New York or Philadelphia?
 

Hi people

We have visited New York several times, for a change we are thinking about a trip to Philadelphia, having never visited before.

We are familiar with Manhattan / Times Sq etc, what would be the equivalent in Philadelphia?

Finally, we are from the UK, and this will be for 2 adults mid 40’s during Feb 2008.

Any help or guidance will be much appreciated.

Philadelphia has no real equivalent to either Manhattan or Times Square. It's a different city, and that's one reason to visit.

The weather in February will be cold and dreary, with a possibility of a major snow storm. Not that I want to discourage you, but do be aware that winter is not a good time to visit any city in the northeast US.

Things to visit include:

Independence Hall
Art Museum
Constitution Center
Liberty Museum
Mummer Museum (VERY uniquely Philly)
South Street (for nightlife)
Innumerable historic churches
Innumerable art galleries
Show or concert on Broad Street

Have you been to Washington DC?
That might have a bit more to offer than Philly, and might have slightly better weather in February.

If you do Philly, take a side-trip to Longwood Gardens.

With no disrespect, I can't imagine going to Philadelphia for an entire vacation from the UK, especially in Feb. Philadelphia is an easy day trip from NYC. If nec., take 2-3 days there and spend the rest somewhere else. But in Feb., why not pick some place further south that would be warmer? What about Savannah, Ga. or Charlotee, NC or Fla.?

If you're going to spend a week or more, I suggest you split the time between Philadelphia and Washington. You could do 3-4 days in each and have a nice time. They train trip between them is about 3 hours.

PaulRabe has some good suggestions on sites to see. You didn't say what your hotel budget is, but consider staying near Broad and Walnut Streets -- called the Avenue of the Arts. Close to theaters, restaurants, etc. Or the Rittenhouse Square area is good, too.

To see Longwood Gardens, Valley Forge and some of the other sites outside Philadelphia, you'll need a car and a good map (or automated map program). If you're so inclined, you might consider renting a car for a day and seeing those sites. You really don't want the hassle and expense of a car in the city.

February weather will be iffy, but I suspect you'll get the best travel bargains at that time. Just bring a warm coat.

Longwood Garden is nice - BUT I wouldn't recommend going there in February!!!

How long will your trip be?

I'd recommend staying in/around Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia.

I agree that Philly is fine for a couple of days - but there s;t enough for more than that - esp in midwonter. I like the idea of combinng it with DC - which has tons more things to do then Philly - and is slightly less likely to have really bad weather.

You don't say how long you could stay in the US or anything about your interests.

Philadlephia has great historic interest along with music, theatre and the arts. Also, some very worthwhile restaurants if that appeals to you. As noted above I would stay in the area of Rittenhouse Square. Even in February, I think that you could keep very busy for at least four days right in the city.

The Inner harbor of Baltimore has the Aquarium.

Washington offers a lot. Especially in the area of American government, but also in the sciences and the visual arts. You could spend three days in just the Smithsonian.

Best of all, you could easily connect all of this by train right into the center city of each place.

I'm going to disagree about Longwood in winter (if, as I suggested earlier, you decide to rent a car and go there). I think it's a good spot to visit in winter, especially at night.

The outdoor displays are lit up and quite interesting at night. Bundle up and enjoy the walk. And much of the "Gardens" is in-doors. Plus, there's a decent, moderately priced restaurant there.

Again, that's only if you choose to get a car. Otherwise, Longwood is probably out of the question.

I agree with j_999_9, Philly is a very interesting city for maybe two days and is a great compliment as a pre-cursor to Washington DC.

SE Pennsylvania is a beautiful area. Winter isn't a great time to explore the countryside; otherwise, I would highly recommend a 90 minute trip west to visit the Amish country in Lancaster. Philadelphia itself does have plenty to see, even if it's not NYC. It is quite easy to connect to Washington, DC from Philadelphia by Amtrak train.

Hi

Firstly, apologies for the delay in replying, I’ve been away on business, however, thanks to all those who have taken the time to reply with some constructive advice.

This trip was for 7 days, after careful consideration re all the comments, we have decided not to do Philly, and we are seriously considering San Antonio.

Those members that recommended visiting the South, Savannah, GA, etc, we are visiting those locations during August this year.

Once again, many thanks.

Saw your post regarding San Antonio last April ...

If staying in San Antonio, consider this book:
Day Trips from San Antonio, 3rd (Day Trips Series) by Paris Permenter and John Bigley (Paperback - Sep 1, 2006).

I have not read it, but I have used another book from the same series:
Day Trips from Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff, 8th (Day Trips Series) by Pam Hait.

I also have used another book which discusses self-guided walking tours of Downtown SA, Riverwalk, Mission Trail, Ft Sam Houston, and various neighborhoods and parks:
San Antonio on Foot by Diane Capito and Mark Willis (Paperback - Mar 1998).

The south in August? Have a look at the trip planner on the lower right hand side of wunderground.com

I agree with previous post about things to see. You can really do Philly in one to two days. (Don't forget to eat a Philly CheeseSteak; they really are the best.) If you will be in the states long, you might want to consider some day trips from Phil.; there are some beautiful areas around.

LG2

Thanks for those recommendations, yes I did post about SA previously, we were undecided at that particular time which state to choose.

Mclaurie

I used the trip planner you suggested, however, is they’re something I need to know re your comment “The South in August”

We will be visiting the following in this order:

Charleston SC
Asheville NC
Nashville TN
Atlanta GA

lss1

Thanks for you’re advice, however do to everyone’s comments we have decided to give Philly and will fit it in when we visit New York on our next trip.

Just my opinion, but I would far far far rather spend 7 days in the Philadelphia area than 7 days in the San Antonio area. At any time of year.

It's just that it's very HOT in the south in August.

A side note that may be of no interest to OP: "Doing" Philly in 2 days is doable mainly if museums are of no interest to you, whatsoever. Otherwise it has world-class collections in the Phila. Museum (European and American, ancient to modern), the Rodin Museum, the Barnes Collection (Impressionist) and, not far away, Brandywine/Chadds Ford (Wyeth/American), Winterthur (American plus an amazing building). And FWIW I'd go to Longwood Gardens any day of the year between 100 degrees and 10 degrees.

I also LOVE cheesesteak hoagies and wouldn't miss breakfast in the Amish restaurant in the Reading Market.