Image: PHOTO: Skyline of downtown Philadelphia at sunset. (photo via f11photo/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (f11photo / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: Skyline of downtown Philadelphia at sunset. (photo via f11photo/iStock/Getty Images Plus) (f11photo / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
 47°F Overcast Clouds

Philadelphia Travel Guide 

Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States and the best city to explore the country's history and iconic sites. But the City of Brotherly Love, as Philly is called, is more than just history. It offers a diverse arts and music scene, an unbeatable food culture, and friendly locals who create a unique charm. 

Here is our Philadelphia travel guide to help you navigate the city, from bustling neighborhoods to world-class attractions.

We recommend walking in Philly to enjoy all the historic sites. But, if you want to travel further, you can use the city's public transit system, SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority). SEPTA includes buses, subways, and trolleys that operate citywide, and we found fares quite affordable.

You can also travel more comfortably by car, and we recommend services like Lyft and Uber. In addition, you can find different taxi stands around the city; flag one down for a quick ride. You can also burn some calories biking around the city using the Indego Bike Share service.

Ultimately, you can combine all these options to navigate the city depending on your budget and itinerary.

Romance Expo

Virtual Travel Events is the leading virtual event platform for travel advisors and travel industry...

Top Things To Do

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center
The City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, is one of America's largest, oldest, and most storied cities. It is rich in history as the country's early capital and packed with landmarks for all visitors, including sports fans, food lovers, artists, and historians.

Important Things To Know

Currency

Philadelphia, like the rest of the United States, uses the US dollar (USD).

Philadelphia

Philadelphia (photo by Liana Jackson / Flickr) (Photo Credit: Photo by Liana Jackson / Flickr.)

National Language

Philadelphians speak English, the main and official language in the United States.

Time Zone

Philadelphia is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (UTC-5). The city observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) from March to November when everyone sets clocks one hour ahead. So, remember to adjust your watches during and after these months.

Climate and Weather

Philadelphia has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct climates year-round. Depending on when you visit, you can find warm, rainy summers, cool falls, cold winters, and mild springs.

  • Summer temperatures: 63 - 87°F (17-31°C)
  • Fall temperatures: 47.5 - 66°F (8.6 -19.1°C)
  • Winter temperatures: 23 - 41°F ( -5 to 5°C)
  • Spring temperatures: 42.7- 62.4°F ( 5.9- 16.9°C)

Philadelphia receives an average of 42 inches of annual rainfall, with July and August being the rainiest months. Snow is also common in winter, with an average of 22 inches of annual snowfall.

Latest News

When To Visit Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Elfreth's Alley
Historic Elfreth's Alley. (Photo via Ken Lund / Flickr)

In our opinion, spring and fall are the best times to visit Philadelphia. The weather is pleasant, and you will also find fewer crowds and enjoy cheaper flights and hotel rooms. We also find these the best times to navigate the city on foot!

However, if you can't visit during these seasons, you can still visit Philly during summer and winter. For instance, winter is the least busy season, so your trip will be cheaper and crowds are non-existent. Alternatively, while summer is busy and hot, you can catch popular festivals and enjoy the city's energetic nightlife. 

Best Attractions In Philadelphia

Fall in Philadelphia
PHOTO: Fall in Philadelphia. (photo via BrianEKushner/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

  • The Philadelphia Museum of Art. We recommend visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art if you are interested in art. The museum is located at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, displaying an impressive collection of art and artifacts. Some are works by artists like Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso.
  • The Philadelphia Zoo. If you love animals, visit the Philadelphia Zoo and have a good time with more than 1300 wild animals. We found the zoo to be very family-friendly, and you will enjoy different experiences like feeding giraffes and navigating a tropical rainforest replica. 
  • Visit The Liberty Bell. A Philly visit is always better after experiencing the best of the country's history. That's why we recommend visiting the Liberty Bell, one of the most iconic emblems of American independence. Arrive early in the morning, and you can take a close-up selfie for your Instagram!

Trending Destinations

Aerial view of Queenstown Valley, New Zealand (filipefrazao / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
New Zealand
Raffles London at The OWO, London, England, UK, Accor Hotels
Destinations
England
Amsterdam Centraal, Amsterdam train station
Destinations
The Netherlands
Antarctica, Sunset
Destinations
Polar Regions Travel Guide
Bolivia Upgraded
Destinations
Bolivia
Big cruise ship in the Antarctic waters (Photo via goinyk / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Antarctica
Denmark's national flag flying in the foreground of Copenhagen's famous old Nyhavn port.
Destinations
Denmark
Drone photo of pier in Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. The caribbean blue sea and white sandy beaches can be seen (photo via JoaoBarcelos / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Turks and Caicos
Central Mexico & Yucatan: Mexico City, Oaxaca
Destinations
Mexico City
Cada año, Mazatlán es sede de uno de los carnavales más grandes del mundo. (Photo: via Lauzla / iStock / Getty Images Plus).
Destinations
Mazatlán

Get To Know Us Better

Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me
Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me