Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hotels and City Guide

Philadelphia - Attractions

You will experience no shortage of things to do and places to see. Among them first should naturally be the Historic District and the Old City. After all, when visiting Philadelphia, one must indulge in the history of the area to fully appreciate the essence of its bricks and mortar. You will not want to miss the street vendors in Logan Circle, the Germantown area, and the south side Italian Market, which is five blocks long. From the parks to the arts, from theatres to shopping, Philadelphia holds experiences in store that, once encountered, you will hold on to forever.

Philadelphia Entertainment

There is so much to see and do in this city that it would take weeks to feel like you fully grasp the city as a whole. While this may prove a little daunting for some visitors, it also proves the adventure of a lifetime for others.

The historic sites should certainly top your list while you’re in the city, but there are many other places you may want to consider too. Some of the best theatres outside of Broadway are here, and their dedication to continually showcase stars and scripts that have received worldwide acclaim is unparalleled. Many up and coming artists also call the city home, so art openings and shows throughout the area are high caliber.

Philadelphia nightlife should also be on the top of your list, as it’s experienced an explosion of its own within the last several years. Culinary rock stars have continually chosen this city to further their empires, so there is no shortage of amazing places to eat as night falls on the city. The same is true for clubs and bars, as the options here are limitless. There are few in this city that don’t continually redefine what a club experience should be, and almost no one can say the city is lacking in variety.

Recently named number two in sports cities around the nation by Sporting News, if you’re looking for action, this is the place to get it. The city plays host to some of the oldest names in basketball, football, and baseball, but they’re also a well known venue for worldwide Olympic trials as well as lots of college events.

Perhaps the only real question you’ll be left with when you reach the city is where to begin.

Philadelphia Attractions

Philadelphia Museum of Art
Address: 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: 215/763-8100
Cost: $10, Sun: Optional Offering
Open: Tue, Thu, and weekends 10-5; Wed. and Fri. 10-8:45

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of many must-see attractions that you absolutely do not want to miss. The building is an architectural delight, with the structure having been modeled after Greek temples. The structure is just as great a fascination and treasure as the objets d’art held inside. The design of the museum is the creative genius of Julian Francis Abele, who attended and was the first African-American graduate of the prestigious School of Architecture, part of the University of Pennsylvania. The museum was further made famous in the film, Rocky, as the main character ran up and down the building’s 99 steps in the movie. The steps will lead you to the front door, or you can enter from the rear of the building as well. When you come through the front entrance, you will be greeted by Saint-Gauden’s statue Diana along with a magnificent grand staircase.

Barnes-Foundation
Address: 300 Latches La., Merion, PA
Phone: 610/667-0290
Cost: $10
Open: Sept.-June, Fri.-Sun. 9:30-5; July and Aug., Wed.-Fri. 9:30-5

This collection used to be a well-kept secret, but the story is out now and the artists’ work is available for public viewing. Impressionist and post-Impressionists’ works are gathered here in huge force. There are 181 Renoirs, Cézanne’s Card Players and 58 other works of the talented great, 59 Matisse showings, and other miscellaneous masterpieces by the likes of van Gogh, Picasso, Degas, and more. Albert Barnes spent millions he earned from inventing an eye inflammation treatment, Argyrol, and began his own private art collection. He kept it in the little town of Merion, just 8 miles west of Center City. In 1961, the courts ordered him to open his vast showcase for the rest of the world to see. Reservations are required, however, and should be made two months in advance. Call before visiting to find out the particulars regarding this handsome collection.

Congress Hall
Address: 6th and Chestnut Sts., Historic Area
Phone: 215/965-2305
Cost: Free
Open: Daily 9-5

From 1790 to 1800, the U.S. Congress met here. The Hall was formerly known as the Philadelphia County Courthouse. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution at this address. As well, the first three territories (after the original 13 colonies) became states here: Vermont, Kentucky, and Tennessee. John Adams was inaugurated here in 1797. The structure holds many historic memories.

Institute of Contemporary Art
Address: 118 South 36th Street
Phone: 215/898-7108
Cost: Free
Open: Wednesday through Friday, 12pm - 8pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am - 5pm

Initially created in 1963, this is one of the nation’s foremost collections of contemporary art. While their exhibitions are the primary attraction, they also have a number of educational programs throughout the year that feature the works of both new and established artists.

Mummer’s Museum
Address: 1100 S 2nd St.
Phone: 215/336-3050
Cost: $3.50
Open: Wednesday – Saturday, 9:30 – 4:30

Initially opened in the late seventies, all of the exhibits here are wholly dedicated to the unique Phildelphia New Year celebration. With lots of costumes and other accessories, it’s a haven of memorabilia from the last century not to be missed.

Rittenhouse Square
Address: Walnut St. between 18th and 19th Sts.

This section of elegant property was named in 1825 to honor David Rittenhouse, who was an astronomer, clock-maker, and the very first director of the United States Mint. Noted Philadelphia celebrities lived around this park, which was one of William Penn’s five original city squares that he laid out in the plans for this area. Upscale apartment buildings and hotels can be found here now, although some of the grand old houses still remain. When people refer to “Rittenhouse Row,” they are discussing the area on the Square bordered by Market, Pine, Broad, and 21st streets. Many fine dining establishments can be found in this area.

Center City

The business district of the city is contained within what is known as Center City. From a statue of William Penn, to City Hall with its Victorian look, to modern skyscrapers, there is a lot happening in this area of Philadelphia. The Reading Terminal Market can be found here, as well as the Academy of Music, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Thomas Jefferson University, and lots of opportunities for shopping.

Penn’s Landing and the Waterfront
Address: Riverfront Area between Oregon Ave. and Allegheny Ave.

This is the place to meet for concerts and festivals every summer. A 37-acre riverside park is located there, along with the Independence Seaport Museum. Ships harbored here for viewing include the U.S.S. Becuna, the U.S.S. Olympia, and the Gazela of Philadelphia. A ferry can take you across the port to the Adventure Aquarium and Camden Children’s Garden in nearby New Jersey for a special treat.

Boathouse Row
Address: Kelly Dr., E. Fairmount Park

This group of architecturally significant and gorgeous buildings is home to the Schuylkill Navy, an association of rowing clubs that first became organized in 1858. They have quite a history in their own right. View the houses and river at night among the lights – it is a splendid sight.

Fairmount Park
Phone: 215/988-9334

This beautifully landscaped and well-cared-for park of 8,500 acres can be the breath of fresh air when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city crowds or boardroom meetings. It’s actually a network of 63 city parks, but that certainly doesn’t dispel the beauty of the area. The Greek Revival Fairmount Waterworks is located here, as well as many hiking and bicycling trails, and several homes with pasts that are centuries old.

Hotels in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania