Hotels in Philadelphia

Philadelphia: Birthplace of American Democracy

Philadelphia sits on the Delaware River in southeastern Pennsylvania, 95 miles southwest of New York City and 140 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. Founded by William Penn in 1682, the city served as the nation's capital from 1790 to 1800 and hosted the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Independence National Historical Park anchors the Old City neighborhood, placing the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall within a short walk of one another. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, at the top of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, houses over 240,000 objects and draws more than 800,000 visitors annually.

Where to Stay

Hotels concentrate across several distinct neighborhoods. Center City offers the densest selection, within walking distance of Rittenhouse Square and the convention center. Old City suits history-focused travelers, with boutique properties a few blocks from the waterfront. University City, west of the Schuylkill River, sits adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania campus and appeals to academic and medical visitors. The South Philly corridor, home to the Italian Market on 9th Street — the oldest open-air market in the United States — attracts travelers seeking residential character over hotel-row density.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line connects 30th Street Station to Old City in under 10 minutes.
• Airport: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is 8 miles southwest of Center City via the SEPTA Airport Line.
• Timing: The Philadelphia Flower Show each March and the Fringe Festival each September draw peak crowds; book hotels four to six weeks ahead for those windows.