Philadelphia info (Reading, Liberty, Hampton: hotels, buy, university)

[twade1]

Hi, me and a friend are travelling around the USA starting at the end of May and will be stopping off in Philadelphia for 2-3 nights. I have a few questions to help me plan our stay in Philadlephia.

Do you know of any cheap, decent hotels we'd be able to stop?

Any ideas on things to do and see while we are there? We are arriving on train so won't have a car.

Any areas we should avoid?

What area is the Amtrak station situated. Is it in a decent enough area to arrive at night?

Thanks for any replies!

[akorosdc]

Originally Posted by twade1

Any ideas on things to do and see while we are there? We are arriving on train so won't have a car.

What sort of things do you like to do? We took our relatives to see the historical sights (Independence Hall, Carpenter Hall, Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, etc). These are all in the "Old City" area, which is very walkable. They have carriage tours, which is fun. I like just walking around the area, since you'll stumble on all kinds of things. You could also check out the Art Museum. While you're there walk around the azalea gardens and along the Schuylkill River. For something different, you could go to the Mutter Museum (medical oddities) or Eastern State Penitentiary (old prison). Then, of course, there's the cheesesteak. Without a car, the easiest would probably be Jim's on South Street (I also like Steaks on South). Also check out the Reading Terminal Market and Italian Market. You can either eat there, or buy food and take a picnic to a park or something.

Any areas we should avoid?

The areas to avoid also have very little of interest to visitors/tourists. Stick to Center City and Old City, and you won't be near those areas. Just use common sense, and you'll be fine.

What area is the Amtrak station situated. Is it in a decent enough area to arrive at night?

Amtrak goes to 30th Street Station, which is right by University City (Univ of Pennsylvania, Drexel University). As far as safety, arriving at night should be fine. The station itself is safe, and you can always just catch a cab to your hotel (instead of wandering aimlessly with luggage and getting lost at 3am).

[Just1Lion]

you can have lunch/dinner at the "City Tavern". its a total tourist trap, but its cool in its own way. the waitstaff is all decked out like pilgrims and they have the whole 1700's thing happening. i used to work there. decent food. very historical philly feel to it. its at 2nd and Walnut in old city.

[FindingZen]

Possibly the cheapest hotel of decent quality in Center City would be the Travelodge. It's relatively new and very basic. The two Holiday Inns (Historic District and Midtown) as well as the Hampton Inn would be reasonably priced as well. I'd highly advise against staying at any airport hotel (besides the Marriott) as it would be inconvenient to get back to the train that would take you into downtown.

[lititzman2003]

If you can stay East of Broad Street and South of Spring Garden Street you can see the best of the city and not worry too much about crime. Enjoy your visit