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A visitor to the nation's 5th largest city is an adventure! Starting at Independence Hall and ending with the Victorian mansions of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia is a cultural and historical haven. Most of Philadelphia's main attractions are in the downtown area. They can be costly and overcrowded due to the heavy tourist traffic. However, there are many attractions in Philadelphia that are unknown to tourists. I have provided descriptions of some of these wonderful sites. Keeping cost in mind, I have chosen sites with admission prices of less than $10.00; some are even free! I have listed the admission prices for adults; but most sites have reduced fares for senior citizens, students and children. At the end of the article, the phone numbers for all sites are available so that you may call for specific operating times and group information. All sites are accessible by public transportation, something you'll need to utilize in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia contains over 100 museums. If art is your interest, then you'll want to visit the Philadelphia Art Museum. It is located on the Ben Franklin Parkway. This is where Sylvester Stallone, in the film "Rocky" jogged up the museum steps in record time! The museum showcases paintings, furniture and pottery from the Pre-Christian Era to modern time. It even has a Japanese Tearoom that was disassembled in Japan and brought to Philadelphia. Touring the museum can be exhausting, so plan to spend the whole day. The regular admission price is $8.00, but if you go on Sundays before 1 p.m. the admission is FREE.
There are many cultural museums to tour, but two of the most interesting are The African American Museum and The National Museum of Jewish History. The African American Museum is located at the NW corner of 7th and Arch Streets. This marvelous museum showcases folk art, artifacts, and often has musical attractions. The admission is $6.00. The National Museum of Jewish History is located at 55 North 5th Street. The museum exhibits historical documents, artwork, films, and personal memorabilia. This fascinating attraction has an admission price of just $2.50.
One of the most bizarre attractions, and certainly not for the faint hearted is the Mutter Museum. The Mutter Museum is operated by the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The museum is a strange collection of medical oddities. It exhibits skeletons of Siamese twins, preserved bizarre shaped tumors, and collections of primitive medical instruments. The Mutter Museum is a must see; you'll never forget it. Admission price is $8.00 and located at 19th South 22nd Street. Equally as strange, but less gory is the Eastern State Penitentiary. The penitentiary was an operating prison between 1829-1971 and housed some of the most notorious criminals including Al Capone. The penitentiary offers a display of prison artifacts, an exhibit of death row, and guided tours. An odd site, but truly a remarkable piece of history. The penitentiary also puts on a creepy Halloween candlelight tour! The penitentiary is located at 22nd and Fairmount Streets. Admission is $7.00; note that due to the possibility of perceived fright, children under the age of 5 are not allowed.
Philadelphia's historical district is phenomenally beautiful, restored and well kept. You'll want to stroll along the streets of the Olde City and take in the splendor of the old world charm. Most of the old brownstones and cottages of the early settlers still remain. One fascinating way of seeing many of these glorified old homes is to take the Tour of Historic Haunted Philadelphia. This guided walking tour meets in the evening (hours change seasonally, so call for the current schedule) at 5th and Chestnut Streets. The tour takes about 2 hours, and you will get to see at least half-a-dozen infamous haunted homes. The homes are some of the oldest in Philadelphia, ranging from tiny cottages to ostentatious mansions. The ghost stories are both eerie and amazing as much as they are a great way to learn about the history of Philadelphia's earliest citizens. The tour costs $10.00, and tickets can be purchased at a neighboring restaurant at 6th and Chestnut, called Willie & Duffy's. This tour is simply a must do!
Although not on the tour, you'll want to visit the nearby former home of Edgar Allan Poe. The home is located at 532 N. 7th Street. Mr. Poe lived in this home between 1838- 1844. He wrote The Raven while in residence there. The Poe family owned and rented several homes in the Philadelphia area, but the 7th Street site was the only one in which Mr. Poe personally resided. The home was in disrepair for many years, but has been rescued and restored by the Philadelphia Historical Society. Many of Poe's personal papers and original drafts are on display at the home. Admission is FREE!
Although New Jersey is known as the Garden State, Philadelphians can't figure out why that is since Philadelphia is a gardener's paradise! Fairmount Park is one of the largest parks in the United States. It begins in Philadelphia Museum of Art area and continues to the Montgomery County line. It's circumference is approximately 28 miles. The park contains plentiful wildlife, and bird watching is an avid sport. Within the park there are various sites such as war memorials, nature centers, fountains, picnic areas, concert halls, and mansions. One of these magnificent mansions is the Ebenezer Maxwell House. It is a splendid example of Philadelphia's high society Victorian life. It is located at 200 W. Tuplehocken Street. The gardens at the Maxwell house draw enthusiasts from all over the county. Fairmount Park also contains dozens of hiking trails, and since the park borders on the Schuylkill River, boating and canoeing are favorite sports. Along the Kelly Drive side of the park, one can rollerblade and bike ride. At the far north end of Fairmount Park the Morris Arboretum is located. The arboretum is maintained and funded by the University of Pennsylvania, and it is breathtaking. There are over 2,000 types of plants from all over the world. There is also a collection of rare trees that is a must see! Guided tours are available as well as a self-guided tour. The arboretum is located at the corner of Germantown and Northwestern Avenues and the admission is $6.00.
When it comes to food in Philadelphia, there is no shortage of choices. There are many street vendors and restaurants that represent food from every ethnicity. Most of the popular restaurants are pricey. I have found two restaurants where the food is out of this world, and reasonably priced. Singapore is a Chinese vegetarian kosher restaurant located at 1006 Race street in Chinatown. The ambiance is serene and authentic. The entrees begin at $6.00, and the food is fantastic. Another great place is a little local joint called Bob's diner. Bob's is a nostalgic diner that dates back to the 1950s and very little has been changed. This restaurant is well known for its location, which is next door to a cemetery! However, this is a wonderful down home diner. You can get a breakfast for 99 cents and a lunch for $4.00. Bob's is located at 6053 Ridge Avenue.
You will certainly need a place to stay in Philadelphia, but it will certainly cost more than $10.00! Most hotels in Philadelphia run anywhere from $170 a night and up. However, there are two hidden delightful little places that are much less expensive, and absolutely gorgeous. One is the Spring Garden Manor. It is located at 2025 Spring Garden Street, in the Art Museum area. Prices start at $119 a night, and include breakfast! It is also within walking distance to many sites and attractions. The second is Chestnut Hill Hotel. It is located in the quaint section of the city called Chestnut Hill. This restored Victorian hotel borders on Fairmont Park and the rates start at $109 a night. The hotel is in walking distance to many shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Getting around Philadelphia is easy on public transportation. Do not attempt to drive to and from attractions. Philadelphia's streets are small, congested and the parking fees are outrageous. The South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, SEPTA is the only way to get about safely. SEPTA also manages a tourist bus called PHLASH. PHLASH costs only $4.00 a DAY, and will take you anywhere in the downtown area. For sites outside of the downtown area, regular SEPTA service on buses, trains and subways is available. SEPTA fares are $1.60 and passes are available. There is nowhere in Philadelphia that SEPTA doesn't go, so you do not have to worry about parking garages (which run anywhere from $12 an hour to $90 a day!), or traffic.
Enjoy your time in Philadelphia! Enjoy the sites, the history and tell everyone about the City of Brotherly Love!
Phone Numbers
Philadelphia Museum of Art--215-763-8100
Morris Arboretum--215-247-5777
African American Museum--215-574-0380
Eastern State Penitentiary--215-236-5111
Mutter Museum--215-563-3737
National History of Jewish History--215-923-3811
Ebenezer Maxwell House--215-438-1861
Edgar Allan Poe Home--215-597-8780
SEPTA/PLASH--215-580-4000
Singapore--215-922-0303
Bob's Diner--215-483-9002
Haunted Tour--215-413-1997
Spring Garden Manor-215-567-2484
Chestnut Hill Hotel--242-5905
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