Find cheap flights to Philadelphia

Steeped in history, rich in art and architecture, and the birthplace of the Revolution, Philadelphia (Philly) is an exciting destination to explore. The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife, premier league sports teams, and a delectable culinary experience. Philly’s historic sites and heritage monuments attract domestic and international tourists as well as many school field trips, particularly in the summer months from June – August. Flights and hotels tend to be expensive at this time of the year. To experience shorter lines and reasonable rates for travel and accommodation, visit Philly in the spring months from March – May. Average temperatures range around 40 degrees Fahrenheit in March and rise up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit by May. September is another good month to visit and cash in on attractive airfares and hotel rates. However, the cheapest time to visit the city is in the low season from November – February. The average temperatures hover around 30 degrees Fahrenheit during this time.

Philly’s downtown area is quite compact, and several colorful “Walk! Philadelphia” signs encourage you to explore the city on foot. In the Center City area, streets are laid out in a simple grid-based pattern, and you are sure to find shops, cafés, museums and parks at every turn. If your feet get weary or if you have to cover longer distances, there are several other modes of transportation within the city.

Public Transportation

SEPTA operate buses, the subway and a trolley system, connecting the downtown area with other parts of Philly. Single ride fares start at $2.50 USD. The purple PHLASH buses that operate seasonally stop at most of the popular attractions. The fare is $2.00 USD per ride or $5.00 USD for an all-day pass.

Bikes

Biking is a popular way to get around in Philly. There are plenty of bike rental shops located all over the city. You can also explore the city’s official bike-share program called Indego. With a 1-day pass that costs $10.00 USD, you can enjoy unlimited 30-minute trips and access to bikes at any bike station within the city.

Taxis

Taxis are available throughout Philadelphia and you can hail one directly from the street. Ride-share options such as Uber also operate in the city.

Cars

If you don’t mind spending time looking for parking spaces, paying expensive parking charges, and navigating through busy traffic while dealing with several one-way streets, driving is another option to get around in Philadelphia.

Things to do and places of interest in Philadelphia

Apart from being home to the “most historic square mile” in the U.S., Philadelphia offers world-class museums, historic farmers’ markets, trend-setting music, and elegant architecture. There is so much to see and do in this city that you may have to pick and choose what to explore each time you visit Philly.

• In the Independence National Historical Park, visit sites such as the Independence Hall, the iconic Liberty Bell, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, and Franklin Court.
• Explore interactive museums such as Betsy Ross House, the Please Touch Museum, the Mütter Museum of medical oddities, and The Franklin Institute science museum.
• Admire Oriental, Gothic, Egyptian, Renaissance, Ionic, Corinthian, and Norman architecture at a single site, the Masonic Temple.
• Check out impressive works of art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
• Enjoy a leisurely stroll or picnic lunch in the lush green expanse of Rittenhouse Square.
• Watch a live performance of the Philadelphia Orchestra at the beautiful, accordion-shaped Kimmel Center for the performing arts.

Tips and tricks for visiting Philadelphia

Explore the city’s culinary offerings

Wander around the sprawling Italian Market and take in the aromas of a wide variety of cheeses, handmade pastas, and gourmet pastries. Sample delicious Amish donuts, and gorge on several Philly specialties at Reading Terminal Market. Enjoy mouth-watering Japanese fare served in the spaceship-shaped Morimoto. Try Cuban and Caribbean specialties at Alma de Cuba, a Havana-inspired restaurant. The traditional Philly cheese steak at Dalessandro’s or Pat’s King of Steaks is an absolute must-try.

Discover the world’s largest outdoor art gallery

Philly encourages local artists to use the city’s architecture for street art and boasts two Mural Mile routes, filled with vibrant murals and graffiti walls, north and south of Market Street. Opt for a guided Mural Mile Walking Tour to get interesting insights into the people, places, and themes of each mural.