What to Expect
Ships dock at Penn's Landing on the Delaware River waterfront, 15 minutes on foot from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center. The historic core — Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, Elfreth's Alley — is entirely walkable. Philadelphia has more murals than any other US city and the most complete collection of colonial-era architecture in America. The Reading Terminal Market, 20 minutes on foot from the pier, has been operating as a covered food market since 1892 and remains the city's culinary centrepiece.
Getting Around
Philadelphia's SEPTA subway and buses: $2.50 single fare, $11 daily pass. The Market-Frankford Line (the El) runs east–west; the Broad Street Line runs north–south. From Penn's Landing to Old City (Independence Hall area): 15-minute walk along Market Street or Chestnut Street. The Philly Phlash tourist bus runs May–October: $2 per ride, loops the major attractions. Taxis: metered, $3.50 flagfall. Uber/Lyft available. The Philadelphia Museum of Art (the "Rocky steps") is 2 km from the cruise terminal on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Independence Hall and American History
Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed and debated — free entry, timed passes required in summer (pickup at the visitor centre nearby). The Liberty Bell Center across the street is free and open daily; the Bell itself is displayed in a glass pavilion with its famous crack visible. The National Constitution Center (adjacent, $16) has exhibits on the Constitution and a staging of its signing with full-size bronze figures. Elfreth's Alley — a block of 18th-century row houses occupied continuously since 1713 — is one street off Market Street and free to walk. The Eastern State Penitentiary (Fairmount neighbourhood, $21) is a former prison in a state of preserved ruin with an excellent audio tour.
Tipping and Currency
US Dollars (USD). 18–20% at restaurants. Cheesesteak at Pat's, Geno's, or Jim's on South Street: $12–16 with no tipping obligation at counter service. Reading Terminal Market counter service: tip jar present but not obligatory. ATMs throughout Old City and at the market.