Ultimate Travel Guide to Philadelphia, USA

Overview

Philadelphia, also known as “Philly,” is a historic city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and serves as the county seat of Philadelphia County. It’s rich in history, culture, and delectable cuisine, making it an ideal destination for tourists.

Places to Visit

1. Independence Mall: Home to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted, as well as the Liberty Bell.
2. Philadelphia Museum of Art: Known for its grand staircase and iconic “Rocky” steps, it houses an extensive collection of artworks.
3. Franklin Square: One of five original open spaces in Philadelphia, offering attractions like a carousel, mini golf, and picnic areas.
4. The Liberty Observation Deck: Offers panoramic views of the city from its 57th floor.
5. Eastern State Penitentiary: A former prison turned museum, known for its Gothic architecture and American criminal justice history.
6. Spruce Street Harbor Park: A waterfront park with food vendors, hammocks, and boat rentals during the summer months.

Activities

1. Philadelphia Phillies Game: Catch a baseball game at Citizens Bank Park.
2. Boat Tour of Philadelphia: Explore the Delaware River and learn about the city’s history.
3. Philly Beer Week: An annual celebration of Philly’s craft beer scene, usually held in late October.
4. First Friday: Monthly event where galleries and museums stay open late and offer special events.
5. Philadelphia Flower Show: The nation’s longest-running horticultural event, typically held in early summer.

Where to Eat

1. Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks: Iconic spots for Philly cheesesteaks.
2. Reading Terminal Market: A historic public market offering a variety of food vendors, including Amish fare.
3. Victor Cafe: Known for its crab cakes and live jazz music.
4. Zahav: Award-winning restaurant specializing in modern Israeli cuisine.
5. Pizzeria Vetri: Offers some of the best pizza in the city.

Where to Stay

1. Rittenhouse Hotel: Luxury hotel located in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.
2. Sofitel Philadelphia: Upscale hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant.
3. The Loews Philadelphia Hotel: Centrally located hotel offering modern amenities.
4. Hyatt at The Bellevue: Historic hotel with elegant rooms and a rooftop lounge.

Things to Know

1. Public Transportation: SEPTA provides bus, subway, and regional rail services throughout the city.
2. Tipping: It’s customary to tip around 20% in restaurants and bars.
3. Weather: Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold with occasional snow.
4. Safety: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Transportation

1. SEPTA Key: A reloadable travel card for SEPTA’s buses, subways, and trolleys.
2. Indego Bike Share: A bike-sharing system with stations throughout the city.
3. Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis and services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.

Tips

1. Free Museum Days: Many museums offer free admission on specific days, so plan your visit accordingly.
2. Food Tours: Take a food tour to explore the city’s diverse cuisine.
3. Happy Hour: Check out local bars for happy hour deals, usually during the late afternoon.
4. Philly Phanatic: Catch a Phillies game to see the team’s beloved mascot in action.