You’ve been counting down the hours until the upcoming three-day weekend, but you’re tired of the campus party routine. Why not treat yourself to a weekend in Philadelphia? Only two hours away, you’ll find yourself exploring Philly’s museums, historical sites, competing cheesesteak vendors, street shopping and hip nightlife. Here are the places to visit, cheap ways to travel and lodge and the restaurants you should check out.
Half the fun
If you’re game for a little adventure, try the Chinatown bus. Although peculiar stories about the bus may make you think twice, it’s still a reliable mode of transportation. According to the website, for $15, you’ll be in Philadelphia’s Chinatown in about two hours—apparently, the bus transcends the space-time-wallet continuum. Book your tickets at www.apexbus.com/Default.aspx
If you don’t feel like spending top dollar, but you’re still a little sketched out by the Chinatown bus, Greyhound is your best option. For only $25 ($21.25 with student advantage), Greyhound will get you to Philly in three hours. You can find a schedule and fares online at www.greyhound.com/home.asp
Looking to splurge a little bit, and not so sure about the reliability of a bus? The Amtrak train is the way you’ll want to travel. Starting at $58 a ticket, Amtrak will get you comfortably to Philadelphia’s beautiful 30th Street Station in only 2 hours. www.amtrak.com
Take a load off
The Chamounix Mansion, a Hostel in the historic Fairmount Park is the perfect place to stay, even if it’s spent in a bunked bed. You can’t beat the price of $23 a night. The location couldn’t be better; nestled in an historic district and accessible to sites like the Philadelphia Art Museum (take the 38 bus). Plus, they even lend out bikes for riding and exploring in Fairmount Park. www.philahostel.org/index.html
Not ready for a hostel? Although most hotels downtown are already sold out for the weekend, the Sheraton Society Hill still has availability. Located a block from Independence Hall and surrounded by cobblestone streets, the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel is the way to go if you’re looking to be in the heart of historic Philadelphia. www.cheaptickets.com
Explore
Rocky Balboa ran up them, now you can too! I’m referring to the stairs in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum. Student tickets are only $10, but Sunday is pay what you wish day, so you can pass with fifty-cents and a smile. Take a trip to this renowned art museum and check out their current exhibit, Renoir Landscapes. www.philamuseum.org
Need to go shopping? Whether you’re looking for knock-off bags, bootlegged movies, local art, fetish attire or a vintage sweater, South Street is the place to go. With over 300 shops, it’s impossible not to find a store you’ll enjoy. www.southstreet.com
Act like a true Philadelphia Eagles fan and hang out at Chickie’s and Pete’s, recently rated by ESPN as the third-best sports bar in the country. Known for its famous hard-shelled crabs, beer and especially crab-seasoned fries, Chickie’s and Pete’s is the most popular place to be during an Eagles’ game. www.chickiesandpetes.com
Feed Me!
Cereal nut or not, Cereality on UPenn’s campus is the coolest concept for a new twist on your typical bowl of cereal. Stand in line and choose from a variety of cereals, milks (even chocolate and strawberry!) and fun toppings like fruit, nuts and malt balls to add to your creation. Fill your bowl at 134 W. College Avenue. www.cereality.com
If you’re in Philadelphia, you can’t leave without trying one of Philly’s best-known specialties: the cheesesteak. Choose between the two most famous competing cheesesteak places in Philly, Geno’s or Pat’s; you may even want to try both and take sides in the debate. You won’t have to walk far: they’re right across the street from each other. www.genosteaks.com & www.patskingofsteaks.com
Winning numerous awards over the years, the Pink Rose Pastry Shop has delicious handcrafted pastries, cakes and cookies that will make you ask for thirds. The quaint pastry shop is open until 10:30 p.m. and offers a wide variety of excellent desserts that Philadelphians come back for time and time again. www.pinkrosepastry.com
