America's First Capital City
As most people are aware, Philadelphia is one of the USA's oldest cities, an American city rich in history and culture. From Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 proclaiming American independence, to Penn's Landing, named after the influential and charismatic governor William Penn, Philadelphia has much to teach visitors about the early years of America. At the same time, Philadelphia is a bustling city with modern attractions and entertainment.
Philadelphia's historical roots are very deep. As the seat of American government during the first crucial decades of American independence, Philadelphia was America's greatest city. The city's pride was manifested in the City Hall, which is the largest and most ornate municipal hall in the country. Philadelphia was the site of the meetings of the Continental and then the US Congress until 1800. But Philadelphia's history is even older than that of the United States itself. As a British Colony founded by William Penn and the Quakers, Pennsylvania attracted many different religious denominations to its tolerant atmosphere. Many of those faiths have built beautiful churches throughout the city in celebration of the religious freedom they found in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia was and remains to this day a cultural center. Benjamin Franklin himself helped found many of the educational and cultural offerings of the city. Numerous universities and museums can be found here in the City of Brotherly Love. The Philadelphia Art Museum is the third largest in the country with over 300,000 different items. Other museums celebrate the Philadelphia's place in American history. Philadelphia also boasts numerous entertainment centers, such as Penn's Landing where a wonderful collection of historical ships provides the background for numerous restaurants and entertainment venues.
Philadelphia's careful city planning made it an ideal choice for housing the US government, and it has produced many treasures that are still enjoyed by visitors and residents. Fairmont Park, for example, is the largest landscaped municipal park in the world. It houses numerous attractions, as well as walking trails and recreation areas.
Philadelphia has enjoyed a special place in American history, and visitors come to the city to learn about that history as they learn about this beautiful city and all it offers.
Population: 1,517,550
Elevation: 40 feet above sea level
Land Area: 135.1 square miles
Location: Philadelphia is located on the south eastern
border of Pennsylvania, on the Delaware River.
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it's noon in Philadelphia, it's 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Philadelphia observes Daylight Savings Time from April - October.
Weather:
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Averagetemp.(°F) |
32.0 |
34.7 |
43.1 |
53.1 |
63.3 |
72.0 |
77.0 |
75.3 |
68.0 |
56.4 |
46.4 |
36.8 |
| Hightemperature(°F) |
39.7 |
43.2 |
52.5 |
63.5 |
73.7 |
82.1 |
86.5 |
84.7 |
77.7 |
66.5 |
55.3 |
44.6 |
| Lowtemperature(°F) |
24.2 |
26.2 |
33.7 |
42.6 |
52.7 |
62.0 |
67.4 |
65.9 |
58.3 |
46.2 |
37.5 |
29.0 |
| Precipitation(in) |
3.8 |
2.9 |
4.0 |
3.8 |
4.2 |
3.6 |
4.6 |
4.4 |
4.2 |
3.2 |
3.4 |
3.6 |
Climate:
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Dayswithprecipitation |
11 |
9 |
11 |
11 |
11 |
10 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
| Windspeed(mph) |
10.3 |
10.9 |
11.3 |
10.8 |
9.5 |
8.8 |
8.2 |
8.0 |
8.3 |
8.8 |
9.6 |
10.0 |
| Morninghumidity(%) |
74 |
72 |
72 |
71 |
75 |
77 |
78 |
81 |
83 |
83 |
78 |
74 |
| Afternoonhumidity(%) |
60 |
55 |
53 |
50 |
53 |
53 |
54 |
54 |
56 |
54 |
56 |
59 |
| Sunshine(%) |
49 |
53 |
55 |
56 |
57 |
62 |
61 |
62 |
59 |
60 |
52 |
49 |
| Daysclearofclouds |
7 |
7 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
8 |
10 |
11 |
7 |
7 |
| Partlycloudydays |
8 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
11 |
11 |
12 |
11 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
| Cloudydays |
16 |
14 |
15 |
14 |
14 |
12 |
12 |
11 |
11 |
12 |
14 |
15 |
| Snowfall(in) |
6.1 |
6.6 |
3.5 |
0.3 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.7 |
3.3 |
Local Seasons:
The City of Philadelphia offers a variety of
seasons for its visitors. As both a business city as well as a historic leisure
destination, it welcomes visitors throughout the year. Summers tend to be
busier as people from around the world come to see many of the historic
attractions in and around the city. With daytime temperatures in the mid 80's F
and the nights cooling to the mid 60's, it's an ideal time to explore the host
of sites and outdoor attractions available. Spring and fall tend to be quite
beautiful as nature changes the seasons with a plethora of seasonal colors. The
temperatures are brisk, but perfect for a leisurely stroll through one of the
many parks or sipping a warm drink at one of the many cafes and restaurants
available. Winters can be chilly and snow is likely at any given time. When
the snow does fall, it transforms the city into a Norman Rockwell-like picture,
making it just right for sitting by a cozy fire. Whether for business or
pleasure, this city of "Brotherly Love" has a season for everyone.
How to Get Here:
By Air
Philadelphia International Airport
215-937-5499
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves
as the principal gateway for the fifth largest metropolitan population in the
United States. The airport is located approximately seven (7) miles from
downtown Philadelphia, and is easily accessible from Interstates 76, 95, and
476. In addition, rail service to the airport is available on SEPTA'S High Speed
Rail Line (R1) train that operates from 5:25 AM until 11:25 PM daily, every 30
minutes, with easy connections to Amtrak at 30th Street Station. The airport is
served by many of the world known airlines as well as certain local and regional
carriers.
Ground Transportation:
All of the major car rental companies as well as
taxi and limousine service are available at the airport as well as throughout
the city.
By Car
The city is easily accessible by car as numerous
Instate Highways are near the city. Thinking of the city as a rectangle, I-95
is located at the bottom and on the right; I-276, also called the Pennsylvania
Turnpike, is on the top edge; and I-76 spits off the left side into the city.
I-676 traverses Center City and connects back into I-76 to nearby Camden, New
Jersey, via a bridge. The "blue" route of I-476 forms a left edge about 15
miles from the city and connect I-276 and I-76 at the northern end with I-95 to
the south.
By Train
Amtrak
2955 Market St.
30th Street Station
Philadelphia, PA 19104
800-USA-RAIL
Greyhound
1001 Filbert St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-931-4075
Philadelphia Sigler Travelers Service
1330 W Olney Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19141>
215-924-1330
How to Get Around:
Philadelphia is a very pedestrian friendly city and therefore it is quite easy to leave the car and walk to many of the interesting sites and attractions. There are additional options available as well:
SEPTA
215-580-7800
SEPTA operates an extensive network of trolleys,
buses, commuter trains, and subways.
Call for further information.
National Holidays:
New Year's Day, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in
January
President' Day, the third Monday in February
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, the first Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and
25
New Year's Eve, December 31
The Hotel Windsor and Suites
Located at 1700 Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, All suite center city hotel offers spectacular Studio or one Bedroom Suites. The hotel offers all the amenities of a fine hotel with all the comforts
Sofitel Philadelphia
Located at 120 South 17th Street in Philadelphia, Conveniently located in the Center City section of Philadelphia this international hotel offers travelers access to dining shopping and sightseeing.
Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Center City
Located at 1800 Market Street in Philadelphia, Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Center City is located approximately eight miles from Philadelphia International Airport.
Radisson Plaza Warwick Hotel Philadelphia
Located at 1701 Locust Street in Philadelphia, Elegant Historic Hotel in an Ideal Location. Two Excellent Restaurants a Bar and a Coffee Shop. 545 Elegant Rooms With Coffee Maker Hairdryer and Iron/Board.
Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Airport
Located at 4101 Island Avenue in Philadelphia, Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Airport is just 8 miles from downtown Philadelphia South Street and the Liberty Bell.
Hilton Inn at Penn
Located at 3600 Sansom Street in Philadelphia, Hilton Inn at Penn is located five miles from the Philadelphia International Airport. Local attractions include Philadelphia Museum of Art and Philadelphia
Hilton Philadelphia Airport
Located at 4509 Island Avenue in Philadelphia, Hilton Philadelphia Airport is located approximately two miles from Philadelphia International Airport and three miles from Citizens Bank Ballpark and
Holiday Inn Historic District Philadelphia
Located at 400 Arch Street in Philadelphia, Holiday Inn Philadelphia Historic District is within walking distance of the Liberty Bell and approximately eight miles from Philadelphia International
Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown
Located at 21 North Juniper Street in Philadelphia, Housed Within a Building That Dates Back To 1926 and Was Transformed Into a Hotel in 1999 This Fully Air-Conditioned Hotel Comprises 477 Rooms Spread
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Located at 1200 Market Street in Philadelphia, Imagine a place that was once the most significant architectural structure of its time. The PSFS building was at the height of modernity in 1932 a place
Sheraton Philadelphia Center City
Located at 17th and Race Street in Philadelphia, In the heart of Philadelphia the Sheraton Philadelphia Center City puts you within walking distance of America's historical landmarks including Independence