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Since we have a DC on a budget thread - I need one for Philly

punkin

<font color=purple>Went through pain just to look
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Nov 28, 2001
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I was considering spending a weekend in Philadelphia. DD13 is learning about the Continental Congress and wants to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. I would like some recommendations of some good things to see and inexpensive places to stay. We would do this sometime in mid-May...so it's somewhat last minute.

I know it's shameful since we live so close, but I haven't really been in Philadelphia as a tourist (have been on business) since my 7th grade trip there. I really need some help on this.
 
I'm not sure if this is an option for you, but Philly is the one city that I have never ever gone wrong with pricelining rooms. I always book 4 star hotel rooms and get them for less than 70 bucks a night!
 
Philly has a nice zoo and Eastern State Penitentiary is way creepier than Alcatraz.

The Art Museum harbors a world-class collection.

The Franklin Institute is a fun science museum.

Ditto the priceline idea.
 
Any area suggestions for Priceline? Do you think there would be a problem bidding for one room and 3 people (DH, DD, and I)? Did anyone do Valley Forge? DD seems interested in that.
 

I second the Priceline suggestion.

You can do one of those hop on/hop off trolley lines that take you around to all of the sites, or you can do Phlash, which is a purple bus that takes you around to the same places. I would look into each cost.

In the Old City area, you can find all of the historic stuff. Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Constitution Center, and that's where most of the tourist trolleys are based, so that's a good place to start. That is a good home base, and that's at 5th and Market Streets.

For 13 years old, I also think a trip to the Franklin Institute is cool, it's on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 20th street. It's a great place to explore some science stuff. Right next door is the Academy of Natural Sciences, which is also pretty cool. Dinosaur bones and stuff, also big into science as you can tell by the name. Most 13 year olds would love both of those too. I would look both up online to see if any cool exhibits are there while you're there.

The Art museum is at the end of the parkway, as is the Rodin museum, but unless your DD is really into art, I would save that for a later visit.

For fun, South Street is a fun place to go walk around at little shops. The folks who hang there range in age, but it's mostly teens and/or young adults. If you do go there, eat at Lorenzo's pizza at 3rd and South. (My fav) And if you want a cheesesteak, you can eat at Jims which is a block away. Though I think a trip to South Philly is in order for a Cheesesteak. Pats and Genos are around the corner from each other. If you have a car, from center city, take 10th street a few blocks past washington and you will see it on the left. I'm a Pat's gal, but you should get one from each and taste test for yourself. It's fun.

I also strongly suggest Reading Terminal Market. Go on a Saturday morning and eat breakfast at Jack's or at the counter at the Amish place. Saturday is more fun than Sunday because the Amish places are open, but it's more crowded too. It gets really bad between 12-2, that being said, it doesn't stop me from shopping there on Saturdays during that time period. (and until a year ago, I was pushing twins in a double stroller, so it can be done) Again, cool places to eat and shop. The Ice Cream shop there is awesome, and quite a few places there have been features on the Food Network over the years. (Jack's is owned by the guy who co-hosted Bobby Flay's first show on Food Network "Grillin and Chillin") There is no bad place there, but I have a few I highly recommend. Any amish place, Jack's (BBQ and Breakfast) and Hershel's (Jewish Deli - best Pastrami ever!!!!).

I know there are tourist tickets on sale at the Franklin Institute, Academy of Natural Sciences and at the Constitution center that has a book of discounted tickets at $60ish pp for a bunch of places, that's pretty cool. I will try and find out the name for you. Independence Hall is free, same for the Liberty Bell.

Normally I would say check out the Camden Aquarium, but the Baltimore one is cooler, so for you I wouldn't say it's worth it. She'll be too old for Please Touch museum. I'm not one to push the Betsy Ross Museum, because contrary to popular opinion, Betsy Ross didn't sew the first american flag, they're just a rich family to successfully re-wrote history, but I digress....

If you have any questions, let me know. I live not far from Old City and am in town every day shopping and eating and travelling. So I'm happy to help in any way.
 
Any area suggestions for Priceline? Do you think there would be a problem bidding for one room and 3 people (DH, DD, and I)? Did anyone do Valley Forge? DD seems interested in that.

I used to live and work right off of Valley Forge. The park itself is HUGE. IMO, you don't need the tour, I just got a map and drove all over myself. The park gets very crowded on the weekends and be prepared for deer all over. They move in packs and will basically take over the road if you are driving through.

There are hotels in Valley Forge. If you are thinking Valley Forge/consider King of Prussia as well. I don't know how PL does Philly zones, but K of P is very close to Valley Forge. (Plus there is the K of P mall-- once they see it- you can't get away)

It will take (on a good day) about 30 minutes from Valley Forge to Center City Philly. On a bad day it can take 2 hours. Ask me how I know this! Yes, it is around 10-15 miles but it can get really backed up.

As for Center City, the Liberty Bell is free. The Independence center is also free, but you do need tickets for Constitution Hall. The Constitution Center is very nice and well done- but it is not free.
 
It will take (on a good day) about 30 minutes from Valley Forge to Center City Philly. On a bad day it can take 2 hours. Ask me how I know this! Yes, it is around 10-15 miles but it can get really backed up.

HAHAHA, so true. I was just stuck in it a few days ago.

As for Center City, the Liberty Bell is free. The constitution center is also free, but you do need tickets. The Constitution Center is very nice and well done- but it is not free.

I know the Constitution Center is not free, a friend recently gave me tickets she had that were going to expire. It's not expensive, but it's not free either. I think $12ish? The Liberty Bell is free though. I'm toying around with getting a family membership at the Constitution Center in a few years.
 
we are driving over for the day in June either a Sat. or Sun. We are staying in Lancaster. Where is a good place to park? We are thinking of using one of the tours - getting on and off to tour the city. Any suggestion on which? We have a 10 year old who loves animals. Is the zoo worth the time and is the Penn. really scary? He loved the National Zoo is WDC.

I second the Priceline suggestion.

You can do one of those hop on/hop off trolley lines that take you around to all of the sites, or you can do Phlash, which is a purple bus that takes you around to the same places. I would look into each cost.

In the Old City area, you can find all of the historic stuff. Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Constitution Center, and that's where most of the tourist trolleys are based, so that's a good place to start. That is a good home base, and that's at 5th and Market Streets.

For 13 years old, I also think a trip to the Franklin Institute is cool, it's on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 20th street. It's a great place to explore some science stuff. Right next door is the Academy of Natural Sciences, which is also pretty cool. Dinosaur bones and stuff, also big into science as you can tell by the name. Most 13 year olds would love both of those too. I would look both up online to see if any cool exhibits are there while you're there.

The Art museum is at the end of the parkway, as is the Rodin museum, but unless your DD is really into art, I would save that for a later visit.

For fun, South Street is a fun place to go walk around at little shops. The folks who hang there range in age, but it's mostly teens and/or young adults. If you do go there, eat at Lorenzo's pizza at 3rd and South. (My fav) And if you want a cheesesteak, you can eat at Jims which is a block away. Though I think a trip to South Philly is in order for a Cheesesteak. Pats and Genos are around the corner from each other. If you have a car, from center city, take 10th street a few blocks past washington and you will see it on the left. I'm a Pat's gal, but you should get one from each and taste test for yourself. It's fun.

I also strongly suggest Reading Terminal Market. Go on a Saturday morning and eat breakfast at Jack's or at the counter at the Amish place. Saturday is more fun than Sunday because the Amish places are open, but it's more crowded too. It gets really bad between 12-2, that being said, it doesn't stop me from shopping there on Saturdays during that time period. (and until a year ago, I was pushing twins in a double stroller, so it can be done) Again, cool places to eat and shop. The Ice Cream shop there is awesome, and quite a few places there have been features on the Food Network over the years. (Jack's is owned by the guy who co-hosted Bobby Flay's first show on Food Network "Grillin and Chillin") There is no bad place there, but I have a few I highly recommend. Any amish place, Jack's (BBQ and Breakfast) and Hershel's (Jewish Deli - best Pastrami ever!!!!).

I know there are tourist tickets on sale at the Franklin Institute, Academy of Natural Sciences and at the Constitution center that has a book of discounted tickets at $60ish pp for a bunch of places, that's pretty cool. I will try and find out the name for you. Independence Hall is free, same for the Liberty Bell.

Normally I would say check out the Camden Aquarium, but the Baltimore one is cooler, so for you I wouldn't say it's worth it. She'll be too old for Please Touch museum. I'm not one to push the Betsy Ross Museum, because contrary to popular opinion, Betsy Ross didn't sew the first american flag, they're just a rich family to successfully re-wrote history, but I digress....

If you have any questions, let me know. I live not far from Old City and am in town every day shopping and eating and travelling. So I'm happy to help in any way.
 
HAHAHA, so true. I was just stuck in it a few days ago.



I know the Constitution Center is not free, a friend recently gave me tickets she had that were going to expire. It's not expensive, but it's not free either. I think $12ish? The Liberty Bell is free though. I'm toying around with getting a family membership at the Constitution Center in a few years.

Thanks for pointing that out. Independence Center is free.. not the Constitution center. Constitution Center is right behind the Independence Center.
I want to say it is $10-12 for Constitution Center. It is very well done and worth the money. I got in for free (teacher) so there may be something like that for some people.
 
Another fun free thing is the Ben Franklin printing press demonstration. There is also an old fashioned post office near 2nd and Market (or something like that)
 
If you are in the Independence Mall area there is a really cool old time ice cream parlor/candy store that you should check out called The Franklin Fountain.
http://www.franklinfountain.com/

There is also the City Tavern which dates back to the late 1700's and offers colonial fare. Definitely not budget priced but lunch might be a more affordable option.
http://www.citytavern.com/

I also recommend the Reading Terminal Market. Lots of different food stalls with everything from cheesesteaks to ice cream. There is a Bassetts ice cream counter which has the best ice cream around. DiNic's is known for its roasted pork sandwich with provolone and broccoli rabe. It gets very crowded at lunch and it is only open until 6 during the week and 5 on Sunday.
 
Another thing that's free in Philly is the US Mint, a block away from the Constitution Center--however they're closed for renovation until the summer
http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/

That's really too bad. That was one of the things I was thinking of doing.

What's in the Constitution Center? Is it like a history museum?
 
That's really too bad. That was one of the things I was thinking of doing.

What's in the Constitution Center? Is it like a history museum?

Here's the website. http://constitutioncenter.org/

There are some very interesting interactive exhibits, a great spoken word performance and some interesting american history things.

For example, there is a section that talks about every amendment to the constitution. It could be boring, but the way it was done makes it lively and intereesting. THere are even actual artifacts such as a desk from a classroom. (1954 Brown vs. Board of Ed). They also have game shows and trivia contests.

I saw the Springsteen exhibit too- but that is good only if you are a huge fan.
 
Check out citypass.com
You can get a ticket that includes admission to
6 must-see Philadelphia attractions
The Franklin Institute
Adventure Aquarium (actually in Camden)
Phila Trolley Works Tour & The Big Bus Company
Philadelphia Zoo
National Constitution CenterOR The Academy of Natural Sciences
Eastern State PenitentiaryOR Please Touch Museum

Its $59 per adult and good for 9 consecutive days.
 
Check out citypass.com
You can get a ticket that includes admission to
6 must-see Philadelphia attractions
The Franklin Institute
Adventure Aquarium (actually in Camden)
Phila Trolley Works Tour & The Big Bus Company
Philadelphia Zoo
National Constitution CenterOR The Academy of Natural Sciences
Eastern State PenitentiaryOR Please Touch Museum

Its $59 per adult and good for 9 consecutive days.

Thanks, that's the exact one I was thinking of. I hear it's a great deal, but I wish you could do BOTH the Constitution center and the Academy of Natural Sciences. They're both cool to a 13yo.

The Philadelphia Trolley Works and Big Bus are the hop on/hop off tours I mentioned, and they are nice. Especially if you use it all day and get your money's worth.


If you are in the Independence Mall area there is a really cool old time ice cream parlor/candy store that you should check out called The Franklin Fountain.
http://www.franklinfountain.com/

There is also the City Tavern which dates back to the late 1700's and offers colonial fare. Definitely not budget priced but lunch might be a more affordable option.
http://www.citytavern.com/

I also recommend the Reading Terminal Market. Lots of different food stalls with everything from cheesesteaks to ice cream. There is a Bassetts ice cream counter which has the best ice cream around. DiNic's is known for its roasted pork sandwich with provolone and broccoli rabe. It gets very crowded at lunch and it is only open until 6 during the week and 5 on Sunday.

I wouldn't consider either of those budget friendly. Franklin fountain is insanely expensive and they don't take any cards, and if you only carry around your debit card like me, you could wait in line for an hour and be stuck. And I agree, the City Tavern is way cool but expensive. I have only gone during restaurant week. But if it's a hot summer day, I imagine you could come in for dessert and a pint of a beer made from recipes of one of the founding fathers.

Another fun free thing is the Ben Franklin printing press demonstration. There is also an old fashioned post office near 2nd and Market (or something like that)

I forgot about that, that is cool. It would be great to add to your historic day since most of the historic stuff is free.

we are driving over for the day in June either a Sat. or Sun. We are staying in Lancaster. Where is a good place to park? We are thinking of using one of the tours - getting on and off to tour the city. Any suggestion on which? We have a 10 year old who loves animals. Is the zoo worth the time and is the Penn. really scary? He loved the National Zoo is WDC.

The Philly zoo is small compared to other cities, and because of it's location, it can't expand. But it's America's first Zoo, and the first and only zoo I visited for a long time so it may be worth it, and depending on what you have to compare it to. But on a hot day, it will be crowded. "Zoo Traffic" has already begun in Philadelphia since it's getting nice out. If you have an animal lover though, it may be fun, and they do have a hot air balloon that would be cool. You can bring food in the zoo to save on cost, if you stop someplace and bring a sandwich, fruit or drinks. Saturday or Sunday shouldn't make a difference as far as traffic goes, and it is easily accessible from Lancaster. If you're a member of a reciprocal zoo, you could save money. I think it's $12 to park now. And if you don't get there early, the lots may be full, so if you go to the zoo, go early, and it's nicer earlier in the day anyway, as the hotter it gets, the smellier it gets too.
 
I would look into the philadelphia pass it is almost like the city pass but allows more attractions.www.philadelphiapass.com It is more expensive but if you want to see more it may be worth it.It would also count for constitution center and the Academy of Natural science.
 


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