peteaba

Need help on where to stay in Philly. What is the best location for wife and I to spend a couple of days in Philadalphia: near Rittenhouse Square, near City Hall, or near Penn's Landing? Suggestions of things to do and good restaurants would also be appreciated.

J62

I find Penn's landing to be too isolated - it's the narrow strip along the river next to I-95.

City Hall area is closer to Independence Hall/Liberty Bell area.

When I visit Philly I stay at the Omni on Chestnut St.

melissa19

I would suggest staying near Rittenhouse Square, or the Olde City area which is close to Independence Hall and many other historic sites. City Hall is worth a visit, and maybe Penn's Landing, too. The main part of "Center City" that you'd want to see is easily walkable (or taxi), but the areas above are also neighborhoods with shops, restaurants, etc.

don't miss the Philadelphia Museum of Art!

tdvpnp

Stay in old city or near Rittenhouse Square. Penns landing is nice, but I wouldn't stay there. The Omni is nice and near lots of sights. Rittenhouse Hotel is greatbut very expensive.
Definitely spend some time at the Constitution Center!
If you go to the convention center they have loads of info about restaurants.Its hard to suggest because I do not know your budget.

dfnh

Last September friends and I stayed at the Latham. The hotel restaurant was closed but that didn't matter. I enjoyed visiting the market which has more places open on Sat than on Sun. Great for inexpensive breakfast. We took the Duck Tour plus the Trolley. It's cheaper if you get a combined ticket. The Trolley has on/off priviledges and is the better value as long as you get a good tour guide. The route is quite long so I would get off where you wanted. We did entire route once and then went a second time. I think this wasted a lot of the day. Get reservations for Sat night restaurants. We waited a long time for a table at the Italian family place near Reading Terminal which I did not care for. (Mangia?) But we also happened on a fun restaurant with a Mexican type of menu, El Vez which we all enjoyed.

Jed

I think all are good locations, although Broad St area is in the thick of things.

You can get a good deal on Priceline, which at present seems to be favoring, for 4*, Hyatt Penns Landing and Lowes. Check out Tripadvisor for reviews. For the money you save, you can take taxis anywhere.

For restaurants, there is a plethora of recommendations already on this forum. Depends on your tastes and budget.

schmerl

For great information on hotels, restaurants, tourism, etc., go to
www.gophila.com

marginal_margiela

I am a member of Philadelphia's most famous family. Without a doubt, I recommend staying in the Rittenhouse Square area (where I work). It is very convenient to great restaurants, shopping, the art museums, etc. City Hall and Reading Terminal Market are just a short walk away.

My favourite restaurant on Rittenhouse Sq. is Rouge--great for Martinis and people watching. I love the calamari appetizer, sweetie darling. Other popular restaurants are Buddakan, Devon Seafood, Susanna Foo, The Fountain at the Four Seasons, Le Bec Fin (VERY expensive), and Striped Bass. I also like Capital Grille on Broad for a relaxed lunch.

Thingorjus

Thingorjus

denice7

We always stay near Rittenhouse and walk everywhere.

Hotels....The Warwick, Sofitel, Westin. They are all on 17th and fairly new/refurbished. I would not stay at the Latham. I stayed there about 6 months ago and the place was a dive.

The Warwick is a Radison and has just been completely refurbed and is quite nice and with AAA usually I can get it for less than $150 a night.

smartcookie

"I am a member of Philadelphia's most famous family."

which is?

cfc

Rocky and Adrian Balboa.

GBC

For me it would be Rittenhouse, first choice, then City Hall, and finally Penn's Landing.

From Rittenhouse Square you will have a huge selection of restaurants. In addition to the suggestions above, the Zagat Guide (available online or softcover) may help you to find something to fit your tastes and budget.

If art museums interest you, the city offers excellent possibilities.

Enjoy your visit.

smartcookie

interesting...but why did you feel it was relevant to mention? i'm not quite sure.

Waldo

I am a member of Philadelphia's LEAST famous family, so there. Whenever someone writes about Philadelphia, I can't help but remembering what W.C. Fields once said. He said, "Once you leave New York, everyplace else is Philadelphia". I guess he didn't hold the town in such high esteem, although on his tombstone is engraved, "I would rather be in Philadelphia".

Songdoc

Be sure to have lunch at the Reading Terminal Market, browse the funky shops along South Street (between 2nd and 8th), and eat at one of the authentic Italian restaurants near the Italian market. Also walk the streets of the Olde City and Elfreth's Alley (one of the nation's oldest streets).

During my last trip, I stayed at Penn's Landing because of a GREAT deal with Priceline. I'm a big walker and I had no trouble walking everywhere from there. But it would be more centrally located for you if you stayed either near City Hall. But ... Rittenhouse Square's a nicer area ... and only 4 or 5 blocks away.

The city's relatively compact and many of the sights will be within walking distance regardless of where you stay.

If you primarily want to do the historic area (Independence Hall, Betsy Ross' House, Elfreth's Alley) Penn's Landing will be best.

For the museums ... Rittenhouse Square. But it won't matter much.

Birdie

Dorrance, Montgomery, Kelly, Mellon, Audubon, Furness, Strawbridge?

Amy

Supplee, Biddle, Drexel, Cadwallader, Maris?

Amy

Oh, and in response to the OP's question, City Hall area would be great for walking to many of the Center City attractions (if you're a walker) and is also a good location for public transportation, which I recommend.

There are good walking tours available at www.gophila.com; there are so many things to do, depending on your interests.

One of my new favorites is the Naked Chocolate Cafe: hot chocolate and desserts, guaranteed to have you quietly buzzing when you leave. (The hot chocolate is that, liquid chocolate, not that cocoa powder stuff.)

Birdie

Amy, where is Naked Chocolate Cafe? Sounds like a place DD would love to try the next time we're up there.

Amy

Oops! Meant to put that in: it's at 1317 Walnut Street. duross and langel's new store is near there, too, for soaps/candles/etc. if your daughter's into those things.

Mmmm, could I use a cup of the bittersweet right now...