First time visit to Philly this weekend, and I plan to leave the car at the hotel and walk or use public transport when possible.
For 2 people, is it more convenient/less expensive to take taxis versus taking a bus? For example from hotel near the old city to Philadelphia Museum of Art?

Take advantage of the Philadelphia Trolley Tours. The trolleys travel throughout all the key historic and cultural areas of the city and once you buy a ticket you can get off and on the trolleys at your convenience at your convenience. I think it is $18 per person and there are very good guides providing excellent narrative throughout the ride. You can purchase tickets at the Liberty Bell. Philly is a great city and the weather forecast is great for this weekend. What do you like to do and what kind of restaurants, bars, club are you interested in? I can give you lots of info if you would like.

dffisher,

I'm really looking forward to touring the historic areas, which is the primary purpose for the visit and why we're staying near the old city. I thought we could devote Sat to that. I also want to see the Phila Museum of Art, and thought Fri night might be a good time to do that since it's open late. I'd also like to spend some time in the seaport area and I'm wondering how much time to devote to that. Also maybe just walk around Society Hill and see some old homes, etc. We are arriving Fri afternoon and leaving Mon a.m Other possibilities? I'd like to try some restaurants w/in walking distance in the old city and the seaport. Any suggestions? The trolley sounds like fun, but wouldn't work for evenings. Would a bus or taxi be bettter to get to the museum? Thanks in advance for your kind help. (the weather forecast online has said showers. What is your local forecast saying?)

I think a cab would be the fastest option, and it's not that expensive. I'm not familiar w/all the bus routes in the city, but off the top of my head I can't think of any that you can pick up in Old City that will drop you off near the museum - someone please correct me if I'm mistaken.

However the subway would be the cheapest option. There are stops at 2nd, 5th, and 8th and Market streets(since I don't know where in Old City you're staying), and get off at 15th, and from there it would be about a 20 (?) minute walk to the museum - and then up all those stairs.

The Art Museum has Oerdourves and wine Friday's after 5 pm. The Art Museum is great. There are so many wonderful restaurants in Philly. A few that I would recommend are La Boheme, a delicious BYOB Bistro located at 245 South 11th St. Try the Escargot! City Tavern has a Sunday Brunch. There are many great bars, my two favorites are Monk's Cafe, best beer selection in the City and Ludwig's Beer Garten a very good German Restaurant. At Monk's be sure to get the Belgian Fries and the Mussels. Monk's is located on about 300 block of South 16th Street. Ludwig's is located around Sansom and 8th Street. Another cool place to visit is South Street for all kinds of funky shops and perhaps the Italian Markets located near Washington and Christian Streets. You can also get a cheesesteak at Jim's or Pat's. Reading Terminal on Market street has Amish food and crafts.

I forgot to tell you that I would take the bus and maybe even walk from center city to the Art Museum. It is fun walking around Philly.

Thanks for your help, dffisher and mcat. Meant to ask: is the Liberty Light Show worth seeing? It sounds like fun...

I have heard that the Liberty Light show is well worth the time. And it's right near where you are staying. You're in a great area for nightlife/restaurants and historic sights, you can walk to them. There are more than enough restaurants in Old City area--you wouldn't really have to go outside of there, but if you do, one of my favorites is Alma de Cuba, which is on Walnut St. around 15th or 16th. Django also just got a great write up, it's a small BYOB with excellent food, around 4th and Market, in the historic area. The waterfront is a short walk from there. One recommendation, avoid South Street--it's way too overridden with kids and riff-raff.

You can actually get a bus on Market and go as far west as 20th street, from there walk north to the Parkway and you can see the Art Museum from there. Bus fare is $2.00/person. You can also get a bus on Walnut street and it takes you to the west end of center city as well.

The weather report is iffy--but bring your umbrella, just in case.

Have a great visit!