Philadelphia

Eco-friendly travel guide to Philadelphia advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America.

Four-segment panorama of Philadelphia skyline, as viewed from the South Street Bridge

Air quality: 3.2 / 5

Exploring by foot: 5 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 4.25 / 5

Public transportation: 4 / 5

Parks: 5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4.7 / 5

Locals' English level: 5 / 5

Safety: 4 / 5

Accommodation: US$20 - $800

Budget per day: US$70 - $1,000

Responsible Travel

Beyond the steak sandwiches and Rocky, there's a lot more Philly is known for and you're set to embark on a journey through history the moment you step into this city. Philadelphia, fondly called Philly by many, is more laid-back than its more prominent neighbors, and it's home to a population of about 1.5 million people. With its blend of funky charm and historic roots, it's a great jump-off point from several other larger Northeastern cities, and it's a convenient getaway. Philadelphia is two and a half hours north of D.C. and it's situated only two hours south of New York; its location further adds to its appeal.

Philadelphia is home to some of the most important historical sites in the United States of America, it's the birthplace of the infamous cheesesteak, and it's affectionately known to be the “City of Brotherly Love.” From tours of significant historical sites and diverse and award-winning food options to world-class art museums, it offers just as much to do for visitors and locals alike. Philadelphia is catching up to many of the country's most popular city destinations as it's shedding its mangy reputation as a violent city as it's gradually becoming a brand new city. And as an eco-friendly traveler in Philadelphia, you can use these few tips to travel responsibly;

Use the airport and trains. Washington D.C., New York, and other hubs are connected to Philadelphia by AMTRAK trains and there are twice-hourly SEPTA regional trains and taxis servicing Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) which is situated south of the city.
Navigation is easy. Almost every point of interest is within a 30-minute walk and navigation by foot is pretty easy because of the colourful signage and you’ll as well find the 25-block street grid once in centre City. You can choose to hop on SEPTA’s efficient system of trolleys, subways, trains, and buses, or perhaps, hail a taxi for faster travel.
The PHLASH is for your use, take advantage of it. The Philly PHLASH is the way to go when exploring the sights, and it's painted purple so you can’t miss it. The bus takes you to all the main sites which include the National Constitution Center, One Liberty Observation Deck, Penn’s Landing, and lots more. Operating every 15 minutes from 10 am-6 pm, it's active in operation from May through September, and through mid-November, it switches over to weekend service, and again, shifts back to its normal operations from late November through the end of the year. It's free for seniors and children who are below 4 years old. It's $5 for an all-day pass and it's just $2 per ride.
Buy a SEPTA family pass. Consider the SEPTA family pass if you're traveling to Philadelphia with a family and your plan is to rely on the city's public transportation system. It's valid for up to five family members and it covers unlimited, one-day travel throughout SEPTA's system. The family pass costs $30.
Be ready to walk and do well to bring walking shoes. You won't regret it if you oblige to lacing up those sneakers and ditching those heels and uncomfortable shoes or other forms of footwear that could not be convenient to travel around. The thing is, most of the attractions in the city demand that you are on your feet most of the time and walking from attraction to attraction is often the norm, even if you decide to stick to one neighborhood per day. Philadelphia is mainly a walking city, irrespective of the fact that there are some spots that require transportation, and this is why it's quite important that you get yourself comfortable, walking shoes plus using your own legs is the best way to see Philadelphia.
- Biking is also a great way to move around. You can enjoy biking around and explore the city better with Philly's Indego bike-share program. In some outlying neighbourhoods and all across Center City, you'll find stations you can drop by to pick a bike.
Pay attention to signs. As you'll be moving around, it's quite important that you are conscious of the signs you come across. Blue signs are plastered all over the city to communicate the relevance of things that appear somewhat irrelevant. So, keep your eyes peeled or you may miss them, and do well to take time to stop and read them as you walk around because there's a possibility of you standing on a national landmark without being conscious that you are.
Get involved in the local art scene. A good way to support the local scene is by getting involved in the city's art scene. To peruse 19th- and 20th-century American work and so much more, visit the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; to see the largest collection of Rodin’s work outside of Paris and marvel at some amazing sculptures, hit up the Rodin Museum for sculptures; and for post-impressionist paintings inside a gorgeous façade, the Barnes Foundation will welcome you with open arms. Philadelphia is full of amazing art institutions, and normally, the Philadelphia Museum of Art should be on everyone’s list of places to visit. And, you can check out the Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens for something more out-of-the-box art-like.
Plan ahead and enjoy yourself. It's easy to get a taste of Philadelphia in just one weekend because it's a very accessible town but you'll need to plan accordingly. However, take note that it can still feel overwhelming to get everything done in one visit with the plenty of restaurants and attractions but don't forget to bring your comfortable walking shoes, and above all, enjoy your stay!

Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality in Philadelphia is primarily afflicted by ozone and data reveals that July, December, and February respectively were the most polluted months in Philadelphia in the year 2019. It's further gathered that spring and fall often experience relatively cleaner air while the most polluted seasons in the city tend to be summer and winter. The air quality in Philadelphia is known to fluctuate daily and seasonally but it has consistently averaged an annual AQI level in the “good” category in recent years.

The shuttering of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refining complex which is the city's largest stationary emission source has largely contributed to the improvement of air quality in the city but just like most other cities in the United States of America, Philadelphia’s unhealthy air can be more attributed to the mobile emission sources which pose to be the largest contributor of bad air.

Respect the Culture

Philadelphia is home to one of the largest gay communities in the United States and it's home to a huge number of ethnic neighborhoods. Philly isn't called the City of Brotherly Love for nothing and it expresses this with its very diverse and accepting atmosphere and its laid-back vibe that fuels its popularity. Sitting in a block bordered by Chestnut, Pine, 11th and Broad Streets in Center City in the heart of the community is the local "gayborhood" and the campaign "Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay" was once on the tourism board with the city reputed for hosting one of the first gay rights protests in the country.

Another culture Philadelphia takes pride in is its arts. From murals and fountains to sculptures, Philadelphia hosts a unique collection of public art, and do well to step back and admire some of these arts while you're in town as this could be a good way to express respect for the city's culture. The locals in this city are reputed for their love for being involved in their communities and local activities and some other customs of the city you should take note of include;

Specify if you want your cheesesteak “wit-out” (plain) or “whiz wit” (with Cheese Whiz) when ordering.
Gratuities are usually added to the check for large parties.
Add a few dollars for parking valets, bellhops, doormen, and carryout.
Tipping is 20 percent for drivers, tour guides, and servers.
Most restaurants ask you to bring your own bottle because wine and spirits are only sold in state-run stores.
Philadelphia welcomes casual attire. So, feel free to leave your neckties and gloves at home.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Philadelphia is renowned for its influence in the signing of the Declaration of Independence and it's a very beautiful place to call home. Aside from being one of the oldest and most historic cities in the United States of America, it fetches more affection from people with its laid-back vibe which seem to earn it the nick "City of Brotherly Love" and it's dotted with plenty of popular places which range from historical sites and night pubs to several restaurants and shops.

To enjoy musical and performance arts events, this city is a fine location, and it hosts several landmarks and art museums that have been featured in Hollywood movies. Philadelphia is famous for its iconic food, music, and art, and being one of the largest cities in the state of Pennsylvania and in the country at large, it offers lots of things to do and places to see for both visitors and residents.

LOVE Park: This place is open every day of the week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m and you should come here if you seek things to see that let you appreciate your world. It's great for those on solo visits, groups, and couples, and it's one of the best tourist sites in Philly. If your lover is around, it's a fine place to pop the question and the picture opportunities might even feel endless if you're visiting with your significant other. LOVE Park is a great place to take a photo in front of and it's hard to miss. It has a sculpture that has been a fixture since 1976 and this prominent sculpture reading “LOVE” in red letters is where it got its name from. Howbeit, this Philly Park is officially known as “John F. Kennedy Plaza.”
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania: Admission is free for children three and younger, $10 for youths, $18 for seniors, and $20 for adults. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m from Mondays to Sundays and there are all kinds of stunning things to see here. Guests have so much to be delighted by and learned about at the Morris Arboretum and you can plan to come when conditions are just right after having taken a look at the forecast. You can come here and wander about without any clear agenda in place or better still, come here with a plan for what exactly you want to see. From the fernery and the Horticulture Center to the Japanese Garden, there are many different points to explore at this arboretum which provides so much feeling in such a simple way as it's one of the best places to go for restoring a connection to nature.
Cave of Kelpius: Activities offered at a place like this help to make Philly such a cool city. You can definitely learn a lot about your passions with the kind of fun it offers that can’t be had just anywhere. If you’re interested in the mystical and its influences, going to the Cave of Kelpius is a must-do. Most travel guides tend to ignore this place but it's a very fascinating part of Philly and it's situated close to Wissahickon Creek. The 17th-century monks who feared the end of time took shelter at this cave and if you have just a slight interest in the spiritual, you'll find this place to be a very captivating point of interest.
Independence Hall: You can feel so great coming here as you set your feet on this hallowed ground. Some of the most influential figures in the history of the country conducted business right at this place and it has been one of the finest parts of Philly from its inception to today. This wonderful historic site is a place you can see some old folks of yours and if you consider yourself to be a patriot of the United States, you should take a trip to this place. Both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed at the Assembly Room here and you can see where literal history was made as you tour this Philly wonder. It's one of the most significant places in American history and it's a well-loved place for history buffs.
Reading Terminal Market: It's open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m from Mondays to Saturdays and if you really want to see a great market, all you have to do is to come here. It's a true icon of Philadelphia and it has clothes, craft pieces, great and tasty products, and books as well for it's not just limited to food. More than 100 vendors set up shops here and a visit to this market will give you so many things to do and buy. It has been in the city for more than a century and it's a massive market in downtown Philadelphia. It's a delight for many and it's one of the city's top attractions for community interaction.
Franklin Square: Before you visit, make sure you check its operating hours. Other cities envy just how well-crafted this place is and it's a very fine tourist spot in the city. Franklin Square can make it better; whatever kind of a day you’re having, and it’s one of the biggest places of interest in Philly for a good reason. There’s family-friendly fare like miniature golf and carousel rides and all sorts of activities can be enjoyed at this square as it's one of the best points of interest in Philadelphia. It's set up by William Penn himself, it's a place to get fresh air and exercise, and it's a wonderful spot for adults and children.
Philadelphia Museum of Art: Admission is free for guests that are 18 years old and younger, $7 for students, $11 for seniors, and $12 for adult guests. It's open from Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m and it also has its doors open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It's recognized as a great institution and the experience it offers will make you feel enriched, even though you might not be able to see every piece in one visit. Jasper Johns, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso are some of the artists with works on display at this amazing Philly museum and you'll as well find hundreds of thousands of pieces in this museum which is considered to be one of the country's top art museums.
Independence National Historical Park: The Independence Hall and Liberty Bell are some of the free attractions you'll find here and hours vary depending on the time of year. This place is one of the finest attractions in the city and it houses other attractions like the New Hall Military Museum, Franklin Court, and more. If you're visiting Philly for the first time, seeing the Liberty Bell is a must, and this place houses this famous attraction amidst many other Philadelphia's best attractions. Independence National Historical Park is home to all kinds of pieces of Philadelphia and American history.
Philadelphia City Hall: You can order tickets online for tours of the building. Some Saturdays, it opens from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, and it's from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m it opens from Mondays to Fridays. You need to come to Philadelphia City Hall if you’re going to be in downtown Philly tomorrow. The building teeming with power bears a triumphant architectural design, and it's made of marble, granite, and limestone. It's one of Pennsylvania's most gorgeous buildings and it's the workplace of the mayor as well as the city council. It's considered to be one of the most stunning government seats of any major city.
Philadelphia Zoo: Tickets can be reserved online and it's open through the end of October from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. it doesn't matter if you've been to multiple zoos or haven’t been to any, the Philadelphia Zoo is a remarkable place, and it's one of the most wonderful Philadelphia attractions you can visit. It has the reputation of being the first to have orangutans and chimpanzees birthed and the first in America to be chartered, going back to 1859. It features all the animals you’d hope to encounter at the zoo and more, and it keeps animals happy and healthy and as well shows how animals live and interact. Animal lovers will be excited to be in a place like this and this zoo is a place to go wild with excitement.

The magnificent Philadelphia City Hall

Explore

From heading to outside-the-city hot spots such as Longwood Gardens and Peddler’s Village to exploring the halls of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, snapping selfies with the Liberty Bell, and chowing down on delicious food at Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia offers lots of things to do for its hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors. Philadelphia’s top attractions get a lot of well-warranted attention and this is evident with the recorded 46 million visitors in 2019 who came to check out the culture, arts, sports, food, museums, and attractions in the city.

However, take note that exploring this vibrant city takes some good planning because where to begin to explore can be somewhat challenging with so much to see and do. Philadelphia offers a variety of authentic and top-notch attractions and if you want to enjoy exploring this city, the best time to visit is between March and May but you should still be able to move around whenever you visit because the city's weather is great all around the year.

City Parks

From pop-up parks to historic fields, Philadelphia is known for its green spaces. The Philadelphia region blooms with lively urban parks and here are some of the best ones in the city;

Sister Cities Park: It’s open every day of the week from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m and it's a truly amazing place no matter your interests. You need to come to this place if you’re looking for fun in Philly and it's also a fine place to spend the weekend. It has a pond to take a boat out, an awesome fountain, and tons of other great features. It's an outdoor area that makes residents and visitors to Philly swoon and it's one of the biggest places of interest.
Wissahickon Valley Park: It's perfect for mountain bikers and equestrians and there are free guided hikes in the summer. With its 50 miles of rugged trails, it boasts being great for hiking. It's an 1800 acre park with beautiful stone bridges, and it's situated in the Manayunk/Roxborough area of Philadelphia. You'll find creatures and wildlife like deer, foxes, and raccoons in the park, and they're part of the over twenty species of creatures you'll find here.
Fairmount Park: it creates a perfect environment for an escape from city life. It has playgrounds for kids, swimming pools, and barn stables. It hosts a plethora of activities and it's one of the largest urban park systems in the United States of America. Aside from this, it's also the largest green space in Philadelphia with 9200 acres. Fairmount is a system of 63 different parks and there are outdoor concerts, off-road cycling, and deep-woods hiking to be enjoyed here. There are indoor activities hosted at Lloyd Hall and students and locals are taught about nature at the wildlife refuge area and the three environmental centers. Travelers can enjoy a view of the Colonial-era mansions with the aid of a Victorian-style trolley and there's as well a Japanese tea house with tours.

Wissahickon Valley Park

National Parks

The Independence National Historical Park is the most popular national parks in Philadelphia. Come in January or February and you won't have to pay for tickets — the best time to visit Independence Hall may be during the winter months. There are a total of 18 sites within this historical park and it was recorded that over 5 million visitors visited this place in the year 2016. The Independence Hall and Liberty Bell are some of the free attractions you'll find here and hours vary depending on the time of year. It also houses other attractions like the New Hall Military Museum, Franklin Court, and more. If you're visiting Philly for the first time, seeing the Liberty Bell is a must, and this Historical Park is home to all kinds of pieces of Philadelphia and American history.

The three other national parks in Philadelphia are;

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site

The Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial at the corner of S. 3rd Street in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia preserves the home of the Polish patriot and hero of the American Revolution

Beaches

Philadelphia is a great city to visit but you'll need to head to New Jersey or Maryland to enjoy sandy beaches because there are no beaches in the city. Nevertheless, if you're up for a beach getaway within a couple hours' drive which you can easily plan in a day or overnight, you can hit up any of these;

Avalon
Wildwood
Cape May
Ocean City
Rehoboth Beach
Asbury Park
Sea Isle City
Long Beach Island

Avalon beach

Landmarks

The Liberty Bell is one of the most popular landmarks in Philadelphia and you can visit every day of the week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other than just feeling it, it's a very beautiful sight, and you should try to see it the first chance you get. You can think of the Liberty Bell when you think of the famous words “Let freedom ring.” It feels like something far more than an inanimate object and its age and look suggest a kind of wisdom. It has been a symbol for generations of Americans, it's made of all kinds of fine materials, and it's situated at Independence Hall. It's largely famous for its large crack and its true glory can only be understood by seeing it in person as it's one of the most iconic pieces of American history.

The Eastern State Penitentiary is another popular landmark in Philadelphia and you can receive free admission for visits if you become a member. It’s open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This place was meant to provide better amenities than other prisons and it's considered to be the very first penitentiary anywhere. Eastern State Penitentiary has been an undesired home to many notorious figures and if you're interested in true crime sagas, this is one of the coolest places to see. Going on a tour here can still fill you with lots of thrills, even though there might not be any inmates there today. Do well to check out Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia if you've already seen Alcatraz and defunct prisons happen to be your points of interest

City Hall is a famous landmark you should consider visiting too. You can order tickets online for tours of the building. Some Saturdays, it opens from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, and it's from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m it opens from Mondays to Fridays. The building teeming with power bears a triumphant architectural design, and it's made of marble, granite, and limestone. It's one of Pennsylvania's most gorgeous buildings and it's the workplace of the mayor as well as the city council. It's considered to be one of the most stunning government seats of any major city.

Museums

Philadelphia is known for offering a plethora of great museums and it seems to be doing quite well and better than the museum capitals of the country; New York and Washington D.C.

Please Touch Museum: From 9 a.m. to noon and again from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, it has its doors open from Thursday to Sunday. It provides guests with entertainment that’s both pleasing and touching and exhibits work with their natural inclination. You'll be glad getting your hands on everything this Museum has to offer and this place rewards the curiosity of people with all kinds of fun and interactive exhibitions. Please Touch Museum is also a fine place for kids.
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University: Lower ticket prices are available if you order online. Admission is free for children younger than two, $19 for military members, students, and seniors, $18 for children, and $22 for adult guests. It's open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m and on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you desire to learn about the natural world, come here. If you're with your kids and they love dinosaurs, there's a high chance that they'll love it here. There's a full-scale T-Rex skeleton in the corridors of this museum that have exhibits devoted to mollusks, butterflies, and dinosaurs. This museum offers a lot of fun for science lovers and it's a fine spot for those planning their trip with an emphasis on learning. It has been around for more than 200 years.
Science History Institute: There’s no cost for admission and it’s open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. When you come to the Science History Institute, you can get the best of both fun and enlightenment. This museum teaches more about science which is a pursuit that gets refined with time. It shows the importance of the preservation of scientific research as it focuses on chemical engineering, life sciences, and chemistry. It's one of the top 10 science museums in the United States and it's a place for science lovers.
Benjamin Franklin Museum: Admission is $2 for children to those up to 16 and $5 for adult visitors. It's open each day of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m and it's one of the most fascinating places in Philadelphia. It shines a light on all the interests that Franklin pursued as it's a great dedication to the great man; Benjamin Franklin. It's one of the best places to visit if you’re interested in history and you can learn all kinds of great things about him and as well see important pieces from his life at his eponymous museum.

Memorial Hall, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131, Centennial Exposition, 1876, now home to the Please Touch Museum

Eat

The popular sandwich made of a fresh roll filled with mushrooms, onions, cheese, grilled shaved beef, and a few optional sides is the most famous homegrown food in Philadelphia and it's called the cheesesteak. Your trip to Philadelphia is definitely considered incomplete if you don't try out this meal and you can visit where it was invented; Pat's King of Steaks, to grab a bite, and if you seek to enjoy an improved version of this cheesesteak, you can check out Geno's Steaks — these two places have been regarded to be the spiritual homes of the cheesesteak and they're not far from each other. Soft pretzel, hoagie, and the cheesesteak are Philly staples and you can easily find them around. Roast pork sandwiches, scrapple, and water ice (an Italian frozen confection) are other local specialties in the city.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Traditional local restaurants are in good quality and quantity in Philadelphia and here are some of the popular ones you'll find in the city:

Butcher and Singer
High Street Philly
DanDan Rittenhouse
Gran Caffe L'Aquila
Vernick Food & Drink
Oyster House
Zahav

Vegetarian and Vegan

Several amazing meatless eateries call Philadelphia home!

Bar Bombon: It's a sister restaurant to HipCityVeg and Charlie was a Sinner, it offers weekend brunch till 3 pm, and it has happy hour from Monday to Thursday from 4-7 pm. It serves dishes like tacos, nachos, arepa, and empanadas. It's a Latin themed vegan taqueria and bar and it was established in the year 2015.
Vedge: Reservations are recommended if you'll be coming here and do well to check its page to confirm operating hours before you drop by. It's founded in the year 2011 by Philadelphia's Horizon restaurant chefs and it offers elegant dining with an internationally inspired food menu.
HipCityVeg - Broad St: It was established in the year 2016, it uses compostable packaging, and it offers breakfast till 11 am. It features soy milkshakes, cheesesteak sandwiches, burgers and fries, and vegan versions of other classic American comfort food. It's a fast-casual vegan cafe.
20th Street Pizza: It occasionally closes earlier if dough has run out and it was opened in 2019 by Blackbird Pizza. It has vegan cookies and sweets available and it sells vegan pizza by the slice or by the pie.
Charlie Was a Sinner: There's an age requirement to sit at the bar but not at the tables and it has a late night menu available until 1 am for its main menu isn't available past midnight on weekends and 11 pm on weekdays. It's a sister business to HipCityVeg and its kitchen opens till 1 am. It hosts happy hour weekdays and it's advisable to check ahead before visiting because it may have an age requirement. It also serves small plates plus cocktails and bottled beers.
Blackbird Pizzeria: It serves items like sweets, salad, buffalo wings, cheesy fries, mushroom wrap, Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and it as well offers different varieties of pizzas by the slice or by the pie. It's a vegan pizza restaurant established in the city in 2010.

Street Food

The plentiful food trucks in Philadelphia offer you an opportunity to enjoy Philly's street food! You can check out any of these:

Chez Yasmine
Calle Del Sabor
Brotherly Grub
Authentik Byrek
Big Mouth's Food Truck
BrazBQ

Drink

With the rising and explosion of beers and locally made spirits in the city, Philadelphia is a great spot for those who enjoy a good drink. To enjoy something local, just go grab an imaginative cocktail at a bar.

Tap-water

The tap water in Philadelphia is safe to drink and it doesn't need to be boiled before drinking. However, the water is likely to have a poor taste due to the chloramine.

Organic Cafés

Grindcore House is one of the best organic cafés in Philadelphia. It hosts events, book signings, and movie nights, and it serves bagels, sandwiches, pastries, tea, and organic coffee.

P.S. & Co. and White Dog Cafe are other nice organic cafés in the city.

Breweries

There's no shortage of beer to drink here as Philadelphia is known as a beer city:

Victory Brewing Company
Yards Brewing Company
Free Will Brewing Company
Philadelphia Brewing Company
Flying Fish Brewing Company
Tired Hands Brewing Company

Activities

Outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities abound in Philadelphia and you can enjoy everything from hiking and biking to walking, running, and more.

Yoga and Retreats

You can trust any of these places for your yoga and retreats in Philadelphia:

Hot Yoga Philadelphia
The Yoga Garden Philly
Synergy by Jasmine -Yoga Classes & Mini-Retreats
Raja Yoga and Meditation Center of Greater Philadelphia
Pacific Yoga

Accommodation

There are several accommodation options you can choose from in Philadelphia from hotels to hostels and apartments.

Green Hotels

Philadelphia is home to many eco-friendly hotels:

The Independent Hotel City Center
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
The Inn at Penn, A Hilton Hotel

Hostels and Guest Houses

Philadelphia has its fair share of hostels spread throughout the city and some popular ones you'll find around are Apple Hostels of Philadelphia, City House Hostel, and La Reserve Bed & Breakfast.

Apartments

Staying in a local apartment in Philadelphia offers a very good feeling because you're likely to be staying in a historical building. Airnbs are also very popular in the city.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is getting more popular gradually and you can enjoy experiencing an authentic side of the city if you find a host.

Camping

Urban camping is a growing trend and you can enjoy camping in Philadelphia at any of these places:

Lake Owego Camp
Pennypack Park
Camp Bonfire
Pine Forest Camp
Benjamin Rush State Park

How to Get There

It's quite easy to get into Philadelphia. You can get in the city via Amtrak or a bus via Megabus if you're coming from one of the larger nearby cities like Washington DC or New York City and the city's main airport is just 20 minutes from the city center.

Air

The largest airport in the Delaware Valley is the Philadelphia International Airport and it's Philly's main airport.

Other airports visitors can consider flying to are:

Northeast Philadelphia Airport
Baltimore-Washington International Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport

Inside the Philadelphia International Airport

Bus

Philadelphia is served by Peter Pan, Bieber, Trailways, and the Greyhound bus routes to cities across the country.

NJT bus in Philadelphia

Train

Philadelphia is connected to its many suburbs by SEPTA Regional Rail lines and you can get to Philadelphia from NYC via commuter rail.

There are as well Inbound trains serving Philadelphia and neighboring cities.

Hitchhiking

So far you're not on the interstate itself, the police will never stop you from hitchhiking because hitchhiking in Pennsylvania is only illegal on the Turnpike.

Others

Philadelphia is connected to neighboring cities by freeways, which makes it easily accessible by car. More so, between April and September, neighboring Camden and New Jersey can be accessed from Philadelphia through the RiverLink and Freedom Ferry services.

Moving Around

The best way to get around Philadelphia is by foot or PHLASH bus. You can get around via the purple PHLASH buses from March to December and the areas with the most attractions are very pedestrian-friendly.

Walk

The streets in the city are easy to navigate and they're organized in a grid pattern. The downtown area is very foot-traffic friendly and you should feel safe taking a walk in the city.

Bicycle

Biking is another popular way of getting around Philly and you can pick up a bike at any station of Philly's bike-share program – Indego.

Electronic Vehicles

You should be able to rent an electronic vehicle in Philadelphia at one of the car rental companies around.

Public Bus

Public buses are operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) with tickets starting at $2.50. There are as well purple PHLASH buses offering looped service in downtown.

Tram, Train and Subway

SEPTA Regional Rail regional commuter rail trains operate in the city and there are as well two metro (subway/elevated) lines servicing the city.

Sustainable Shopping

Philadelphia is a city known for its sustainability and sustainable shoppers in the city are presented with plenty of eco-friendly shops to shop from.

Food Markets

Some of the best food markets in Philadelphia are:

Reading Terminal Market
Fitler Square Farmers' Market
Rittenhouse Farmers' Market
Greensgrow Farmstand
Clark Park Farmers' Market

Reading Terminal Market

Flea Markets

Franklin Flea Market and Philadelphia Flea Markets are the popular flea markets in Philadelphia.

Second Hand Stores

There's no shortage of second-hand stores in Philadelphia:

Philly AIDS Thrift
Greene Street Consignment
Bulk Vintage
Raxx Vintage
Retrospect Vintage

Eco-Fashion

Go gorgeously green with wears from these eco-friendly fashion shops;

Arcadia
Mushmina
Bario-Neal
Greendesign

Recycling

Recycling is easy in Philadelphia. All you have to do is to put all of your recyclables together in one bin and put your recycling bin out every week on the same day as trash day.

Waste

Weekly residential curbside trash collection for residential dwellings of the city is provided by the Sanitation Division.

Work and Study Abroad

The University of Pennsylvania amidst other reputable universities and colleges call Philadelphia home and this makes it a fine location for work and study abroad.

Exchange Student

A number of the higher institutions of learning in the city offer the student exchange program.

Au Pair

You're likely to find opportunities as an au pair in Philadelphia.

Volunteering

From HIAS Pennsylvania and Philabundance to Volunteering Untapped PHL, Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society), and more, you'll find lots of places to volunteer for in Philadelphia.