No Parking No Problem; Ways To Get Around The City During The DNC
Coming to Philadelphia for the Democratic National Convention? Well there's something you should know. Like every major city, Philly is busy and parking can be a problem. But don't fret, Philly was rated one of the most walkable cities in the country, and for those that prefer a ride, there's plenty of options for you too.
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Strolling around Philly on foot...
4th Most Walkable City In America
Experts say walkable neighborhoods are the key to a happier, healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. So it's no wonder Philadelphia is ranked yearly as one of the most walkable cities in the country.
According to Walk Score, Philadelphia scored a 78.3 out of 100 and was considered 'very walkable'. Don't believe me? Many of Philadelphia's main attractions are in close proximity of one another.
It takes about 15 minutes to get from City Hall to the Liberty Bell, 10 minutes to get from Independence Hall to the Betsy Ross House, and 16 minutes to get from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the Barnes Foundation.
According to Visitphilly, the Center City District, has populated the streets of the city with uniformed goodwill ambassadors who act as strolling concierges. These ambassadors answer questions, give directions and stay in radio contact with Philadelphia police to promote public safety.
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Rolling around Philly by bike...
No we're not just saying it. Philadelphia was rated the number one most bikeable city in the country by Redfin. Philly scored big for 400+ miles of on-street bike lanes in addition to dozens of bike-friendly trails.
Complete with more than 435 miles of bike lanes, a rideable boardwalk and trails through Fairmount Park a ride around the city is also a great way to witness the city's natural beauty.
Riding Indego
.@RideIndego has expanded to parks and waterfronts across the city! Time to #rideindego https://t.co/yKdn4uMNLb pic.twitter.com/JejifG1pw5
— William Penn Foundation (@WilliamPennFdn) June 5, 2016
Last year Philly rolled out its first bike share program Indego with 700 bikes, adding 300 more to celebrate its successful first year.
Indego allows visitors or members to rent bicycles from 70 stations located from the Delaware River, across the Schuylkill River, into West Philadelphia and from South Philadelphia to North Philadelphia.
Visitors can rent the bikes for trips around the city at any time. Bikes can be checked out at various Indego stations around the city.
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Riding around Philly using public transit/train...
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, more commonly referred to as SEPTA is the nation's fifth-largest transportation system. Philadelphia's public transit system is one of the best ways to get around when biking and walking is not really an option.
The Broad Street Line runs from North Philadelphia to South Philadelphia. The transit system is a great way to get to and from the Wells Fargo Center, XFinity Live, Center City, Temple University and more. Just so you don't miss it, it's the orange line.
The SEPTA Regional Rail system consists of commuter rail service on 13 branches to more than 150 active stations in Philadelphia, and its suburbs and satellite cities.
The regional rail is great for getting a little further out of the city into popular destinations like Manayunk, Chestnut Hill, and Villanova. In addition, the rail is one of the fastest ways to get from Center City to Philadelphia International Airport.
Market Frankford Line
The Market-Frankford Line connects some of the city's hottest destinations. The blue line or the 'L', as it is often referred to by Philadelphia residents, is great for traveling between Northern Liberties, Old City, Festival Pier, Spruce Street Harbor and more.
This line is often used for stops at popular 'night-out' locations throughout the city.
The service recently expanded to run 24 hours on the weekend to help you enjoy your night, all night long.
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Riding around Philly using public transit/bus...
SEPTA bus routes serve a number of neighborhoods and even more destinations throughout our region. Routes are designed to connect at nearby intersections; along with terminals, loops and transportation centers.
Looking to go to the famed King of Prussia Mall, the bus is the way to go.
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Riding around Philly using public transit/PATCO...
PATCO is the service that connects city goers in Center City to parts of Southern New Jersey. Riders would take PATCO to get to destinations like Haddonfield and Collingswood. The service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and serves more than 34,000 every day with 13 station stops.
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Riding around Philly using public transit/trolley...
Ever seen one of these? Not the tokens, a trolley! Well if you haven't don't let it through you for a loop. The trolley is an old school method of travel.
Here in Philadelphia the trolleys service much of West and North Philadelphia.
And just as a heads up SEPTA tokens can be used on buses, trolleys, the Broad Street Line and the Market Frankford Line.
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Getting from A to B by Taxi....
I may not to need to explain this one but just in case, taxis are great for traveling on the fly.
If you're in a hurry cabs are usually lined up and ready to roll at the 30th street station and Philadelphia International Airport. You can also hail one on most busy streets or just call one up.
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Cruising in an Uber or Lyft...
Uber and Lyft are some of the most popular ways to get around the city. Using your smart phone, you can easily hail one as long as you have the Uber or Lyft app.
Uber has also teamed up with SEPTA to make your commute just a little bit easier.
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Splitting a ride...
Whether your clothes shopping, grocery shopping, or heading to one of the places listed in our DNC Getaway Guide: Escape Far Away Philadelphia has plenty of car rental options for you.
Compared to other major cities Philadelphia's car rentals come at a bargain and the city's ride sharing options like Zip Car and Enterprise make picking up and dropping off a breeze.
Who knows you might even get to meet Jose.
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Touring like a tourist by bus...
For those like me, who love a good tour, the Phlash bus is a must. The Philly Phlash is the quick, inexpensive, easy connection to key destinations throughout Philadelphia.
The bus stops at tourists locations throughout the city and runs every 15 minutes. At $2 a person per ride and $5 for an all day pass, it's one of the cheapest tours around.
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Enjoy!
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