If you’re exploring East Coast destinations for your next vacation, consider a trip to Philadelphia for a mix of trendy and timeless sites and attractions. The City of Brotherly Love offers museums, historical landmarks, hipster places to eat, chic boutiques and so much more. The Delaware River flowing along the city’s eastern side provides beautiful views. Also, Philly is about 100 miles or less to both NYC and Baltimore if you’re looking for a day trip.
With so many things to do in Philadelphia, making travel plans here can quickly become overwhelming. As part of our commitment to assisting our members, we’ve created the following Philadelphia travel guide full of recommendations for activities, accommodations and eateries, along with tips on saving money.
How to Get Around Philadelphia
Did you know that Philly’s Center City is only 25 blocks total? That makes it easy to get around on your own two feet. But this may not be a practical plan if you’re planning to travel beyond Center City — or if you’re visiting in freezing winter weather.
Thankfully, you’ve got other options for getting around Philadelphia. The city’s public transportation provides convenient ways to explore the area. Or you can transport yourself from point A to point B via scooter or bike. We know there are a lot of options to consider — so we’ll walk you through them to help you plan your vacation.
How Is Driving Around Philadelphia?
Having a rental car or your own car gives you a good way to get around whenever you need to. But traffic can get a bit heavy around the city, especially during rush hour. Main roads in the area include:
- I-95
- I-276 (PA Turnpike)
- I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway)
- Roosevelt Boulevard
- I-676
You can find car rental facilities in Center City and at the airport. Renting in the city rather than from an airport location may be cheaper.
What’s Parking Like in Philadelphia?
Driving around gives you convenience, but you’ll need to find parking in the city. There’s metered parking available on many streets, however, costs can add up if you’re there for more than a couple of hours.
What other options are there?
- Parking garages and lots for more affordable day rates than meters
- Parking kiosks for street parking with more flexible times
What are Philadelphia’s Public Transportation Options?
Not planning to drive, walk or bike? Philadelphia gives you plenty of other options, including the following:
- PHLASH buses for looped rides around the downtown area
- SEPTA buses, trolleys and subways
- PATCO train line from Southern New Jersey
What to Expect When Biking Around Philadelphia
Philadelphia is regarded as being a relatively bike-friendly destination. You’ll find bike lanes throughout the city, so you can safely get around with over 750 miles of bike trails to explore.
If you’re not planning on bringing a bike, you can easily rent one. The city has over 140 stations where you can rent a bike.
Best Time to Visit Philadelphia
Deciding when to plan your trip to Philadelphia can change the way you experience the city. That may be an easy decision if you’re coming into town for the Philadelphia Antiques and Art Show, Philadelphia Folk Festival or another event. If your schedule happens to be more flexible, then the right time depends on what you want weather-wise, budget-wise and crowd-wise.
If planning a lower priced vacation is your main goal, then visiting in winter is a good starting point. Hotel rates are lower than other seasons and you won’t have as many crowds around, but the weather’s usually freezing and sometimes snowy. Some attractions are also closed for winter.
Those looking for a more exciting trip should plan a vacation to Philadelphia in the summer, the city’s top tourist season. The weather is usually in the upper 70s and 80s, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor festivities and fun summer events, like Philly Beer Week and Welcome America. This time of year is also when hotels tend to charge the highest rates per night.
Do you prefer visiting in milder weather with fewer crowds around? Coming here in spring means you get to see the cherry blossoms in full, colorful bloom. Or you can visit in fall for vividly colored leaves. Both seasons have cooler temps, lower rates and fewer tourists.
Top Things to Do in Philadelphia
How do you narrow down what to do in a city with so many attractions? Whether you like history, art, sports, outdoor recreation or shopping, Philadelphia is filled with a wide variety of options. You may not get to do everything you want — but you can always come back for another visit. Let’s explore some of the top attractions and things to do in Philly.
Explore Philadelphia’s History
- Duration: 1 hour
With a guided tour, you can explore some of the notable historical events that happened, while gaining more knowledge of the city’s past. Walk along the same path the Founding Fathers took through Old City. Visit the Betsy Ross House, Ben Franklin Court and other top historical spots in Philadelphia.
Dine on the Spirit of Philadelphia
- Duration: 3 hours
Enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia. You’ll get to drift along the Delaware River while taking in views of the city’s skyline and a beautiful sunset. Onboard entertainment makes this ride even more enjoyable.
Visit Valley Forge National Park
- Duration: 4 hours
Step away from the city streets to explore the great outdoors and historical sites. Serving an American Revolutionary War site, Valley Forge National Park has notable landmarks and monuments to see, like the Washington Memorial Chapel. There’s also a visitor center with historic artifacts and additional info on the area’s past alongside scenic surroundings.
Tour the Museum of the American Revolution
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Interested in learning more about our nation’s history and Philadelphia’s role in it? The Museum of the American Revolution contains multiple exhibits exploring the road to independence. Check out artifacts, artwork, printed works, films and more that help bring the past to life. Enjoy an audio guided tour with even more in-depth info.
Savor the Flavors of Philly
- Duration: 2 hours
With a guided food tour, you can experience some of the iconic flavors that make up the city’s culinary culture. From the classic cheesesteak to soft pretzels, you’ll have plenty of local foods to enjoy. This is a great way to make sure you sample Philadelphia’s famous foods before leaving town.
Where to Stay in Philadelphia
Philadelphia offers a variety of accommodations, whether you’re looking for a room with views of the Delaware River or want to stay right in the heart of Center City, close to the city’s top attractions. From vibrant downtown hotels to charming spots in the outer neighborhoods, there’s something for every preference. Take a look at our top hotel recommendations to help you find the perfect place to stay.
Canopy by Hilton
- Address: 1180 Ludlow St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Great for: Walkability to major attractions
- Parking: Valet only
Canopy by Hilton offers luxurious accommodations in Philadelphia with elegant, upscale decor and a range of excellent amenities. The hotel’s prime location allows for easy walks to nearby attractions, shopping and dining. Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant, unwind in the lounge and stay active with a well-equipped fitness center—perfect for preparing for a day of sightseeing.
The Rittenhouse
- Address: 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., Philadelphia, PA 19103
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Great for: An upscale spa experience for a romantic weekend
- Parking: Valet only
For an amazing luxury experience in Philadelphia, The Rittenhouse offers an exceptional stay. Unwind at the hotel’s spa, take a refreshing dip in the heated indoor pool or relax in the sauna. Enjoy a drink at the on-site bar and take advantage of convenient transportation services available within a few miles of the hotel.
Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel
- Address: 3549 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Great for: Proximity to University of Pennsylvania, St. Joseph's University and Drexel University
- Parking: On-site (fee)
Staying in University City puts you right near the University of Pennsylvania and other colleges. If you’re looking for somewhere eco-friendly to stay, that’s precisely what the Sheraton offers, as it’s part of the Green Key Eco-Rating Program. The hotel also has large-screen TVs, plush bedding, on-site dining — and more.
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
- Address: 201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Great for: Picturesque hotel views
- Parking: Valet and on-site (fee)
If you’re looking for water views during your stay then few others are better than Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, which overlooks the Delaware River. Enjoy views of the river from your windows or while enjoying the heated indoor pool. There’s also a sauna and fitness center on site for relaxation and exercise. The hotel is located near Spruce Street Harbor Park, for fresh air and sunshine.
Where to Eat in Philadelphia
You don’t have to worry about a lack of good dining options in the City of Brotherly Love. In fact, you might have a hard time deciding where to eat while you’re here. Traveling to Philadelphia gives you a chance to enjoy some of the city’s top dining establishments. Below, we go over some of the best restaurants in Philly to consider checking out during your trip.
Jean-Georges Philadelphia
- Address: 1 N. 19th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
- AAA Diamond-designation: Five Diamond
- Reservations: Required
- Type: American, Contemporary French
Jean-Georges is one of Philadelphia’s premier dining destinations, perfect for an elegant night out. Located 60 stories up, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of the city alongside a menu of exquisitely prepared dishes. Guests can enjoy selections like the charred duck breast as part of a refined 6-course tasting menu, with options like caviar also available to elevate the experience.
Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
· Address: 212 Walnut St., 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
· AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
· Reservations: Suggested
· Type: Italian, Seafood
If you’re looking for Italian food, you can take a culinary trip to Italy with a meal at Positano Coast. The decor helps you feel as if you’re on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, offering a colorful and cheerful dining atmosphere. Choose from a menu filled with seafood dishes, pasta and many other tempting items. Save room for vanilla cheesecake, gelato or another item from the dessert menu.
Friday Saturday Sunday
· Address: 261 S. 21st St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
· AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
· Reservations: Suggested
· Type: American
If you’re trying to find more cozy places to eat, Friday Saturday Sunday offers a charming environment in a townhome close to Rittenhouse Square. Choose from a tasting menu filled with items like sweetbreads, eggs and caviar and black tea cake. Enjoy cocktails or a glass of wine from an extensive wine menu or sip some champagne.
The Good King Tavern
- Address: 614 S. 7th St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
- Type: French
Looking for a good tavern meal? The Good King Tavern provides a laid-back place to dine from a menu filled with French cuisine. Order duck confit, steak frites or a hearty tavern burger. The menu also has French classics to try, such as escargot and mussels made with smoked mushrooms.
Barbuzzo Restaurant
· Address: 110 S. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
· AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
· Reservations: Suggested for dinner
· Type: Mediterranean
Those looking to find a restaurant for a romantic evening should check out Barbuzzo for an intimate atmosphere with dim lighting and a menu loaded with Mediterranean dishes. Choose from steak, duck confit, clams and mussels or Branzino for your main meal. Other options include wood-fired pizzas or pasta dishes, as well as a brunch menu.
Philadelphia Photo Spots
Philadelphia is home to many stunning and elegant locations that make perfect backdrops for vacation photos, whether for social media or scrapbooking. With so many options, it can be challenging to visit them all, especially if your time in the city is limited. To help you plan, here are some of the must-visit spots to consider for your trip.
The Liberty Bell
As one of Philadelphia’s most iconic sites, most will want to pay a visit to the Liberty Bell. Stand with the famous bell behind you for vacation photos, as well as Independence Hall, with it being located right across the street. That’s also where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed.
Benjamin Franklin Bridge
While it no longer holds the title of world’s longest bridge, you can take stunning pics on the bridge’s pedestrian pathway with the river in the background. You might also want to snap photos of the bridge from one of the piers below it — either Cherry Street or Race Street.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
If you plant to visit in spring, summer or fall, you can get some incredible photos at Spruce Street Harbor Park on South Columbus Blvd. You’ll have the Delaware River’s scenic waters flowing behind you. In the evening the park’s multi-colored LED lighting creates a stunning setting for pictures. It's not open in winter — but the city has plenty of other photo spots you can visit instead.
The Rocky Statue at Philadelphia Museum of Art
Film buffs, fans of the Rocky movies or those looking to recreate an iconic film scene will likely want to run up the stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art just like the famous fictional boxer did. Alongside the stairs is the Rocky Statue, worth a picture before starting your run up all 72 steps.
LOVE Sculpture
If you’re traveling with a significant other, posing with the LOVE sculpture is the perfect backdrop for a romantic photo. You’ll find it at LOVE Park (or JFK Plaza) on Arch St. You might also want to head over to Sister Cities Park on North 18th St. to pose with the AMOR sculpture for additional couple photos.
Day Trips from Philadelphia
Those wanting to explore another town or area outside of Philadelphia will want to know about some day trip options. Some notable options are NYC or Baltimore, but there are many other places to see that aren’t quite as far. We’ll go over a few potential destinations for day trips from Philadelphia.
Visit Amish Country in Lancaster County
- Distance: 65 miles
Need a break from the big city? Heading out to Amish Country is a great way to enjoy wide open lands, fresh air and a calmer atmosphere overall. Take a trip to Lancaster County to learn all about Amish culture, including their background, traditions, current farming practices and more. You’ll also have a chance to purchase some Amish-made goods in local shops, like baked goods or quilts.
Brandywine Valley Wine Trail
- Distance: 35 miles
The Brandywine Valley has beautiful vineyards to explore, along with cider mills. Sample wine, apple cider or both while making your way along the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. You’ll learn more about what it takes to make wine and cider and get to enjoy the area’s breathtaking beauty.
Sesame Place
- Distance: 27 miles
If you’re traveling with children or anyone who appreciates Sesame Street and the Muppets in general, then Sesame Place is a great destination for all ages. The park features water rides for cooling off on a hot day, alongside many other rides for kids both young and old. Enjoy parades, shows, dining, shopping as well as opportunities to meet Elmo and other characters.
Visiting Philadelphia on a Budget
Did you know that Philadelphia is among the top affordable vacation destinations? You can save money on your vacation without having to make any major cutbacks. This can depend partly on when you go, where you stay, as well as other factors. To help you plan a cost-effective trip, our guide to Philadelphia includes the following budgeting tips.
Stay outside of Philly
It’s possible to find good deals on hotels in the city, however, you may find even better deals or lower prices in neighboring towns and cities. Consider exploring accommodations in places like King of Prussia, Mount Laurel, Glassboro, Chester or Concordville. You’ll only be a short drive, ride or train ride from Philadelphia.
Take the SEPTA or Amtrak train instead of flying in
Take that airfare money and spend some of it on a less expensive way to get here — Amtrak or SEPTA train. Amtrak runs trains to Philly from Boston, Washington and tons of other cities throughout the U.S. SEPTA has regional rail service from Newark, DE, Doylestown, PA and other towns and cities in between.
Check out Philly's free and low-cost things to do
Trying to avoid spending lots of money on tickets and tours? Philadelphia has free things to do that’ll keep you busy and your schedule full. Wander through Spruce Street Harbor Park, LOVE Park or Wissahickon Valley Park. Visit free museums, like the Science History Museum. Or catch a free film at Movies on the Block.
Visit food trucks and markets for snacks and meals
With Philadelphia having so many great restaurants, your food budget can add up fast. However, you don’t need to dine out for all of your meals. Your hotel might offer complimentary breakfasts. You can also check out the food trucks and markets throughout the city to find lower-priced yet delicious foods for meals and snacks.
Make use of your AAA membership
Ready to put your AAA membership benefits to good use? You can find discounted prices on Philadelphia attractions, tours, rental cars, hotels and other trip expenses. These accommodations, tickets and vehicle discounts help you get more for your money, so that you can make the most of your Philly trip.
Plan Your Philadelphia Vacation with AAA
Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Philadelphia trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or a la carte options.