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Philadelphia - a brief overview
Historic heartland, cultural hotspot, cosmopolitan melting pot; it’s no wonder that Philadelphia is one of the most popular cities in the USA. Both the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution were signed in this eastern city, the biggest in Pennsylvania. So you’ll be immersed in history here, even in some of its elegant restaurants and shops, including the iconic Macy’s department store.
Art is also a major draw, with many of the oldest, largest and most prestigious collections in the country in its galleries. Or, if you just like exploring city neighbourhoods, Philadelphia has long-standing Italian and Chinese quarters, as well as more recently established communities, all of whom contribute to its young and lively appeal.
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Top 10 sights in Philadelphia

African American Museum
PA 19106 Philadelphia
USA
Tel: 215 574 0380
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Opening times:
Thurs-Sat 1000-1700
Sun 1200-1700
This major museum has four exhibition galleries focusing on the African American community past and present, and highlighting the achievements of outstanding individuals.
The Barnes Foundation
PA 19130 Philadelphia
USA
Tel: 215 278 7000
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Opening times:
Sun-Thurs 1000-1800
Fri 1000-2100
Sat 1000-2000
This private gallery has a superb collection of Post-Impressionist and early Modern art, as well as African and Native American artworks, and antiquities from Asia and the Mediterranean.
Fairmont Park
PA 19119 Philadelphia
USA
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The city’s huge public park spans the Schuyllkill River, with a Japanese garden, boating lake, playground, zoo, historic buildings and many trails for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Independence Hall
PA 19106 Philadelphia
USA
Tel: 215 965 2305
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-1900 (Jul-Aug)
0900-1700 (Sep-Jun)
Take a guided tour of this World Heritage Site where both the American Declaration of Independence (1776) and the US Constitution (1787) were signed. The Liberty Bell is also on display in a nearby visitor centre.
Independence Seaport Museum
PA 19106 Philadelphia
USA
Tel: 215 413 8655
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Opening times:
Daily 1000-1700
Take a virtual journey down the Delaware River in this exciting museum on the waterfront; with a battleship and submarine to explore, plus changing exhibitions on the region’s seafaring history.
Masonic Temple
PA 19107 Philadelphia
USA
Tel: 215 988 1917
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Opening times:
Tours hourly:
Tue-Fri 1000, 1100, 1300, 1400, 1500
Sat 1000, 1100, 1200
The Grand Lodge of the Masons of Pennsylvania, this impressive 19th-century building has a museum containing items from former members George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
Mutter Museum
PA 19103 Philadelphia
USA
Tel: 215 563 3737
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Opening times:
Daily 1000-1700
This museum of medical history contains a fascinating, if sometimes graphic, collection of preserved anatomical specimens, as well as medical instruments and herb garden.
National Museum of American Jewish History
PA 19106 Philadelphia
USA
Tel: 215 923 3811
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Opening times:
Tue-Fri 1000-1700
Sat-Sun 1000-1730
Covering the spectrum of American Jewish life through history, this fine museum contains 30,000 artefacts displayed in themes, including religion, work, community and family life.
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
PA 19102 Philadelphia
USA
Tel: 215 972 7600
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 1000-1700
Sun 1100-1700
The nation’s oldest art gallery houses the finest collection of American art, from colonial times to the present, including masterpieces by Gilbert Stuart, Benjamin West, Cecilia Beaux and others.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
PA 19130 Philadelphia
USA
Tel: 215 763 8100
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Opening times:
Tue, Thurs and Sat-Sun 1000-1700
Wed and Fri 1000-2045
One of the largest art collections in the USA, with some 227,000 artworks spanning medieval Italian icons to modern US sculpture, this museum is planning a stunning makeover by architect Frank Gehry.
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Country Information
Country overview
From its vast plains, snow-covered mountains, deep forests and strange rock formations, to soaring skyscrapers and a thunderous cultural scene, the USA is a collage of extremes. Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of Manhattan’s unforgettable skyline, your first ride in a yellow cab, the ubiquitous hamburger joints, yawning expanses of prairie, the sweet strains of New Orleans jazz, or the neon-lit excesses of Las Vegas.
Marvel at the thunderous spectacle of Niagara Falls in northern New York, or seek an antidote to urban chaos amidst the flat farmland of the Midwest. Then there are the black hills of South Dakota, the dramatic mountain and ocean landscape of California’s Pacific Coast Highway and the world-famous Grand Canyon.
Geography
Covering a large part of the North American continent, the USA shares borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The country has coasts on the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The State of Alaska, in the northwest corner of the US, is not part of the continental US; it is separated from the rest of the USA by Canada. Similarly, Hawaii is not part of the “lower 48” states; it lies in the central Pacific Ocean.
The country’s dependent territories are offshore and have distinct geographies of their own; the majority are islands.
The third-largest country in the world (after the Russian Federation and Canada), the USA has an enormous diversity of geographical features, including mountains, plains, and coastal zones. Though there are many cities that are densely populated with more manmade features than natural ones, there are also vast rural areas that are far more sparsely populated. The climate ranges from subtropical to arctic, with a corresponding breadth of flora and fauna.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 319 millions (estimate 2018)
Capital: Washington, DC.
Language
English, with significant Spanish-speaking minorities.
Currency
US Dollar (USD; symbol $) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, though the $2 bill is rare and is not in high circulation. Coins are in denominations of $1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Electricity
120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs have two flat pins with or without a third round grounding pin.
Public holidays
Below are listed public holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
Note: States can recognize other days as state holidays that are not federal holidays.
2019
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
Martin Luther King Day: 21 January 2019
President’s Day: 18 February 2019
Memorial Day: 27 May 2019
Independence Day: 4 July 2019
Labor Day: 2 September 2019
Columbus Day: 14 October 2019
Veterans Day: 11 November 2019
Thanksgiving Day: 28 November 2019
Christmas: 25 December 2019
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Martin Luther King Day: 20 January 2020
President’s Day: 17 February 2020
Memorial Day: 25 May 2020
Independence Day: 3 and 4 July 2020
Labor Day: 7 September 2020
Columbus Day: 12 October 2020
Veterans Day: 11 November 2020
Thanksgiving Day: 26 November 2020
Christmas: 25 December 2020
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Philadelphia
Cosmopolitan Philadelphia has lots to keep you up all night; smooth jazz clubs, raunchy dives, happening nightclubs and world-class concert halls.
South Street is a trendy cultural hub, or explore the riverfront, around Penn’s Landing, and along Columbus Boulevard.
Johnny Brenda’s
PA 19125 Philadelphia
USA
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With great live shows by up-and-coming local talent, Johnny Brenda’s is also a gastropub.
World Cafe Live
PA 19104 Philadelphia
USA
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Hear eclectic live music in this intimate club, attracting international and local stars.
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
PA 19102 Philadelphia
USA
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One of the city’s top concert halls hosts world-class classical performances, as well as a wide range of shows and arts events.
Helium Comedy Club
PA 19103 Philadelphia
USA
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Headline stars as well as local comics play to a loyal crowd in this popular, no-frills club.
Silk City
PA 19123 Philadelphia
USA
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Dance to hip DJs and live music or chill out on the patio, in one of Philly’s funkiest clubs.
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Restaurants in Philadelphia
Famous for its ‘Philly cheesesteaks’, Philadelphia also has a wide ethnic mix of restaurants as well as many places serving everything from contemporary to colonial-style American
cuisine. Dining hotspots include Rittenhouse Row (on Walnut Street) and South Street.
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse Hotel
PA 19103 Philadelphia
USA
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Price: Expensive
Treat yourself in one of the city’s best modern French restaurants; also does great breakfasts and Sunday brunch.
Stateside
PA 19147 Philadelphia
USA
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Price: Expensive
Philly superchef George Sabatino dishes up modern American-fusion cuisine in this top-rated gastropub.
City Tavern
PA 19106 Philadelphia
USA
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Price: Moderate
Established in 1773, this historic restaurant serves fine colonial-style cuisine in elegant period dining rooms.
Jim’s Steaks
PA 19147 Philadelphia
USA
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Price: Cheap
You can get possibly one of the city’s best cheesesteaks in this bustling, casual restaurant.
Reading Terminal Market
PA 19107 Philadelphia
USA
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Price: Cheap
Take your pick of global foodstalls, from Asian to Mexican, as well as US specialities, even Amish, in this historic market.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Mummers Parade
1 January 2019
Website
Venue: Streets of central Philadelphia
A tradition brought here by early immigrants from Europe, the mummers are thought to have their earliest origins in the Roman Festival of Saturnalias. Here in Philadelphia about 15,000 mummers perform in the New Year’s Day parade competing for US$395,000 in prizes. This is reckoned to be only a small fraction of the value of the spectacular costumes, which can cost several thousand each. The parades take place throughout the day in most weather conditions, although weather-related postponements are not unknown. The four divisions of mummers are Comics (clowns), Fancies (themed fancy dress), String Bands (combining fancy dress and music) and Fancy Brigades (performing troupes).
Chinese New Year
5 February 2019
Venue: Chinatown
Chinese New Year celebrations in Philly are always colourful occasions marked with parades, flower markets and festivities throughout Chinatown.
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
May 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
A must for movie-lovers. There are over 250 screenings of 132 domestic and international narrative, documentary and short films.
Dad Vail Regatta
10 – 11 May 2019
Website
Venue: Kelly Drive Fairmont Park
Held each year over Mother’s Day weekend, the Dad Vail Regatta is the largest collegiate regatta in the United States. First held in 1934 on the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park, the regatta has become something of an institution which now consists of well over 100 races and attracts thousands of rowers from across North America. The event takes its name from Harry Emerson ‘Dad’ Vail, who for years was coach at the University of Wisconsin and was a great friend of Rusty Callow, the founder of the event.
Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show
June 2019
Website
Venue: Rittenhouse Square
Happening every spring and autumn, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show welcomes top quality artists from all over the country in what is the oldest continuously-run outdoor art show in the entire country.
Fourth of July
4 July 2019
Venue: Various venues around Philadelphia
Considering Philadelphia’s central role in the American War of Independence, it comes as no surprise that the Fourth of July celebrations, one of the biggest US holidays of the year, are even more special here in the city. The birthday festivities include organised pageants, parades, festivals, concerts, and – typically, spectacular fireworks displays. Numerous events of varying scales of grandeur and extravagance take place throughout Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Folk Festival
15 – 18 August 2019
Website
Venue: Old Pool Farm 1323 Salford Station Road, Schwenksville
Long-running and world-famous music, camping and crafting festival that spans three days in August.
Philadelphia Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe
November 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues around Philadelphia
The popular Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe are two simultaneous festivals which started in 1997 presenting various acts in theatres, galleries, alleyways and anywhere else artists can find performance space. They kick off every Labour Day weekend. The festival and the fringe combine to create one wonderful event that provides a stage for innovative new shows created by the best local, national and international artists. You can expect a weird and wonderful mix of art installations, theatre, music, dance, and poetry.
Macy's Christmas Light Show
November – Dezember 2019
Venue: Macy’s 1300 Market Street
Formerly known as the Wanamaker’s Christmas Light Show, this festival is one of Philadelphia’s best-loved holiday traditions that attracts visitors of all ages. Featuring over 100,000 individual lights, crowds are wowed by the incredible festive show that features all the usual Christmas characters including reindeer and Santa himself. The fun show is set to music played on the world-famous Wanamaker Grand Organ.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a plentiful supply of hotels to suit all pockets. Center City has the lion’s share, with easiest access to the
main sights. Nearby Rittenhouse Square has upscale boutique hotels; for more affordable options try the Old City.
Hampton Inn
PA 19107 Philadelphia
USA
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Category: Moderate
This large modern hotel is right in the heart of the city, with good amenities and classically furnished rooms.
Fairfield Inn
PA 19153 Philadelphia
USA
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Category: Moderate
A good mid-range option, this out-of-town modern hotel is handy for the airport.
Doubletree by Hilton
PA 19107 Philadelphia
USA
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Category: Moderate
This well-equipped modern hotel has cheerful rooms, as well as restaurants and a rooftop pool.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Saturday, 14.12.2019 16:00 UTC

modest rain
temperature
9°C
wind direction
northwind speed
5.625 mphhumidity
93%7 days forecast
Sunday
15.12.2019
9°C / 5°C
Monday
16.12.2019
4°C / 2°C
Tuesday
17.12.2019
10°C / 5°C
Wednesday
18.12.2019
4°C /
Thursday
19.12.2019
-5°C
Friday
20.12.2019
3°C / -3°C
Saturday
21.12.2019
5°C / -1°C
Climate & best time to visit the United States of America
The United States has varied weather conditions, and the best time to visit depends both upon the location and the season. Spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September and October) are generally cooler, more comfortable times to visit. Summer months – June, July, and August – are generally hot regardless of the region, but winter temperatures (November-February) can vary substantially depending upon the part of the US you are visiting. The southern part of the country tends to be warmer in the winter than the north. The general climate of the continental US is temperate, but keep in mind that Hawaii is tropical and Alaska is arctic. Many of the country’s dependent territories, such as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, are also tropical.
Summer is considered the peak tourist season throughout the country; other popular travel times are major American holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as Easter Week and the school holiday known as Spring Break. Certain destinations, such as New York, are perennial favourites and are busy year-round; even when the weather may not be pleasant, these destinations have particular attractions or experiences that always draw travellers. In some parts of the country, travel services may be limited during the low or off-season, largely due to weather conditions.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
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Jan | 23 °C | -17 °C | 4 °C | -3 °C | 66 % | 82 mm | 8 | 5.0 h |
Feb | 23 °C | -16 °C | 5 °C | -3 °C | 64 % | 72 mm | 7 | 5.5 h |
Mar | 30 °C | -14 °C | 11 °C | 0 °C | 62 % | 96 mm | 8 | 6.5 h |
Apr | 33 °C | -4 °C | 16 °C | 4 °C | 60 % | 87 mm | 9 | 7.2 h |
May | 35 °C | 0 °C | 23 °C | 11 °C | 65 % | 91 mm | 9 | 7.9 h |
Jun | 38 °C | 6 °C | 28 °C | 16 °C | 68 % | 99 mm | 8 | 9.0 h |
Jul | 39 °C | 11 °C | 30 °C | 18 °C | 70 % | 98 mm | 7 | 8.9 h |
Aug | 38 °C | 10 °C | 28 °C | 17 °C | 70 % | 109 mm | 7 | 8.4 h |
Sep | 37 °C | 2 °C | 25 °C | 14 °C | 72 % | 79 mm | 7 | 7.3 h |
Oct | 34 °C | -2 °C | 19 °C | 7 °C | 71 % | 71 mm | 6 | 6.6 h |
Nov | 26 °C | -9 °C | 12 °C | 2 °C | 68 % | 86 mm | 8 | 5.2 h |
Dec | 22 °C | -17 °C | 6 °C | -2 °C | 68 % | 76 mm | 8 | 4.4 h |
year | 39 °C | -17 °C | 17 °C | 7 °C | 67 % | 1046 mm | 92 | 6.8 h |
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +1
Telephone
Public telephones have become a rarity, but can still be found here and there. They take coins, telephone cards and credit cards. If you are planning to make regular use of public phones, it’s best to purchase a prepaid calling card from one of the many U.S. providers.
Mobile Telephone
Not all European cell phones work on the American network, since it requires a tri-band or quad-band device. Full network coverage is not always assured outside densely populated areas. Roaming charges are high here, so it is often cheaper to buy a SIM card from a U.S. provider. Low-cost prepaid SIM cards for making calls inside the country can be ordered online before you travel.
Internet
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks, it is not advisable to enter passwords, credit card details or banking credentials. We recommend using VPN app or security software to check Wi-Fi hotspots.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Philadelphia
Key Areas
Clothes and shoes are tax-free in Pennsylvania, so shopping in Philadelphia is a special attraction. Besides the handy out-of-town malls, top city neighbourhoods for shopping include upscale Rittenhouse Row, or for specialist stores, check out Jeweller’s Row on Sansom Street, Fabric Row on 4th Street, and Antique Row on Pine Street.
Markets
Reading Terminal Market, daily on 12th and Arch Streets, is a major city attraction, with hundreds of food and fresh produce
stalls; the Italian Market is one of the oldest open-air market in the USA, with dozens of lip-smacking goodies on offer in stalls and gourmet restaurants lining 9th Street (between Wharton and Fitzwater).
Shopping Centres
Macy’s department store is a historic site you should not miss; there are also many malls, from the chic Liberty Place, right in the Center City, to the grand King of Prussia Mall, out of town northwest of the city.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Americans are renowned for their openness and friendliness to visitors. The wide variety of national origins and the USA’s relatively short history has resulted in numerous cultural and traditional customs living alongside each other. In large cities, people of the same ethnic background often live within defined communities.
Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting in formal situations and in business meetings. As long as the fundamental rules of courtesy are observed, there need be no fear of offending anyone of any background.
Gifts are appreciated if one is invited to a private home.
As a rule, dress is casual. High-end restaurants, hotels and clubs may require more formal attire.
Smoking is increasingly unpopular in the US; it is essential to ask permission before lighting up. Smoking is not allowed on city transport and restricted or forbidden in public buildings in most states. There will be a posted notice where no smoking is requested. An increasing number of states (including California and New York) have banned smoking altogether in bars, restaurants and many public places.
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Health
Main emergency number: 911
Food & Drink
Food in the US is safe to eat, and the conditions under which food is prepared and served are regulated by city, state, and federal health and hygiene agencies. In many jurisdictions, it is mandatory for restaurants to have a certificate of health or hygiene, as well as the current grade they have been assigned, posted visibly.
Although America is famous for its fast food and obesity rates, the local and fresh food movement is very popular in many areas, especially cities, making it easy to eat healthy. A variety of options also makes it easy for people with special dietary needs to find food that suits them, whether their needs are due to health reasons or to religious requirements.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in the US and is often offered in restaurants before bottled water. Bottled water is available throughout the country, however, both in restaurants and shops, for those who prefer not to drink tap water.
Other Risks
The US is generally considered a safe destination for world visitors. Occasional outbreaks of disease, such as West Nile Virus (a mosquito-borne illness) and H1N1 have occurred in recent years, however. Frequent hand-washing and general practices of good hygiene are encouraged to protect oneself against all types of illness.
Another concern with regard to safety is the possibility of terrorist attacks such as the one that occurred on September 11, 2001. City, state, and federal agencies have stringent anti-terrorism practices in place, however, and direct threats are infrequent.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.