Philadelphia is open for business: Here's what you need to know to plan a trip
Philadelphia is having a moment: The Sixers are in the playoffs, there's a new Four Seasons with a pool that dreams are made of, a new Centurion Lounge at the Philadelphia (PHL) airport, and for those on the Eastern Seaboard not ready to jump on a plane just yet the city is easily accessible by rail.
And as of June 11, the city of Philadelphia is officially back in business as all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.
The past year-plus has been tough on Philly, just as it has been on most cities across the US and around the world.
"So much of city life is about interacting with people on the street. Everything shut down so quickly and people had to lock themselves inside [if you could]. So the sense of community that was just so present on the street evaporated, instantly," said South Philly native and co-owner of South Fellini apparel shop, Johnny Zito. "One of our favorite Philly videos is of customers at Jim's Steaks, standing in line, and singing Boyz II Men together. That kind of weird spontaneity, an energy that makes Philly the way it is, had to go away so we could do the responsible thing and socially distance."
"What I have missed most about Philadelphia in the last year is the lively nature of this city, as once the pandemic hit mid-March 2020, tourism significantly decreased," said Gilbert Santana, GM at the Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia. "Philadelphia has always been a vibrant city with its rich history, and arts and entertainment offerings. The city’s strong sense of community is instilled in its residents and felt by our visitors."
"We were pretty impressed with how everybody came together to help during the lockdown. People funneled that loud, Philly energy into new charities, services, and businesses. As things open up we're really excited to see what the next version of Philadelphia looks like," said Zito.
The next version is here. "There's a general sense of optimism when we talk about the future," said Zito.
"Since we officially opened our doors for travelers in October 2020, we have seen demand for leisure travel begin to ramp up, with a strong outlook heading into the summer," said Santana.
You can officially eat your cheesesteak indoors, explore the wonder-filled Magic Gardens, and brush up on your history at the African American Museum.
That said, there are a few things to know before you pack your jawn.
There is plenty to do...
Most museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels have reopened for business.
If the Four Seasons is out of your budget, consider the newly-opened Hyatt Centric or the Motto by Hilton (review coming soon) at Rittenhouse Square.
Related: The real deal: Why the new Four Seasons in Philly is the perfect weekend getaway
Aside from doing your due diligence exploring Independence Hall, don't miss the aforementioned African American Museum, the Barnes Foundation and United States Mint (the only time you'll catch us fawning over cash).
When it comes to restaurants, there's no shortage of incredible things to eat. Grab a bottle of Crémant and some Camembert and relax in the Di Bruno Bros. plaza in the Italian Market (just make sure to save room for dinner at Esquire Best New Restaurant Kalaya just up the road). Get a table and a Detroit-style pie at Down North Pizza. Have breakfast for dinner at South Philly mainstay Melrose Diner.
Explore the more than 2,000 acres at Fairmount Park after a day at the museum, or venture out to Wissahickon Valley Park for even more nature.
Head on over to the Deleware River, lace up your roller skates and hit the Blue Cross RiverRink then take a load off in the hammocks at the Spruce Street Harbor Park.
Cruise the shops along East Passyunk Ave. (pronounced "pa-shunk"), like South Fellini, which has not only weathered the storm but managed to come out on the other side better than ever. "The immediacy of the shut down was really tough. We spent years building a business and then overnight we had to close. We didn't know if we'd ever reopen," said Zito. "During 2020 we shifted focus to our website and original content creation to keep our customers engaged. South Fellini launched a podcast, a city-wide scavenger hunt, and a free Blockbuster Box where people can exchange DVDs."
Browse around Fishtown for MCM (that's mid-century modern, of course) furniture finds and craft beer.
Related: Can’t-Miss Philadelphia Attractions for Families
...But not everything is open — yet.
Restrictions have been lifted but lingering effects remain. I was disappointed to find not only the hip ground-floor restaurant and bar at the Motto by Hilton closed on a recent visit but the rooftop restaurant as well.
While attractions like the Mint are open, certain aspects like the gift shop may not be, so plan your souvenir expectations accordingly.
A few of my favorite watering holes, like The Ransetad Room, are also still closed.
This shouldn't stop you from planning a trip by any means (as a creature of habit I've found this is good motivation to try new places), but make sure to call ahead to find out who has the lights on.
Related: 7 easy Philadelphia escapes you can get to in 3 hours or less
Some COVID restrictions still linger...
Some businesses still require masks or have other COVID-era modifications in place. Indoor seating at restaurants can be limited or hours may have changed.
If you take the Amtrak to get to Philly, you'll need a mask on the train as well. Be prepared and you won't have a problem.
...some of which are for the better.
It's summer and a great time to take advantage of being outdoors — even in a city. Philly is incredibly walkable, and the proliferation of outdoor seating at restaurants and bars has kept an added element of summer fun to the streets — perfect for people watching.
Other indoor activities are here to stay as well (for now at least): "One of the initiatives that we’re continuing to see strong demand for is the Hyatt Night In offering at Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia, which provides a local escape or staycation to break from the routine and enjoy a truly unique stay...The popularity of this offering among local travelers has been an indicator of the pent-up desire for travel and new experiences," said Santana.
Related: First look: The Private Suite Dinner program at Philadelphia’s Hyatt Centric Center City
You'll also find more contactless payment options than ever and hand sanitizer pretty much everywhere (but good luck finding parking).
Photo by Yongyuan Dai/Getty Images
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.