Visitor Questions _
1. Where is the Independence Visitor Center located?
2. Do I need a ticket to see the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall?
3. Which hotels are closest to the Liberty Bell and the Historic District?
4. What are some family-friendly hotels in the Center City area?
5. Where can I find Bed & Breakfasts in the greater Philadelphia area?
6. Where are the steps Rocky ran up?
7. Where is the Rocky statue?
8. Can I get to the South Philadelphia stadium complex ( Citizens Bank Park , Lincoln Financial Field, Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum) via public transportation?
9. Where can I find my favorite Philadelphia foods like cheesesteaks, hoagies, soft pretzels, water ice, Tastykakes and other famous Philadelphia delicacies?
10. Where can I find a delicious authentic Philly Cheesesteak?
11. What children's attractions do you suggest we visit?
12. Where can I find information about Philadelphia 's multicultural visitor attractions and events online?
13. How can I take a tour of Philadelphia?
14. What's the best way to get around in the Philadelphia area?
15. Where can I find parking in Philadelphia?
16. Where can I find info on nightlife in Philadelphia? Where can I hear live music?
17. Are there any shopping malls in Philadelphia?
18. Where can I find info on special events and exhibitions?
19. I would like to request brochures on Philadelphia and its surrounding counties. How can I do this?
20. Where can I find Philadelphia souvenirs?
21. Does Philadelphia have youth hostels?
22. Where can I camp in the greater Philadelphia Region?
General Questions
Whom do I contact for information about Conventions, Groups or Meetings?
1. Where can I find information on the city government and municipal services?
2. I am moving to Philadelphia soon. Where can I find information about relocating?
3. I am seeking employment in the Philadelphia region. Where I can find job listings?
4. I would like to start or bring my business to Philadelphia . Who can help me with information?
Hotel Questions
1. Helpful Hints about Ben's Birthday Hotel Package
2. Helpful Hints about the BODY WORLDS Hotel Package
Answers
1. _Where is the Independence Visitor Center located?
The Independence Visitor Center is located at One North Independence Mall West, 6 th & Market Streets (across from the Liberty Bell). For more information, call (800) 537-7676 or visit www.independencevisitorcenter.com.
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2. _Do I need a ticket to see the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall?
Tickets are not required to visit the Liberty Bell. However, tickets are necessary to tour Independence Hall from March 1 to December 31. These free, timed tickets can be picked up at the Independence Visitor Center the day of your trip. You may also reserve tickets in advance at http://reservations.nps.gov or by calling 1-800-967-2283 (from 10AM to 10PM) for a fee of $1.50.
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3. _Which hotels are closest to the Liberty Bell and the Historic District?
Best Western Independence Park Inn, 235 Chestnut Street
Holiday Inn Historic District, 400 Arch Street
Omni Independence Park, 401 Chestnut Street
Sheraton Society Hill Hotel, One Dock Street
Hyatt regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, 201 S. Columbus Blvd.
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4. _What are some family-friendly hotels in the Center City area?
Visit our Family-friendly accommodations category.
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5. _Where can I find Bed & Breakfasts in the greater Philadelphia area?
Bed & Breakfast Connections of Philadelphia - a great site that organizes B&Bs by neighborhood.
Brandywine Valley Bed and Breakfasts
Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau
Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau (Delaware County)
Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau
Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau (Montgomery County)
New Hope B & Bs
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6. _Where are the steps Rocky ran up?
In the academy award-winning movie Rocky (1976), the title character, played by Sylvester Stallone, famously runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You can do your own Rocky impersonation 365 days a year by visiting the Art Museum steps, which are located on the Northwest end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
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7. _Where is the Rocky statue?
The Rocky Statue is now located in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, to the right of its steps, which Rocky famously ran up in the movie.
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8. _Can I get to the South Philadelphia stadium complex ( Citizens Bank Park , Lincoln Financial Field, Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum) via public transportation?
Yes. Not only can you take public transportation, we advise it. From Center City, it's cheap, quick, safe and hassle-free.
SEPTA's Broad Street subway line will drop you off at the corner of Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, within short walking distance of all four facilities. You can connect to the Broad Street line via SEPTA buses, subway and regional rail line in Center City's Suburban Station concourse.
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9. _Where can I find my favorite Philadelphia foods like cheesesteaks, hoagies, soft pretzels, water ice, Tastykakes and other famous Philadelphia delicacies?
Visit our Philly Favorites section. Inside you'll find recommendations for all your favorite Philly foods.
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10. _Where can I find a delicious authentic Philly Cheesesteak?
Check out our Philly Cheesesteak guide to see what spots we recommend.
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11. What children's attractions do you suggest we visit?
Philadelphia is an incredibly kid-friendly city. In fact, we've organized an entire section to help you plan your next family vacation. Visit Family-friendly Philadelphia for a list kid-friendly attractions and a lot more.
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12. _Where can I find information about Philadelphia 's multicultural visitor attractions and events online?
Visit our Diverse Philadelphia section. You'll find tons of information on Asian-American Philadelphia, African-American Philadelphia, Hispanic Philadelphia, and Gay-friendly Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress (MAC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, is another good resource. For more information, visit http://www.philadelphiamac.org.
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13. _How can I take a tour of Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has more tour options than ever. For more information please visit ours Tours section for a complete rundown.
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14. _What's the best way to get around in the Philadelphia area?
Philadelphia is easy to navigate. Visit our Getting Around page for tips on walking, taxis, public transportation, parking and more.
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15. _Where can I find parking in Philadelphia?
All the parking info you want is our Maps, Directions and Parking page.
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16. _Where can I find info on nightlife in Philadelphia? Where can I hear live music?
Visit our Nightlife section, which includes the best places to catch some live music while you're in town.
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17. _Are there any shopping malls in Philadelphia?
Yes. The Gallery is located at !0 th and Market, Franklin Mills is in Northeast Philadelphia, and King of Prussia Mall, the largest mall on the East coast is less than 30 minutes from Center City by car. See our Shopping section for more info.
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18. _Where can I find info on special events and exhibitions?
Try our new and improved Events Calendar, powered by Philly Fun Guide.
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19. _I would like to request brochures on Philadelphia and its surrounding counties. How can I do this?
You can download PDFs of brochures in our Travel Tools section. We have Vacation Guides and attraction brochures.
You can also request a vacation guide to be mailed to you.
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) 537-7676
Valley Forge Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) VISIT-VF
Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau, (800) 836-BUCKS
Brandywine Conference & Visitors Bureau, (800) 343-3983
Chester County Tourist Bureau, Inc., (800) 228-9933
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20. _Where can I find Philadelphia souvenirs?
Check out the Independence Visitors Center's great gift shop, The Independence Store, located at 6th and Market Streets, call (800) 537-7676 or (215) 965-7676.
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21. _Does Philadelphia have youth hostels?
Yes.
Divine Tracy Hotel, 20 S. 36 th Street, ( 2 15) 38 2-43 10
International House of Philadelphia, 370 1 Chestnut Street, ( 2 15) 387-5 1 25
Philadelphia International Youth Hostel and Community Center
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22. _Where can I camp in the greater Philadelphia Region?
Campgrounds:
Philadelphia/West Chester KOA, P.O. Box 920P Unionville, PA (800) 562-1726, http://www.koa.com/where/pa/38104.htm
Shady Grove Campground, Rte 21 Adamstown, PA (717) 484-4225
Timberlane Campground, 117 Timber Lane Clarksboro, NJ (609) 425-6677
General
1. _Where can I find information on the city government and municipal services?
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) 537-7676
Valley Forge Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) VISIT-VF
Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau, (800) 836-BUCKS
Brandywine Conference & Visitors Bureau, (800) 343-3983
Chester County Tourist Bureau, Inc., (800) 228-9933
Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, (215) 418-4700
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2. _I am moving to Philadelphia soon. Where can I find information about relocating?
www.greaterphillylife.com
www.phila.gov
The city's official government website provides information for residents, businesses and visitors so you can access city information and services.
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3. _I am seeking employment in the Philadelphia region. Where I can find job listings?
Please visit the classified section of the philly.com:
www.philly.com/mld/philly/classifieds/employment/
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4. _I would like to start or bring my business to Philadelphia. Who can help me with information?
Contact one of the following organizations/services/sites:
www.selectgreaterphiladelphia.com
www.phila.gov/business/startup/index.html
www.ipphila.com
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Hotel
1. _Ben's Birthday Hotel Package
Helpful Hints:
- Book Early! This terrific value sells fast.
- Additional rooms may be available by calling the hotel directly. Call your favorite hotel and ask for the Ben's Birthday Hotel Package.
- Be sure to ask for the package by name: When you call the hotel to place a reservation tell them you want to book the Ben's Birthday Hotel Package.
- Some blackout dates apply and will vary by hotel – If hotels are sold out or close to selling out, they may not have this package available. Also, if a city wide convention is taking place on the dates you plan to visit, you will find limited availability.
- Keep your travel dates flexible.
- Re-check availability at your hotel - Some hotels may have cancellations.
Ben's Birthday Hotel Package FAQs:
- Q. When will I receive my Ben's Birthday Hotel Package tickets?
A. You will receive your Ben's Birthday tickets at check–in.
- Q. I made a reservation through gophila.com but when I called the hotel to confirm, they did not have my reservation. Why?
A. The hotel may not have entered the reservation into the hotel’s system. When you complete your reservation online, a fax is sent to the hotel where your package was booked. The hotel then makes a reservation in their system. [A fax is sent to the hotel 1-2 minutes after the reservation is received by gophila.com.]
Sometimes, there is a delay between when the hotel receives the fax and when the reservation is booked in the hotel's reservation system. Send an email to us to get your reservation confirmed. Our email address is guestbook@gophila.com or call 215-599-0776.
- Q. Will my credit card be charged if I book online?
A. No, your credit card is only used to guarantee the reservation. This is the same as if you had booked over the phone with the hotel. Your card is not charged until check out. This way you have the opportunity to switch cards or pay in cash at check out.
- Q. Why is the package not available during the time I want to stay?
A. The Ben's Birthday Hotel Package is subject to availability due to other major events, conventions and hotel activity. While some hotels may not have the package available, others will. Our website is a quick way to research which hotels are available for the dates you want to visit. Simply enter in the dates of your stay, check mark the box Check All Lodging" and only those hotels with availability will appear.
- Q. I called the hotel twice and received different information. Why?
A. At certain times, usually during the evening hours, hotel reservation calls may be answered by a central reservation office. It is recommended that visitors call the hotel directly and during regular business hours.
- Q. How do I make a reservation on gophila.com?
A. The gophila.com website is designed to allow you to check availability at all participating hotels or just the hotels of your choice. Simply enter the dates you wish to visit, check mark Check All Lodging" or place a check mark next to the specific hotels you wish to stay. Click "Continue" and a list of available hotels will appear.
- Q. What happens after I submit my reservation?
A. After you complete your reservation, a fax is sent to the hotel where your package was booked. The hotel then makes a reservation in their system. A fax is sent to the hotel 1-2 minutes after the reservation is received by gophila.com.
- Q. Why does the hotel not recognize the confirmation number I received from gophila.com?
A. The confirmation number you received from gophila.com is a confirmation number generated by the website to confirm the reservation was booked and received by gophila.com. The hotel will not recognize this number because it was not produced by the hotel. Don't worry! The hotel MUST accept your reservation made through the gophila.com website.
We can help you! If you require additional assistance, please contact us at guestbook@gophila.com or call 215-599-0776.
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2. _BODY WORLDS Hotel Package
Helpful Hints:
- Book Early! This terrific value sells fast.
-
Additional rooms may be available by calling the hotel directly. Call your favorite hotel and ask for the BODY WORLDS Hotel Package.
-
Be sure to ask for the package by name: When you call the hotel to place a reservation tell them you want to book the BODY WORLDS Hotel Package.
-
Some blackout dates apply and will vary by hotel – If hotels are sold out or close to selling out, they may not have this package available. Also, if a city wide convention is taking place on the dates you plan to visit, you will find limited availability.
-
Keep your travel dates flexible.
-
Re-check availability at your hotel - Some hotels may have cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
We can help you! If you require additional assistance, please contact us at guestbook@gophila.com or call 215-599-0776.
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