mkelvr

I am going ot Philly area on a work trip and will have a free eveninig. Is it possible to explore the historic area in the evening? I'm assuming all the tours are over but would like to walk around.

Also, any recommended places to eat?

Jed

Most buildings will be closed but you can walk around the area. Check out http://www.independencevisitorcenter.com/map_cc.pdf for the notable places.

What are your restaurant preferences?

mkelvr

local cuisine $ specials. good spot for Philly cheesesteak. Also, any old historic taverns for a beer.

How far is the historic area from the airport if I have time the next day before my flight?

KatieL

There is an organization called "Once Upon a Nation" www.onceuponanation.org.

They have a tour that includes a visit to Independence Hall at night called Independence After Hours. I have not taken it, but am thinking about it for my trip to Philly this fall.

It looks great, but I'm not sure if it is geared mainly toward children, or if it is good for adults. Has anyone been on the tour?

schmerl

Once Upon a Nation offers several tours.
They list an Evening Tour Independence Hall after hours. It includes a three course dinnerat City Tavern and a "sneak" into Independence Hall. They also have a Tipplers Tour to "drink in a little history on an 18th century pub crawl." There are also twilight performances.
Their website is: www.onceuponanation.org or you can call them at 1-800-537-7676

happymz

For cheesesteaks you really should go into South Philly to Pat's or Geno's (or both, depending upon your appetite). They are on opposite corners near 9th and Passyunk, if I recall correctly.

Old City has some great restaurants & pubs too...I'm not sure how historic all are, but Eulogy Belgian Tavern or the Plough & Stars are good choices...and there are several other pubs nearby as well. Good restaurants in that area include Cuba Libre, Tangerine, Continental, etc. Depends upon what type of food you're up for...you can also eat at Eulogy & Plough & Stars...

schmerl

There is also the Lights of Liberty presentation in the evening in Phila. Go to the visitors center and get all the info.

shortcake05479

Word of warning, most of the restaurants and bars in Old City are are very expensive (but good!) I recommend Continental, or Buddakan if you want to go all out. Campo's is good for cheesesteaks, if you want to stay in Old City.

The park (Independence Nat'l Historical Park) is closed at night but like the others said, there are Lights of Liberty and the tours from Once Upon a Nation...

And, Old City is not very close to the airport...it's about 15-20 min drive down I-95, depending on traffic (or, you could take the R1 train from Market East station right to the airport)

KathrynT

We will be visiting Philadelphia also this summer. Do you recommend the Lights of Liberty and Once Upon a Nation tours or should we just visit the main sights during the daytime (we could do either.)

Thanks!

elsiejune

Philadelphia is a small city and very easy to get around. There are small purple buses, called the Philly Phlash I think, that are a great, inexpensive hop on/hop off alternative to guided tours. It's an easy city in which to do your own tour. Don't miss the upper floors of the Phila. Museum of Art. There are roomscapes depicting various historic eras and places that are really exceptional. Have fun!

TKT

The Old City section of Philly is right next to Independence Hall.
There is a lot of food to choose from on Market Street between Front Street and Foruth Street. At night I like www.Warmdaddys.com for Blues and Food.

msackton

I live in Philadelphia and when my parents-in-law were visiting my wife and I took them on a Lights of Liberty Tour, which we all actually enjoyed more than we thought we would. Especially on a warm summer evening, it is a nice way to see the historic area, and the effects are very very good (especially the sound).

City Tavern: I've heard very mixed things about it, but never been. For anyone considering going, just be aware that it is pretty much a tourist trap. There are so many good restaurants in the Old City area that unless you are looking for a touristy historic tavern, I'd avoid it.

Jed

I second the advice about City Tavern.

sdaniels

I'm not sure when your trip is planned, but aside from the Steven Star restaurants (Buddakan, Tangerine)-which are good, but often steep ... try Fork instead which is on Market Street (I think between 3rd and 4th). Also, Philly has a ton of BYOB's look on www.citysearch.com or something like that (one of my favorites was Bistro 7) Also www.philly.com (the local newspaper site) does lots of BYOB reviews - grab a bottle of wine at a local state store (state controlled wine and liquor sales)