Welcome to Philadelphia:
This is not really a story about what to see and do in Philadelphia. It is an attempt to get you around this sprawling metropolis without destroying your budget. As with most major cities, Philadelphia offers plenty of easy ways to pay top dollar for things that won't really enhance your experience. Get a
Rand McNally Philadelphia Street Map.
When to Visit:
Winters can be very cold and snowy; summers are sometimes hot and quite humid. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather options. Most visitors do come in summer, especially on Independence Day. Be sure to reserve well in advance for those popular dates.
Shop for flights to Philadelphia and gauge the seasonal prices for airfares.
Where to Eat:
Philly cheese steak sandwiches are famous and easy to find. But the region features a wide range of ethnic specialties that also should not be missed.
Menupages.com provides quick online access to hundreds of menus and budget choices. Many of the restaurant choices, grouped geographically, have been reviewed. If you have room in your budget for a big splurge, consider
Bookbinder's at 125 Walnut Street. The specialty is seafood and the atmosphere is old Philadelphia. The lunch menu is also a splurge but a bit more affordable.
Where to Stay:
Central Philadelphia (commonly called "center city") is among the most densely populated areas you'll find anywhere in the U.S. Real estate is expensive and hotel rates reflect the costs of doing business there. Many budget travelers have success booking rooms along I-95 near the airport, but you'll have to factor in transportation costs if your goal is to visit center city. Do a
baseline search to determine the going rate for a room at the time of your visit. Check online auctions such as
Priceline if bidding for a central room is to your advantage.
Getting Around:
SEPTA is an acronym for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority. SEPTA offers a $6 USD
one-day pass that's good for eight rides on any bus, trolley or subway train (but not for regional rail). If you'll be spending more time, there is a one-week TransPass for $20.75 that allows unlimited travel within a given zone. Opt for cabs at night. In some areas, mass transit can be unsafe after dark.
Lancaster County:
Although there are many Amish communities across the U.S.,
Lancaster County has one of the largest and best-known settlements. U.S. 30 is the best route from Philadelphia to the city of Lancaster. The trip takes about 90 minutes from central Philadelphia. Some of the attractions here are very touristy, but it's possible to visit authentic Amish farms, farmer's markets and sample some delicious meals at prices that won't break your budget.
Atlantic City:
About 65 miles east of Philadelphia lies Atlantic City, a day trip enjoyed by many visitors to Philly. Much like
Las Vegas, Atlantic City offers a wide array of casinos and top-name entertainment. You can find
discounts on rooms and shows with a little online shopping before you go. New Jersey Transit Trains leave 14 times a day from Philadelphia's 30th Street Station and stop at the Atlantic City Terminal, where a free shuttle bus serves a variety of casinos. The
train ride is just $8 USD each way.
More Philadelphia Tips:
For history buffs and nature lovers: Valley Forge
This is where George Washington and his troops spent a miserable winter that nearly cut his military numbers in half. You can tour the Valley Forge Historic Site on foot for free, but you'll pay for more elaborate tours. There's a nice flat path through wooded areas and picnic sites.
Philadelphia City Pass: 30 attractions, one price
This CityPass for Philadelphia offers admission to places such as Lights of Liberty Show, National Constitution Center, Atwater Kent Museum, The Academy of Natural Sciences, National Liberty Museum, Battleship New Jersey, Betsy Ross House and more. Passes start at $47/day for adults. It offers up to $350 in admissions, but take a look at the list of participating attractions and decide how many of them you have the time and desire to visit. In many cases, if you're go to at least three or four anyway, the pass makes sense.
Parking is tight, so consider alternatives.
Mass transportation is a good choice here when safe and practical. Philadelphia has a very active cycling community, and there are lots of places to rent a bike.
University City offers a college town experience.
This was Philly's first suburb, and it is now a vibrant urban area that's home to several colleges and universities, including Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania. Here you'll find a variety of museums, cafes, shops and tree-lined streets.
Shop tax free
King of Prussia Mall houses more than 400 stores and restaurants. They do not charge sales taxes on clothing or shoes. Not a bad deal if you can find items that start out reasonably priced. From I-76, take exit 327 onto Mall Blvd.
