Venue

• CONFERENCE VENUE
• CONVENTION CENTER MAP
• CITY CENTER MAP
• WELCOME TO PHILADELPHIA
• CLIMATE IN PHILADELPHIA
• ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
• CUSTOMS INFORMATION
• AIRPORT INFORMATION
• CURRENCY
• TAXATION
• GETTING AROUND
• NEIGHBORHOODS
• PLACES TO EXPLORE IN PHILADELPHIA
• PLACES TO EXPLORE OUTSIDE PHILADELPHIA
• TIPPING
• ORGANIZED TOURS
• HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

CONFERENCE VENUE

Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Telephone: (215) 418-4700 or (800) 428-9000

CONVENTION CENTER MAP

Click the map for a larger version, or download a printable version.

Map © Pennsylvania Convention Center

CITY CENTER MAP

Click the map for a printable version.

Map © SEPTA

WELCOME TO PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia is a city of elegance, historical beauty, and modern inspiration. Philadelphia is where American independence began, with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in Independence Hall on July 4, 1776. The city itself was founded by William Penn, a believer of people living in harmony and freedom of religion. The word Philadelphia is of Greek origin and translates into “city of brotherly love” a term quite fitting for a city that would become the temporary capital of the new United States and the symbol of independence.

Philadelphia is the fifth-largest city in the United States and the second largest city on the East Coast. Geographically, Philadelphia is about 60 miles inland and is spread over 129 square miles. Philadelphia is the home of some 1.5 million residents and is the country’s busiest freshwater port. Its prime location serves as a great stopping place between New York and Washington D.C. Philadelphia is a dynamic place and as the popular adage goes; Philadelphia is the place that loves you back! Philadelphia is not only the birthplace of American independence and home of the Liberty Bell, but it is also a mélange of rich historical and modern attractions. Philadelphia has a lot to offer its tourists, from fine dining and smart shops to professional sports and Italian marketplaces.

CLIMATE IN PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia has four distinct seasons with a varied range of temperatures. During Spring temperatures are variable The average daily high temperatures for Philadelphia in March are 50˚F or 10˚C, with average low temperatures of 33˚F or 1˚C with the possibility of either comfortable weather or snow.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To visit the United States you will need:

1. a valid passport
2. possibly a tourist visa

Tourist visas can be obtained within 24 hours (but can take longer) by completing and submitting an application form with a square photo to your local U.S. consulate or embassy. However, citizens of certain countries are allowed to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days under the U.S. State Department’s Visa Waiver Program. Check to see if your country applies. Visa applications and further information can be obtained online at www.travel.state.gov.

The United States does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. Make sure you have health insurance to pay your medical costs before you leave for the United States.

Once you arrive: A custom’s officer will ask you a few short questions when you arrive. To make this go quickly, keep your passport with you and not in your luggage.

The officer will stamp your passport or advise you how long you may stay in the United States. Feel free to ask questions if you are unsure about anything.

CUSTOMS INFORMATION

For further assistance regarding customs information refer to www.customs.ustreas.gov or call (202) 927-1770.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

The Philadelphia International Airport serves all flights into Philadelphia. The airport is located at the southwest corner of the city. The Philadelphia International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the country. For airport information call (215) 937-6800 or visit www.phl.org for more details.

Philadelphia offers a high-speed rail that provides direct transportation between the airport and the city center. The rail runs every 30 minutes between the hours of 5:30am and 11:25pm. The 30-minute trip costs $5.50 for adults, $1.50 for children, and $16 for a family. You can purchase your ticket with cash either at a ticket machine on the train platform or from a conductor on the train.

In addition to the rail, taxi rides from the airport to the city center take approximately 25 minutes and cost a flat fee of $20.00 plus tip. Taxi dispatch is available 24 hours a day at the airport. An alternate travel option would be car-rental. All major car-rental operations have desks at the airport for convenience. The following is a list of available car-rental services available:

Other major airports are Newark, located in New Jersey, and JFK in New York. From JFK you can take the subway or a taxi to New York City’s Penn Station. From Newark you can take a connecting train to the airport rail station. You can then either catch an Amtrak train or a NJ transit train and SEPTA train to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. See www.amtrak.org, www.septa.org, or www.njtransit.com for more information on fares and schedules. Expect the trains to Philadelphia to add several extra hours to your journey.

CURRENCY

The U.S. monetary system includes denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. There are also six denominations of coins 1¢ (1 cent or a penny), 5¢ (a nickel), 10¢ (a dime), 25¢ (a quarter), and 50¢. There are also $1 coins.

Currency exchange bureaus are rare at airports and small cities within the United States. There are a few currency exchange bureaus in the city, but they typically charge a significant fee for exchange. Hence, it is best to leave all non-U.S. currency at home. Check for currency exchange services through American Express (800) AXP-TRIP or www.americanexpress.com or visit travel.americanexpress.com. Additionally the Thomas Cook Currency Services also has several locations at the airport. Additional information can be found at www.us.thomascook.com. The best exchange rates can be found at ATMs.

Traveler’s checks are widely accepted and used as well as credit cards and ATMs. The most used credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, and Carte Blanche.

TAXATION

The United States has no value-added tax or other indirect tax at the national level. Sales tax is 7% on meals, most goods, and services. However, clothing is not taxed in the Philadelphia area. Hotel tax surcharges are a total of 14% in Philadelphia.

GETTING AROUND

Public Transportation

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates a system of trolleys, buses, trains, and subways throughout the city. While this mode of transportation can get somewhat crowded, it is generally a safe method of transport. Fares are $2.00 in cash or $1.30 for tokens.. Transfers are 60¢ and exact change is mandatory. Purchase the fares from machines or attended booths at stations before your ride. It is typically a good idea to carry coins with you since often exact change is needed and bills are frequently not accepted. Seniors only pay during rush hour and individuals with disabilities pay half-price fares during off-peak hours. More information about the SEPTA system can be obtained by calling (215) 580-7800 or visiting www.septa.org. A system map can be found at www.septa.org/maps/click_map.html. The primary subway and rail stations within the city are 30th Street Station, Suburban Station and Market East Station. Each has both subway and regional rail access, although you will have to carefully follow signs to connect to the correct train.

By Subway-Surface Line

The primary subway line generally runs east-west underneath the city and is a easy way to get to many of the points of interest within center city. Look for blue signs for the Market-Frankford line or go to one of the primary stations. A second line, the Broad Street line, runs generally north-south and can be used to access points of interest along Broad Street.

By Bus

The PHLASH Bus service travel through a wide range of the entire city, covering most tourist destinations. The total loop takes 50 minutes and makes 30 stops. A one-time pass costs $2.00. The all-day unlimited pass is $4.00 per person or $10.00 per family. These can be purchased at the Independence Visitors Center, at Penns Landing, or on the bus. For more information on the PHLASH system call (215) 474-5274 or see www.gophila.com/phlash/

By Trolley

Unfortunately, there are no true city trolleys in the area; however, the privately operated Penn’s Landing Trolley runs along Christopher Columbus Boulevard for only $1.50 for adults and 75¢ for children. Similarly, replicas of 1930 open-air trolleys are run by American Trolley Tours and are facilitated by guides. These tours start from $7.50 and go up to $16 depending on the length of the tour selected. For more information call (215) 333-2119.

By Regional Rail

Philadelphia has. an extensive commuter train system, called the Regional Rail. Tickets can be purchased to different portions of the city and suburbs for one-way fares of $3 to $7. Tickets can be purchased from staffed booths at the major stations or vending machines. Although you can purchase a ticket with cash from a train conductor, there is a surcharge for the purchase if a staffed booth is open at the station you are boarding. See www.septa.org for fare information and see www.septa.org/maps/click_map.html for a map of the Regional Rail system.

Other Transportation Options

Car rental services are also available in the area, but tourists should be warned that all streets are one way with the exception of lower Market Street, the Parkway, Vine Street, and Broad Street. Philadelphia is a walkable city and it is best to leave your car while exploring the city area. Taxis are also available within the city. Fares are currently $1.80 for the first 1/7 mile and 30¢ for each additional 1/7 mile or minute of the motor running. Tips are expected and usually given at 15% of the fare. The three largest cab services are as follows:

NEIGHBORHOODS

Chestnut Hill - This is the highest point within city limits. Centered around upper Germantown Avenue, it is filled with galleries, boutiques, tearooms, and comfortable restaurants.

Chinatown - This part of the city never goes to sleep. Cheap parking, hotels, commercial stores, and good restaurants can be found in this area that lies next to the Convention Center.

Germantown – Not the most attractive part of town, but nonetheless houses the old Philadelphia settlements and wonderful ancient mansions.

Manayunk - This neighborhood is only four miles up the Schuylkill River from Center City. It has blossomed into a city hot spot with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants overlooking the 19th century canal adjoining the river. It’s a great place to enjoy a nice walk and make a visit to the farmer’s market.

Old City - The area is just north of the Independence National Historical Park and encompasses rows of houses that date back to William Penn’s time as well as new modern houses. During the first Friday night of every month, this area is host to a large block party, with all the galleries and stores open until 9pm.

Queen Village - This area is home of many reasonable cafes and bistros. Pedestrian bridges have also connected the area to the waterfront.

Rittenhouse Square - This area illustrates Philadelphia before the culture of skyscrapers hit the city. It is an urban area of elegance and wealth that can rival districts in Paris or London, and holds sophisticated restaurants and bars.

Society Hill - This area just south of Independence National Historical Park is the heart of 18th-century Philadelphia. It is the fashionable section of the old city in which restored colonial buildings and architecture are vivid and well maintained.

South Philadelphia - This is the most ethnically diverse portion of the city. Above all, South Philadelphia has a distinct Italian feel. You can find excellent restaurants here in this neighborhood.

South Street - This area is appropriately retro in style. It was the city limit in William Penn’s day and now has a young feel with eclectic bookstores, small shops and cafes, and nightclubs. It is bustling day and night and is worth a visit.

University City - West Philadelphia was farmland until the University of Pennsylvania was brought to this area. This area now home of the both University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University is rapidly developing with cinemas, retail stores, and increasing numbers of restaurants.

PLACES TO EXPLORE IN PHILADELPHIA

Independence National Historical Park - This is the United States’ most historic square mile. Philadelphia served as the nation’s capital during President George Washington’s second term, and both the U.S. Congress and Supreme Court met here until the new capital was built in Washington D.C. This area has 40 buildings on 45 acres in Center City, and houses the visitor’s center, the Liberty Bell, the Constitution Center, beautiful gardens, and much more. In order to enter the park tickets are mandatory. Tickets are free but it is recommended to pay the $1.50 handling charge by calling and reserving up to 12 tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the Independence Visitor Center for $2.00. To reserve tickets call (800) 967-2283 or visit reservations.nps.gov. The Independence Visitor Center is on 6th and Market Streets and can be reached at (800) 537-7676 or www.independencevisitorcenter.com.

Independence Hall - Independence Hall is rich in memorable historical events. This is the place that the Second Continental Congress first convened, the Declaration of Independence was written, and the Articles of Confederation were created as the loose governmental structure of the nation.

The Liberty Bell - The Liberty Bell is the symbol of freedom and independence in America. In 2003 a $12.4 million glass pavilion encases was built to encase the bell, but the bell is still visible and photographable. Be prepared to pass through a security checkpoint if you would like to get a close view of the Bell.

National Constitution Center - This center was created in 2003 and is the first museum in the world devoted to the United States Constitution, covering departments of history, outreach, education, and much more.

Franklin Court - This portion of Independence National Park was once the home of Benjamin Franklin. There is a portrait, furniture gallery, scenes of Franklin’s career, and the Printing Office & Bindery that still uses the colonial method of printing and bookmaking that can be viewed on a visit to the Court.

Lights of Liberty - This is the world’s first interactive sound and light show of the American Revolution, with projections on buildings, and surround sound, this show is a must see.

Barnes Foundation - This French mansion is home to over 1,000 masterpieces of all types of artwork. Just about every well-known European artist’s work is showcased here. Visiting times are restricted so it is best to call before going. It is recommended to make reservations at least one month prior to a visit by calling (610) 667-0290. Tickets are $5 per person.

Philadelphia Museum of Art - This is America’s third-largest art museum and comprises several different major collections in endless galleries. The museum also has terrific dining facilities on-site. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and children between the ages of 12-18. Admission is free for children under 12. For more information call (215) 763-8100 or visit www.philamuseum.org.

Benjamin Franklin Bridge - Philadelphia’s signature bridge, designed by Paul Cret. At night, each cable is illuminated, providing spectacular lighting effects to all who pass it.

Christ Church - A beautiful colonial building with interior decorations dating back to the 1700’s. This church is the site where William Penn was baptized. For more information call (215) 9221695.

Other Museums - There are a number of fascinating museums for the entire family to enjoy in Philadelphia. For example, the Insectarium features an assortment of bugs and insects, the Mutter Museum has a collection of human oddities, including skeletons of giants and dwarfs, and the African-American Museum offers folk art and memorabilia illustrating the lives and contributions of African-Americans in the United States. The Rodin Museum has a large number of sculptures by the artist Rodin. The Franklin Institute and the Fels Planatarioum have exhibits particularly designed to be enjoyed by the entire family. See sln.fi.edu/visit.html for a list of current exhibits and the IMAX theater offerings. The Please Touch Museum offers interactive learning experiences for young children. See www.independencevisitorcenter.com for more information on some of these wonderful museums.

The University of Pennsylvania - This university is one of the oldest universities in the nation. Benjamin Franklin founded this private, Ivy League institution in 1740. Among its accomplishments, are the titles of the first medical, law, and business schools in the nation. For more information call (215) 898-5000.

Penn’s Landing - This freshwater port has a lot to offer, from seaport museums, cruise facilities, a marina, and more. There are many pedestrian walkways and lots to see. Visit www.pennslandingcorp.com or call (215) 629-3200 for more details.

Outdoor Activities - Outdoor activities are plentiful in the Philadelphia area. Enjoy the fresh air on a bike, roller blades, on a boat, or many other options. Below is a list of activities and contact information:

Spectator Sports - Philadelphia has teams in every major sport, as well as an enhanced complex called Veterans Stadium for baseball and football. The Lincoln Financial Field is also a new football facility being developed. The following is a list of several sports typically scheduled in March with schedules and contact information for the purchase of tickets:

PLACES TO EXPLORE OUTSIDE PHILADELPHIA

Valley Forge National Historical Park - Pennsylvania had many famous battles during the American Revolution, one of the most renowned sites is Valley Forge. This is the site that the Continental Army kept the British Army contained under the leadership of General George Washington. Tours are offered through the park highlighting the National Memorial Arch, Washington’s Headquarters, and the Washington Memorial Chapel.

Lancaster County and the Pennsylvania Dutch - About 60 miles west of Philadelphia is Lancaster County which is the home to large population of the Pennsylvania Dutch, and the Amish people. Many of these still live in traditional ways. You can see farms being plowed with teams of horses and Amish riding buggies to town. You can take tours of farms, museums and even take a buggy ride. See www.padutch.com

Gettysburg - Location of the epic 1863 Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, Gettysburg is famous for the address President Lincoln gave and the monuments to the 51,000 fallen soldiers. This park is located approximately 118 miles from Philadelphia and can easily be explored in a day trip. See www.gettysburg.com for more information.

Washington, D.C., and New York City - Within several hours of major East Coast cities, Philadelphia is an excellent central point for exploration. The fastest way to reach other cities is by train, Amtrak offers frequent service to both Washington and New York from 30th Street Station. See www.amtrak.com for fares and schedules. You can also reach New York for a lower price by taking a Septa train to Trenton, New Jersey and then by catching a NJ Transit train to New York. See www.septa.org and www.njtransit.com

ORGANIZED TOURS

Boating Tours - Penn’s Landing provides two boating options. The Spirit of Philadelphia cruise with lunch, brunch, dinner and also has a midnight cruise (215) 923-1419 or the Liberty Belle I cruise (215) 629-1131. The Spirit of Philadelphia cruise lasts about 2 to 3 hours and has two-enclosed decks and two open-air decks. The RiverLink provides a ferry ride with spectacular views of Philadelphia and provides packages with other tours if desired. For more information call (215) 925-5465. Also see www.independencevisitorcenter.com.

Bus Tours - City tours from American Trolley Tours are trolley tours of the city and historic areas. For more information about this guided tour call (215) 333-2119. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Gray Line also provides a 3-hour tour of Philadelphia, Philadelphia at night, and Valley Forge. Adult admission is $22 and $16 for children ages 3 to 11. For more information call (800) 577-7745. There is also an amphibious vehicle tour called Ride the Ducks which offers a guided tour of the Old City, the Historic District and then enters the Delaware River to show another side of the city. Tickets are $23 for adults and $13 for children. See www.independencevisitorcenter.com/ for more information.

Horse & Carriage Tours - Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride down historic Philadelphia streets with the narration of a guide. These tours are offered daily and range from $18 for a 15-minute ride to $30 for a thirty-minute ride. Call 76 Carriage Co. for more details, (215) 923-8516.

Walking Tours - There are a variety of walking tours available via the Independence Visitor Center, from tours of the Italian Market to the Lights of Liberty show. For more information on specific tours contact the Visitor Center at (215) 965-7676 or visit www.independencevisitorcenter.com for more information.

TIPPING

Tips are expected for certain services. In most restaurants and bars tip the service staff 15% to 20% of the check. Hotel bellhops, doorman, concierge services, or valet-parking staff should be tipped $1-$2 per bag, car, or service rendered. Cab drivers should also be tipped 15% of the total fare.

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Tourist Information:
Independence Visitor Center
6th and Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(800) 537-7676
(215) 636-1666

All-night Pharmacy:
South Philadelphia 24-hour CVS Pharmacies
(215) 972-0909
(215) 465-2130

Northeast 24-hour Pathmark Pharmacy
(215) 879-1322

Near Independence Hall – Green Drugs
(215) 922-7441

Emergencies:
Police, fire, and ambulance - 911
Accidental Poinsoning – (215) 386-2100

Transit Information:
SEPTA, (215) 580-7800
www.septa.com