[ Profile | Weather | Attractions | Family Fun | Cultural Arts | Sports/Recreation ]
[ Accommodations | Shopping | Nightlife | Travel Info | Fast Facts | Links | The Latest ]

Search for meetings in Philadelphia

Profile

Philadelphia, with the exception maybe of New York, is perhaps the most famously written about city in the United States. The name is attached to everything from popular foods like the "Cheesesteak" and "Cream Cheese" to popular movies like "Rocky" and the aptly titled Academy Award winning Tom Hanks' drama, "Philadelphia," to the supposed naval "Experiment" that took place during World War II with the city serving as the source for the supernatural teleportation of a U.S. Navy Destroyer. And, of course, Philadelphia is a name that's synonymous with famous sports teams such as the Eagles and Flyers, 76ers and Phillies, not to mention home to the most famous Franklin in the world.

Founded in 1682 by an English Quaker named William Penn, the city began life as a modest parcel of land located near the Atlantic Coast. It developed rapidly throughout the 18th century, soon becoming the cultural center of the New World. Philadelphia symbolizes the birth of the nation, giving rise to the most significant events in American history. It is a city rife with tradition that dates back to the American Revolution and the famous July Fourth declaration as well as the serving ground for the U.S. Constitution and temporary national capital prior to Washington D.C. at the end of the century.

Philadelphia, sometimes referred to simply as "Philly" and sometimes as the "the City of Brotherly Love," is the fifth largest city in the United States with a population of approximately 1.6 million. Headed by such prominent institutions as Philadelphia, Drexel and Thomas Jefferson Universities, it is also one of the largest college/university towns with more than 120,000 students studying within the city limits alone and nearly 300,000 total in the metropolitan area. Philadelphia's economy is heavily based on manufacturing, refining, food, and financial services, and the city also has its own stock exchange. Founded in 1790, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange (PSEX) is the oldest in the United States.

Weather

The climate in Philadelphia is temperate, with four seasons. Summers tend to be hot and often humid, with July and August temperatures peaking at around 85 F. Fall and spring are mild and generally the most pleasant seasons. The rainfall pattern is generally spread throughout the year, with about a week's worth of wet days per month. Winter months are typically cold, with low temperatures dipping into the mid-to-low 20s from December to February. The amount of snowfall is unpredictable and varies from winter to winter.

Current Weather

back to top

Attractions

Located one block north of the Independence National Historical Park is the Independence Visitor Center (6th and Market streets; 215-965-7676; www.independencevisitorcenter.com), your first stop prior to setting forth towards all the area sites and scenery. Housed inside this architectural showpiece are informative displays and computer kiosks, along with experienced staffers to help tourists explore America's Most Historic Square Mile as well as the entire region. There's also a cafe and a gift shop selling souvenirs and park publications, a spacious atrium and three theaters showcasing a variety of geographical and historical films at specific intervals throughout the day.

The Independence National Historical Park comprises 40 buildings on 45 acres of Downtown (Center City) real estate with approximately 20 buildings open to the public. Independence Hall (215-965-2305; www.nps.gov/inde), the birthplace of the United States where the Declaration of Independence was adopted, and the Liberty Bell, housed in a new 13,000-square-foot, $12.4-million glass pavilion that's 235 feet long and 50 feet wide, are situated between 5th and 6th streets at Chestnut Street. The Park was overhauled not long ago, with some $300 million poured into new attractions, renovations and landscaping. A section of the park where Benjamin Franklin's home once stood is dedicated to teaching about Franklin's life and accomplishments.

Located in the heart of Philadelphia's history-rich Old City neighborhood, settled among hip art galleries and fashionable restaurants, sits Elfreth's Alley (2nd St. between Arch and Race streets; 215-574-0560; www.elfrethsalley.org), a National Historic Landmark and the nation's oldest residential street. A total of 33 houses built prior to our nation's birth line the Alley, one that since 1702 up the present has been home to thousands. Each year the Alley welcomes visitors to stroll along the cobblestones and experience the 18th-century homes and take a tour of the Alley Museum. The price for museum and garden tours is $2 for adults and $1 for children. Hours of operation are Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m., with limited days of operation during the winter months.

back to top

Family Fun

There are plenty of ways for the family to experience Philadelphia. It has a variety of attractions for all different age groups and mixes easily navigable neighborhoods with a variety of educational and family-friendly activities.

Known as America's first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo (3400 W. Girard Ave.; 215-243-1100; www.philadelphiazoo.org) opened in 1874 and is home to an impressive array of animals numbering nearly 2,000 from around the world. Spread out among a charming 42-acre Victorian garden with tree-lined walks are a number of not-to-be-missed attractions: The Peco Primate Reserve features ten species of primates that include Sumatran orangutans and lowland gorillas, the Carnivore Kingdom counts giant otters, snow leopards and rare white lions as its main attractions, and the Rare Animal Conservation Center showcases tree kangaroos and blue-eyed lemurs. Walk among tree-flying birds or catch an aerial of the zoo from their perspective by way of the Zoo Balloon, which lifts passengers 400 feet into the air. In-season admission (March to October) for adults is $16.95 and for children ages two to 11, $13.95; off-season prices are $10.95 for both adults and children.

A Bicentennial-era stalwart and continued standout, the Please Touch Museum (210 N. 21st St.; 215-963-0667; www.pleasetouchmuseum.org) is a fun-filled, totally hands-on children's museum that's proven to be equally as popular with their parents. The museum is characterized by a variety of indoor family-friendly themes that are both playful and practical. In "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," kids can play croquet with the Queen and sip tea with the Mad Hatter. They can also take the wheel of a real bus and sail a boat on a mini-Delaware River. "Me on TV" allows for children to experience being behind the camera and on stage in a television studio. Please Touch also provides for a live theater experience for young children with performances taking place daily. Museum hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week. Price of admission for adults and children is $9.95; children under one are admitted free.

Adventure Aquarium (1 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ; 609-365-3300; www.adventureaquarium.com), which opened in May 2005, effectively replacing the New Jersey State Aquarium as part of a massive renovation project, serves up some 200,000 square feet of marine and wildlife for visitors to explore. Walk within chomping distance of crocodiles, gaze at 20 species of African birds and study thousands of spectacular fish at the West African River Experience. Afterwards, turn your attention to the bigger fish in the Shark Realm, where a 40-foot underwater tunnel takes you to the center of their domain. Additional highlights include the state-of-the-art 4-D Theater (the fourth "D" is for elements like wind and water), the Jules Verne Gallery, which features the rare giant Pacific octopus, and Penguin Island, surrounded by a 17,000-gallon swimming pool for the island's 20 resident birds. Admission price is $14 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, $11 for children three to 11, and free for children under three.

back to top

Cultural Arts

Visitors with a penchant for history will find more than they can imagine in Philly: The most historic square mile in America; more than 90 museums; countless Colonial churches, row houses, and mansions; the oldest arts museum in the country. It is a city where Americans declared, then defended their liberty and developed the ideals of the American Dream, all of which are on full display at every angle.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-763-8100; www.philamuseum.org) is the third largest museum in America and features vast collections of varying backgrounds that embrace styles from East Asia, Europe, Indian, and Himalayan cultures, Modern and contemporary, as well as American art with collections that include works by native Philadelphian artist Thomas Eakins. On the upstairs level, time travel through more than 80 period rooms from the Mediaeval cloister to the Indian temple through and to 19th-century Europe. Founded during the nation's first centennial in 1876 as a museum of decorative arts, the museum soon outgrew its quarters in Fairmount Park's Memorial Hall. A new building would open in 1928 inspired by the ancient Greek temples and a long set of steps that one of Philadelphia's famous, if fictitious, sons would ascend and make famous some 50 years later (Rocky).

Just off the Avenue of the Arts, The Library Company of Philadelphia (1314 Locust St.; 215-546-3181; www.librarycompany.org) specializes in every aspect of the history of early America and Philadelphia. Continually changing exhibits may include such works as Pennsylvania German Broadsides, George Mark Wilson photograph collection and the Zinman Collection of Early American Imprints, among many more drawn from its half-million rare books, 75,000 graphics and 160,000 manuscripts. The library is a main repository of old prints and photographs of Philadelphia and its neighborhoods. The Library Company still pays homage to Ben Franklin, its original founder and creator of subscription libraries. When Philadelphia was the U.S. capital, it was, in effect, the Library of Congress. It is now the only major Colonial library still intact. The Library Reading Room and Exhibition Gallery operate from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. weekdays.

A pristine example of beautiful Colonial architecture, Christ Church (20 N. American St.; 215-922-1695; www.christchurchphila.org) is a historic treasure bordered by a tree-lined brick path, a small park and a cobblestone alley. The building was constructed between 1727 and 1744. Benjamin Franklin raised money for the tower and steeple, which was added in 1754, thus making it the tallest building in America until 1856. Inside, the English-inspired design is crowned by the main chandelier, which was brought over from England in 1744. Seating is by pew instead of on open benches and George Washington's seat is marked with a plaque. Hours of operation are Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The nearby Christ Church Burial Ground features 1,400 markers representing the final resting place for many prominent leaders including Benjamin Franklin as well as a number of Revolutionary War heroes. Tours of both the Church and Burial Ground are available.

back to top

Sports/Recreation

Consisting of 62 neighborhood parks contained within 9,200 acres, Fairmount Park (www.fairmountpark.org) is within walking distance of every Philadelphia resident and provides a variety of opportunities for outdoor sports and leisure in any season. Visitors seeking refuge from the big city environment can choose to walk, jog, hike, bike, or horseback ride on one of the park's many trails. The Fairmount Park system has a number of scenic horse trails and open cross-country terrain for riders. Take a rowboat on to the river or take to the courts for a game of tennis, basketball or even bocce. For more casual recreation, a Victorian-style trolley offers tours of the Colonial-era mansions that dot the park landscape.

The city of Philadelphia operates six municipal golf courses in the region offering plenty of variety and superb quality. In the West Philadelphia area five miles outside of Center City, Cobb's Creek Golf Club (7200 Lansdowne Ave.; 215-877-8707; www.golfphilly.com) set a standard long ago as the site of the first public golf course in the Greater Philadelphia area. Today, it houses two 18-hole courses, the Olde Course and the Karakung Course. The Olde Course, established in 1916, was designed by renowned course architect Hugh Wilson, who also designed the acclaimed Merion-East Course in nearby Ardmore, and was ranked as the #6 Best Municipal Course in the U.S. by Golfweek Magazine. The tree-lined Philadelphia landmark offers a challenging layout that's lent to its namesake creek and lengthy holes. The Karakung Course is the shorter of the two courses, yet retains the character and charm of its sister course, while also offering new challenges that include smaller greens and quick elevation changes.

back to top

Accommodations

Philadelphia has a tradition of inns, bed-and-breakfasts and European-style hotels for all tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for a romantic escape, a luxurious five-star retreat or a memorable family vacation, Philadelphia is well prepared to accommodate.

Offering luxury, location and a laundry list of special programs and amenities' selection to accommodate a variety of tastes, Loews Philadelphia Hotel (1200 Market St.; 215-627-1200; www.loewshotels.com/hotels/philadelphia) offers plenty for the whole family. Fixed in the heart of Philly's renowned City Center, travelers are never more than a few minutes away from the city's local attractions and historic sites, including Independence Mall, Liberty Bell Pavilion and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Its 583 guestrooms include 37 suites include the expected business accoutrements outlined by high ceilings and soaring views. Special programs like Loews Loves Kids and Home Sweet Home ensure plenty of inclusive family fun activities that cater to kids of any age and provide the parents with a variety of home-style comforts that range from ergonomic pillows to air purifiers to in-room putting greens. Guest rooms are priced from $159 to $289 per night, and suites range from $259 to $389.

The Hilton Inn at Penn (3600 Sansom St., University City; 215-222-0200; www.theinnatpenn.com) is among Philadelphia's newest hotels in the heart of The University of Pennsylvania campus. The AAA four-diamond award-winner offers 238 rooms geared towards the business traveler with a "virtual office" set up of dual phone lines, dataports, Internet access, and voice mail. Each room also offers Web TV, plush terry cloth robes and luxurious bath amenities. It's housed in a block-long, six-story brick area called Sansom Commons that includes a University Bookstore and trendy college shops and cafes in a location across from the Penn campus. The Penne Restaurant and Wine Bar as well as the Living Room Lounge, which is a fully stocked library where complimentary afternoon coffee and tea are dispensed, will make guests feel at home. Standard room rates start at $219 per night while suites begin at $599.

Located a few steps from the fashionable Rittenhouse Square, Rittenhouse Square Bed and Breakfast (1715 Rittenhouse Square; 215·546·6500; www.rittenhousebb.com) is among the city's best incarnations of a small, European-style luxury hotel. The inn is located at the heart of Center City on one of Philly's most desirable districts, yet gives away a serene setting on its tiny, tree-lined street. Set in a renovated 1900s Philadelphia carriage house, the richly decorated lobby exudes a European-styled grandeur. Its 15 deluxe rooms are designed for ultra luxury and convenience offering guests plush robes, marble bathrooms, triple sheeting with nightly turndown service, computer workstations with Internet access, and 24-hour concierge service. Guests also enjoy a complimentary wine and snack reception each evening in the lobby. Standard room rates begin at $239 per night up to $499 for the Presidential Suite.

Built in 1983, the Four Seasons Hotel (One Logan Square; 215-963-1500; www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia) on Logan Square offers pristine views and a beautifully renovated interior to accentuate its perennially award-winning quality and comfort. Among its eight-story structure sit elegant guest rooms that are furnished in faithful reproductions of the Federal period that feature plush chairs and carpets with rich colors throughout, bathed in overall luxury. The rooms all have windows or private verandas with views of the brilliant interior courtyard. The five-diamond award-winning hotel offers 364 guest rooms, including 96 suites and is also home to the acclaimed Fountain Restaurant and Swann Lounge. Room prices per evening range from $260 for a moderate room up to $595 for an Executive Suite, which offers prestigious views of Logan Circle and Swann Fountain.

back to top

Shopping

Philadelphia has many charming neighborhoods, which spawn a wide variety of shopping experiences. Chief among them is Antiques Row, located on Pine Street in an area between 9th and 12th streets. A row of a different sort is known as Jewelers' Row, the country's oldest diamond district, which is centered on Sansom Street between 7th and 8th. Large for a city of this size, this area offers more than 350 retailers and wholesalers.

For a taste of the unusual, shop on South Street, located south of Society Hill and one of Philadelphia's most hip neighborhoods. Mixed in with the bizarre are some very nice boutiques where shoppers are guaranteed to find one-of-a-kind items. Some of the biggest names in shopping can also be found along Rittenhouse Row, where the likes of Urban Outfitters, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Williams-Sonoma, and Diesel are just a few of the shops on this premier shopping strip. And don't forget the State of Pennsylvania offers tax-free shopping on clothing!

Located about an hour from the big city, Peddler's Village (41 Peddler's Village Rd., Lahaska; 215-794-4000; www.peddlersvillage.com), offers a casual shopping experience that offers small town, Colonial charm, with more than 75 specialty shops, restaurants and 71 room inn are situated throughout the village across 42 acres of landscaped grounds and winding walkways. For families, the Village includes Giggleberry Fair, a 10,000-square-foot entertainment center comprised of The Grand Carousel, a faithfully restored merry-go-round; Giggleberry Mountain, an obstacle course and maze; Discovery Land, featuring a moon bounce and interactive waterway; The Game Room, and the Painted Pony Cafe. In addition, Peddler's Village hosts a variety of festivals year round, including the popular January Sales Event, July's Celebration of Freedom and The Apple Festival, one of many themed weekends held every year in November.

back to top

Nightlife

Originally founded as the American Music Theater Festival, the Prince Music Theater (1412 Chestnut St.; 215-972-1000; www.princemusictheater.org) is a renovated 450-seat picture palace that hosts all original productions. Musical theater is presented in all major forms, including opera, musical comedy, cabaret, experimental theater, and film. Drawing upon operatic and popular traditions as well European, African, Asian, and South American forms, the Prince encourages new voices and styles of presentation. Theatergoers will rediscover classics and see new favorites on the biggest screen in town in Prince's spacious theater, or casually relax with a drink and enjoy conversation in Philadelphia's most intimate film venue, Upstairs at the Prince. Seating in the Lounge is limited so arrive early.

Named from an Indian word for "where we go to drink" that was attributable to the location at the Schuylkill River, the Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant (4120 Main St.; 215-482-8220; www.manayunkbrewery.com) has capitalized on both concepts, offering patrons a relaxed atmosphere on the riverfront for fine food and spirits. Located in the historic wool and cotton mill that is situated on the mouth of the Manayunk Canal, the restaurant serves amazing views of the river while its menu features a variety of fare, from steak and seafood to sushi, seasoned with a city to city specialty rub, where Chicago's brick oven meets Missourian baby backs. Pair up with one of Manayunk's choice lagers or ales from their on-site brewery, which sports at least a half dozen varieties on tap. The brewery is a popular nightspot owing to its busy Main Street location in the historic Manayunk district, and features live music and late night weekend menu.

Housed in a dramatic glass and steel structure highlighting Philadelphia's acclaimed Avenue of the Arts are two prestigious concert halls created to serve the public's performing arts interests: Verizon Hall, a 2,500-seat cello-shaped theater made to order for the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Perelman Theatre, a 650-seat chamber music and dance hall with rotating stage. Together they comprise the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Broad and Spruce streets; 215-790-5800; www.kimmelcenter.org), one of the latest additions to the city's renowned cultural heritage. In addition to the Orchestra, the center hosts additional Resident Companies that include the Pennsylvania Ballet, Opera Company of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. The theater box office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and free, guided tours of the center are offered from Tuesday through Sunday at 1 p.m.

The historic General Lafayette Inn and Brewery (646 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill; 610-941-0600; www.generallafayetteinn.com) will take you back to the days of the American Revolution. Built in 1732, this authentic Colonial tavern is now in its fourth century of existence and its ties to history are deep-General Lafayette and his men successfully fought the Battle of Barren Hill nearby. The Inn features both a bar area and more formal dining room, along with wood burning fireplaces, rustic wooden beams and excellent food. In the brewery, outstanding, international-style brews such as Raspberry Mead-Ale and Pacific Pale Ale are created. The Inn is located four miles from Downtown Manayunk and within ten of City Center and several area attractions. For those that prefer a layover, the Inn's owner also runs a bed-and-breakfast called "Lafayette's Retreat," located a few feet from the restaurant.

back to top

Travel Info

Philadelphia Trolley Works and 76 Carriage Company (215-925-8687; www.phillytour.com) operate buses that resemble 1930s open-air trolleys for travelers to take in all the sites of the historic city. Guides point out all the highlights along the way as you make 20 total stops that feature Fairmount Park, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Museum of Art, and Antique Row and along the 90-minute ride that begins at the Bourse Building at 5th Street or your hotel. All Day passes are available for purchase on board the trolley and come in a variety of pricing options.

See the city in a Phlash (www.phillyphlash.com), a quick and easy connection between the Center City attractions and most downtown hotels. It is one of the best ways to get around to 19 key locations in the center and is priced at just $1 each time you board or $4 for an all-day pass. It's a quick hop-on, hop-off service for travelers seeking a quick and pleasant way to move through the city. Direct connections are available to area subways and rail lines. The service operates every 12 minutes and runs daily between the months of March and November from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

By purchasing the Philadelphia Pass (www.philadelphiapass.com; 888-567-PASS), visitors gain access to 20 of the city's top attractions including Lights of Liberty Show, National Constitution Center, Atwater Kent Museum, The Academy of Natural Sciences, National Liberty Museum, Independence Seaport Museum, Longwood Gardens, Philadelphia Zoo, and plenty more. The price of the one-day pass is $39 and also includes an 80-page guide and tour book and special discounts at 11 area restaurants and retailers. Two-, three-, and five-day passes are also available.

back to top

Fast Facts

The first magazine in America was known simply as, The American Magazine, and was published in Philadelphia for three months in 1741.

back to top

Links

Philadelphia Convention & Visitor's Bureau

Greater Philadelphia Official Visitor Site

Philadelphia Community & Tourism Website

back to top

Philly Overnight Hotel Package

The Philly Overnight Hotel Package is back again. Visitors who book the package will receive two nights' accommodations for the price of one at any of nearly 40 hotels across Philadelphia and The Countryside. Ideal for a quick getaway, the package is available seven days a week, and can be booked for any two consecutive dates. In addition to the two nights' accommodations, the Philly Overnight Hotel Package includes free parking, a free gift upon check-in and Philadelphia Privileges Coupon Book with discounts at 60 area attractions, restaurants and shops. Visit www.gophila.com for more details.

Search for meetings in Philadelphia

print this page

back to top