Guide to Philadelphia
Virtual tour of Philadelphia
Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean at the confluence of rivers, the city attracts tourists every year, despite the relatively rainy climate. Philadelphia, the first capital of the United States, has a lot to boast about. Its main pride and heart is Independence Hall, located in the central part of the city. Here in 1776 the Declaration of Independence of the United States was signed. This historic event was announced to the city by the Liberty Bell, which today is located in the Liberty Bell Center pavilion next to Independence Hall. Another iconic place to visit in the area is the Hall of Congress. It is famous for the signing of the Bill of Rights.
But these are not the only buildings from those times that have survived in the city. Elfreth's Alley is famous for its dozens of houses from the period of construction of 1728-1836. Among them are the oldest Methodist Church of St. George, St. Joseph's Church, Christ Church. This complex of religious buildings is enclosed in the green embrace of Girard Fountain Park.
One of the most visited sites in Philadelphia is Penn's Landing, the place where the city's founder William Penn once landed. Apart from these iconic spots, there are many other interesting places in the city such as the University of Pennsylvania, Edgar Allan Poe House, Philadelphia's main train station and others. Not to mention the city's numerous museums.
Photos of Philadelphia
Interesting places in Philadelphia
Most of the city's historic sites are located in the central part of Philadelphia, from where the settlement grew and expanded. City tours include Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, and Congress Hall, all of which are closely tied to the history of U.S. independence. Walking trails in Philadelphia permeate numerous parks and green spaces. For vacations with children, the city provides scientific, playful, educational entertainment. Restaurants in Philadelphia offer a variety of cuisines from around the world, but steaks take center stage.
Flight ticket prices
Flights to Philadelphia operate through Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), one of the largest air hubs on the East Coast of the U.S. Direct flights are available from London and Frankfurt, while travelers from Paris, Warsaw, Madrid, and other cities typically need to fly with layovers in New York, Chicago, or Boston. Airlines offering flights to Philadelphia include British Airways, Lufthansa, American Airlines, Air France, and KLM. The travel time for direct flights is approximately 8 hours.
Ticket prices vary depending on the season and booking time. On average, fares from London start at 500 euros, from Paris at 550 euros, and from Warsaw and Barcelona at 600 euros. During peak seasons, especially in summer and before Christmas, prices can reach up to 850 euros. The best rates can be found with early booking or by choosing flights with layovers.
The best hotels in Philadelphia
Five-star hotel rooms in Philadelphia cost an average of 500 USD per night per person. Four-star hotels can be found for 300-150 USD, with three-star hotels starting at 130 USD. The lowest cost in one or two-star hotels is 50 USD.
Travel budget
The cost of a vacation in Philadelphia is calculated based on the cost of visa, airfare, hotel rooms, meals in cafes or restaurants, excursions and public transportation. If you expect to rest in an inexpensive four-star hotel, modest restaurants, go on an excursion, the trip will cost about 2300 USD for three days.
| The budget for a trip to Philadelphia | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | 160 USD | Flight | 850 USD |
| Accommodation | 300 USD / day | Average check in a restaurant | 30 USD. |
| Transportation fare | 2.25 USD | Excursion | 150 USD |
| Total: 2300 USD for 3 days. | |||
Philadelphia: tips for tourists
Visa to Philadelphia
You need a visa to enter the U.S., and the procedure for obtaining one is described at the link.
The consular fee is $160 USD. Having a visa does not guarantee entry into the country, the final decision is made by the Department of Homeland Security at the border crossing.
Airport in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Airport's international terminal is located in the suburb of Tinicum, but the air gate itself is one of the largest and busiest in the United States. Flight delays are frequent, and parking is among the most expensive in the country.
Transfer to Philadelphia
To get to Philadelphia, you can take a bus or rail transportation that leaves from the terminals. The fare is $5 USD. By cab, the flat rate to the city center is 28.50 USD.
Philadelphia Car Rental
You can rent a car at the airport or in the city at the offices of companies to which special buses go. The cheapest rentals are for a Nissan Versa Sedan, Chevrolet Spark or similar - about 45 USD.
Transportation in Philly
Public transportation in the city is represented by metro, streetcars and buses. Streetcar tracks in the city center are laid underground, parallel to the subway lines. There are also 8 suburban railroad branches. The fare is 2.25 USD.
Safety in Philadelphia
The central part of Philadelphia is quite safe, but the northern part is not. It's mostly black and Hispanic, so it's dangerous for tourists to walk the streets, even during the day.