Philadelphia Travel Guide

Overly flowing with history, Philadelphia has much to offer both the young and the old alike. Hailed the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia is a great place to travel as a family, with your buddies or with your significant other. Whether you go for the cheese steak sandwiches or the up close view of American history, a Philadelphia vacation will not disappoint.

Things to Do in Philadelphia

The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are two of Philadelphia’s popular attractions that must not be missed. Taking in the sites where the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed is enough to stir the patriotic spirit within any visitor. The Franklin Institute Science Museum and the Rodin Museum are also two stops that may be worth your time. The science museum is a tribute to Benjamin Franklin, one of Philadelphia’s most famous ambassadors. The Eastern State Penitentiary and Civil War Library and Museum are also two popular tourist attractions with historical merit, although the former prison is only open during certain months of the year.

If you’re looking for the best cheese steak in town, be sure to stop by Leo’s Steak Shop. Although it looks shabby on the outside, and seating is very limited, Leo is known for piling tender meat high and creating the perfect Philly cheese steak sandwich.

Sports fans can enjoy watching the Philadelphia Phillies play nine innings or they watch the Philadelphia Eagles toss the pigskin depending on the time of year they visit.

Best Times to Visit Philadelphia

Summers in Philadelphia tend to be muggy, and winters can be absolutely frigid. The best times of year to visit Philadelphia are the fall, the late spring or the early summer. These times of year tend to be fairly mild making it easy to tour Philadelphia on foot.

Ground Transportation and Airfare

Hailed one of America’s best walking cities, Philadelphia has a very tourist friendly layout making it easy to walk to most of the popular sites and destinations should the weather allow. Other popular options include Phlash, the purple tour bus turned trolley that runs to all of the major tourist attractions between the months of May and November. For only $2, it’s a great way to get around town. There is also a great bus and subway system that runs through the city and weekly passes make vacation travel economical. Taxis and rental cars are also viable options for getting around Philly.

For a more unique experience, travelers can opt to ride the Ducks. One unique vehicle can take travelers around Philadelphia both on land and in the water for a truly unforgettable experience.

Philadelphia International Airport is housed right in the city making it easy for visitors to find cheap flights to Philadelphia. Discount airfare to Philadelphia can be easy to come by if you are willing to look for it. Current cheap flights to Philadelphia start at $186 from JFK, $205 from ORD, $382 from SFO and $395 from LAX.

Lodging Options in Philadelphia

Philadelphia provides tons of unique lodging opportunities. Although traditional hotels and motels are offered, many travelers prefer one of the alternatives. Couples might find that a bed and breakfast adds a little more history and romantic ambiance, while large groups or individual travelers who are more budget minded might prefer to stay at a hostel. College students who are visiting Philly may opt to stay in the student accommodations offered at Penn State, and families looking to save a few bucks may choose to stay at one of Philadelphia’s campgrounds. Truly, Philadelphia offers lodging options for everyone no matter their budgetary needs or desires.