How to plan a trip to Philadelphia?

If you’re traveling to the United States, you may be thinking about planning a trip to Philadelphia. Located less than a two-hour drive from New York City, Philadelphia is one of the most interesting destinations in the United States, especially if you’re going to be in the Big Apple. However, when planning a trip to Philadelphia, you may have a lot of questions: What is the best time of the year? What documents do I need to travel to the United States? Should I get travel insurance? That is why we have written this post, so that you can travel with peace of mind.

At Passporter, we are true experts in organizing trips and we have the best tool to do it. This mobile app will guide you step by step through the entire planning and travel, providing you with all the information you need in the palm of your hand. In this post, we have the best tips for planning an exciting Philadelphia trip through Passporter, the ultimate tool for organizing and sharing your travel experiences with the world. Find out how to make your Philadelphia adventure an unforgettable experience with our help!

1. Have your Philadelphia travel documentation handy in the Passporter App

Before traveling to Philadelphia, it is crucial to prepare the necessary documentation that you will be asked for when boarding the plane and upon arrival in the country. This includes a biometric passport with at least six months validity and equipped with machine-readable technology. Also required is an ESTA entry permit for tourist stays of up to 90 days, obtainable online through the official website of the U.S. Embassy, with a handling fee of 14 euros and a duration of two years once approved. Likewise, it is obligatory to have a return ticket to prove the intention to leave the country. In addition, you must not forget to have your accommodation bookings and the address where you will be staying, as you will also be asked for it. For longer stays or different purposes, such as business, a specific visa is required.

On the other hand, It is important to note that U.S. authorities check for dual nationality and any travel history to vetoed countries such as Cuba, Iraq, Iran or Syria, which could result in travel restrictions or additional embassy interviews.

Remember that with the Passporter app you can have all your documents in digital version, including your visa, accommodation bookings, activity bookings, etc., to have it always at hand. But remember to carry the official versions whenever you will need them, to the airport, for example.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a popular destination at all times of the year. However, the best time to travel can vary depending on individual preferences and planned activities. Here’s a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each season so you can choose for yourself:

• Spring and fall: Spring and fall in Philadelphia offer generally pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities without the temperature extremes of winter or summer. In addition, in spring, the city comes alive with a variety of outdoor events, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival. However, it is important to take into account the possibility of occasional rainfall, the presence of a larger number of tourists during special events, which may influence the availability of accommodation and congestion at tourist attractions.

• Summer: from June to August you can enjoy warm, sunny weather, perfect for participating in street events and outdoor activities. However, it is important to keep in mind the greater number of tourists during this season, which can result in crowds at popular venues and a higher demand for accommodation. In addition, the high temperatures, which can exceed 30°C, may be uncomfortable for some people, and there is the possibility of experiencing occasional thunderstorms.
• Winter: During the winter, the city lights up with the magic of light festivals and Christmas markets. However, it is important to keep in mind the cold temperatures during this season, which can make outdoor activities less appealing. In addition, there is the possibility of snow, which can affect travel and further limit outdoor activity options.

3. Compare and find accommodation with Passporter

As we said earlier, it’s essential when planning your trip to Philadelphia that you’re clear on where you’ll be staying and have the address and reservations handy at the airport, so you don’t have any awkward moments. That said, what are the best areas to stay in Philadelphia?

The best areas to stay in Philadelphia during a trip include the Old City, known for its iconic tourist attractions such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, as well as its lively atmosphere with restaurants and stores. The Rittenhouse Square neighborhood offers a more sophisticated experience with upscale boutiques and top-notch restaurants, as well as being close to parks and museums. Another popular option is University City, ideal for those who want to be close to the University of Pennsylvania and the surrounding area.

It is worth remembering that researching and booking in advance is recommended to ensure a comfortable stay that suits your needs, as well as your budget. In addition, we suggest that you go to the Passporter App and book the best accommodations in Philadelphia on Booking. In the App you can also save your bookings and keep them organized. 

4. How to get to and around Philadelphia

To get to Philadelphia from abroad, the most common option is to fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which offers direct flights from numerous international cities. In addition, Philadelphia can be reached from other major U.S. cities via direct flights or connections from airports such as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Long-distance train services, such as Amtrak, connecting Philadelphia to major cities such as New York, Washington D.C. and Boston, are also available.

There are several airlines offering international flights to Philadelphia, including American Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa and Delta Air Lines. While carriers such as Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue Airways operate domestic flights to and from Philadelphia.

On the other hand, getting around Philadelphia is fairly easy because of its good public transportation connections between buses, light rail and SEPTA, the regional train system. If you prefer to get around by bike, you can opt for the city’s bike-sharing system, called Indego. In addition, downtown Philadelphia is quite walkable, with many tourist attractions located within walking distance of each other. Of course, you will also be able to get around with Uber or Taxi.

5. Find the best restaurants with Passporter

In Philadelphia, choosing what to eat and where to eat can be a feast for the senses. Here are some suggestions, but remember that with the Passporter app, in addition to seeing what places to visit in each U.S. city, you can find the best restaurants, as well as some photos and the opinions that other users have uploaded about them.

If there is one dish you must try on your trip to Philly it is the Cheesteak, that is, an iconic sandwich consisting of thin slices of grilled beef, served on a long, soft bun and topped with melted cheese, typically provolone or American Cheese. In other words, a delight. Among the most famous places to try it are: the Reading Terminal Market, a very famous market of local stalls, the Cosmi’s Deli and Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies, among others.

6. Take out health insurance: cover yourself against unforeseen events

Although we expect everything to go smoothly during our trip, unforeseen events can occur and it is best to be prepared and take out insurance when planning a trip to Philadelphia.

Medical insurance will give you peace of mind and protection in case of illness, accident or any medical emergency that may arise during your trip. Make sure your insurance covers medical, hospital and repatriation expenses, as well as coverage for trip cancellation or lost luggage.

Before taking out insurance, carefully review the terms and conditions, making sure you understand the clauses. Compare different insurance options and choose the one that best suits your needs and planned activities during your trip.

7. Choose the activities to do in Philadelphia

One of the most important parts of the process of planning a trip, in this case to Philadelphia, is selecting the activities you want to do, as well as the itinerary of places to see. If you need to get your ideas in order, we recommend looking for inspiration on Passporter, where thousands of other travelers have created their Philadelphia travel itineraries and share their experiences through photos and comments. In addition, you can create your own itinerary based on information from other users and the internet, with all points of interest geolocated on the map. So you will not forget any of the places you want to visit. Anyway, here are some of the must-see places to visit in Philadelphia

Independence Hall is a must-see on your travel itinerary. It is the site where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were written and signed. It stands alongside the iconic Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of freedom. Other notable sites include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous for its iconic staircase and Rocky statue, and the charming Historic Old City neighborhood, home to historic buildings, art galleries and restaurants. The National Museum of American Jewish History and the Franklin Institute Museum are also significant cultural sights in the city.

8. How to plan a trip with friends to Philadelphia

Traveling with friends is an absolutely rewarding experience, but planning the trip, to Philadelphia or any destination, can be a somewhat complicated process. Getting on the same page, keeping the whole group informed, setting a budget that fits everyone involved…sometimes it can be more difficult than we expected.

With the Passporter App organizing this kind of trips is easier as you will be able to plan from start to finish the travel itinerary taking into account everyone’s opinion. Add your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travelers and create the route together. Later you will be able to share your experience through the pictures you take during the trip. We have also prepared this post where we leave you some useful tips for traveling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

9. How to plan a travel itinerary to Philadelphia

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or typology (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information of the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you can share your own Philadelphia travel tips.
• Enjoy your trip to Philadelphia!

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Philadelphia