Information for international visitors
Immerse yourself in America’s spirit in the city where it all began and visit iconic landmarks that played a pivotal role in the establishment of the United States of America such as Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the building where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted.
While we are known worldwide for our rich history, Philadelphia has accumulated significant accolades for our accessible downtown, distinct neighborhoods, outstanding restaurants, exceptional arts and culture, outdoor life, tax-free shopping on clothing, and much more.
Attractions
The City Hall: An architectural treasure inside and out, City Hall is the largest municipal building in the United States, with over 14.5 acres of floor space. Topped with an iconic statue of William Penn, the 548-foot tower is the tallest masonry structure in the world without a steel frame; it was the tallest building in Philadelphia until 1987.
The Historic Mile: Philadelphia is home to iconic locations and artifacts that tell the story of America’s birth in a way no other place can match. Within one square mile, visitors will find all of the below and more: Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, The Museum of the American Revolution, The President’s House, the National Museum of American Jewish History, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the National Constitution Center, Carpenters’ Hall, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, Franklin Court, and more.
The Museum Mile: Philadelphia’s collection of art museums is located along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, dubbed “Museum Mile” and modeled after the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Some of the city’s most famous sights can be found here, featuring the Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Circle as the centerpiece.
Dining
Philadelphia restaurants bring together Iron Chefs (Morimoto), James Beard winners (Solomonov), Top Chefs (Elmi) and more (Vetri, Vernick and others) into a melting pot of global cuisines. Whether you want to treat yourself to a sure-to-be-unforgettable gourmet meal, chow down on the city’s trademark cheesesteak or try something new and different, the Philadelphia dining scene is diverse enough to suit every taste.
Here are five places you must visit to experience very best of Philadelphia dining
Getting to Philadelphia
By train: Amtrak trains arrive at historic 30th Street Station throughout the day, placing passengers within a short walk of Center City. Philadelphia is only 1 hour and 20 minutes from New York City and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Washington, D.C., via Acela Express.
By bus: Megabus offers low-cost express bus routes throughout the Northeast Corridor. New Jersey Transit and and Greyhound Terminal are located at the intersection of 10th and Filbert Street.
By car: Interstates 95 and 76, as well as the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Turnpikes, provide access from all points on the compass. Once you arrive, there are more than 40 parking lots and garages in Center City plus metered street parking (read signs carefully for parking hours). To pay for metered parking, you can use a variety of payment methods (including credit cards) at one of the green kiosks, which will issue a printed ticket for you to place inside your windshield. For more information on parking, visit the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Getting Around Philadelphia
Philadelphia has been ranked as one of the most walkable cities in the nation.
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 south of Market Street, streets running east and west are named after trees while north and south streets are numbered.
Walking: First-rate 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 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 transportation: Base cash fare for SEPTA buses, trolleys and subways is $2.50; transfers are $1. Get the SEPTA Key Card and put money in the Travel Wallet and enjoy the discounted $2 fare when you tap to ride. One Day Convenience Passes are good for 8 rides on transit routes taken by one person in one day for $9.
Cab: There are more than 1,800 licensed and trained cabs in Philadelphia. Or download the rideshare app of your choice to order a car to your location.
Philly PHLASH: The city’s seasonal transportation loop that makes it easy and convenient to get around to Philadelphia’s most popular attractions. The bus costs $5 for an all-day pass.
Bike/Segway: Check out Wheel Fun Rentals and Philadelphia Segway Tours for more information, or participate in Philly’s bike share program, Indego. With more than 100 stations located throughout the city, go for a ride and explore Philadelphia, then return your rented bike to any station location.
International Visitors Council
The International Visitors Council (IVC) of Philadelphia arranges counterpart meetings, “shadow days,” technical study tours, and American cultural experiences for visitors from around the world. IVC programs broaden networking and provide a better understanding of the United States and of local, national, and international industries in a variety of professions. Visits to classrooms, courtrooms, offices, and industrial sites can be arranged to address an array of current topics.
For more information, contact the IVC: 1515 Arch Street, 12th Floor; Telephone: 215-683-0999; Fax: 215-683-0998; Website: www.icv.org; Email: ivc@ivc.org.
Philadelphia International Medicine
Philadelphia International Medicine links the greater Philadelphia region’s nationally recognized hospitals with leading physicians and cutting-edge medical technology to make comprehensive, quality health care available to the international community. Through partnerships with respected international clinical centers and providers, Philadelphia International Medicine is a top choice among international physicians and patients for treatment. With one call, Philadelphia International Medicine can coordinate the diverse healthcare needs of patients from around the world, providing care for a variety of illnesses, as well as associated services for family members.
For more information, contact Philadelphia International Medicine: 1835 Market Street, 10th Floor; Telephone: 215-563-4733; Fax: 215-563-2777; Website: www.philadelphiamedicine.com.