5 hour lay over in Philadelphia-what to do?
Jan 5th, 2006, 04:01 AM
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5 hour lay over in Philadelphia-what to do?
Hello,
I have a 5 hour lay over in Philadelphia (midweek/mid day) in March. Is that enough time to actually go into the city, or is that a bad plan relative to traffic concerns, etc. ...just looking for some ideas of how to kill some time.
Thanks
I have a 5 hour lay over in Philadelphia (midweek/mid day) in March. Is that enough time to actually go into the city, or is that a bad plan relative to traffic concerns, etc. ...just looking for some ideas of how to kill some time.
Thanks
Jan 5th, 2006, 04:35 AM
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You could catch the train into Phila, but I don't think it would be worthwhile going to/from and back thru security.
Grab lunch at TGIF, have a couple of beers, and read a good book would be my recommendation.
Grab lunch at TGIF, have a couple of beers, and read a good book would be my recommendation.
Jan 5th, 2006, 05:12 AM
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I'll play devil's advocate. Yes, there's enough time if you have five hours. At most on the train the commute between the airport and center city is 1/2 hour each way. Give yourself another 15 minutes each way for waiting for the train and you've only burned 1.5 hours. Let's say you want to be back at the Airport an hour before your flight, that's 2.5 hours that you've burned up, leaving you 2.5 hours. I would go and have a sumptuous lunch at either Lacroix at the Rittenhouse hotel on Rittenhouse Square or Le Bec Fin just down from Rittenhouse Square on Walnut Street.
If you're not into the foodie thing, go to the Philadelphia Art Museum and spend 2 hours walking around or go to the National Constitution Center.
If you're not into the foodie thing, go to the Philadelphia Art Museum and spend 2 hours walking around or go to the National Constitution Center.
Jan 5th, 2006, 05:25 AM
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I've been to Le Bec Fin, and it is NOT a place you just show up at after riding on an airplane, with concerns about making a flight in a few hours, and have a meal. It's a place you call three months in advance and ask "Do you have any open tables on this date?" Even if you could get a table, you don't go there for a meal while you watch the time to ensure you don't miss your flight; that would defeat the whole experience. And finally, you can probably get five-star service at a restaurant in your home town, and enjoy it in the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Same thing with the Art Museum; art collections are best enjoyed when you AREN'T checking your watch every five minutes.
*IF* you enjoy the thrill of zipping into a city and then zipping back to the airport, by far the most unique thing I can recommend is to see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Do NOT attempt to take the tour of the place; the time will be too tight. When done there, just wander about the historic area until you think you need to return. You will find a lot of interesting places in just an hour or so.
I emphasize that even this limited visit carries some risk, because (as noted previously) security lines at PHL can be as long as two hours. My recommendation for most people is to stay at the airport, eat a cheese steak and a soft pretzel, and read a book.
*IF* you enjoy the thrill of zipping into a city and then zipping back to the airport, by far the most unique thing I can recommend is to see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Do NOT attempt to take the tour of the place; the time will be too tight. When done there, just wander about the historic area until you think you need to return. You will find a lot of interesting places in just an hour or so.
I emphasize that even this limited visit carries some risk, because (as noted previously) security lines at PHL can be as long as two hours. My recommendation for most people is to stay at the airport, eat a cheese steak and a soft pretzel, and read a book.
Jan 5th, 2006, 07:59 AM
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In March walking down Broad turning on Walnut, Chestnut streets can be just what you need after flight. And yes, you might stumble upon Le Bec Fin...so there is a bar, go there, sample finest french food for about $29pp and keep walking and having good day. But remember "Philly is more fun if you sleep over" (from local TV commercial)
Jan 5th, 2006, 08:45 AM
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I usually fly out of PHL mid to late afternoon and have never encountered long security lines. Mid-day mid-week is probably not peak travel time, and if you happen to be flying first class, there's an express line through security. So I don't think long security lines will be an issue.
And yes, the Septa R1 train into center city from the airport is very easy, stops are right at the airport, just follow the signs. I would definitely do it, giving myself plenty of time to get back, of course.
Andrew
And yes, the Septa R1 train into center city from the airport is very easy, stops are right at the airport, just follow the signs. I would definitely do it, giving myself plenty of time to get back, of course.
Andrew
Jan 5th, 2006, 09:02 AM
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I love the Art Museum but it is nowhere near the train station. Not extremely far, but you'd have to allow extra commuting time just to get there and back. The historic area is only 3 blocks from the Market East Station, but again, you have to allow time to and from. It's a wonderful area to walk around.
Yes, it is doable, and I am usually one to side on the "see as much as you can" side, but I'd be too nervous doing this. Maybe at a different airport, but years of flying in and out of PHL have left me a bit weary.
Yes, it is doable, and I am usually one to side on the "see as much as you can" side, but I'd be too nervous doing this. Maybe at a different airport, but years of flying in and out of PHL have left me a bit weary.
Jan 5th, 2006, 09:15 AM
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Hop in a cab to go to one of the original Philly Cheese Steak joints around 9th and Passyunk. Pat's or Geno's would be my recommendation, though others have their own opinions. Savor a local classic slathered with greasy goodness, then double up on your anticholesterol medication. :->
Jan 5th, 2006, 10:58 AM
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cch1, making any decisions, tell us: are you coming from a domestic or international point? If it's international and you need to go through passport and customs, forget it. You'll need at least two hours to get through the whole rigamarole if any other planes land the same time as yours.
If this is just a domestic trip, you could give it a shot BUT don't stop checking your watch--this will be a whirlwind visit. And if it's a cold day, don't count on your train being completely punctual; SEPTA is notorious for cold weather delays due to "frozen switches."
If this is just a domestic trip, you could give it a shot BUT don't stop checking your watch--this will be a whirlwind visit. And if it's a cold day, don't count on your train being completely punctual; SEPTA is notorious for cold weather delays due to "frozen switches."
