Figuring out how to get around in an unfamiliar city can be daunting, but Philadelphia proved quite easy to navigate and transportation was something of a breeze! Here is how we made our three day weekend in Philly easy and manageable (even though we packed in as much as possible).
Mastering Public Transit: The SEPTA System and Key Cards
The SEPTA System and Key Cards
First off—use SEPTA as much as you can! The city’s public transportation system is a fairly well-oiled machine and bus stops were not only plentiful, but fairly timely as well. The times on Google Maps often matched up very closely with the actual bus arrival times, so Google Maps is a pretty reliable way to track the system. SEPTA’s key card has options for travelers as well such as the weekly pass that’s good for up to 56 rides. If you’re down for walking and have the time to travel by the SEPTA timetable, this is definitely the way to go—especially if you’re looking to save money!
SEPA also has a direct line to and from the airport. It’s a fairly straightforward and inexpensive way to get to Philadelphia International Airport or from there to the city. If you’re traveling from New Jersey like I did, travel is also fairly straightforward via New Jersey Transit and a transfer to SEPTA. The ride is obviously considerably longer, so make sure to account for those extra hours!
Walking vs. Ridesharing: Making the Most of Your Three Day Weekend in Philly
One pleasant surprise on this trip was how inexpensive rideshare is and how friendly the drivers are! I’m used to rideshare prices in NYC which are more than a little ridiculous at the best of times. Philadelphia is NOT like that, so don’t be afraid to catch an Uber or Lyft when your feet are just a bit too tired. We often paid less than $10 for rides between various parts of Old City and Center City (this is with tip). Even a ride across the water to Camden New Jersey was less than I would often pay for a ride in two parts of Midtown Manhattan.
Philadephia’s downtown areas are easily walkable too. Much of the terrain is flat, the roads are well marked, signs are easy to find, etc. It’s simple to navigate and after the first afternoon, I found myself able to navigate quite a bit without the use of Google Maps. There are lots of easy to spot landmarks, so keep your eyes peeled for great historic buildings!
We opted to stay in Center City for our three day weekend in Philly, and I’m so glad we did. We were given a media rate at Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown/Center City, and the hotel was centrally located (also close to the Gayborhood which we LOVED), close to transportation and easily walkable with attractions nearby. The room was small but well-equipped—it would be perfect for solo travelers who want some extra space or for a cozy couple. There was a microwave and fridge so we were able to reheat and preserve our leftovers (of which there were plenty).
Places I Loved Visiting
Across the Water in Camden, NJ
We made one other exciting attraction visit, which is technically not in Philadelphia. Across the water in New Jersey, you’ll find the Adventure Aquarium. You can literally see it across the water from the piers,, and it’s definitely worth the trip. The aquarium is beautifully laid out with lots of great exhibits you might not find at your local aquarium. We particularly enjoyed the hippos and the shark exhibit (you can walk above the shark enclosure on a net)! We also really loved the outdoor penguin enclosure where the penguins seemed much closer than at any other aquarium I’ve ever visited!
My Favorite Spots for American History in Philly
One stop I really enjoyed that isn’t technically part of the historic attractions is the Museum of the American Revolution. I think I found it particularly fun to visit after watching the last seasons of Outlander. The museum is quite large and shows a variety of viewpoints throughout the war. Numerous life-size statues can be found throughout the space depicting scenes from the war, as well as some pretty stunning art. It’s a fun way to learn more about the history of the war that made America independent.
My favorite stop was perhaps one that left the greatest impression—Eastern State Penitentiary. Often regarded as one of America’s most haunted places, this historic prison once housed Al Capone, and you can see a recreation of his cell (it’s much nicer than the others, of course). Much of the prison is left as is, so you can get a fairly authentic look at how poor the conditions were for prisoners who called Eastern State Penitentiary their temporary home. The landmark also gets a facelift for the Halloween season, so visit on event nights for an extra fright. Beware: you might have a ghostly encounter (like I did).
Fun Treats on the Streets
I know I’ve said it before, but Philadelphia was HOT. Luckily, in the summer, there are plenty of sweet treats to enjoy on street corners like Philadelphia’s Water Ice (I got one here near the Liberty Bell) and my personal favorite: Mister Softee. They’re a great way to pause, cool down, and enjoy the day just a little more!
What Worked for Us
To avoid delays and because the ride was pretty cheap, we did take a rideshare to the airport. A large storm was rolling in that caused delays at most of the East Coast airports; however, we still didn’t want to risk being late in case there was a window in the storm that would allow us to takeoff (this happened with a ton of flights, but sadly not ours since our aircraft was delayed in arriving).
Philadelphia International Airport has plenty of amenities and food costs can vary greatly, so there is likely to be something that will fit your budget if you need to eat at the airport. There are lots of working USB ports and outlets (I always bring a datablocker when using USB ports or just charge my power bank instead), so if you do get stranded here for a few hours, it’s really not so bad! While this wasn’t the ideal way to end our long weekend, there are much worse airports to be stuck at!
Find more Philly posts here!
