Philadelphia Travel

Climate

Philadelphia has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and often snowy, with temperatures usually hovering around 32°F (0°C) during the colder months.

Spring and fall are rather pleasant, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s F (15°C-25°C). Summers are hot and humid, and conditions can get quite unpleasant when the air temperature is near 90°F (32°C) and humidity is high.

Getting There
 

By Airplane: Philadelphia International Airport (IATA: PHL, ICAO: KPHL) receives many domestic as well as international flights and is one of the busiest airports in the world regarding aircraft movements.

By Train: Philadelphia can be reached by both National and Regional Rail. Amtrak stops in Philly along the east coast, north/south and west while Regional rail extends throughout the metro area. Amtraks rail lines all run through the historic 30th Street Station while Regional Rail can be reached at all three of Philadelphia's train stations: Suburban Station/Market East in Center City and at 30th St. Station.

By Car: The main highways into and out of Philadelphia are Interstate 76 from the west and Internstate 95 from the north/south. Rt 30 is the old highway into and out of the city heading Southeast towards Lancaster whereas Rt 1 extends down into Maryland. Route 309 enters the city from the northwest.

By Bus: Most national bus companies head in and out of Philadelphia at the Greyhound Bus Terminal at 1001 Filbert Street in Center City. The terminal is centrally located between the neighborhoods of Old City and China Town. You can reach both regional rail and the city subway system, located at the Suburban Station, a block away. Check Greyhound for more information about schedules and prices to a number of cities throughout the northeast of the USA.

By Boat: There is a ferry that connects Philadelphia to the Camden Waterfront.

Dining

You can find French cuisine here, along with Peruvian, Japanese, down-home BBQ and delightful neighborhood Italian joints. There’s also a sandwich called the “Philadelphia cheesesteak” that you simply have to try.

Shopping

Philadelphia can be a shoppers’ paradise, featuring everything from mega-malls and premium outlets to tiny boutiques in charming neighborhoods and gourmet food emporiums.

Health & safety

Medical services
CVS (215-465-2130; 10th at Reed St; 24hr) Pharmacy in South Philadelphia; call for other locations.

Graduate Hospital (215-893-2350; 1800 Lombard St) Close to the business district.

Pennsylvania Hospital (215-829-3000; www.uphs.upenn.edu/pahosp; 8th & Spruce Sts)