Located on the Delaware River in eastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is one of the country's oldest cities and as such, home to iconic buildings and monuments which speak to the nation's past. With package holidays in Philadelphia, you can visit the location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence before heading off to see to country's largest collection of public art. When you book a flight and hotel for Philadelphia, you'll be able to enjoy local dishes like the famous Philly Cheesesteak, as well as take in a number of historic monuments as well as sites from the Revolutionary War.
After you book your flight to Philadelphia you need to apply online for a visa waiver form, the ESTA, at least 72 hours before you travel. It's a quick and simple process. Philadelphia International Airport is located close to the city centre and is connected to downtown by the efficient public transportation system. Taxis are also available, and operate on a regulated, flat-rate system.
The local currency is the US dollar, and you'll find plenty of ATMs at the airport as well as around the city itself. Philadelphia operates on Eastern Standard Time, which is five hours behind the United Kingdom, so get ready for a bit of a time difference after you step off your flight from Manchester to Philadelphia!
City breaks to Philadelphia between March and May are typically pleasantly warm, and the city is a bit quieter than during the summer months. This is also an opportune moment to visit for those who want to secure great deals for a weekend in Philadelphia. July and August are the hottest months, with daytime temperatures reaching as high as 29°C or 30°C.
Package holidays to Philadelphia are also a delight in the fall and winter. Halloween comes at the end of October, while in December, the city is adorned with holiday decorations.
At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you'll find the country's largest collection of public art. Most of the museums are centered around Center City West, and it's a wonderful place to spend an afternoon perusing various collections. To enjoy the city's many neighbourhoods, check out Free Tours By Foot, which offers various themed walking tours on a pay-what-you-wish basis.
The city is awash with parks, the most famous of which is Fairmount Park. The park is home to theatres, museums, hiking trails, and horseback riding—it's the ideal place for a day of exploration after you get off your flight from London to Philadelphia. The city is also famous for its sports teams. Whether you're a fan of baseball, basketball, or American football, seeing a game at one of the many excellent stadiums is a truly authentic American experience.
City breaks in Philadelphia are a fantastic opportunity to explore some of America's often overlooked historical past. Eastern State Penitentiary, a former jail, gives a fascinating glimpse into the country's criminal and spiritual past. At Independence National Historic Park, home of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, you can get up close and personal with the iconic Liberty Bell. Other sites to visit on a weekend in Philadelphia are:
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Philadelphia.
When you book a flight and hotel for Philadelphia, you simply must sample the Philly cheesesteak, a succulent steak sandwich, adorned with the state's iconic cheese sauce. The best spot is a divisive local issue, but one favourite is the original Tony Luke's, on Oregon Avenue. Philly-style soft pretzels are also a local savory treat.
The city's Italian immigrant population helped popularise the deli, and terrific sandwich shops making 'hoagies' can be found across the city. One spot to try is Ricci's, which has been in business since 1920. Finally, Reading Terminal is one of Philly's culinary hot spots, and one of the must-try food stalls is Bassett's Ice Cream.
There are plenty of souvenirs and trinkets bearing the city's name and images of its iconic structures to bring back home. If you're not a fridge magnet or tote bag kind of person, then Marcie Blaine Artisanal Chocolates or some Redware Pottery are lovely edible and non-edible memorabilia. Yards Brewing Co.'s award-winning pale ale is an excellent gift for those who enjoy a tipple, and there's plenty of sports-based paraphernalia bearing the Philly teams' logos.
Planning on flying to United States? If a city break in Philadelphia doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in United States ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!