Cheap Flights To Philadelphia

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Cheap Flights To Philadelphia

Overview
When to Go
Airport Information
Weather
Things to Do
Local Attractions
Must See Sights
Insider Tips
Getting Around

Overview
The City of Brotherly Love is famous as the birthplace of American liberty and the location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphia was founded by Quakers, who promoted religious freedom in stark contrast to the Church of England—a movement that led to the revolution sparked in Philadelphia. Most visitors begin their trip with a tour of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited street.

Yet, much more awaits visitors beyond centuries-old historical landmarks. Cultural, ethnic, artistic and culinary treasures abound in Philly, as it’s affectionately known. The fifth-largest city in the country has become a hot destination for top art exhibitions, new theaters, exciting nightlife, and some of the country's finest restaurants.

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When to Go
High Season
In spite of the warm and often very humid summers, June through August is Philadelphia’s high season, when families visit en masse during school break. Being the birthplace of the country’s independence, it should come as no surprise that Fourth of July celebrations are elaborate, and consequently, popular summer draws for tourists.

Low Season
December through February are snowy and can be bone-chillingly cold, making winter the least popular time to visit Philadelphia. Yet, a festive holiday season and New Year's Mummer’s Parade can make for an unforgettable trip, and prices are much lower during this time. The shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November are generally the most pleasant weather-wise and have the added bonus of lighter crowds.

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Airport Information
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Distance: Eight miles from Downtown Philadelphia
Drive time: 25-40 minutes

Philadelphia International Airport serves the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and is easily accessible by freeway or public transportation.

Taxis operate at a flat rate of $28.50 into Center City from the airport, and the R1 train is about a 20-minute ride to Center City, with stops at all major commuter stations ($9). The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) bus is also available from the airport into all parts of the city ($2).

The Ground Transportation System at the airport is an extensive network of taxi cabs, car rental services, shuttle-buses, limousines and van operations.

Alternative Airports
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) - 81 miles from Philadelphia
Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) - 90 miles from Philadelphia

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Weather
Philadelphia's spring and fall are pleasant, during which time temperatures range from 60 to 70 degrees. Winters are often brutally cold and snow is regular, with an average snowfall of 24 inches and occasional severe blizzards. Summers are hot, with highs around 90 degrees, and humid to boot.

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Things to Do
Elfreth’s Alley
Elfreth’s Alley is in Old City, an area rife with historical significance. The Betsy Ross house is on Arch Street, and at the 17th Century Christ Church you might sit in a pew once occupied by Ross, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington or William Penn. Today, Old City is home to a number of art galleries, boutiques and trendy restaurants.

Penn’s Landing
Penn’s Landing, a waterfront area of Center City where William Penn docked in 1682, offers a free concert series in summertime as well as numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Several historic ships are docked here and worth a visit; check out the floating restaurant on the 1904 Moshulu.

Franklin Institute Science Museum
For Ben Franklin fans, the Franklin Institute Science Museum is a sure entertainment bet. Kids and adults alike delight in this monument to invention and discovery, which hosts rotating exhibits. Stargazers can cruise Fels Planetarium and Franklin buffs shouldn’t miss the collection of authentic personal artifacts.

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Local Attractions
South Street
South Street is perhaps the most famous street in Philadelphia, a funky melting pot where pierced punk-rockers, suited businessmen, families and tourists commingle. South Street’s restaurants, pubs, theaters and music venues buzz with activity. If you want to eat the quintessential Philly cheesesteak, this is the place to do it.

City Tavern
Check out City Tavern, a reconstructed alehouse dating back to 1773. It’s kitschy, with a Colonial-era menu and costumed wait staff, but the food earned a five star Diamond Award owing to the talents of Chef Walter Staib. Among the selections on tap is a beer brewed from Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe.

9th Street Italian Market
The century-old Italian Market is reminiscent of European open-air markets, with stalls and carts selling everything from meats and produce to cheeses and cannoli. It’s often referred to by locals as “9th Street;” just watch for the green and red awnings.

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Must See Sights
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in the country and home to an astonishing collection of over 225,000 objects. Rocky fans can be distinguished as the people running up and down the exterior steps or taking a picture next to the bronze statue of the fictional boxer. Take advantage of the museum’s "pay what you wish" pricing on Sundays.

Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square, one of William Penn’s original five squares of the city, is a fashionable area of lush landscaping, incredible townhomes, high-rises, top restaurants and boutiques. It’s a great place to people-watch and to soak up the vibe of the city.

Independence Hall
No visit to Philadelphia would be complete without a tour of Independence Hall, birthplace of not only the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution, but also the ratification uniting the 13 colonies. Look out for George Washington’s “Rising Sun” chair, in which the first President sat for nearly three months in 1776. The observation tower with views for 35 miles is impressive.

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Insider Tips

• Don’t just visit Independence Hall when you can actually experience its history. Cross the street to Independence National Historic Park, a square mile jam-packed with stories from yesteryear. There, you can stroll the cobble-stoned streets of our forefathers and take an old-fashioned carriage ride along 5th Street.
• One of the most bizarre but fun attractions is Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a folk art center and outdoor maze made up of bottles, tires, tiles and other odds and ends. The result is a crazy multimedia labyrinth of mosaics. Be on the lookout for the Magic Gardens’ creator, mural artist Isaiah Zagar, who can often be found roaming around.
• If you happen to be in Philadelphia over New Year’s, you don’t want to miss the Mummer’s Parade. From a tradition that dates back to 400 B.C., Philly’s parade has been going on since 1901 and includes about 15,000 participants.

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Getting Around
Philadelphia is one of America's most walkable cities, and streets are well-marked with "Walk! Philadelphia" signs placed on each block to guide visitors toward shopping, dining, attractions and public transportation. The city is also served by a very good public transportation system that includes the SEPTA train, subway and bus networks. Cash fare is $2 per ride, with numerous one-day to multi-day passes available that save money on regular use.

From May to October, the Phlash Bus, a tourist trolley, runs a 20-stop east-west circuit of major tourist locations, from the Museum of Art to Penn's Landing. Tickets are $2 per ride or $5 for a one day pass; rides are free for kids under five and senior citizens 65 and up.

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