When to Visit - Arts and Events

Visitors to this historic city can easily find themselves soaking up an overload of the region's colourful past, so grand and well known are the city's public buildings and impressive museums. But for a glimpse of the ‘real' Philadelphia you could do no better than spend a couple of hours at Reading Terminal Market people-watching from one of the ‘thirty-something' restaurants which are dotted around the place. Situated under one big roof, the market affords the visitor wonderful opportunities to witness the preparation of Philadelphia's favorite commodity: food. From pretzels to hoagies, from choc-chip-cookies to sushi, you'll find it all at RTM, complete with a dash of authentic ‘Phily' atmosphere thrown in for free.

Philadelphia Dining

Philadelphia's restaurant choice is endless and there are venues to suit every pocket. Particularly popular are Italian, Chinese and French outlets. In the daytime, people thinking of food often find their way to Reading Terminal Market, a farmer's market reminiscent of those found in France. But visitors looking for favorite Philadelphia foods like cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, water ices and tastykakes need not worry; these treats are widely available all over town.


Philadelphia Tipping Advice

Restaurants in Philadelphia are not in the habit of adding gratuities to the bill, so tipping is recommended: 15 percent where customers deem the service to be good and 20 percent if the meal and service have been excellent. Tips in taxis should be paid along similar lines. The recommended rate for doormen, parking attendants and valets is one USD.