The Best Hotels in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is also known as The City of Brotherly Love, which comes from the Greek translation of its name. It has many cultural points of interest and a rich history that includes the signing of The Declaration of Independence in 1776. With a varied climate, the city has cold winters and hot summers. Popular months to book a hotel in Philadelphia are July and August, when temperatures can reach highs of 85°F.

The Historic District in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s Historic District is a beautiful area that offers a fascinating glimpse into United States history. If you want to visit then there are plenty of Historic District hotels to cater for your needs. One of the finest center city Philadelphia hotels is the Rittenhouse Hotel in Rittenhouse Square. Alternately, the city’s boutique hotels are perfect if you’re after a unique experience.

How to get to Philadelphia

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the major airport in Philadelphia and offers flights to destinations within the United States and around the world. If you need to stay close by then there are several hotels near Philadelphia Airport to choose from. But if you plan on heading into the city then you can take a taxi to hotels in downtown Philadelphia, or travel via the regional rail service to 30th Street Station for intercity trains. You can also use the city’s subway to travel to your destination.

Things to do in Philadelphia

The city boasts some of the most famous landmarks in the United States, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier. But you can also explore museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, or sample the city’s cuisine in one of the downtown restaurants, and there’s a great selection of five star hotels in Philadelphia if you feel like treating yourself to a special vacation.

Where to stay in Philadelphia

Hotels.com offers a great range of Philadelphia hotels. Search for luxury hotels in Philadelphia and book your vacation with us.

When are the best times to travel to Philadelphia?

Philadelphia’s main tourist season is during the balmy summertime, when sightseers flock to the city’s many landmarks, and locals chill out in the picturesque parks. The hotels in Philadelphia naturally charge more during this time, so if you’re looking for a more affordable trip and less busy attractions, it might be worth coming in the springtime instead. Whenever you come, Philadelphia’s events calendar ensures there’s never a dull moment. There’s International Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in June, the Philadelphia Marathon in November, and the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival in April.

What are the top must-see attractions in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia’s historical landmarks include the fortress-like Eastern State Penitentiary prison, which once held infamous criminals such as Al Capone, and the stately redbrick Independence Hall – the birthplace of the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. For art lovers and Rocky Balboa fans, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a must-see. The grand building houses a trove of masterpieces, with works from the likes of Van Gogh and Monet, whilst the 72 stone steps leading up to it were famously featured in the Rocky films.

What are the best types of restaurants and food in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia offers cuisines and dining spots to please every palate, from relaxed sandwich shops and burger bars, to trendy coffeehouses and bring-your-own-bottle restaurants. The legendary Philly cheesesteak – a bread roll stuffed with sliced beef and melted cheese – is a must try, and you won’t have to look far to find one. As well as the city’s restaurant-rich Downtown, other dining hotspots include Chinatown, with its abundance of authentic Asian restaurants, and Reading Terminal Market, where foodies will find meats, baked goods, confectionary, and ready-to-eat snacks all under one roof.

What are the top things to do in Philadelphia?

Sports fans can catch major baseball and football games at the Citizens Bank Park stadium and the Lincoln Financial Field, situated right next door to one another, whilst culture vultures can take in a show at the historic Walnut Street Theater, or enjoy glitzy big-name concerts at the Wells Fargo Center. For shoppers Philadelphia is a paradise of choice. There are glossy fashion-filled hubs like the King of Prussia Mall and Macy’s Center City, quaint antiques stores along the aptly named Antique Row, and funky stores along South Street.

What are some fun facts about Philadelphia?

The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s steps aren’t the only things from Philly that have enjoyed the Hollywood limelight – the city’s also the hometown of a number of celebs, including Richard Gere and Kevin Bacon. Bacon aside, Philadelphia is perhaps most famous for its cheesesteak, believed to have been invented in the 1930s by brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri. The story goes they started selling them on their humble hotdog stand, and before long they became such a big hit that Pat opened up his own restaurant - one that still operates today.

What kinds of public transport are there in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is considered one of the most walkable cities in the United States, particularly for tourists with its well-placed signs guiding them to all the major hotspots. If you want to get about more quickly, then there’s plenty of public transport in Philadelphia to help you. The SEPTA bus network and subway lines provide a cheap and easy way to travel about the city, and can get you just about anywhere, including many of the city’s major landmarks.