Southeast Pennsylvania

Travel Guide

Washington Crossing featuring 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(137 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(6 area reviews)

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

3/5(1 area review)

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 €131 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
€131
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 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! (3,942 reviews)
Great Hotel!
"The location is fantastic! The staff so friendly and helpful. The room was small, but clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 22 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 €134 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€134
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! (1,181 reviews)
"The staff was very helpful in assisting with our visit"

Reviewed on 22 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 €118 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€118
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! (2,741 reviews)
"Everything went smooth"

Reviewed on 21 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! (1,458 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 Philadelphia ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (182 reviews)
Quick and easy
"The process was easy, able to have my car parked overnight was a blessing as there was absolutely no street parking available."

Reviewed on 21 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! (961 reviews)
"Very friendly front desk. Close to airport and love the full Kitchen"

Reviewed on 21 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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