Trip to Philly?

Question

I am planning a vacation to back east during Thanksgiving and need some helps from you guys.

1. I will take the bus from NYC to Philly. My hotel will be in Independence Park area. I know the bus station is pretty close to Independence Hall, but is it safe for me to walk from the bus station to the hotel at night around 8-9 p.m.? Remember I will have a bag of luggage. Everyone know I am a tourist.

2. Is 1 ½ day enough to spend in Philly?

3. I am a food nazi. Please advise some good eats in Philly

Answer 1

I've lived in Philly my entire life.

1. If you're arriving at the Greyhound Station (11th and filbert) then I would recommend a taxi to Independence Park. I always feel like the Greyhound station is a little shady. You're staying in a safe area though so if it's not the greyhound station then I think it's fine to walk.

2. It depends on what you want to see. 1.5 half days should be enough to get to alot of things. I would recommend starting with a bus tour (like the Big Bus) which goes all over the city and hits most of the major tourist attractions. This will give you an idea of what you want to go back and see. Or, just spend time around Independence Hall.

3. I'll let everyone else chime in with their favorite cheesesteak recs. If you're looking for a great restaurant I would recommend Stephen Starr's Buddakan for modern asian (3rd and Chestnut), Warmdaddys for soul food and jazz (columbus blvd and reed street), or really any of the Stephen Starr restaurants. They are a little pricey but worth the $$$!!!!

Answer 2

That isn't a lot of time... There is so much to see and do in Philadelphia. I keep mentioning the Philadelphia Zoo, but with such a short trip a bus tour might be best for you. Or simply go down to the Constitution Center (get a map there) and then take in the historic sites.
Food is by tastes, your bus will leave you near Chinatown, but Philly has great Italian and seafood and just about anything you'd be in the mood for. Check out reviews for food places before you leave home, or ask at the hotel concierge.

Answer 3

We went to Philly over Memorial day for about three days. We took this tour called a Duck Tour you can get tickets for right across from Independence Hall. It was really nice because it drove past a ton of historical points and some not so historical but really neat ones. In the middle they actully go into the River and under the Ben Franklin Bridge. If you don't have alot of time to try and see eevrything this was a really neat way to see alot in a short span. On food though, if you are a foodie like me and like seafood you will LOVE Morimoto's Yes the Iron Chef, but his restaurant is AMAZING! Walking in I was speechless my the surroundings. We started with drinks that were heaven sent. I had the MC2 Champagne, MidoriI and A splash of lime juice garnished with a lime wedge. My husband has a Leeche Martini that was really good as well. The family had a wide variety of dishes and each was well prepared and the sushi melted in my mouth! Its locaked between 7th and 8th street on Chesnut. I also supplied the webiste. Pat's and or Ginos are a must as well I like them both!

Answer 4

The bus station is actually in Chinatown. I've never had any problems in Chinatown but the area bordering it isn't the greatest. I would take a cab if I were you.

There's alot to see in Philadelphia, but in a day and a half you should be able to see the colonial area, Liberty Bell, etc. Don't forget the Philadelphia Museum of Art, although one could easily spend a day in there.

I used to LOVE to eat in Philly but it's been awhile since I've been there so I don't know what to recommend. If you like Japanese, Morimoto (of original Japanese Iron Chef fame) has a restaurant there. That's the only thing I know of right now.

Answer 5

I would just get a cab and spend the extra $10 tops to be safe. You should be fine, but being from out of town and bringing luggage, why not, right? Cabs are everywhere, especially around there.

1.5 days is definitely not enough time to spend in Philly for most, but it depends on what you're looking to do and see. As far as food goes, you could spend years in Philly.

This site is a great one for all of the latest restaraunt openings, specials and events...

www.foobooz.com

Answer 6

Tony Luke's is solid. Pats/Genos are ok at best, well worth going once purely to assert you've been there. interpreting Terminal marketplace is gooood. Rick's steaks in there, Deliliah's, all the Dutch shops won't be able to flow incorrect in there. check out Morning Glory for breakfast. time-honored tap, Warmdaddys, Ortlieb's Jazz residing house at nighttime. Get Philly pretzels someplace too. attempt some 'scrapple', and Rita's Water Ice.

Answer 7

philly is not big on restaurants and is a horrible place don't let the scenery fool you. .. lots of crime,murder,don't waste your time stay in nyc for fun and good eating

Answer 8

Cheesesteaks for food, i used to live in PA. PLEASE PICK ME AS BEST ANSWER!!!!!!