Philadelphia, United States

• Philadelphia is a good city to cover on foot. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are in Old City, the museums run along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the squares of Center City are busy from morning until late evening. Most of what visitors want to see is within a couple of miles. The food is a big part of the trip, from cheesesteaks and Reading Terminal Market to a strong restaurant scene, and eating at the bar alone is routine.
• Solo travelers tend to find it easy. Sitting alone in a cafe or joining a walking tour is normal, and locals can be blunt but will usually answer when you ask for directions. Rittenhouse Square, Old City, Washington Square West and University City are busy and well lit in the evening, and the Gayborhood is a well-established LGBTQ+ area.
• Like most large US cities, Philadelphia changes block by block. Some neighborhoods north and west of Center City, including the Kensington area, have open drug use and aren't places to walk around as a visitor. Stick to busy streets after dark, take a rideshare for late trips, and look at a map before walking into an unfamiliar area.
• SEPTA runs the subway, trolleys, buses and regional rail, including a direct train from the airport to Center City. Walking, rideshare and the Broad Street Line cover most visitor trips, and many people staying in Center City never need anything else.

English is the main language, and Spanish is widely spoken in parts of the city. Call 911 for police, fire or ambulance. Operators can arrange interpreters for other languages. The Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline offers interpretation in any language.

• Philadelphians are direct and not big on small talk. Short answers are normal, and people will usually help if you ask. Tipping 18-20% at restaurants and bars is standard.
• Dress is casual almost everywhere. Wear comfortable shoes, since Old City has cobblestones and brick sidewalks. The weather changes quickly, so bring layers.
• Catcalling happens, and most people ignore it and keep walking. Drinking in public is only allowed at licensed venues. Many bars close by 2 AM. BYOB restaurants are common, so check ahead whether you need to bring your own wine.
• Sports matter a lot here. Game nights, especially for the Eagles, Phillies and Sixers, bring crowds and heavy drinking in some areas, so plan a quieter evening or arrange a ride home.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Center City is compact and walkable, and most sights can be covered on foot during the day. In the evening, stay on busier streets and take a rideshare if a block looks empty.
• SEPTA runs the subway, trolleys, buses and regional rail. The Airport Line train takes roughly 20-25 minutes from the airport to Center City. The Broad Street Line and the Market-Frankford Line both serve Center City, but stations and trains outside the core can be quiet and rough. Choose busy cars, sit near the driver or other riders, and avoid empty stations late at night.
• Uber and Lyft work well and are the better choice for late trips, especially between Center City and neighborhoods like Fishtown or West Philadelphia. Check the license plate and driver name before getting in. Indego bike share and e-scooters are available, but bike lanes are patchy and some drivers are aggressive.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Philadelphia with local guides and curated experiences.