Southeast Pennsylvania, PA

Travel Guide

Washington Crossing showing heritage architecture and a house
Center City showing heritage architecture, street scenes and a city
Center City featuring street scenes
Center City which includes street scenes, a city and a fountain
Rocky Statue showing a statue or sculpture as well as a couple

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 heritage architecture, a monument and a city

Center City

4.5/5(6,262 area reviews)

Boasting a dense downtown area, Center City offers a plethora of restaurants, bars, and cultural institutions like Kimmel Center and Academy of Music. Explore Penn's Landing, Old City, or the medical Mütter Museum, and enjoy convenient transport options.

Center City
Philadelphia showing heritage architecture, a monument and a memorial

Center City West

If you're spending time in Center City West, check out sights like Walnut Street or Rittenhouse Row and hop on the metro to see more the city at 19th St Station or 15th St. Tram Stop.

Center City West
Eastern State Penitentiary featuring interior views

North Philadelphia

4/5(66 area reviews)

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
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University City

4.5/5(408 area reviews)

Home to prestigious universities like Penn and Drexel, this vibrant area offers cultural experiences at the Penn Museum and Institute of Contemporary Art. Enjoy shopping at the 40th Street retail corridor and easy access to various transportation options.

University City
Independence National Historical Park

Old City

Discover history at Independence National Historical Park, stroll along the 3rd Street Corridor for galleries and boutiques, and enjoy vibrant nightlife with quality restaurants and bars. Don't miss the monthly First Friday event for art and design showcases.

Old City
Philadelphia showing heritage architecture, a monument 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
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is ¥18,856 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
¥18,856
¥25,395 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
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 ...
Sonesta Philadelphia 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 ¥19,107 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
¥19,107
¥22,235 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
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 ...
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
The Windsor Suites

The Windsor Suites

4 out of 5
1700 Ben Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
The price is ¥20,313 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
¥20,313
¥23,638 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
The Windsor Suites
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 ...
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 ...
4211 Suites
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Witherspoon Apartments Center City

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Witherspoon Apartments Center City

3.5 out of 5
130 South Juniper Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, concierge services, and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Witherspoon Apartments Center City
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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Cities near Southeast Pennsylvania