Hotels in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Hotels

Philadelphia is an exciting destination for lovers of history, with many sights related to the independence of the USA, from the spot where the Declaration of Independence was signed, to the home where the first stars and stripes flag was hand sewn. However, the city also has a modern side, with a thriving business district, world class restaurants, and a pumping nightlife scene that runs into the early hours. Philadelphia is also a busy cultural hub, with regular art shows, live music, and performances to suit all tastes.

Things to see

The grand Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest in the United States, with more than 200,000 pieces from the USA and Europe. The exterior is famous its famous steps which featured in the Rocky movies, leading up to a dramatic Neoclassical facade with huge columns. Inside you'll find high ceilinged galleries, with an impressive selection of art, from contemporary to classic, and of all sorts of styles. At the Liberty Bell Center you'll see one of the USA's most important artifacts; one of the bells that rang to signify the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You'll be able to see the bell and its distinctive crack up close, before enjoying the ultra-modern visitor center, with interactive displays and films that tell the story of this key part of history. The document was signed in Independence Hall across the road, the same location where the United States Constitution was adopted, and you can take tours of this beautifully preserved Georgian building. You'll be able to see the room where the signing took place, and where Abraham Lincoln's body lay in repose before his funeral. There are outdoor events running year-round at Penn's Landing, which sits along the waterfront, with its own amphitheater and sweeping views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. On warm evenings there's live music, movie screenings, and even fireworks, with ice skating and Christmas markets in the run up to the holidays.

Hotels in Philadelphia

As a major city, there's a great choice of Philadelphia hotels, whether you're looking for simple and affordable, or luxury accommodation. Philadelphia has stylish 5 star hotels from major chains, with indoor pools, fitness centers, a choice of restaurants, and extras available such as town car services and childcare. If you are looking for a low nightly rate, then choose one of the 2 or 3 star hotels, with free WiFi, parking, and breakfasts to help set you up for the day. Some hotels also have seasonal outdoor pools, and convenient extras such as laundry services to help make vacation planning easier.

Where to stay

The Old City is sometimes given the honor of 'America's most historic square mile' thanks to the many important buildings where the USA was formed. Take a stroll and you'll see sites such as the Betsey Ross House, sitting alongside charming red brick buildings with boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. The area is close to the waterfront, as well as having a large town square where you can enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Center City, by contrast, is a modern and high rise area, where many large corporations have their home. The area is divided up into areas such as Chinatown and the French Quarter, showing off the diversity of the city, and you'll find world class cuisine influenced by the various cutures who live here.

How to get to Philadelphia

Philadelphia International Airport has regular arrivals from major cities across the USA and Europe, and the airport is just a 25 minute drive south of the city center. If you don't wish to pick up a rental car, then you can take a train from terminal A which goes direct to the 30th Street Station in less than 20 minutes, avoiding the traffic which can slow your journey down at peak times. 30th Street Station is also a busy transit center, and is on the route of several Amtrak services, with trains to Chicago, Boston, New York City, Miami, and other major cities. There's also the regional SEPTA service which takes you out to the suburbs of Philadelphia, and as far as New Jersey.