Philadelphia trip

[annemayer]

We are planning a trip. I am planning to take the kids to the Franklin Institute,Mutter Museum,and Natural Sciences Museum(I think that is the name). We are not sure whether to stay the night or make it a day trip,as we have never been the Philadelphia. Can anyone suggest to us a hotel that is cheap,and central to these areas,and also a good place to park if we decide to do it all in a day? I've looked around online but nothing is the same as hearing from someone who has been there. The closer-especially to the Mutter Museum-the better. I really prefer to keep it a day trip,since it is so cold no one is going to want to walk around much,I'd rather spend a few days when we can really see the city.

 

[ocean733]

We are planning a trip. I am planning to take the kids to the Franklin Institute,Mutter Museum,and Natural Sciences Museum(I think that is the name). We are not sure whether to stay the night or make it a day trip,as we have never been the Philadelphia. Can anyone suggest to us a hotel that is cheap,and central to these areas,and also a good place to park if we decide to do it all in a day? I've looked around online but nothing is the same as hearing from someone who has been there. The closer-especially to the Mutter Museum-the better. I really prefer to keep it a day trip,since it is so cold no one is going to want to walk around much,I'd rather spend a few days when we can really see the city.

I'm not really too sure about the hotels - I've been out of Philly too long. But in terms of memorable places to visit? Definitely don't miss the Mutter Museum!!! (Maybe I'm weird, but medical monstrosities amaze me!!)

 

[Freefaller]

We just spent a weekend in Philly

We are planning a trip. I am planning to take the kids to the Franklin Institute,Mutter Museum,and Natural Sciences Museum(I think that is the name). We are not sure whether to stay the night or make it a day trip,as we have never been the Philadelphia. Can anyone suggest to us a hotel that is cheap,and central to these areas,and also a good place to park if we decide to do it all in a day? I've looked around online but nothing is the same as hearing from someone who has been there. The closer-especially to the Mutter Museum-the better. I really prefer to keep it a day trip,since it is so cold no one is going to want to walk around much,I'd rather spend a few days when we can really see the city.

If you're planning on staying overnight, I would suggest staying in a hotel out near the airport. They are much less expensive and they all include free parking. The downtown hotels are more expensive and most do not have free parking. Depending on your budget, the extra co$t for parking can be significant. Highway access from the airport to the downtown area is excellent. It never took me more than about 10 minutes to get from my hotel to wherever we were headed. If your interested in history, you can easily spend a few hours visiting Independece Hall, the Liberty Bell and the surrounding area. Don't miss Carpenters Hall (5 minute walk from Independence Hall), it is the location of the 1st Continental Congress and its a beautiful original building. Tickets are required for Independence Hall but you pick them up for free at the visitors Center. There is also a (pay) parking garage under the visitors center. It's in a great location and it's worth the cost (to me anyway)
Access to most of the historic sights are free.

If you get a chance, visit Pats or Genos for an original Philly Cheesesteak. (order it Wit/Wiz) That means WIT (with onions) and WIZ (with cheese wiz). (Try it, you'll love it). They're located right across the street from one another (9th and Passyunk in South Philly). If you go at night, look for the purple glow, Geno's has lots and Lots of flourescent lights!

Whatever you decide to do, have a great time!

 

[LordStanley]

If you're planning on staying overnight, I would suggest staying in a hotel out near the airport. They are much less expensive and they all include free parking. The downtown hotels are more expensive and most do not have free parking. Depending on your budget, the extra co$t for parking can be significant. Highway access from the airport to the downtown area is excellent. It never took me more than about 10 minutes to get from my hotel to wherever we were headed. If your interested in history, you can easily spend a few hours visiting Independece Hall, the Liberty Bell and the surrounding area. Don't miss Carpenters Hall (5 minute walk from Independence Hall), it is the location of the 1st Continental Congress and its a beautiful original building. Tickets are required for Independence Hall but you pick them up for free at the visitors Center. There is also a (pay) parking garage under the visitors center. It's in a great location and it's worth the cost (to me anyway)
Access to most of the historic sights are free.

If you get a chance, visit Pats or Genos for an original Philly Cheesesteak. (order it Wit/Wiz) That means WIT (with onions) and WIZ (with cheese wiz). (Try it, you'll love it). They're located right across the street from one another (9th and Passyunk in South Philly). If you go at night, look for the purple glow, Geno's has lots and Lots of flourescent lights!

Whatever you decide to do, have a great time!

Genos doesnt use The Wiz.... They use provolone

 

[pixiegirl]

If you're planning on staying overnight, I would suggest staying in a hotel out near the airport. They are much less expensive and they all include free parking. The downtown hotels are more expensive and most do not have free parking. Depending on your budget, the extra co$t for parking can be significant. Highway access from the airport to the downtown area is excellent. It never took me more than about 10 minutes to get from my hotel to wherever we were headed. If your interested in history, you can easily spend a few hours visiting Independece Hall, the Liberty Bell and the surrounding area. Don't miss Carpenters Hall (5 minute walk from Independence Hall), it is the location of the 1st Continental Congress and its a beautiful original building. Tickets are required for Independence Hall but you pick them up for free at the visitors Center. There is also a (pay) parking garage under the visitors center. It's in a great location and it's worth the cost (to me anyway)
Access to most of the historic sights are free.

If you get a chance, visit Pats or Genos for an original Philly Cheesesteak. (order it Wit/Wiz) That means WIT (with onions) and WIZ (with cheese wiz). (Try it, you'll love it). They're located right across the street from one another (9th and Passyunk in South Philly). If you go at night, look for the purple glow, Geno's has lots and Lots of flourescent lights!

Whatever you decide to do, have a great time!

I concur. We stayed out by the airport and drove into the city to do what we wanted. Street parking was never horrible and it was cheap.

If you want Geno's GO EARLY! We went as soon as they opened on a Sunday morning (10:00 I think) ate our cheesesteaks then walked around that part of town for a couple hours. When we got back to the car that was close to Geno's the lines at both places were LONG!

 

[Freefaller]

They have choices

Genos doesnt use The Wiz.... They use provolone

Both Pats and Genos use cheese wiz but both also offer several other cheeses to please all their customers. It was just a suggestion to get the wiz.
Also, I believe both are open 24-7. Don't be afraid of the long lines, they move very fast. When you get to the front of the line, be prepared to order quickly and make sure you have your money ready to go! We like to go every time we're in Philly and always enjoy what we get! The big difference between the two (Other than the bread) is that Pats chops their steaks and Genos does not.

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your trip!

 

[Tech]

Why bother with Geno's or Pat's? There use to be a place in Essington that sold a stromboli that was rolled like a jelly roll. Head up to Chester Pike there's got to be a hoagie/steak place along there.

Just don't go up Island Rd.

 

[annemayer]

I've read all you guys have has to say and been doing some research online..a few more questions: I drive in D.C. and Baltimore all the time. NYC driving is out of my scope,I won't do it. Is Philly more D.C. or NY in terms of traffic and ease of getting around? Also,our itinerary is the Mutter Museum,Franklin Institute,Museum of Natural Sciences,and the Aquarium. I know Franklin has underground parking,are we better off paying once,leaving the car and walking/cabbing it,or should we be able to get street parking? We will be there on a weekend,and I know in D.C.,weekdays are awful but on a Sunday the place is wide open.

 

[annemayer]

And does three hours sound about right - from Hollywood? Any suggestions for the easiest route?

 

[Tech]

And does three hours sound about right - from Hollywood? Any suggestions for the easiest route?

We take 301 up, it's a nicer drive and cheaper too. Stay on 301 in DE, it turns to DE 896 @ US40, connects with I-95 at Newark above the toll booths. Three and a half hours depending on pit stops and traffic.

Driving in the Philly is fairly easy, the streets are in a grid with the numbered streets running north and south, lower numbers start at Delaware River. There are a couple of angled streets, just watch for one way streets and the double parking.

Believe Franklin and the Mutter are in the same area around Logan Square may be better to park and walk. The aguarium is in Camden over the Ben Franklin Bridge, USS New Jersey is nearby.

 

[hvp05]

Driving in the Philly is fairly easy, the streets are in a grid with the numbered streets running north and south, lower numbers start at Delaware River. There are a couple of angled streets, just watch for one way streets and the double parking.

Driving ain't always easy...

 

[bulldog]

We are planning a trip. I am planning to take the kids to the Franklin Institute,Mutter Museum,and Natural Sciences Museum(I think that is the name). We are not sure whether to stay the night or make it a day trip,as we have never been the Philadelphia. Can anyone suggest to us a hotel that is cheap,and central to these areas,and also a good place to park if we decide to do it all in a day? I've looked around online but nothing is the same as hearing from someone who has been there. The closer-especially to the Mutter Museum-the better. I really prefer to keep it a day trip,since it is so cold no one is going to want to walk around much,I'd rather spend a few days when we can really see the city.

We go every year for Army/Navy football and were just talking this morning about what to "do" this year. Sounds like the Mutter may be an option and then maybe we'll go down to the tow place and watch the action shown in that video. Funny stuff.
Pat's and Geno's were good enough for a one time deal, but we will be looking for something new to try this year.
Research, research, research.

 

[hvp05]

Pat's and Geno's were good enough for a one time deal, but we will be looking for something new to try this year.

My Philly friend advised to stay away from Pat's and Geno's, instead suggesting to visit one of the many neighborhood joints where quality would be equally good but without the half-mile line.

 

[Wenchy]

Parking.

I parked in front of the Franklin Institute on a Friday (legal parking) I went back to get my car on Sunday and the car was resting on the sidewalk, all wheels removed.

This place has the best hot roast beef sandwiches EVER: Business Profile

There is also parking to be found and is in the vicinity you are asking about.

If you make it into Chinatown, Ho Sai Gai has the best hot and sour soup.

Dang. I'm hungry.

I found the best cheesesteaks over the bridge in Cherry Hill NJ. Go figure. :shrug:

Somebody else suggested the airport motels. I would suggest the same.

 

[Tech]

Driving ain't always easy...

I said driving is fairly easy, never said anything about parking.

 

[Ponytail]

Why bother with Geno's or Pat's? There use to be a place in Essington that sold a stromboli that was rolled like a jelly roll. Head up to Chester Pike there's got to be a hoagie/steak place along there.

Just don't go up Island Rd.

Pete and several other forumites have eaten stromboli's and Pepperoni Bread from that place, thanks to me. It's Romano's "home of the original Stromboli" in Essington, Exit 9A off of 95. Get off the exit, go straight through the light, and it's 2 blocks down on the left.

And Little Hut is the best cheese steak and hoagie I've ever had, right on Chester Pike as you said. Philadelphia Cheesesteaks Hoagies Cheese Steaks Delivered Shipped Overnight I've been getting cheese steaks and hoagies from that place since they opened in 1984. Exit 9B off 95, go to second light, make a left, and it's about a mile down on the right, right across the street from the "Leedom School". It's attached to anothed store called "Pike cold cuts" that you DON'T want to bother going in. That place used to be good, but the owners sold out, and since then, it's garbage. But Little Hut NEVER disappoints. We go there for lunch at work about once a week.

 

[annemayer]

Parking.

I parked in front of the Franklin Institute on a Friday (legal parking) I went back to get my car on Sunday and the car was resting on the sidewalk, all wheels removed.

This place has the best hot roast beef sandwiches EVER: Business Profile

There is also parking to be found and is in the vicinity you are asking about.

If you make it into Chinatown, Ho Sai Gai has the best hot and sour soup.

Dang. I'm hungry.

I found the best cheesesteaks over the bridge in Cherry Hill NJ. Go figure. :shrug:

Somebody else suggested the airport motels. I would suggest the same.

My understanding from the website is that the is underground parking beneath the Franklin. That is what I was going to do,and then walk/cab to Mutter,we also want to go to Reading Market for lunch. My assumption was that with the paid lot,there is security and at least some liability if I come out to no wheels.

 

[Wenchy]

My understanding from the website is that the is underground parking beneath the Franklin. That is what I was going to do,and then walk/cab to Mutter,we also want to go to Reading Market for lunch. My assumption was that with the paid lot,there is security and at least some liability if I come out to no wheels.

I parked on the street (free) I couldn't afford paid parking back then. Insurance covered the wheels.

Have a great trip! My apartment overlooked the Institute. Fun place! I do miss Philly.

 

[annemayer]

I parked on the street (free) I couldn't afford paid parking back then. Insurance covered the wheels.

Have a great trip! My apartment overlooked the Institute. Fun place! I do miss Philly.

Is the Franklin worth the admission? I've heard mixed reviews and all negative for the Natural History one. I was interested in the aquarium,but think I will wait - it seems small.

 

[Ponytail]

I think all of the museums are worth the price of admission. The kids always have a great time, no matter what museum we go to, except for the art museum ..."I'm so BOREDAHHhhhh!"

I went to the Aquarium for the first time last spring and was pleasantly surprised. Its not as small as I thought it would be. I could definitely spend more time in there. Quite a few of the exhibits were very calming and just beautiful.

I grew up around the philly area and have hit all the museums, numerous times. They are definitely worth seeing. The old architecture alone is worth it to me.

We take the kids to the aquarium and the Franklin every year. The boys like the natural history musuem cuz of the Dinosaurs. The Franklin has ALOT of interactive stuff for the kids. Go EARLY to that one so that you are not rushed. The kids like to spend ALOT of time in there. With kids, you could easily spend the better part of a day in there.

If you are bringing kids, try the Bug Museum. The kids loved it! Adults, not so much, its' small and a bit disappointing for the adults I think, but We did get a good laugh listening to all the "Eww gross" comments. The kids can hold a tarantula, and Hissing cockroaches. I did learn more than a thing or two at that place. I thought it was cool. The bug museum is a bit of a hike from the other museums, but was good to do on a rainy day.

Don't forget about the Philadelphia Zoo either. It's a really nice zoo with some really nice inside exhibits. Teh zoo is something else that we hit with the kids once a year.

Mummers Museum if you or the kids are into costumes.

At the waterfront, there is a civil war era ship you can tour, as well as a submarine that you can tour. Both are pretty interesting if history or ships/subs grab your attention. There is also maritime museum there that is also nice, has some interactive stuff for the kids. I was a member of that for several years.