Philadelphia Attractions Blog

Sep 5, SEPTA Travel Guide For Visitors and Newcomers to Philadelphia

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 19:49:36 GMT

SEPTA is the Philadelphia mass transit system. This guide is designed for visitors, explaining Regional Rail travel, the Blue Line, the Broad Street Subway, fares, tokens, and all the rest. Read more.

Sep 5, Three Days in Philadelphia How To Plan Your Travel

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:04:40 GMT

Three days in Philadelphia can be an extraordinary travel experience, providing you some time to see the museums and historic sites and take some tours. But how do you plan your visit? Read more.

Sep 4, SEPTA Tokens When and Where to Buy Them, and How to Use Them

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:32:50 GMT

SEPTA tokens are often the most convenient, fastest, and cheapest way to travel on the Blue Line, the Broad Street Subway, buses, etc. But are they the best deal for you, on your visit? Read more.

Sep 3, Philadelphia Restaurant Week Is Actually Two Weeks In September

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:40:04 GMT

Philadelphia Restaurant Week Is A Chance To Try Something New

Aug 31, Amtrak Philadelphia Service Travels To 30th Street Station

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:49:58 GMT

Amtrak Philadelphia train service makes it easy to visit here, from anywhere in the Northeast Corridor. Learn how best to reach your hotel, restaurants, and tourist attractions, once you arrive.

Aug 30, Philadelphia Bed and Breakfasts Are Often In Historic Houses

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:38:28 GMT

Philadelphia Bed and Breakfasts are small, compared to the huge, modern hotels around the Pennsylvania Convention Center. But if youd like a distinctive, historic hotel for your visit - read more.

Aug 29, Rittenhouse Square Hotels Offer Many Choices In Philadelphia

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:07:18 GMT

Rittenhouse Square Hotels are densely packed in a small area in downtown Philadelphia. They provide easy access to the many museums and performing arts venues in the area. Read more.

Aug 29, Penns Landing Hotels Are Close to Old City Philadelphia Sights

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:59:22 GMT

Penns Landing Hotels offer an opportunity to stay near major Philadelphia tourist attractions like the Independence Seaport Museum, as well as the RiverLink Ferry to Camden Waterfront attractions.

Aug 29, Old City Philadelphia Hotels Near the Historic Places to Visit

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:14:35 GMT

Old City Philadelphia Hotels you should stay in the heart of Americas most historic square mile. Plus, after dark, the area heats up with scintillating nightlife you wont want to miss. Read more.

Aug 28, Benjamin Franklin Parkway Hotels Are Near Philadelphia Museums

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:45:33 GMT

Benjamin Franklin Parkway Hotels will put you within an easy walk of many Philadelphia tourist attractions but there arent as many to choose from, as in the rest of Center City. Read more.

Aug 26, Pennsylvania Convention Center Hotels The Best Ones For You

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:18:20 GMT

Pennsylvania Convention Center hotels are the most abundant anywhere in Center City, for obvious reasons. But which one is the best for you and for seeing Philadelphia tourist attractions? Read more.

Aug 26, The Avenue of the Arts Hosts The Orchestra And Many Theaters

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:55:08 GMT

The Avenue of the Arts is Broad Street in Philadelphia, primarily south of City Hall. You can tour the historic Academy of Music, the Kimmel Center, and other fine and performing arts venues.

Aug 24, Enjoying Philadelphia - A Guide For Both Travelers and Residents

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:49:02 GMT

How to make the most of your time in Philadelphia - America's birthplace and most historic city, brimming with attractions, sports, arts, culture and hotspots.

Aug 22, Philadelphia Irish Pubs Are Plentiful, All Over Center City

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 04:28:48 GMT

Philadelphia Irish Pubs are among the citys most popular bars and restaurants, especially given its high number of Irish-Americans. Whether youre Irish or not, enjoy the wide range of choices.

Aug 21, SEPTA Regional Rail Fares To Center City Are Always Changing

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:04:48 GMT

SEPTA Regional Rail fares can be confusing at best, especially since SEPTA recently revised the rules. Learn more, on how to take the train to and from the major Philadelphia tourist attractions.

Aug 18, Citizens Bank Park Guide, While Cheering For the Phillies

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:34:18 GMT

A Citizens Bank Park Guide, for those fortunate enough to obtain tickets to cheer on the Phillies in person. What to see, eat, and visit, while youre there at the magnificent ballpark. Read more.

Aug 18, Take a Look at Foodaphilia Blog, When Looking For Information on Philadelphia Restaurants

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:49:36 GMT

While researching Philadelphia restaurant blogs, we happened to come across Foodaphilia - a term coined by e, the blog's publisher. Since our taste tends to run toward ice cream, especially Bassetts Ice Cream, we were impressed by her recent post - August 2 - on that subject, in which Bassetts was mentioned. It covered the arrival of the Cooking Channel in Philadelphia, and the special flavor - Guatemalan Ripple - that Bassetts had commissioned for the occasion: "Guatemalan-sourced coffee base with mocha fudge ripple blended with mini coffee-filled chocolates. Available in dipping parlors in July". Since we already favor Bassetts Coffee and Mocha Chip as among our favorite flavors at the immortal Reading Terminal Market institution, we were pleased to discover yet another coffee-themed flavor there, for our next visit. e, in addition to being an entertaining writer, is also the Baker and Dessert Maker at A Full Plate Cafe in Northern Liberties, the hip, gentrifying neighborhood just about the historic district in Philadelphia. To read her thoughts on food, just follow the link below...

Aug 17, Philadelphia Pass - A Bargain For Over 40 Tourist Attractions

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:05:18 GMT

The Philadelphia Pass provides free admission to nearly all of the major places to visit, and can be purchased for 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, or 5 Days. But which one is right for you? Read more.

Aug 16, Manayunk Craft Beer The Best Places to Visit for Nightlife

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:53:38 GMT

The Manayunk craft beer scene is located in one of the most popular neighborhoods in Philadelphia. However, Manayunk can be confusing to new visitors, and this guide helps you find your way around.

Aug 16, Traveling to Manayunk, Via SEPTA, Taxicabs, and By Car

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:51:27 GMT

Traveling to Manayunk a vibrant, hip neighborhood is a great choice, when you are visiting Philadelphia. But with parking scarce, heres how to get to the hopping nightlife scene on Main Street.

Aug 14, SEPTA To Citizens Bank Park How You Can Leave the Car Home

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 20:41:12 GMT

Taking SEPTA to Citizens Bank Park may seem confusing at first, especially if youre not familiar with SEPTA. But youll find it far easier than driving and parking there. Read more.

Aug 13, PAFA Stands for the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:01:28 GMT

PAFA the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is one of many museums on Broad Street, the Avenue of the Arts, in Center City. If youre an art aficionado, read more.

Aug 13, The Fairmount Area Is A Trendy Place To Live and To Visit

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:45:10 GMT

Fairmount and the Art Museum Area different names for the same Philadelphia neighborhood offer arts and culture, hipness, and a variety of quality bars and restaurants to visit. Read more.

Aug 12, Traveling to Fairmount in Philadelphia The Best Ways

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:39:50 GMT

Traveling to Fairmount in Philadelphia can seem difficult, as its not directly on the path of the major tourist attractions. But a visit to its fine bars and nightlife can be enjoyable. Learn more.

Aug 12, The American Philosophical Society Was Founded By Benjamin Franklin in 1745

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:40:50 GMT

The American Philosophical Society is an overlooked attraction, among places to visit in Philadelphia. Located in Society Hill, in the heart of the historic district, it is the oldest learned society

Aug 9, Beerlass Offers Her Unique Take on the Philadelphia Craft Beer Scene - And We're Impressed With Her Selection of Misconduct Tavern

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:56:55 GMT

While researching the Philadelphia craft beer scene, we came across the Philadelphia beer blog Beerlass, written by Suzanne Woods. The Beerlass noted on August 3 that Misconduct Tavern at 1511 Locust Street, would have an all-Dogfish Bottle vs. Draft competition that night. (Beerlass noted wittily that the choice of Dogfish seemed to be in spirit with Shark Week, the well-known promotion by the Discovery Channel.) We were impressed with Beerlass's post on Misconduct Tavern, as it is one of our favorite places in Center City, and we believe it remains underrated. For the Beerlass's observations, just click the link below-

Aug 9, Seen Through A Glass - A Valuable Resource for Anyone Interested in Philadelphia Craft Beer

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:44:25 GMT

We have come upon Seen Through A Glass, the blog by beer chronicler Lew Bryson, the author of the books Pennsylvania Breweries and New Jersey Breweries, inter alia. Among the most impressive aspects of Seen Through A Glass is the genuinely prolific posting, over the long term. Bryson currently has 141 posts just in 2010, and hundreds of posts in each year, starting in 2007. Perhaps most helpful, however, is a tremendous blogroll - titled Other Glasses - of the daunting and ever-increasing number of Philadelphia craft beer blogs, on his left sidebar. Worth a look - go check out Seen Through A Glass - just follow the link below-

Aug 9, Philadelphia Parking in Center City Can Be A Daunting Challenge

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:30:11 GMT

Philadelphia parking particularly in the historic area, as well as nightlife in Old City, Northern Liberties, and Manayunk, can be very difficult. But if you must have your car, heres our advice.

Aug 9, Philadelphia Craft Beer Where Should You Go For the Finest?

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:59:08 GMT

The Philadelphia Craft Beer scene has all sorts of ales and lagers, with so many microbreweries and bars and restaurants, offering the rarest and most exotic brews. But which places should you visit?

Aug 9, Old City Philadelphia Restaurants Around Independence Hall

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 04:27:11 GMT

Old City Philadelphia restaurants abound, among the major historic Philadelphia tourist attractions. Since you cant try them all, heres a guide.

Aug 9, Old City Philadelphia Craft Beer The Best Places to Try

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 03:56:00 GMT

Exploring the Old City Philadelphia craft beer scene is a perfect way to relax, after seeing Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and many others. But where are the best places, for you? Read more.

Aug 8, Northern Liberties Has Great Philadelphia Nightlife and Bars

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 19:44:29 GMT

Northern Liberties - a steadily gentrifying neighborhood has superb choices for restaurants, nightclubs, and - especially - craft beers in Philadelphia. But which places are best for you to visit?

Aug 8, Traveling to Northern Liberties via SEPTA and the Phlash

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:18:15 GMT

Traveling to Northern Liberties - also known as NoLibs - is a great option for Philadelphia nightlife. But due to its location- learn the best ways of getting there, on foot, by SEPTA, or the Phlash.

Aug 8, Ben Franklin Parkway - Museums, Attractions, and Culture in Philadelphia

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:56:06 GMT

The Ben Franklin Parkway is home to many Philadelphia museums - get the most out of it.

Aug 7, Manayunk A Vibrant Neighborhood for Philadelphia Nightlife

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:21:44 GMT

Main Street in Manayunk has among the best foot traffic anywhere, if youre looking for a dynamic, hopping place to visit in Philadelphia. But which bars and restaurants should you visit? Read more.

Aug 5, If You're Looking for Info on Philadelphia Microbreweries and Beer - The Philly Beer Girl Offers Some Tips

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:38:50 GMT

Here at Enjoying Philadelphia, since we are not specialists in beer and/or microbreweries, we have to rely on the expertise of those who are. As it turned out, we've found a blog, with a remarkably substantive level of commentary on the subject - the Philly Beer Girl - a beer sales representative, who is also a considerable authority on ales, lagers, etc. We were very impressed with the level of detail, with which she records her adventures through Philly Beer Week back in June, as well as her reviews and experiences with historically-named beers such as Sink the Bismarck (World War II), Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger (an uncle and nephew who were ancient Roman historians), and others with elaborate names, such as Great Lakes Holy Moses White Ale. She also covers Philadelphia's own unique microbrews, such as the Port Brewing Wipeout IPA offered at Ladder 15 in Center City, and Deschutes, at City Tap Room in University City - to cite but two examples. So if you are interested in the latest exotic offerings, from Philadelphia's vibrant microbrewery scene - take a look at her blog, titled simply Philly Beer Girl, on her Blogger blog... Just click the link below...

Aug 5, Looking for the Best Outdoor Dining Places For the Summer? Check Out The List on Foobooz.com

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:38:06 GMT

One of our goals here at Enjoying Philadelphia is guiding you to the best places to eat and drink in the city. In the summer, you think of places to eat outside. Accordingly, we were very pleased, to find an impressive list at Foobooz.com - its "Outdoor Dining Guide". Its author has assembled enough places for you to eat outsid, for you to visit a different one every day and night, for the rest of the summer. Its author has assembled crisp, distinctive icons to indicate, among other things- A tree - "Dining Off the Sidewalk"; A beer mug - "Good Beer Selection" Two champagne glasses, clinked - "Good for Drinks"; and the two most entertaining icons: a SEPTA logo - "Warning: on a bus route" a "Space Invaders" alien: "Warning - Space Invading Pedestrians Possible" We particularly agree with his inclusion of the Society Hill Hotel (which despite its name, is actually a restaurant - it used to be a hotel), the Irish Pub, the New Deck Tavern, Bridget Foy's, and Moriarty's on the list. Topping it off is a rotating photo gallery, providing pictures of the various recommended outdoor restaurants. Also, in addition to its substantive analysis, Foobooz is updated regularly and has a great Wordpress interface. Just follow the link below to take a look at the Foobooz "Outdoor Dining Guide." It's well worth your time.

Aug 4, Philadelphia Guidebook Reviews Which Ones Should You Buy?

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:35:22 GMT

There are many Philadelphia travel guides out there but comparatively few Philadelphia guidebook reviews. Learn which ones are worth the money and space in your travel bag on your next trip here.

Aug 4, A Review of Fodor's Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Dutch Country Guidebook, 16th Edition, 2010

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:57:06 GMT

A new thing here at Enjoying Philadelphia, is reviews of the major Philadelphia guidebooks. Since you can't buy them all (and even if you could, you couldn't drag all of them with you on your trip to Philadelphia, anyhow), which one(s) should you spend some money to own? Here's the first one, on Fodor's Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Dutch Country Guidebook, 16th edition, published in 2010 at $16.99... We have found this one to currently be the best Philadelphia guidebook out there. It is - absolutely - worth the $16.99 cost. Here are some of the reasons- Maps. There is a SEPTA mass transit map in the inside front cover, and a zoomed-out map of the Greater Philadelphia region, in the inside back cover. Pages 8-9 - What's Where - This map is an excellent orientation for anyone new to the city, it presents downtown Philadelphia, with the major tourist attractions noted, as well as SEPTA stops. Page 32 - Historic Area and Old City provides a blown-up map, ranging from the Delaware River on the east, 8th Street on the west, Race Street on the north, and Walnut Street on the south. Pages 114-15 - Where to Eat in Philadelphia offers a comprehensive map of the city's various culinary delights and exotic offerings. We are impressed with Fodor's decision to widen the map for the restaurants, reflecting the fact that many of the most significant ones lie both north and south of Center City Philadelphia, proper. Pages 144-45 - Where to Stay In Philadelphia offer a blown-up view of Center City Philadelphia, with hotel locations pinpointed throughout. It covers the entire Greater Philadelphia region. Here at Enjoying Philadelphia, we haven't grown enough yet, to get to cover everything there is to see and do beyond Philadelphia's borders - which is quite a bit. In contrast, the Fodor's Guidebook has its three final chapters focusing on the suburbs and countryside: Chapter 9 - Side Trips from Philadelphia; Chapter 10 - Bucks County, and Chapter 11, Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Accordingly, these chapters make an outstanding resource for the visitor who has a car and time to explore the Philadelphia region - as well as for the local Philadelphian (in the city or its suburbs) who may be seeking new adventures outside the city itself. The one major drawback of the Fodor's Guidebook is the fact that it has no photographs, and little colored ink. The text is just black, with headings, maps, etc. in red. Since Philadelphia's photographic beauty is one of the main reasons for its popularity as a tourist destination, some photos would help in future editions. But that's the only discernible drawback. However, the one photograph it does have - the photo of Independence Hall's clock tower, illuminated at night, with exploding fireworks, is impressive. Follow the link, below, to see a copy of the Guidebook at the official Fodor's site...

Aug 4, The Rodin Museum in Philadelphia Has A Version of The Thinker

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:42:58 GMT

The Rodin Museum has the largest collection of the great French sculptors works outside of Paris 124 sculptures. While on the Ben Franklin Parkway, it is a superb place to visit in Philadelphia.

Jul 30, Halloween in Philadelphia Has Ghost Tours and Haunted Graveyards

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:59:35 GMT

Halloween in Philadelphia offers many places to visit in Americas most historic and most haunted city. There are things to do in a wide range of eeriness, from Eastern State Penitentiary to Laure

Jul 30, Chinatown Philadelphia Friendship Gate Is the First in America

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:13:59 GMT

In Chinatown Philadelphia, the Friendship Gate was the first authentic Chinese gate in America to be crafted by Chinese artists. Built in 1984, see the colorful magnificence, loaded with Chinese symbo

Jul 30, The Philadelphia Masonic Temple Was the First Lodge In America

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:27:57 GMT

The Philadelphia Masonic Temple itself is a closely guarded secret its architecture, Museum and Library are overlooked treasures. Tour the incredible building, and see the Masonic items of George Wa

Jul 24, Revolutionary War Philadelphia - History and Places to Visit

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:12:13 GMT

Revolutionary War Philadelphia was the capital of the new United States, where independence was declared in 1776. It was also occupied by the British, while significant battles took place in the city

Jul 24, The Norristown High Speed Line Used to Be the SEPTA Route 100 Trolley

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 03:18:57 GMT

The SEPTA Norristown High Speed Line is a trolley, which runs from Norristown to King of Prussia to 69th Street Terminal, where riders can transfer to the Blue Line. And its actually a fun ride, thro

Jul 22, The Please Touch Museum Is Located in Historic Memorial Hall

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:38:23 GMT

The Please Touch Museum opened in 1976 the Bicentennial and was the first museum in America, designed for children seven and under. It is now located in Fairmount Park, in a building designed ir

Jul 22, The Rocky Steps Running Up Them Is A Philadelphia Tradition

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:13:42 GMT

The Rocky Steps the 72 steps that comprise the entrance to the stunning Philadelphia Museum of Art are an iconic place to visit in Philadelphia, and are now part of the citys traditions and lore.

Jul 19, The Rocky Statue Is An Icon Beneath the Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:58:45 GMT

Visiting the Rocky Statue made famous by the Sylvester Stallone films - is one of the most popular things to do in Philadelphia, as visitors line up in droves to be photographed with it. They also r

Jul 19, Boathouse Row - An Iconic, Unique Illumination of Philadelphia

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:57:13 GMT

Boathouse Row, by day, is one of the most popular Philadelphia attractions. By night, its gorgeous lighting, visible from I-76, has made it into one of Philadelphias most famous historic landmarks.

Jul 17, The Philadelphia Zoo Was the First Zoo in America, Chartered in 1859

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:29:45 GMT

The Philadelphia Zoo, located in picturesque Fairmount Park, draws over 1.2 million visitors a year to see its animals and it offers an unparalleled source of education and entertainment for those o