Southeast Pennsylvania Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Washington Crossing which includes a house and heritage architecture
Southeast Pennsylvania
Southeast Pennsylvania
Southeast Pennsylvania
Southeast Pennsylvania
Discover the contrasts of Pennsylvania by visiting lively Philadelphia before heading into the bucolic countryside of serene and isolated Amish communities.

While the state of Pennsylvania encompasses a huge and varied terrain, many visitors aim straight for Southeast Pennsylvania, specifically Philadelphia. This energetic city offers culture, arts and fabulous food in abundance. Venture out of Philly, however, to discover a peaceful countryside inhabited by communities of Pennsylvania Dutch, quaint villages and a pastoral landscape.

Philadelphia has a lot to offer visitors. This beautiful city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage city due to its importance in American history. Exhibit your patriotism by visiting iconic sites such as Independence Hall, Independence National Historic Park, the Liberty Bell and City Hall. Less well-known, but still influential, the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was one of the nation’s first prisons, holding famous criminals including Al Capone.

Note that the city isn’t totally tied to the past. It has an eclectic culinary scene that goes well beyond the iconic Philly cheesesteaks, as well as a flourishing arts scene. Browse through works at the Philadelphia Museum of Art or the Rodin Museum or wander outside to appreciate talented street artists.

Venture beyond buzzing Philadelphia to appreciate a completely different landscape. There are still museums to explore, in towns such as Allentown, where the Liberty Bell Museum holds a full-size replica. Touring the Allentown Art Museum is a worthwhile activity too.

Lancaster County has several large Amish communities. Take a pleasant drive through the countryside and see farmers tend their fields with horses and mules. Look for the iconic red-sided barns. In the town of Lancaster, the National Toy Train Museum and Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania are sure to delight families.

Pennsylvania was historically known as the Keystone State for its central location amid the original 13 colonies. Today Southeast Pennsylvania is easily accessed in this central location, via international airports in Philadelphia, nearby Newark, New Jersey, and New York. Take a road trip across the huge state to view a cross-section of its varied landscapes and people.

Where to stay in Southeast Pennsylvania

Liberty Bell Center which includes a city, a monument and heritage architecture

Center City

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Center City. Check out top attractions like Reading Terminal Market and Walnut Street Theatre, and jump on the metro at 11th St Station or 8th St Station to see more of the city.

Center City
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University City

4/5(1 area review)

Travellers choose University City for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Penn Medicine Station or 33rd St Station and check out top sights like Penn Museum.

University City
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West Philadelphia

Noted for its art galleries and museums, there's plenty to explore in West Philadelphia. Top attractions like Mann Center for the Performing Arts and Please Touch Museum are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Lancaster Ave & 49th St Tram Stop or 49th & Girard Ave Stop to see more of the city.

West Philadelphia
Philadelphia featuring heritage architecture, a monument and a statue or sculpture

Rittenhouse Square

While you're in Rittenhouse Square, take in top sights like Walnut Street or Rittenhouse Row, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at 15th-16th & Locust Station or 19th St Station.

Rittenhouse Square
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North Philadelphia

You might enjoy the historical sites while in North Philadelphia. The Liacouras Center is a notable sight, and you can get around town at North Philadelphia BSL Station or Allegheny Station to see more of the city.

North Philadelphia
Independence National Historical Park

Old City

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Old City. Top attractions like Elfreth's Alley and Betsy Ross House are major draws, and you can catch the metro at 2nd St. Station or 5th St. Station to see more of the city.

Old City
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is AU$225 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$225
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,954 reviews)
"The hotel is very clean and the staff was very friendly. We thought the mattress was too soft and the pillows were too soft and uncomfortable. Otherwise we had a positive experience and we would recommend this hotel"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2025

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport
Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport
3.5 out of 5
4101b Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
The price is AU$231 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$231
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,185 reviews)
"Overall good. Wi-Fi needs an upgrade. I also suggest adding information about airport shuttle service - or a link or phone number - to your communications with reservation-holders."

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2025

Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
4 out of 5
4509 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
The price is AU$202 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$202
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,744 reviews)
"Clean"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2025

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sonder The Witherspoon
Sonder The Witherspoon
3.5 out of 5
130 South Juniper Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy concierge services, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,459 reviews)
"Neat and clean"

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2025

Sonder The Witherspoon
4211 Suites
4211 Suites
4.5 out of 5
4211 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (185 reviews)
"The staff is Excellent. The property is clean and comfortable in every way. Parking is $40 dollars a day but you can come in and out as many and much as you want. Just pull up and they valet park your vehicle in the garage ."

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2025

4211 Suites
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
3.5 out of 5
4630 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (964 reviews)
"Staff was nice but room wasn't very clean. Had a stale smoke smell and bathtub was full of dirt and hair. The ftont desk was nice and cleaned the tub"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2025

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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