Photos shot on location by an Oyster.com Hotel Investigator—so what you see is what you'll get.
Philadelphia Summary
Pros
- Independence National Historic park, home to Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, and the Liberty Bell Museum
- Impressive, historic architecture, including both landmark skyscrapers and 18th-century buildings
- Penn's Landing, a waterfront neighborhood that's home to several historic ships available for tours, Adventure Aquarium, and the Independence Seaport Museum
- The picturesque Rittenhouse Square Park
- Quality restaurants and bars
- Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site
- For sports fans, The Phillies, Flyers, 76ers, and Eagles
- Famous cheesesteaks at Pat's, Genos, and Jim's in South Philadelphia
- Beautiful, historic academic buildings in University City
Cons
- Lots of crowds in the summer (particularly Independence Day weekend)
- Vagrancy is prevalent
- Crime is a problem in West Philadelphia
- Cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers
What It's Like
Philadelphia is famous its rich revolution-era history, its architecture (modern landmark skyscrapers and historic brick buildings sit side-by-side), and its truly fanatic sports fans (the Phillies, Flyers, 76ers, and Eagles all play here). Most leisure travelers come for the history, and the numerous historic sites in Old City (including Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, and the Liberty Bell Museum) are all within easy walking distance of each other.
The University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University are both located in the eastern area of West Philadelphia known (aptly) as University City. This area is a destination for prospective students and their families as well as leisure travelers who want to take in the beautiful, historic campuses.
South Philadelphia is primarily a destination because of its food -- or more specifically, its cheesesteaks. No true Philadelphian doesn't have an opinion about where to find the city's best steak sandwiches, and the most popular choices -- which include Pat's, Genos, and Jim's -- are all located in this neighborhood.
Where To Stay
Most visitors stay in Center City, Philadelphia's commercial and cultural center. Business travelers will likely want to stay in Penn Center, the area around City Hall where most of the city's corporate offices are located. Those most interested in the historic sites should stay in or near Old City, on the eastern side of the neighborhood, close to Independence National Historic Park. Those who want to be closest to the city's best eateries and bars might prefer to stay in the Rittenhouse Square area.
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Facts
| Languages: | English |
| Airport: | |
| Peak: | June - August |
| Currency: | |
| Electricity: | 120 V, 60 Hz |
| Tipping: | 15-20% at restaurants |
Oyster Travel Guides
Center City Travel Guide
Center City is Philadelphia's commercial and cultural center, and the vast majority of the city's… Read More
