Philadelphia is a large city but it has an excellent public transportation system. In addition, it's an easy city in which to drive and walking is an option that offers excellent opportunities to see the best that the city has to offer.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Here's How:
- Drive a car. There is some free parking, limited metered parking ($1.00 an hour), and many parking garages. Many garages have an early-bird special if you’re in by 10:00 am and out by 6:00 pm.
- Take a SEPTA bus, subway, or trolley. The regions bus and trolley network is extensive. Virtually any area of the city can be reached by public transit. You can buy daily, weekly or monthly transpasses.
- Take a SEPTA regional rail line. This is the best way to get into the city from the suburbs for those who choose not to drive. With stops at 30th Street, 15th Street and Market East you can access almost anywhere in Center City with ease.
- If you’re coming from Southern New Jersey take the PATCO Hi-speed line, which makes several stops in Center City. PATCO also has bus lines which travel to Philadelphia from Southern New Jersey.
- PHLASH serves the downtown area with a continual bus loop through the entertainment centers on South Street and Columbus Blvd, Center City and the Parkway area.
- Take a taxi. Taxis in Philadelphia tend to be more expensive than in other Northeast cities but they are widely available. Beware of the now outlawed "gypsy" cabs, which will charge you exorbitant rates.
- If you’re visiting the historic area, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through old city and the Independence National Park Area.
- Walk. Most areas of downtown are easily accessible on foot. From City Hall to the waterfront is only 15 blocks. So many areas of the city are best seen on foot.
- If you’re planning on visiting the attractions on the Camden Waterfront take the River Link Ferry. The ride is only about 20 minutes and you get a whole different view of the city from the water.
- For the bold at heart you can bicycle through the city, although traffic can be heavy and many drivers have little regard for cyclists. The West River Drive and Kelly Drive offer nice bicycling paths.
Tips:
- If you're able, walk as much as possible. It's good for your health and it's also the best way to really see the city.
- The best parking spaces are available early in the day or late in the afternoon.
- Buy a SEPTA transpass. It really saves you money.