Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hotels and City Guide

Philadelphia - Travel Tips

When to Visit Philadelphia

Philadelphia's Seasons

Any time of year will provide an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the many historic sites, restaurants, art museums, and shopping experiences that Philadelphia has to offer. Naturally, around the 4th of July is particularly festive in this very patriotic city. If you want to plan a trip around this time, plan early. Numerous activities occur throughout the historic sections of the city during the summer months to celebrate its heritage. The autumn season brings resplendent leaf color to the city’s plentiful trees. It is spectacular and provides landscape vistas that everyone should see, at least once. Concerts and theater productions are held from October through early June. Typically, during the winter months, you can find bargains on many hotel rooms. During the spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The Philadelphia Cherry Blossom Festival is held in April. The blooms are a magnificent sight to behold.

Local Holidays:

New Year's Day (January 1)
Martin Luther King's Birthday (third Monday in January)
Washington's Birthday (third Monday in February)
Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (first Monday in September)
Discoverers' Day (second Monday in October)
Veterans' Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving (last Thursday in November)
Christmas (December 25)

Visas and Passports

A citizen of a foreign country traveling to the United States typically must obtain a non-immigrant visa. If applying for permanent residence, one must obtain an immigrant visa. The visa will allow entry into the country for a temporary stay or visit. Visas, types B-1 and B-2, grant entry into the United States for business, pleasure, medical treatment, or a combination of both. B-1 visas are essentially for those who are traveling on business; B-2 visas are appropriate for tourism, recreation, family visits, medical treatment, or any of a variety of similar circumstances. Students, journalists, temporary workers, etc., must apply for a different type of visa. It is always a good idea to peruse the United States Embassyinternet site before applying for entry to the U.S.

Local Customs & Language (including Tipping)

Customs

An essentially blue collar town, many of the locals here are friendly. While this may vary as you enter Philadelphia’s corporate world, dress is almost always casual in nature. Don’t hesitate to stop and ask directions if you find yourself lost, as they don’t call it “The City of Brotherly Love” for no reason.

Language

Due to the ethnic diversity of many neighborhoods in Philadelphia, a variety of languages can be heard throughout the city. English, however, is the primary language spoken in the city.

Tipping Advice

Waiters and taxi drivers in the U.S. receive a 15 – 20% tip for their services. Bartenders often get a dollar per drink, and valet parking attendants receive one to two dollars.

Hotel maids generally receive between $1 and $3 per day of your stay. In upscale hotels, at least 4 percent of the room rate is a suggested tip, before taxes, unless a service fee is charged by the hotel that includes the gratuity. Airport baggage handlers typically receive from between $1 to $2 per bag. Hairdressers and barbers usually receive between 10 and 15 percent.

Health and Security

While Center City and much of the surrounding Philadelphia area is considered safe, there are some precautions that it just makes sense to follow. For instance, don’t draw attention to yourself by wearing flashy jewelry. Don’t leave any valuables in your hotel room; put them in the hotel’s safe, if possible. Purchase a money belt (men and women) to wear, secretly hidden around your waist. If you have a handbag, keep it in your lap when seated at a restaurant table or theatre seat; don’t drape it over the back of a chair. Don’t sit it down on the floor anywhere. As with any destination, exercise caution when out after dark. Stay away from deserted streets. If you have any questions about the safety of a particular location, you can always ask hotel personnel or inquire at the Independence Visitor Center. If you have a car, keep it locked, as you should in any city, and don’t leave valuables inside.

The subway system is relatively safe during daylight hours. After dark, however, it would probably be best to hail a taxi as opposed to waiting on a semi-deserted train station platform.

Philadelphia had a reputation at one time for a number of murders that occurred there. In recent years, however, crime has diminished in the city. The Center City area of Philadelphia, which hosts numerous restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping venues, is relatively safe. As with any location you travel to, exercising caution is the wisest choice. Use common sense, especially after dark, when you are out and about. Any hotel concierge or front desk staff member should be able to give you advice about areas in which you intend to travel.

Medical Services

Should you become ill during your trip, there are a number of hospitals and pharmacies to help meet your needs including Graduate Hospital at 1800 Lombard Street near the business district and Pennsylvania Hospital at 8th & Spruce streets. Both local and major chain pharmacies are close to almost every destination in the city.

Disabled Travelers

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, most hotels, companies, and restaurants have a number of services available if you need extra help. Simply take a moment to contact your destination ahead of time to ask what services are available.

Tax Refunds

Hotels in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania