If you are planning a trip to Philadelphia, here are some top tips that will make your trip unforgettable. We will look at which season is best for visiting Philly, which areas you should stay in, what you should do and see while you are there, and finally, which Philadelphia food you have to try.
Philadelphia was briefly the US capital (from 1790-1800), and this iconic and historical city is where the constitution was written. Philly is also home to the Liberty Bell, which was first rung in 1776 to celebrate the first reading of the Declaration of Independence.
When To Go
While Philadelphia can offer a fun-filled and welcoming city break any month of the year, Springtime is the best time to visit America’s Garden Capital. Between the months of March and May, you stand a great chance of experiencing nice weather. There might still be cold days, but you will miss the worst of winter, and there will also be some gentle sun. The flowers and blossoms will make an appearance and the city will look its best at this time.
Moreover, the tourist rush begins in the summertime, so visiting in Spring allows you to see the city before the rush and bustle of peak season, and even get lower prices on accommodation.
Where To Stay
Depending on your needs and priorities, there are various areas in Philly that might appeal to you. The nightlife capital of the city is called Fishtown and this is where you will find the bars and nightclubs. If you like to stay in a calmer area, you could check out Fairmont. This is still walking distance from major attractions but offers some peace and quiet.
The iconic Philadelphia historical attractions are located in the Old City, so if these are your main focal point, you can stay close to the center. Look into the areas to stay in Philadelphia and pick the one that offers you what you look for while traveling. Finally, if you want to stay in an area famed for its wide range of culinary treats, book accommodation in East Passyunk. This neighborhood is known for its volume of great restaurants.
What To Do
As mentioned above, the Liberty Bell is probably Philly’s most famous tourist site, as its historical importance is connected to the independence of the country. You can visit the Liberty Bell and see the place where it has cracked. Very close to this spot is Christ Church Burial Ground, where founding father Ben Franklin was laid to rest. Four others who signed the Declaration of Independence are also buried there, Benjamin Rush, Francis Hopkinson, Joseph Hewes, and George Ross.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is full of great pieces and is well worth a visit, but perhaps its most famous attribute is its 72 stone steps leading to the entrance. These are the steps that the fictional character Rocky Balboa famously ran up in the 1976 film Rocky. Tourists often recreate this iconic movie scene.
What To Eat
There are a lot of great options for food in Philadelphia, but the most well-known treat is the Philly Cheesesteak. Several establishments in Philadelphia will claim to make the best cheesesteak in town, and the best thing you can do is to take the local advice on which to try. Restaurants rise and fall as local favorites, and if you get conflicting advice, you can even try a few and make your own decision about which is best.
You should also sample a Philly soft pretzel, Tastykakes, and the breakfast meat scrapple, which came to Philadelphia via the Philadelphia Dutch community, and is actually German (Deutsch) in origin. Finally, the tomato pie is well worth trying. This is a thick focaccia-like dough with tomato and sometimes a sprinkle of parmesan on top, and it can be found in most Italian bakers.
So there you have it – your itinerary for your Philadelphia trip should be coming along nicely. We have established that if you can, springtime is the best time to visit the city to see the blossoms, miss the rush of summer and still experience nice weather. You can stay in one of the many nice neighborhoods and choose your location based on your priorities, such as access to bars and restaurants or peace and quiet at night. While in Philly, you should visit the Liberty Bell, Franklin’s grave, and the Rocky steps. Finally, do not forget to check out the iconic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. Have a great trip!
