Philadelphia, United States - Travel Guide

Philadelphia is a city rich in American history, offering iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. It also boasts a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary experiences, and charming neighborhoods to explore.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$250/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

PhillyCity of Brotherly LovePAPennsylvaniaEast CoastMid-AtlanticNortheastLiberty BellIndependence HallRocky StepsCheesesteakEagles76ersPhilliesFlyers

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
)
Restaurant waitstaff: 15
20% of the bill
Bar staff: $1
2 per drink or 15
20% of the bill
Taxi drivers: 15
20% of the fare
Hotel housekeepers: $2
5 per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
Punctuality for appointments is expected
Personal space is generally respected
Shaking hands is a common greeting
Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
It is common to make small talk with strangers
"Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 21
Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
Federal law prohibits marijuana use
Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesYes (YES)

HelloHello (huh-LOH)

PleasePlease (PLEEZ)

Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)

Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Extreme hot season: Jun
Aug
Extreme cold season: Dec
Feb

Getting There

Fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Amtrak trains connect from major East Coast cities (e
g
, NYC to Philadelphia: \~1
5h, $30
70)
Buses via providers like Greyhound and Megabus are available from various cities (e
g
, NYC to Philadelphia: \~2h, $15
30)

Getting Around

SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) offers buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available
Taxis are also an option

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended (e
g
, Tetanus, Measles)
No specific health requirements beyond standard travel precautions

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available from major US carriers (e
g
, T
Mobile, AT\&T, Verizon)
Apps like Airalo and Nomad offer eSIM options for the USA

Local Cuisine

Cheesesteak must_try

The quintessential Philadelphia sandwich, consisting of thinly sliced, well-done steak and melted cheese (often Cheez Whiz, American, or Provolone) se

Water Ice dessert

A popular Philadelphia version of Italian ice, which is a frozen, flavored dessert that is smoother and creamier than a typical Italian ice. Common fl

Hoagie regional_speciality

This is the Philadelphia name for a cold sandwich on a long roll, known elsewhere as a 'sub' or 'hero.' Traditional hoagies are filled with deli meats

Roast Pork Sandwich regional_speciality

A sandwich beloved by locals, consisting of slow-roasted Italian-style pork, often served with sharp provolone and bitter greens like broccoli rabe. I

Philly Soft Pretzel snack

A legacy food brought to the region by the Pennsylvania Dutch, this pretzel has a unique texture: soft, chewy, and often shaped in a figure-eight. It

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Independence Hall Tour Tickets Attraction

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Tickets are required for entry during peak season (March through December) and are timed, often selling out, especially for weekend and holiday visits.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

High-Demand Dining Reservations (e.g., Amá, Honeysuckle, Vetri) Dining

Book 2-6 weeks in advance

Philadelphia has many acclaimed restaurants (including those recently opened) that accept reservations up to a month or more in advance, and prime times sell out quickly.

Accommodation in Center City or Historic District Accommodation

Book 1-3 months in advance

Rooms in the most desirable and central areas sell out, especially during major conventions, university events, and summer tourism season.

Fun Facts

1. Philadelphia's City Hall was the tallest building in the world until 1908 and is still the largest municipal building in the country.
2. The first hospital in the U.S. was established in Philadelphia in 1751.
3. Philadelphia is home to the first electronic general-use computer, which weighed 27 pounds and was introduced in 1946.
4. The city is considered the "Mural capital of the U.S." with over 2,000 outdoor murals.

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