Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While many travel blogs will tell you all the fun things to see in Philadelphia, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you plan a Philadelphia vacation.
Don’t Slow Down the Locals
Whether you are ordering a sandwich, parking a car, or just driving or walking, the locals do not appreciate being slowed down by tourists. Philadelphia is not so different from other big cities in that everyone is in a hurry. When you get to the counter to order food, have your order ready. If you’re driving slow or don’t know where you’re going, pull over and figure it out! We’re not saying the locals are rude, they’re just rushed.
Don’t Call it Downtown Philadelphia
When you visit downtown Philadelphia, don’t call it downtown, it’s called Center City. It’s the heart of the city and there are a lot of things to see in Philadelphia’s Center City.
- Philadelphia City Hall is one of the most beautiful City Halls in the world, not just in the US!
- Reading Terminal Market is home to some of the best food in Philadelphia
- Check out the Macy’s which was originally a grand retail location for Wanamakers; the inside shows a peek at how elegant retail used to be.
Don’t Count on Reliable Public Transportation
SEPTA is the Philadelphia transit system, and it can be useful for getting around, but it’s not always on time or the most reliable. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to be if you’re going to use SEPTA. Alternatively, Philadelphia is made up of small, walkable neighborhoods, so bring your good walking shoes and explore on foot.
Don’t Think Philly Food is Just Cheesesteaks
When it comes to Philadelphia cuisine, people always think of the Philly Cheesesteak. And those are great, but there are many other great foods to try when you visit Philadelphia. In fact, on my last trip to Philadelphia, the soft pretzels were the highlight of all the great food we had in Philadelphia. The Reading Terminal Market is a great place to sample lots of different Philly dishes. Here are some foods to try on your next Philadelphia:
- Water Ice
- Tomato Pie
- Philly Cheesesteak
- Roast Pork Sandwich is actually my favorite sandwich in Philadelphia!
Simply Jocelyn Shares What to Eat in Philadelphia
Don’t Drive in Philadelphia if You Don’t Have To
Like many big cities, driving in Philadelphia can be a hassle. Parking isn’t exactly easy, either. The Parking Authority is on top of their job, so don’t even park illegally for a second, or you’ll get ticketed or towed. If you have to drive to Philadelphia, park your car when you get there and use buses or rideshares to get around. It’s much easier than dealing with traffic and parking. Most of the best things to see in Philadelphia are within walking distance, anyways.
Don’t Fall For These Phildelphia Tourist Traps
There are many cool places to visit in Philadelphia, and of course, there are some typical tourist traps. We’re not saying to skip all of them entirely, but just know they might be super touristy, or there may be better alternatives.
- You don’t have to wait in line to see the Liberty Bell; it’s on display and you can see it through the glass from outside. You won’t see the crack in the bell, but if the lines are long, just know that’s not the only way to see it.
- Pat’s & Genos’ aren’t the only place to get a Philly Cheesesteak; in fact, few locals go here as these are the touristy spots. Ask a local their favorite spot for a cheesesteak!
- The Betsy Ross House is a small exhibit, but there have been a lot of questions around the true history, so I wouldn’t put this high on the list of places to visit in Philadelphia.
- One Liberty Observation Deck has great views of the city, but you have to pay. With a little research, you can get great views for free.
- The Italian Market isn’t as great for tourists, unless you have a home where can you cook as it’s very ingredient-based, as opposed to the Reading Market, where you can purchase food that is ready to eat.
Don’t Forget to Pre-Order Tickets for Independence Hall
Once you book your Philadelphia trip, make sure you pre-reserve tickets to visit Independence Hall. They do sell out, so get your tickets before your trip! A lot of Philadelphia museums will let you pre-book, which makes it easier to plan out your stay.
Don’t Skip the Historic Attractions and Museums
Maybe history or museums aren’t your things? Even so, don’t miss out on the historic attractions or Philadelphia museums. They are worth it! A few Philadelphia museums I recommend are:
- The Mutter Museum (don’t go if you have a queasy stomach, as it’s a graphic medical museum)
- The Barnes Foundation has an impressive art and horticulture collection
- The Philadelphia Museum of Art
- The Franklin Institute is a cool science museum
- The Rodin Museum
- The Eastern State Penitentiary
- The Museum of American Revolution
There are also several universities in and around Philadelphia, and they all have their own museums. Visit Philly has some great itinerary ideas to help you take advantage of the cultural attractions of Philadelphia.
Don’t Compare Philadelphia to New York City
At least not in a less favorable way. Philly residents are proud of their city and don’t want to be put down compared to New York. This goes for sports fans as well; don’t diss the Philly teams!
Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About New York City
Don’t Take Your Safety for Granted
While individual neighborhoods may give you that small-town feel, don’t forget that Philadelphia is a big city. With over 1.5 million residents, there are things to look out for and be aware of. Aggressive beggars are also known to target tourists; just don’t engage and pay attention to your surroundings. Just use the same travel smarts we always talk about and you’ll likely be just fine.
Don’t Miss the Rocky Statue
After the Liberty Bell, the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art are the best-known part of Philadelphia, thanks to the movie “Rocky.” If you haven’t seen it, watch it before you go. Sylvester Stallone famously runs up the steps and his character is commemorated by a statue near the bottom of the steps. It’s iconic, so don’t miss it!
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Philadelphia! Between the food, the museums, and the history, it’s a great city to visit! We were pleasantly surprised by how much we loved our visit to Philadelphia. Want more USA travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: