Philadelphia Solo Travel Guide: Ultimate 2025 Tips

Heading to Philadelphia? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!

QUICK FACTS

Located in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia has a population of around 1.6 million people.
Founded in 1682 by William Penn to serve as the capital of the new colony.
Was the meeting point for the nation’s Founding Fathers, who went on to sign the U.S. Declaration of Independence there in 1776 (and the Constitution in 1787).
Nicknames: Philly, The City of Brotherly Love, Cradle of Liberty, The City that Loves you Back, The Quaker City.

Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Spoken languages: English.
Best time to visit: spring (April to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal for exploring the city. Summer is also a good time.
Great festivals to catch: Philadelphia Folk Festival and the Philadelphia Film Festival.
Arriving via airport: the best way to get to the city is via the SEPTA regional rail (tickets cost $6.75 if bought at the station or $8.00 on the train).
There is a flat taxi rate of $29.05 from the airport to downtown Philadelphia. Uber and Lyft are also great options.

Best hostel for solo travelers in Philadelphia: Apple Hostel. Very clean, comfortable beds, social atmosphere, and friendly staff.
– It’s downtown, just a short walk from Independence Hall.
– Perfect for exploring the city and meeting fellow travelers.
– Book ahead!
A good area to stay in is Center City / Rittenhouse, with plenty of great shops and restaurants.
Old City area is great if you want to be near the historic attractions (around Independence National Historical Park).
Tip: If you’re driving to the city, pick a hotel with parking included (downtown parking rates are high).

Philadelphia is extremely walkable, especially Center City and South Philadelphia areas.
– Tip: South Philly has “The Mural Mile,” a mapped route showcasing wall murals and graffiti – perfect for solo exploration.
Septa operates over 110 bus routes throughout the Pennsylvania metropolitan area, and stops are almost everywhere in the city. SEPTA also operates eight trolley routes, two subway lines (the Broad Street and Market Street subways), and 13 regional rail lines.
Fares are $2.50 for every ride, and must be paid with exact change.
Uber/Lyft are generally cheaper than taxis for shorter trips within the city.
Another option is the Patco speed line, which can get you between many of the cities between Philly and South Jersey. A great alternative, especially when traffic is congested.
Indego, Philadelphia’s bike-share program, is a fun way to see the city.

Drinking age is 21, and last call is at 1:30 AM.
Popular: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center, Washington Square West, Old City.
Hipster: South Street, Queen Village, Passyunk.
Upscale: Avenue of the Arts, Market East, Washington Square West.
Great bars and pubs for solo travelers: Fergie’s Pub, The Black Taxi, Philadelphia Distilling, R&D Cocktail Bar, 1 Tippling Place, a.bar.
Good spot for craft beer: Yards Brewing Co.

Visit the National Constitution Center to learn more about the nation’s founding and history. Just a short walk from Independence Hall, this non-profit institution is America’s forum for constitutional dialogue.
Check out Independence Hall. Maintained by the National Park Service, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. The park is also home to the Liberty Bell.
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in Declaration House on Market Street. Now maintained by the National Park Service, Declaration House maintains the bedroom Jefferson occupied.
Visit Eastern State Penitentiary, the origin of solitary confinement. See a restored cell that Al Capone lived in!
The American Philosophical Society Museum was established by Benjamin Franklin in 1743. The museum is home to a historically significant collection of over 2,500 artifacts dating back to the late 18th century.
Other attractions: Philadelphia Museum of Art (and the iconic “Rocky Steps”), the Franklin Institute, and the Philadelphia Zoo.
Day trip ideas: Valley Forge National Historical Park, or historic sites in New Jersey.

Take a walk through Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continually occupied residential street in America. Since 1702, Elfreth’s Alley has been home to over 3,000 residents. Over thirty houses line the street, all constructed between 1728 and 1836. One of the last intact streetscapes in America.
Walking tours are held regularly at the Christ Church Burial Ground, one of the most significant burial grounds in the United States. The Christ Church Burial Ground is the final resting place for Benjamin Franklin, Francis Hopkinson, Philip Syng Physick, Michael Hillegas, and Sarah Franklin Bache.
Take a walk through Old City, considered to be the most historic square mile in the United States. Old City is located near the Delaware River, where William Penn made his famous anding in 1692. Start at Penn’s Landing and walk up to the Betsy Ross House, taking in the old architecture.
The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program offers walking tours specifically focused on the city’s murals.

Best “hole in the wall” restaurants in town: Locust Rendezvous (must try), Cherry St. Tavern, Giorgio On Pine, Monk’s Cafe, Mom-Mom’s Kitchen (Polish).
People in Philly love their Cheez Whiz, and it is even served in restaurants! It is entirely possible that you’ll get Cheez Whiz on a sandwich if you’re not careful about paying attention to the menu.
Must-try local foods beyond the cheesesteak: soft pretzels and hoagies.
Philadelphia is home to the TastyKake, a line of snack cakes originally distributed exclusively in the PA area. TastyKake has almost a cult following throughout Philadelphia, and you can pick one up almost everywhere.

Take advantage of BYOB restaurants (Pennsylvania has strict liquor laws making drinks expensive).
Happy hour (typically 4-6pm) offers special food/drink prices.
Pizza and cheesesteaks remain among the cheapest eats in town.
Free activities: Join Salsadelphia dance events or free yoga sessions at Race Street Pier.
Many museums offer free admission on certain days (Museum of Art, Institute of Contemporary Art, Science History Institute).
Academic institutions often hold free public lectures.

Tip: bring comfortable walking shoes, warm weather clothes, and a camera! Pack layers as the temperature can vary greatly between day and night.
While Philadelphia has a reputation, most tourist areas are safe.
Dangerous areas: avoid North Philly, Kensington, Tioga-Nicetown, Hunting Park, and Allegheny West.

Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days