Southeast Pennsylvania

Travel Guide

Washington Crossing which includes 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 featuring a city, heritage architecture and a monument

Center City

4/5(1 area review)

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
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University City

Spend some time visiting places like University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology while getting to know University City, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Penn Medicine Station or 33rd St Station to see more of the area.

University City
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North Philadelphia

North Philadelphia is a destination travelers like for its historic sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at North Philadelphia BSL Station or Allegheny Station to explore sights like The Liacouras Center.

North Philadelphia
Independence National Historical Park showing interior views

Old City

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Old City. Top attractions like Betsy Ross House and Independence Mall 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
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West Philadelphia

2/5(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
Philadelphia featuring a monument, heritage architecture and a memorial

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 the city at 15th-16th & Locust Station or 19th St Station.

Rittenhouse Square
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is P6,263 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P6,263
P7,289 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,018 reviews)
"Rooms were clean but small. Rooms doors close together. Was very quiet."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is P6,332 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P6,332
P8,695 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy an outdoor pool, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,817 reviews)
Not bad, not great
"It was okay. The housekeeper came barging into my room in the morning even though I had the “do not disturb” sign on the door. The pool closes at 8pm which is a bit early in my opinion. The rooms are starting to show their age. The corner room had a nice view, but I believe they’re smaller than the ..."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing

4 out of 5
201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
The price is P8,679 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P8,679
P10,100 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,248 reviews)
"I loved the location and the beauty of this property. Very clean and staff was very helpful."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
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.
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,198 reviews)
"Very close to airport and great price. Breakfast was minimal but good."

Reviewed on Jul 18, 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 Rittenhouse Square ...
9/10 Wonderful! (373 reviews)
"It was cool a nice hotel just need tvs in bedrooms other then that very clean good people and nice place"

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

4211 Suites
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District

3.5 out of 5
325 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and concierge services. Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (574 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft 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.

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