Travel to Philadelphia

Travel to Philadelphia

The first impression travellers will notice about Philadelphia is that it's a pedestrianised town. Most places are situated within a mile of the City Hall, on convenient, tree-lined streets with a rich blend of architecture, ranging from Victorian to Bauhaus, Colonial to Victorian, sometimes within the same block. The city is the home of American democracy and nicknamed the city of brotherly love.

Transportation to Philadelphia

Situated about six miles southwest of the city you will find Philadelphia International Airport. The facility offers a large number of flights to European destinations, Canadian cities and connections to internal North American flights. The Amtrak railway station is positioned on 30th St in University City. From here trains follow routes to New York City, Washington, Boston and Richmond.

Philadelphia has an excellent network of roads making it easy to drive there. The Delaware Expressway (I-95) follows the eastern edge of the city beside the River Delaware, while the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276) goes east throughout the north of the city and over the river to link with the New Jersey Turnpike. The Greyhound bus terminal is situated in the city centre and from the terminal buses run to Newark, New York City, Washington DC and Atlantic City.

What to see

A good place to start sightseeing in the city is the Independence National Historic Park. The historical Independence Hall is situated here as it is the place where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were adopted. Positioned on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway youll find the Franklin Institute Science Museum and Futures Center. Also a must-see is the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum on 7th Street.

Go early in the morning to see cooks from across Philadelphia selecting vegetables and choice cuts at the Italian Market. And while youre there take in delicious bread, fresh from the oven,with some olives and cheese. Since the early part of the 20th century the market has attracted shoppers with its outdoor merchants selling produce, cheese and poultry.

Day trips

One of the United States most renowned historical sites is the Valley Forge National Historic Park, located approximately 26 miles northwest of downtown Philadelphia. It is here where many soldiers tragically died in an extremely cold winter during the War of Independence. A 90-minute drive west of Philadelphia, you will find the famous Pennsylvania Dutch Country where many Amish people live. The Amishstill practice their traditional farming methods, retaining their religiously sober way of life.

Activities and leisure

Philadelphia is also home to plenty of recreational sports, which visitors can watch or participate in. On the Schuylkill River, the countrys largest rowing competition takes place in May. The nations biggest urban park, Fairmount Park, is an ideal spot to peddle or hike through. At the University of Pennsylvania every year in April the Penn Relays brings high school and college track athletes from all over the USA to participate in the principal track event.

Safety issues

Like most major cities, crime can occur, although sensible precautions can prevent harm or loss. Pick pocketing can happen anywhere, especially in the city centre, at crowded events or while riding on public transport. That said, Philadelphia is a relatively safe and friendly city but obviously you always should take out travel insurance for you or your family before you commence your travels.