Lonely Planet Pocket Philadelphia

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• Publisher: Lonely Planet
• Year: 2018
• eBook ISBN:
  9781788682053
• Print ISBN:
  9781787014435

Old City & Society Hill

The United States founding is writ large across the Old City, a large L-shaped chunk of which is a national park. Across the sunken Delaware Expwy (I-95) the old wharves are now the various public facilities and parks of Penn’s Landing. South of Walnut St, largely residential Society Hill is one of Philadelphia’s most stylish neighborhoods.

Set aside a day to fully experience the Independence National Historical Park as well as photogenic spots such as Elfreth’s Alley and the Dream Garden mosaic. A walking tour is a great way to get a feel for the area, and if you’re in the mood for really stretching your legs there are spectacular views from the footpath over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Society Hill is a pleasant, noncommercial area with a handful of attractive historic buildings, while a stroll along Penn’s Landing is also recommended, particularly in the summer when Spruce St Harbor Park is open.

Elfreth’s Alley | JAMEGAW/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Getting There & Around

g Use SEPTA buses or catch the PHLASH bus along Market and Walnut Sts.

f From late May to early September the RiverLink shuttles between Penn’s Landing and Camden’s waterfront every 30 minutes.

b Hop on or off the Market-Frankford Line subway at 5th or 2nd St stations.

Top SightIndependence Hall

It was in this beautifully balanced Georgian building that the Second Continental Congress met to hammer out the Declaration of Independence in 1776, as well as other key foundation documents, including the Constitution. Entry to this World Heritage Site, which ...

Table of contents

• Table of Contents
• Welcome to Philadelphia
• Top Sights
• Eating
• Four Perfect Days
• Need to Know
• Philadelphia Neighborhoods
• Old City & Society Hill
• Chinatown & Center City East
• Rittenhouse Square & Center City West
• Logan Square & Fairmount
• Fishtown & Northern Liberties
• South Philadelphia
• University City & West Philadelphia
• Survival Guide
• Behind the Scenes
• Our Writer