Princeton University

Philadelphia may not be “The City,” but it’s certainly a great one. Stroll along South Street for quirky shops and ethnic food, or check out Old City for historical landmarks and a taste of Americana.

The Official Tourism Site. Check out the Calendar of Events for upcoming festivals and the like.
Citysearch -- Philadelphia, a guide to attractions, events, restaurants and nightlife.

Independence National Historic Park, located in central Philadelphia, is sometimes referred to as the birthplace of the nation. Begin your tour at the Visitor Center at Sixth and Market streets. At the park, visitors can see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were written. The Liberty Bell (located on Market Street between Fifth and Sixth streets) is open year-round, although hours vary by season. Visitors are admitted free-of-charge to Independence Hall (on Chestnut Street between Fifth and Sixth streets.) Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted. Franklin Court (318 Market St.) is where Benjamin Franklin's home once stood and is now dedicated to teaching about Franklin's life and accomplishments.

Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St. Take a five-minute tour of the house where the American flag was sewn.

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and Ben Franklin Parkway (Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday until 8:45 p.m.). This museum is known in the art world for its extensive collections of English, French, Quaker and Amish works. To everyone else, it's where Rocky Balboa ran up the steps. Go ahead, run up there and sing the theme music -- everyone else does.

Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave. (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, March through November; 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, December through February). This was the nation's first zoo, and it is still one of the best known. Visit the white lions and other large cats, as well as the large primate area.

Philadelphia is an excellent place to shop. The Center City area alone has more than 2,000 retail stores. The best strip of shops and restaurants can be found along South Street, extending west from South Front Street. There you will find all sorts of stores catering to the college crowd and teeming with people on nights when the weather is pleasant. Nearby is Jim's Steaks (400 South St.), home to Philly's famous cheesesteaks. And there is Pat's King of Steaks (1237 E. Passyunk Ave., where Ninth Street passes Wharton and Passyunk) and Geno's across the street. Both come highly recommended -- as do about a million other steak places. The bottom line: DO NOT leave Philadelphia without having a cheesesteak!

If you're looking for more high-brow entertainment, the Philadelphia Orchestra, located at Broad and Spruce streets, offers student rush tickets one hour before every subscription concert.

Getting to Philadelphia

By train
Take the Dinky to Princeton Junction. Take New Jersey Transit two stops south to Trenton. Switch to the SEPTA and go to the 30th Street Station, in the heart of the city. Most ticket kiosks sell tickets for both lines, so you only have to pay once.

By car
Take Route 1 South to 95 South. You'll be within spitting distance in half an hour.