We're going to Philadelphia on Thursday for 2 days and in doing my research I have a question I hope someone out there could answer. In guide books they say the Visitors Center near Independence Hall is at 3rd & Chestnut, but I came across a website which said a new one is open (will open?) at 6th & Market. And is that where we go for tickets for tours of Independence Hall or do we still go to 5th & Chestnut? Can we just stroll up and wait or does someone need to get there at 9am for afternoon tickets?

Thanks in advance. Oh, and how is Ben's Restaurant for lunch around the Franklin Institute area?

ttt

I've been to the Independence Hall tours twice in my life. Neither time did I get tickets; I simply stood on line...if it's cold out this Thursday there maybe very little if any line.

I don't know about a new visitors center...3rd and Chestnut sounds like the one I've seen...for the historical park. Maybe 6th and Market one is for the city as a whole? Just guessing tho.

Can't help you with Ben's.

Have a great time in one of my favorite US cities. DAN

BTW I should mention both trips to Independence Hall were in the last 4 years, with the last being 6 months ago. I'd be surprised if it's changed since my last trip.

Thanks Daniel!

Yes, the new visitors' center at 6th and Market has opened. The first part of an ambitious tourist/educational project in the blocks north of Independence Hall, it provides orientation to Independence Park as well as information on places to go, things to do in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley.

Is Ben's Restaurant right in the Franklin Institute? If it is, I wouldn't plan to eat more than a snack there. As I recall, they offer a fast food-type experience. Maybe someone else can help with suggestions of someplace dependable nearby.

Enjoy your visit to Philadelphia!

At the visitor's center, they can give you a very good map with all of the historic sites that you can walk to easily. The weather is supposed to be about high 50's tomorrow with rain tonite; not sure about tomorrow all day. Friday is not supposed to rain at this time. I would check weather.com. Their are MANY, MANY places to eat near the sites, ranging greatly in price. City Tavern on 2nd street is very old and historic but a bit pricy. DiNardo's is ar 4th and Race, a few blocks north, serving hard shell crabs that are wonderful (price is per crab). There is parking at a lot at that corner after 5pm. You do not want to walk around a lot after dark if you have parked down by the visitor center. If you have acccess to a AAA book, they also have ideas. If you are at ahotel they can make reservatons for you. There are absolutely incredible restaurants in that area such as Bahhakan, Tangerine, and Walnut street around broad st is also great (but pricey). The franklin institute is fun but Ben's is just a cafeteria. There are some local pizza shops around the neighborhood but not a lot or places to eat within walking distance. If you like Chinese food, Chinatown is nearby. Come out of the institute, go around the circle by the cathedral, and get onto Race st. Go down about5 blocks and you will see tons of chinese places. DiNardos is on Race at 4th. If you are going to go to the franklin instiute, The academy of natural sciences is across the street, and the art museum (with the Rocky scene running up the steps) is just a short distance down on the parkway. Hope this helps. If you have any questions, I'll try to check back later. Phhily is a GREAT city.

Thanks everyone! I was already planning on DiNardo's (for lunch) and perhaps on the day we go to the Franklin Institute, we'll have an early lunch before the visit since Ben's doesn't sound very appealing.

For dinner, we were planning to go to South Street, Manayunk or Rittenhouse Square area - somewhere we could go early and walk around before eating. Can't wait to go!