Philadelphia
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Philadelphia
Discover a city of contrasts and the best of America’s old and new world, where historic building sit side by side with modern architectural feats and where you can stroll through formal public parks and gardens and visit pop-up beer gardens and outdoor spaces with live entertainment and food vendors. Philadelphia is a very walkable city and everything is within easy reach – rivers, shops, public art, restaurants, museums, parks and more – and whatever your interests you’re bound to find it here!
As the birthplace of the US Constitution, and home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philadelphia is the first World Heritage City in the US. Within the heart of the city is ‘America’s most historic square mile’ and the place where the country first began. Visitors can immerse themselves in the history that tells America’s story, and even tour the Betsy Ross House where it is believed the first American flag was made.
Philadelphia’s food scene is exceptional with its wide selection of renowned and award-winning chefs, its diverse range of ethnic and global cuisines and an abundance of unique Philadelphia flavours. With gourmet restaurants, food stalls and the historic Reading Terminal Market, you will be spoilt for choice. Try a legendary Philly cheesesteak, locally produced craft-beers, fresh produce from regional farms and much more!
Shoppers will delight in the tax-free shopping at leading-department stores and shopping centres throughout the region, including the new Fashion District Philadelphia in Center City, and walkable downtown shopping districts, there is certainly plenty of choice.
For art lovers, The Barnes Foundation sitting alongside the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum make Philadelphia one of the premier art destinations in the world. The Barnes Foundation holds one of the finest collections of Post Impressionist and early modern paintings with works by Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso. The city is a place where artists congregate and international artists are drawn to engage with its mural arts phenomenon, the largest community art initiative in the world. There are more than 4000 public murals, sculptures and mosaics.
Live music can be found throughout the city - The Philadelphia Orchestra, jazz, hip hop, R&B and pop - and a vibrant nightlife, not to mention an endless variety of restaurants, bars and cafes.
Philadelphia’s neighbourhoods are a great way to experience the city. From Center City you can walk, rent a bike and pedal or take public transport to most areas and get a flavour for another side of the city. There are also bike tours and walking tours if you’re looking for a real insight into some of the neighbourhoods.
With one of the largest city-owned urban park systems in the world, Philadelphia is home to trails, riverfronts, parks and outdoor opportunities. As you stroll through Philadelphia you will see sculpture, architecture, mosaics and murals as well as unofficial street art. Spruce Street Harbor and the Delaware Riverfront are great options for a spot of outdoor dining and people watching, with street food, entertainment and great water views. Named for the neighbourhood’s earliest residents, Fishtown has become one of Philadelphia’s liveliest neighbourhoods, close to the Delaware River waterfront area. Music venues, hip bars and restaurants, trendy shops, and vibrant street art make Fishtown one of the most sought-after destinations in the city.
South Philadelphia is home to parks, museums, markets, and concert venues, as well as multicultural attractions and public art. Food is one of the big attractions here including some excellent Italian eateries alongside the Italian Market, some of Philadelphia’s most recognisable cheesesteak shops, most notably Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, and a host of cafes, international restaurants, as well as great breweries and cocktail bars.
EVENTS
THE PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW
is an annual event and is one of the world’s largest and oldest flower shows. Marvel at the large scale gardens, elaborate landscapes and floral creations. Visitors are treated to fabulous design, live entertainment, culinary demonstrations, workshops and lectures by experts.
WAWA WELCOME AMERICA FESTIVAL
is an annual event honouring the U.S.’ independence with two weeks of free family-friendly activities and events including concerts, museum days, community events, outdoor movie screenings, block parties and fireworks. Philadelphia’s Fourth of July fireworks have been ranked most spectacular in America by MSN. There is no better place to celebrate America’s independence than in the city where it all began.
PHILADELPHIA CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
takes place annually in LOVE Park for festive fun and plentiful holiday shopping experiences. The pop-up market opens at the end of November and runs through to Christmas Eve, featuring over 100 local artisans and makers selling hand-crafted goods out of traditional German wooden shopping stalls. Guests can enjoy daily live performances and themed weekend activities, feast on delicious foods, and visit the beer garden to sip mulled wine or seasonal craft beer from area breweries.
SIGHTSEEING
There is a range of sightseeing tours on offer, from open-top hop-on/hop-off bus tours, to walking foodie tours, ghost tours, and historic district tours. We can help you with your plans and suggest different pass options such as Go City Passes, which could include admission to the many museums and other attractions, such as Longwood Gardens, the Philadelphia Zoo or LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, or We Venture Philadelphia Tours, who offer a selection of city sightseeing tours and trips further afield into the Countryside.
Holiday Ideas
Our favourite stays
Holiday Inn Express Penn’s Landing
Moderate
Price from £110 per room per night
This recently refurbished hotel is conveniently located in the old city just a short distance away from all of the city’s main attractions.
The 184 rooms are comfortably furnished and have flat screen televisions, free internet and coffee makers. There is also an onsite fitness centre and free daily shuttle service to all of the city’s main attractions.
Courtyard Philadelphia City Avenue
Moderate
Price from £113 per room per night
This hotel is centrally located between downtown Philadelphia and the suburbs near to Philadelphia historic landmarks.
The hotel has been recently furnished. There is an onsite gym, restaurant, bar, car park, indoor and outdoor pool and wireless internet.
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
Moderate
Price from £130 per room per night
This hotel is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district close to many of the city’s iconic landmarks.
The room are stylishly furnished and have flat screen televisions, coffee makers, WiFi and telephones. There is also an onsite fitness centre and restaurant.
Hotel Palomar, A Kimpton Hotel
First Class
Price from £151 per room per night
This Art Deco boutique hotel is located in the trendy Rittenhouse Square neighbourhood close to all of Philadelphia’s main attractions.
The 230 rooms are stylishly furnished and have flat screen televisions, iHome docking stations, air conditioning and telephones. There is also an onsite fitness centre, bar and restaurant.
Embassy Suites Hotel Center City
First Class
Prices from £138 per room per night
This hotel is within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions including the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
There is a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, sauna, gift shops and laundry. The rooms are well equipped with cable TV, coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, hairdryer and patio or balcony. Breakfast is included in the rate. Children under 17 years stay free in the room when sharing existing bedding.
Penn's View Hotel
First Class
Prices from £127 per room per night
Located in the historic old city, overlooking the Delaware River and within walking distance of America's most historical mile.
Housed in a building which dates back to 1828, the hotel features 51 individually decorated rooms with hairdryer, iron and ironing board and cable TV. There is a restaurant and bar. Rates include complimentary continental breakfast, free wireless internet, and The Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper. Children under 12 years stay free in the room when sharing existing bedding.
Hotel Monaco, A Kimpton Hotel
First Class
Prices from £161 per room per night
This luxurious boutique hotel is situated in the heart of the historic district close to many of city’s main attractions.
The 268 rooms are stylishly furnished and have flat screen televisions, iHome docking stations, air conditioning and telephones. There is also an onsite fitness centre, restaurant and bar.
Sonesta Philadelphia
First Class
Prices from £165 per room per night
This modern hotel boasts a spectacular downtown location close to world class dining, shopping and many of the city’s top attractions.
The 439 rooms are contemporarily furnished and have flat screen televisions, iHome docking stations, coffee makers and wireless internet. Onsite, there is also a fitness centre and rooftop swimming pool.
Loews Philadelphia
First Class
Prices from £132 per room per night
This upmarket hotel is located in the heart of Philadelphia close to all of the city’s main attractions.
The 581 rooms are luxuriously furnished and have flat screen television, coffee makers, WiFi and in-room safes. There is also an onsite fitness centre, pool and restaurant. 24 hour room service and a complimentary daily newspaper delivery service is also available.
The Rittenhouse Hotel
Deluxe
Prices from £286 per room per night
This luxury hotel is convenient walking distance from museums, cultural attractions, shopping and the business district.
Located in Philadelphia's most prestigious downtown area, The Rittenhouse Hotel features all of the unique historic charm and residential ambience of Rittenhouse Square. The newly-renovated rooms, suites and newly built Park Suites offer an array of amenities and services. Each room quietly overlooks Rittenhouse Square or the city. The hotel is located just 10 blocks from the Pennsylvania Convention Centre, and five minutes by taxi to Amtrak’s 30th Street Station.
Four Seasons
Deluxe
Prices from £245 per room per night
This five star hotel is located within walking distance of many of the city’s museums and historic landmarks.
The 357 rooms are elegantly furnished and include all the amenities you would expect to find in a five star hotel. There is also an onsite restaurant, indoor pool and state of the art fitness centre.
Ritz Carlton
Deluxe
Prices from £268 per room per night
This elegant five star hotel is located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia close to some of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions.
The 299 rooms are all luxuriously furnished and have flat screen televisions, iPod docking stations, marble bathrooms and stunning views of the city. Onsite, there is also a fitness centre, award winning spa and a Bistro serving contemporary regional American cuisine.
