Next month, I will be in Philly for a Sunday night concert at Wells Fargo arena. We will be driving up Saturday, getting into town around noon.
I would like to definitely go to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell and other historical areas. My travel partners would like to do some shopping. I don’t mind doing shopping as well, but if I need to do the historical stuff while they shop or otherwise, its fine with me.
I was wondering if there are any recommendations as to where to stay. I don’t want to say that price is no object, but if there is a significant benefit to staying in a more expensive area, I will.
How is the subway/trolley system? I had in mind staying in an area outside of town and riding the subway into town near these sites and the Wells Fargo arena. Is that doable, or would I be better staying in town (or alternatively driving into town and parking).
I’ve never been to Philly and was looking for some advice on the above and hotel/restaurant recommendations. Thanks.
What type of shopping? King of Prussia Mall is about 20 miles west of Center City; it’s the largest retail mall in the country* with lots of high end stores in it. Given you’re location is listed as WV, I’m guessing I-70/76E, which means you’d drive right past it on your way in. Of course, stopping there get you to your historic destinations later, though Valley Forge is about a mile away from the mall - mebbe you could be historic there for a bit while others shop???
There are two main subways which run perpendicular to each other & cross under City Hall. Broad Street Line runs N/S & goes to the stadium complex. Getting off at that stop, you could walk, underground, 2-3 blocks to the Regional Rail station & get a train to the suburbs, perhaps Conshohocken, which is directly in between KoP & Center City. However, I will warn you that regional rail typically only run once an hour on Sunday eves. (check Septa’s website - Manayunk/Norristown Line) If your timing works, great! If not, you’re sitting around in a mostly closed station, probably with a bunch of homeless folks for 55 mins.
If you choose to stay in the city, City Hall is two blocks from the Convention Center, which means there are lots of hotels right there. A few Marriott’s & a Lowe’s are within two blocks to the East (which is the direction of Independence Hall/Liberty Bell/other historic stuff). There are also some hotels out by U(niversity of)Penn, along the E/W subway (the Market/Frankford Elevated, known as “the El”); there is an Independence Hall stop from the El if you choose to stay near UPenn.
What type of food do you like & what’s your preferred $ level? Since you are in to the historic stuff, I’d suggest City Tavern.
One question for you - Garth?
- Mall of America is bigger, but less square footage is devoted to retail because they have things like an amusement park under their roof.