Philadelphia’s been on my list for a long time and I finally got to take a whirlwind tour. With only 24 hours, I have to include the highlights so here goes.
As with every major city, Philadelphia has a variety of hotels and inns that offer varying levels of comfort and cost. The daily price is typically between 80-900 EUR, depending on the location. Some areas are more expensive than others, some are further away from the city centre than others and some offer more amenities than others.
It’s always a good idea to book closer to the center of town if possible. Many cities like Philadelphia can have disadvantaged areas, and staying away from those as much as possible could save you time & money – as well as make for a less stressful stay.
It’s best to stay in the main tourist areas and not venture too far into the city. Places such as hotels and airports can be very safe, you should just try to avoid places where there are a lot of migrants or boarding houses. You might look for an Airbnb that’s outside of the city center but close by.
The locals absolutely love the cheesesteak sandwich. It might not be well-known elsewhere in the US, but it’s really popular here. Be sure to give it a try. If you ask what Philadelphia has noted in the world of culinary, it’s probably cheese steak. But not sushi.
Philadelphia has one of the strongest tourist-based economies in America, attracting more than 40 million visitors annually. After exploring it for a day or two, you can take an exciting road trip to East Las Vegas or Atlantic City. There are also plenty of great swimming beaches near the Atlantic Ocean.
When you get tired of swimming, you can take a ride to Delaware. There, you can shop tax-free and save a lot on shopping. Atlantic City and Delaware are both 1.5-2 hours away, so either be patient and check the bus schedule, or rent a car and enjoy a real American driving experience.
If you need assistance, please contact the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. They provide the most comprehensive travel information.
There are a lot of toll roads, be careful.
Philadelphia is served by four Metro lines with 85 stations. While less popular or convenient modes of transport, buses and trams are still an option to help you navigate the city.
Philadelphia is an industrial city, you can see it immediately as soon as you drive up to it.
Factories, production facilities, huge pipes of thermal power plants met us at the entrance to the city.
But don’t be alarmed: there is a lot to see in the city itself. Feel the history of the United States.
Philadelphia is one of the country’s most significant cities. Located here are the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and other iconic landmarks that represent American history. Therefore, I advise lovers of US history to take their time and thoroughly explore the city.
Considering its reputation for being a challenge to get through from the outskirts, I was surprised by how attractive Philadelphia looked from what I saw of it. Outside of these poor neighborhoods, my bike path passed through areas that were more reminiscent of parts of Africa than the United States. I must say that Philadelphia turned out to be a fairly compact city. Much smaller in size than the neighboring metropolitan areas of New York or Washington.
In the center, you can only find large houses. The buildings at the entrance to the center are rapidly changing from low buildings to high ones. The center is densely built up. Narrow streets seem to be squeezed by the surrounding houses. 4 main roads lead to the central square, which does not exist as such.
The city hall stands in the middle of the square, surrounded by roads all around. The place where central temples are usually located is now occupied by a Masonic cathedral. Apparently, the Freemasons have a serious influence on this American city. As it should be for any major US city, downtown Philadelphia is densely built up with skyscrapers that act as business centers.
Skyscrapers in Europe and the UK are not as tall as in the USA or Chicago, but many of them are quite old, built in the 1930s. The buildings twist back and forth in the city center. I visited Philadelphia Central Railway Station (with columns) & McKinsey office building (which has a lot of windows).
The buildings of the early XX century look cozy. The streets are constricted, but with their own charm. Most notable in the city is Independence Hall. The history-rich landmark is the location of where the American Congress met to sign The Declaration of Independence in 1776. It later became home to the US Constitution in 1789. The United States of America had its own unique origins. The building I visited in this city is currently under construction, but during my visit to the city it was adorned with US-themed flags and historical memorabilia.
I thought about visiting the place, but as the time ran out I had to leave. It seems like a very interesting place and should definitely be visited at some point. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site so it can be inscribed on that list as well. Near Independence Hall, there are several other historic houses and squares, as well as a separate pavilion with the sacred Liberty Bell for Americans.
Other famous filming locations in Philadelphia include the steps of the Art Museum- where Rocky trains- or at 7th & Market, where there is a beautiful view of the city. The Art Museum is also worth visiting, and you can relax in its park across from it.
The embankment is a nice place and I recommend going there. We had a good time and were able to breathe some fresh air after the stress of the city.
The centre of the city itself is pretty small, so you can get around by foot, but if you want to save time & energy or just have more of it to spend on other things there are double-decker buses which come with a tour – the price is about $20. The ticket is valid all day and you can get off and back on the bus at any stop.
I know a bit about Philadelphia mostly from a quick look at Central Philadelphia. On the outskirts, next to the motorway in what’s called South Philadelphia is a very interesting object–the Wells Fargo Center sports arena. Famous sports clubs – the hockey Philadelphia Fliers and the basketball Philadelphia 76ers – play here.
Take your time to say goodbye to Philadelphia. Be sure to walk to Downtown and wander between the glass skyscrapers of local corporations.
