In the past few decades, Philadelphia has become a tourist-friendly city. At first popular mostly among business travelers and people living in the area, Philadelphia now features many services available to help host a large variety of domestic and international guests.
Hotels and Convention Centers
The Philadelphia area is home to multiple convention and expo centers in both urban and suburban areas. Guests travel to the convention centers for business functions and displays of fandom. These events attract convention attendees and businesses to the area, and most convention sites are networked with nearby hotels and other services for the convenience of guests.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located right in the center of Philadelphia next to the Market East transportation area. The PA Convention Center is host of the Philadelphia Comic Con, making Philly a geek-friendly city on the East Coast.
National Parks and Historic Sites
Philadelphia is full of national parks and historic sites. These sites are staffed by friendly park rangers who are there to answer questions and grant access to secure sites. The rangers are often seen posing for pictures with tourists and offering recommendations for eating and shopping.
Public Transit and Airport Access
SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) serves Philadelphia. While other cities have more accessible public transit, SEPTA now offers day passes for tourists to visit the city. In particular, bus drivers are friendly and will answer tourists’ questions about how to get anywhere in the city. SEPTA runs regional rail lines (including the R1 which goes directly to the airport), the subway (north-south), the el (east-west) and various bus routes.
Culturally Accessible
Philadelphia is one of the nicest cities for those looking for culture. Philadelphia still has neighborhoods with ethnic populations, though these have shifted over the years. In Philadelphia, you will find welcoming communities and shopping districts in places such as Chinatown. Philadelphia is home to cultural museums such as the National Museum of American Jewish History.
Visitors may also wish to view the welcoming Irish memorial, which depicts Irish immigrants leaving a famine-stricken country only to be welcomed by America on the other side. Philadelphia has its own arts district-the Avenue of the Arts near City Hall. This area is populated by hotels and parking garages, making it a convenient location for guests.
Dining Out
Philadelphia is known for its diverse dining experience. It is home to several Stephen Starr restaurants including the affordable Continental on Market Street. Philadelphia is full of French bistros, authentic South Philly Italian cuisine, Irish pubs, and Ethopian fare.
A great destination for history buffs and theatre and live concert fans, Philadelphia is a friendly city for all who love to travel-and feel at home.
