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 Philadelphia Museum of Art and Reading Terminal Market, and jump on the metro at 11th St Station or 8th St Station to see more of the city.

Center City
Academy of Natural Sciences featuring zoo animals, animals and cuddly or friendly animals

Logan Square

Logan Square is highly notable for its fascinating museums, and you might want to visit top sights like The Franklin Institute and Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. See more of Philadelphia by jumping on the metro at Suburban Station or 15th St. Tram Stop.

Logan Square
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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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 Philadelphia Museum of Art and Mann Center for the Performing Arts 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
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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
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is €122 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€122
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (3,972 reviews)
"One of the best trips of the year! Club quarters is located in the perfect location super safe super quiet, great staff really clean. The rooms are spacious and great amenities has a European flare, espresso machines in the room and in the lobby."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
4 out of 5
4509 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
The price is €117 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€117
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! (2,695 reviews)
"The hotel is very nice and reasonably priced. Easy to get to and a good restaurant on site. The only rough experience we had was the service in the restaurant. Incredibly slow and frustrating because we could see our server talking and goofing off. Otherwise, a great experience and would ..."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
3.5 out of 5
400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
The price is €126 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€126
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,830 reviews)
"Staff is extremely helpful, available. Carol behind the bar is a breath of fresh air."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
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! (1,432 reviews)
"Will stay here again. Wine opener would be nice to have as part of the utensils."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Sonder The Witherspoon
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! (949 reviews)
"The property has changed Hands. We asked for towels and linens that were needed and didn’t receive. No chairs to sit at kitchen island. Had to stand to eat. Drawer front feel Off in my hands. No hangers for our clothes. Breakfast was very disappointing."

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2025

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
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! (116 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2025

4211 Suites
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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