Philadelphia United States
Philadelphia is one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the United States, and a major academic and medical research center anchored by the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel, and Temple. For conference travelers the city is unusually convenient: Center City is compact and walkable, the main convention venues and hotels cluster around the Pennsylvania Convention Center and the historic district, and the airport is a short regional rail ride from downtown. Beyond the conference, Philadelphia offers Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, a nationally recognized restaurant scene, the Barnes Foundation and Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the cheesesteak and Reading Terminal Market food traditions. It is centrally placed on the Northeast Corridor, about 75 minutes from New York and 100 minutes from Washington by Amtrak.
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Independence National Historical Park - Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are free to visit; book timed Independence Hall tickets in peak season.
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Reading Terminal Market - One of the great American food halls, directly across from the convention center, ideal for a fast lunch between sessions.
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Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation - Two world-class collections within walking or short transit distance of Center City.
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Old City and Elfreth’s Alley - The colonial core, with the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the US.
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South Philly food - The cheesesteak rivalry and the Italian Market are a short ride south of Center City.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is about 20 minutes from Center City. SEPTA Airport Regional Rail runs to the downtown stations in roughly 25 minutes for about 7 USD; taxis and rideshare are 30-40 USD. Philadelphia is also on the Amtrak Northeast Corridor, so arriving by train from New York, Washington, or Boston is often easier than flying.
Center City is very walkable and laid out on a simple grid. SEPTA runs the subway (the Broad Street and Market-Frankford lines), buses, trolleys, and regional rail. The PHLASH downtown loop bus is useful for the museum and historic districts. Rideshare is widely available; a car is unnecessary downtown.
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the most pleasant, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Summers are hot and humid; January conferences can be cold but the convention and hotel district is largely walkable indoors via skyways and short blocks.
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1 upcoming conference in Philadelphia
Our picks in Philadelphia
A curated selection of hotels chosen for location, value, and fit for conference travellers.
Apple Hostels of Philadelphia
32 S Bank St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Well-reviewed independent hostel in Old City with dorms and private rooms near Independence Hall - the cheapest reliable option, ideal for students...
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
1201 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Large full-service hotel connected to the Pennsylvania Convention Center by skybridge and steps from Reading Terminal Market - best for attendees who...
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Four-star hotel near Rittenhouse Square with an indoor pool and a quieter, restaurant-rich location a short walk from the convention area -...
The Notary Hotel, Autograph Collection
21 N Juniper St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Upscale hotel in the restored former City Hall Annex beside City Hall, a short walk from the convention centre - best for...
Community Notes