Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hotels and City Guide

Philadelphia - Business Tips

Philadelphia Dress Code

Philadelphia regards itself as a smart, business-orientated city and so it's advisable to pack accordingly. However, it is also proud of being a place that can adapt and keep abreast of the times, so you'll find many voguish dressers enjoying the town's rich nightlife. Perhaps the most important factor is to remember the city's vast seasonal variations in temperature when choosing your wardrobe.

Greeting Someone in Philadelphia

Perhaps a shade more formal than many other North American cities, Philadelphia has a long history and employees at many of the more established firms are justly proud of the way business has thrived locally for 300 years. However, a relaxed handshake and first-name terms are the norm although proffering of a well presented business card will never go amiss.

Business Hours and Banking

It is good to be aware of the hours of operation of any business or company you may need the services of when in an unfamiliar city. In Philadelphia, most banks are open 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays, with a few open on Saturday, and some even on Sunday, with limited hours. Branches of the post office are open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays, and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The main post office, however, is open 24 hours per day. All banks and post offices are closed on national holidays. You will want to check the holiday schedule before departing on your trip to the city to ensure the services you require will be available at the times you may need them.

For the most part, museums and attractions are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., although hours vary so it is always a good idea to call ahead or look at their web site for details. Hours vary for businesses in suburbs as well. Typically, many historic attractions are open longer hours during the summer but, again, it’s always good to know before you go.

Pharmacies in downtown Philly are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., while hours can be different in the suburbs.

For shopping excursions, downtown Philly stores are open anywhere from 9:30 or 10:00 a.m. to 5 or 6:00 p.m. On Wednesdays, many stores stay open until 9:00 p.m. The downtown shops typically close on Sunday, but some venues – the Shops at Liberty Place, the Gallery at East Market, and a few stores in the Bellevue area – are open from noon until 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. During the spring and fall, the Bourse is open on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Art galleries and antique stores can sometimes operate on their own schedules, being closed some mornings or weekdays. Again, the best idea is always to call head before you travel to a store or shop, only to find it closed.

Smoking

Laws regarding smoking can be different throughout each county, city, or state. Updated and revised laws can occur frequently. In Philadelphia, smoking has been prohibited in restaurants and bars since 1998. Most hotels offer non-smoking rooms. It’s always wise to check the particular rules or regulations where you’re at before lighting up.

Drinking

In order to purchase alcoholic beverage in the state, you must be at least twenty-one, and many venues will ask for ID when you order. Both grocery stores and convenience markets sell wine, liquor, and beer, and they are located throughout the city. Pennsylvania law will not allow restaurants or bars to serve alcohol after 2 a.m.

Hotels in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania