Southeast Pennsylvania

Travel Guide

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

Center City

4.5/5(137 area reviews)

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

4/5(6 area reviews)

Travellers choose University City for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Penn Medicine Station or 33rd St Station and check out top sights like University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

University City
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North Philadelphia

You might enjoy the historical sites while in North Philadelphia. The Liacouras Center is a notable sight, and you can get around town at North Philadelphia BSL Station or Allegheny Station to see more of the city.

North Philadelphia
Independence National Historical Park

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

3/5(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 which includes a statue or sculpture, a memorial and heritage architecture

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 of 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 €104 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€104
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (4,031 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly. Everything was easily accessible and walkable. Lots of shopping and restaurants."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport

4 out of 5
4509 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €119 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€119
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.2/10 Good! (3,410 reviews)
"It was okay"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
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 €153 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€153
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (1,291 reviews)
"Love sitting on the patio off the side of the bar area at night looking at the water and listening to the music. The pool is on the fourth floor also has outdoor seating, it almost has a 360 view of the area. There’s places right outside the hotel along the water like food venders, beer gardens ..."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 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! (1,215 reviews)
"Fast check in the front desk people were very nice and my room was very clean"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 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 Philadelphia ...
9/10 Wonderful! (386 reviews)
"the suite was very clean and well remodeled"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 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! (584 reviews)
"One of the nicest hotels for the price I’ve ever stayed at. Parking inconvenient"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 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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