elfreth's Alley

Elfreth's Alley is often at the top of the list when planning what to see and do in Philadelphia. The 32-house neighborhood is one of the oldest suburbs in the U.S. Walk down the alley and admire the homes and history, or take a 45-minute guided tour . You can also visit the museum and learn the history of the families and merchants who lived and worked on the alley.

Citizens still live in many residences, making the street livelier. Visiting Elfreth's Alley provides a sentimental trip through history and is also one of the best places to take pictures in Philly.

21. Kimmel Center

Along the Avenue of the Arts, you'll find the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts . This is the perfect spot for music lovers or those looking for a night of unforgettable entertainment. There's no shortage of events all year round, so you can be sure to catch a show during your trip. Enjoy Broadway shows, comedy specials, films, workshops, operas, jazz music, and free community entertainment.

Stop in to see a beloved celebrity performer or take the whole family to a famous ballet. The iconic Philadelphia Orchestra also performs here, giving you an authentic impression of Philly music culture. The Kimmel Center also offers special hotel rates and packages reserved for guests. Within blocks of the Cultural Campus, you can access pre-show dining options, themed cocktails, and nightlife. You'll also find upscale shopping and historical museums across the street!

Discover More Philly Activities With visitPA

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At visitPA, we understand the importance of exploring everything a city has to offer. That's why we help you discover niche events, travel destinations, and adventures in Pennsylvania. Visit for a day or stay for a few nights to appreciate our gardens, museums, stadiums, and galleries. Whether exploring Philadelphia or elsewhere in PA, our newsletter is your trusted guide for unique sights and events.

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