Visitor Basics
Everything you need to navigate Philadelphia
Official Visitors Guide
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Get Oriented
Thanks to founder William Penn’s smart and simple grid street design, the heart of the city is easy to navigate. The Schuylkill and Delaware rivers border Center City’s 25 blocks on the west and east. Keep in mind that streets running east and west are named after trees (south of Market St.) while north and south streets are numbered.Check out the Center City map for more information.
Walking
World-class dining, arts and entertainment, famous historic sites and tax-free clothing and shoes shopping are within steps of Center City hotels, so you’ll save a bundle on transportation. As you walk, you’ll notice color-coded directional signs that let you know what district you’re in and point you toward area attractions. And, look for Center City District’s goodwill ambassadors, dressed in teal uniforms and equipped with maps, who are happy to give directions and answer questions.Public Transit
Purple PHLASH trolley-style buses stop at 27 key locations throughout downtown and cost just $2 every time you board (all-day passes are also available). PHLASH buses run May–Oct. and are a convenient and cost-effective way to see the city. SEPTA’s rail and bus lines offer easy ways to get around the city, too. See the SEPTA map or visit SEPTA’s mobi site at m.septa.org while you’re on the go.From the Airport
It’s a 25-minute ride by SEPTA or a 10-minute ride in a taxi from Philadelphia International Airport to Center City. SEPTA’s Airport Line leaves in 30-minute intervals, and a one-way fare is $7. The taxi ride costs a flat rate of $28.50. Click here or call the Airport Ground Transportation Hotline at 215-937-6958 for information on other ground transportation options.Beyond Center City
Via Amtrak’s Acela Express line (operating from 30th Street Station) Philadelphia is 1 hour and 20 minutes from New York City and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Washington, D.C. Megabus and Boltbus also offer low-cost express bus routes throughout the Northeast Corridor.Parking
There are more than 40 parking lots and garages in Center City. Pay with cash or credit or purchase a reloadable Smart Card. For a printable map of downtown parking, visit philapark.org.Visitor Centers
Independence Visitor Center offers electronic touch screens which allow visitors to find information about attractions and hotels and restaurants in multiple languages. Pick up maps and brochures, CityPASS and The Philadelphia Pass discount ticket booklets as well as attraction tickets and free timed tickets for tours of Independence Hall. Head to the corner of 6th & Market Street for more information or call 800-537-7676.City Hall Visitor Center offers the tour of historic City Hall, information about Philadelphia and Philadelphia souvenirs. Head to Broad & Market streets, Room 121 in City Hall or call 215-686-2840.
Fairmount Park Welcome Center in LOVE Park offers access to Philadelphia experts and tickets to more than 40 tours, attractions and shows. Head to 16th St. & JFK Blvd to visit the city’s newest visitor center.
Resources
Greater Philadelphia Hotel AssociationGreater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC)
PHILLY 3-1-1: Use this hotline (must be dialed from a 215 area code) for directory assistance, special events updates and city services.
International Visitors
Philadelphia International Visitors Guide: Pick up a Philadelphia International Visitors Guide, available in 10 languages, at any of the visitors centers.Currency Exchange: Currency may be exchanged at the following locations. Please call first. Several hotels and restaurants also redeem currency. Look for signs at participating establishments.
American Express Travel Services Office: 16th & JFK Blvd. or 215-587-2300
