Category: Philadelphia

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Philadelphia visitors guide

Our Philadelphia visitors guide will make your day trip in the city much more enjoyable and allow you to optimize your time.

Do you know that Philly (yes, that’s the nickname locals have been giving the city for centuries) is one of the top destinations in the United States?

Yes, the city where Rocky used to train every morning is the custodian of a rich historical heritage and monuments of great value.

In its Independence Hall, a building at 520 Chestnut Street, the United States affirmed its independence and adopted a national constitution.

But Philly is also famous for the stunning art museums and the beautiful parks surrounding its borders.

Are you ready to discover everything about this fantastic city? Let’s get started!

Philly at a glance

  • Airport – Philadelphia International Airport is the primary airport serving the city with ca. 31.7 million passengers annually. It’s the 21st busiest airport in the USA.
  • Time zone – Time zone in Philadelphia, PA, USA (GMT-5).
  • Climate – Philadelphia’s summers are pretty warm and humid; winters are cold and snowy. Generally, the city is partly cloudy year-round.
  • Best times to visit – The best season to visit Philly is spring. From March to May, the city thaws out, and hotels have somewhat lower rates. Plus, in the spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in all Philadelphia neighborhoods!
  • Currency – USD dollar ($).
  • How to get around – Philly has a very efficient public transportation system. Another great way to get around town is by bike when it’s not too cold!
  • City passPhiladelphia CityPASS grants access to the city’s top attractions and other advantages.
  • Visitor center location – 599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States (Independence Visitor Center).
  • One unmissable attraction – The Liberty Bell.

Philadelphia visitors guide | How to get from Philadelphia Airport to Downtown Philadelphia

Philadelphia travel restrictions – If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 800-232-4636.

There are several ways to reach the City Center from the Airport.

Option 1 – By train

One of the most convenient and inexpensive ways to leave the Airport and get downtown is to take the train.

From Terminal A of the Airport, you can take the Airport Lines operated by SEPTA and get to Suburban Station.

The trip will take about 24 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the station and cost $6 (one-way). Tickets are free for seniors over 65 years old.

Option 2 – By Bus

SEPTA also operates a few bus lines that take you from the Airport. The bus is the cheapest way to get around since it costs $3.

The time of the journey can vary from 35 to 48 minutes and depends on the traffic.

The 37 and 108 lines take you to the Broad St & Snyder Av – MBNS stop, in the city’s southern area and just a few meters from the subway station.

Option 4 – By car

Driving from Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to your destination in the city is a very convenient option that will save you money (compared to taxis).

You can rent a car directly at the airport by taking advantage of the numerous services available.

Option 5 – Shuttle

If you want to reach the City of Philadelphia from the Airport, you can also take a shuttle.

For example, choosing Shuttles by Jayride, you’ll pay $35 to $55 to reach your destination in about 15 minutes.

How to rent a bike in Philly

Our Philadelphia visitors guide couldn’t forget the greenest option to get around town.

Philly is very accessible, so visiting it by bike can become a super cool experience! Plus, this option is perfect if you are on leisure travel!

You can find companies everywhere that cater to classic or electric vehicle rentals. There are also plenty of apps you can download and use in seconds.

For example, you can use Indego, which allows you to take a classic or electric bike via a very convenient app.

You can also find many Philadelphia Bike Tours with local guides who will show you all the city’s secrets!

Philadelphia visitors guide | Things to do and see in the city

If you’re wondering, “is Philadelphia worth visiting?” the answer is it is! Find out here all the most popular places in the city.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is considered the city’s cultural heart and surprises visitors at every corner.

The collection includes works of modern and contemporary art and an exhaustive collection of costumes, prints, photographs, and drawings.

Thus, you can find Pablo PicassoSalvador Dali, and essential works by Agnes Martin, Jasper Johns, and Sol LeWitt.

Opening Hours

  • Monday, 10:00-17:00
  • Tuesday, Closed
  • Wednesday, Closed
  • Thursday, 10:00am-5:00pm
  • Friday, 10:00-8:45
  • Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm
  • Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm.

Closed July 4 and Christmas Day open until 3:00 pm.

General Admission Rates

  • Adults $25
  • Seniors (65 and older) $23
  • Students with valid ID $14
  • Youth (18 and under) free
  • Members Free
  • Guests of members $12.

You can also reserve tickets online before your visit and show them when you arrive.

How to reach this place: you can reach the museum by car. Use the Philadelphia Museum of Art Parking Garage or get off at Suburban Station.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall is the historic building where the United States Declaration of Independence was debated, and the Constitution was adopted.

This historic City Hall is located on Chestnut Street (between Fifth and Sixth Streets). You can enter for a tour from Chestnut Street after passing a security checkpoint.

Opening hours and fees

Liberty Hall is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Of course, entrance is only allowed for those who wish to take a tour.

You enter on a first-come, first-served basis in January and February, except on certain special days when they require timed tickets.

Tickets

No tickets are required in January and February, except February 19-21, 2022.

Tickets are required to enter Independence Hall from March through December.

Find out how to obtain tickets.

How to reach this place: you can use the subway and get off at 5th St Independence Hall Station.

Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is a Philadelphia historical monument and represents American independence.

It’s located in the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park.

The Liberty Bell shows on its surface an important message for the States, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10).

You can see it on your tour at the Liberty Bell Center, along with movies and exhibits. Admission is free, and opening hours vary, so check the official website first.

How to reach this place: get off at 5th St Independence Hall Station.

The Franklin Institute

While visiting the old city, you could meet this place on your way. If this happens, you’ll want to ensure you don’t miss it!

This museum is dedicated to the memory of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most brilliant minds of the 18th century.

The museum hosts exhibitions on science education and research.

View opening hours on the website.

Address: 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States.

Get more information on the independence visitor center website.

National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park is the birthplace of democracy and a protected historic district. Crucial events that formed the United States took place here.

Inside the park, you will find Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, National Constitution Center, Benjamin Franklin Museum, and the Independence Visitor Center. Most of these attractions are free admission.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary, also known as ESP, is a former U.S. prison and was in operation from 1829 until 1971.

Today it is a National Historic Landmark that can be visited Wednesday through Sunday.

Closed on: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Address: 2027 Fairmount Avenue between Corinthian Avenue and North 22nd Street in the Fairmount section.

Philadelphia Downtown

Downtown Philadelphia has a lot in store for its visitors.

Aside from the museums and attractions we have mentioned, in the Center of the City, you will find restaurants where you can taste the local cuisine and many cafes to recover energy between one tour and another.

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