Philadelphia Travel Guide (Philadelphia Region/Pennsylvania/Mid-Atlantic/United States of America/North America)

Introduction to Philadelphia
List of Places to Visit in Philadelphia
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Philadelphia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Philadelphia
Best Things to Do in Philadelphia: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Philadelphia
Food and Drink Scene of Philadelphia
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Philadelphia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Philadelphia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Philadelphia
Best Time to Visit Philadelphia
Do’s and Don’ts of Philadelphia
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Philadelphia
- Health in Philadelphia
Getting to Philadelphia: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Philadelphia
Where to Go Next from Philadelphia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Philadelphia

Philadelphia, known as the “City of Brotherly Love,” is a vibrant city filled with history, culture, and plenty of things to do. Located in the Philadelphia Region of Pennsylvania, in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America, Philadelphia is a major cultural and economic center of the region. With a rich heritage dating back to the American Revolution, the city has a lot to offer visitors.

List of Places to Visit in Philadelphia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Philadelphia is home to numerous museums and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of the city and the country. Here are some of the popular cultural attractions to visit:

Independence National Historical Park: This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. Visitors can take guided tours of the hall and other sites, such as the Liberty Bell Center and the Franklin Court museum.
Philadelphia Museum of Art: This museum houses an impressive collection of art from around the world, including works by famous artists such as Picasso and van Gogh.
National Museum of American Jewish History: This museum showcases the Jewish-American experience through interactive exhibits, film screenings, and cultural events.
Eastern State Penitentiary: Once a notorious prison, this historic building is now a museum that offers guided tours that explain the prison’s history and its role in the development of the modern prison system.

Natural Attractions of Philadelphia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Philadelphia is also home to many parks and outdoor spaces, offering visitors a chance to enjoy nature and scenic views. Here are some popular natural attractions:

Fairmount Park: This large park spans over 2,000 acres and includes hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and historic landmarks such as the Smith Memorial Arch.
Schuylkill River Trail: This trail stretches over 30 miles along the Schuylkill River, providing stunning views of the city skyline and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as biking and jogging.
Wissahickon Valley Park: This park is a nature-lover’s paradise, with over 50 miles of hiking trails winding through lush forests and along the Wissahickon Creek.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Philadelphia

If you love hiking and biking, Philadelphia has plenty of great trails to explore.

Valley Forge National Historical Park: This park has over 28 miles of trails that wind through forests, meadows, and historic landmarks.
Forbidden Drive: This scenic route follows the Wissahickon Creek and Valley Green Road, offering stunning views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Schuylkill River Trail: As mentioned above, this trail stretches over 30 miles and offers smooth, flat terrain that is perfect for biking.

Best Things to Do in Philadelphia: Activities and Tours

Philadelphia has plenty of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular:

City Segway Tours: This tour company offers guided tours of the city by Segway, providing a unique and fun way to see the sights.
Philadelphia Zoo: This zoo is one of the oldest and best in the country, with over 1,300 animals representing over 40 species.
Reading Terminal Market: This indoor market has been a Philadelphia institution since 1893, offering a wide variety of food and drink options.
One Liberty Observation Deck: This observation deck provides stunning panoramic views of the city skyline from 883 feet high.

Week-Long Itinerary for Philadelphia

If you plan to spend a week in Philadelphia, here is a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day 1: Visit Independence National Historical Park and the Liberty Bell Center.
Day 2: Take a walking tour of the city’s historic neighborhoods such as Old City, Society Hill, and Queen Village.
Day 3: Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and explore Fairmount Park.
Day 4: Take a food tour of the city, exploring local favorites such as cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and Italian hoagies.
Day 5: Explore the Reading Terminal Market and take a tour of the Eastern State Penitentiary.
Day 6: Visit the National Museum of American Jewish History and take a bike ride on the Schuylkill River Trail.
Day 7: Take a trip to Valley Forge National Historical Park and Wissahickon Valley Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Philadelphia

Philadelphia is known for its food scene, offering a range of local specialties and global cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Cheesesteak: A Philly classic, the cheesesteak consists of thinly sliced steak and melted cheese on a hoagie roll.
Soft Pretzel: Another Philly staple, the soft pretzel is a salty, chewy treat that is perfect for snacking.
Roast Pork Sandwich: This sandwich is made with slow-roasted pork, broccoli rabe, and provolone cheese on a hoagie roll.
Italian Hoagie: This cold sandwich is filled with Italian meats, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a hoagie roll.

Local Beverages

Yuengling Beer: Based in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Yuengling is the oldest operating brewery in the country and a popular choice for beer lovers.
Wawa Iced Tea: This convenience store chain offers a unique blend of iced tea that is both sweet and refreshing.
Philadelphia-style Lemon Water Ice: Similar to Italian ice, this frozen treat is flavored with real fruit and a touch of sweetness.

Where to Stay in Philadelphia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Philadelphia offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the popular options:

The Rittenhouse Hotel: This luxurious hotel in the heart of the city offers elegant rooms, a spa, and fine dining options.
Apple Hostels of Philadelphia: This budget-friendly hostel is located in Old City and offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms.
The Philadelphia House: This guesthouse is located near the University of Pennsylvania and offers comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Philadelphia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to bring home a piece of Philly, here are some souvenirs and local products to consider:

Soft Pretzels: These make a great snack for the trip back home.
Tastykakes: These sweet treats are a Philly staple and come in a variety of flavors.
Philadelphia Phillies Gear: If you’re a sports fan, consider picking up some gear from the city’s baseball team.

Local Culture and Customs of Philadelphia

Philadelphia is known for its friendly locals and relaxed atmosphere. Here are some customs to keep in mind:

Don’t exceed the speed limit: Philadelphia is infamous for its speed traps, so be sure to keep an eye on your speedometer.
Be polite and friendly: Philadelphians are generally very friendly and polite. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with a local.
Tip generously: Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars, and a good tip is always appreciated.

Best Time to Visit Philadelphia

The best time to visit Philadelphia is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Philadelphia

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Philadelphia:

Do:

Visit the museums and historical sites: Philadelphia is rich in history and culture, offering plenty of opportunities to learn and explore.
Try the local cuisine: Philly is known for its food scene, so be sure to sample some local specialties.
Take a walk or bike ride along the scenic trails: Philadelphia has plenty of green spaces that are perfect for outdoor activities.

Don’t:

Forget to bring your walking shoes: Many of Philadelphia’s attractions are within walking distance, so be sure to bring comfortable footwear.
Skip the cheesesteak: It’s a Philly tradition that should not be missed!
Underestimate the traffic: Philadelphia can be busy and congested, so plan accordingly.

Safety and Health

Philadelphia is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, there are precautions that should be taken. Here are some safety and health tips:

Safety in Philadelphia

Stay in well-lit areas at night: Avoid walking in unlit or unfamiliar areas after dark.
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight: Keep your belongings in a secure place and out of sight in your car or hotel room.
Be aware of your surroundings: Always be alert and aware of what’s going on around you.

Health in Philadelphia

Stay hydrated: Philadelphia can be hot and humid in the summer, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
Use sun protection: If you’re spending time outdoors, be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect from the sun’s harmful rays.
Be mindful of air quality: Philadelphia has high pollution levels, so those with respiratory issues may want to take extra precautions.

Getting to Philadelphia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Philadelphia is well-connected by air, bus, and train.

Airports Near Philadelphia

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the city’s main airport and serves many domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Philadelphia

Greyhound and Megabus operate from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station and offer connections to many major cities in the region.

Other Options

Amtrak also operates from 30th Street Station, providing connections to cities along the East Coast.

How to Get Around in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a walkable city, but there are also other transportation options available, such as:

SEPTA: This regional transportation system includes buses, trains, and trolleys, making it easy to get around the city.
Uber/Lyft: Ridesharing services are available in the city center.
Biking: Philadelphia has a bike share program called Indego that offers easy and affordable bike rentals.

Where to Go Next from Philadelphia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time, consider checking out some of these nearby destinations:

Valley Forge National Historical Park: This historic site is located just 20 miles from Philadelphia and offers hiking trails and historic landmarks.
Lancaster County: Located just over an hour’s drive from Philadelphia, Lancaster County is known for its picturesque Amish farmland and quaint towns.
Atlantic City: This famous beach town is located just an hour and a half from Philadelphia and offers casinos and a boardwalk.

Conclusion

Philadelphia is a city with a rich history and culture, offering something for everyone. From its museums and historical sites to its parks and outdoor spaces, there are plenty of things to see and do. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’re sure to have a great time exploring all that the “City of Brotherly Love” has to offer.