In the past few years, Philadelphia's reputation has been tarnished by an increased number of murders. Despite this, however, crime in the major shopping and tourist areas is largely confined to muggings and purse snatchings. However, as in any large U.S. city, visitors are advised to be cautious. Exercise your common sense after dark. Ask your hotel's concierge or at the front desk for advice about the specific areas you wish to visit. It is also important to note that, although Philadelphia is a major urban environment, it still closes down by 2 am. Crime issues are relatively insignificant in the Center City section of Philadelphia, with its many restaurants and nightclubs.
Philadelphia has a large number of hospitals, and many of them have fully staffed emergency rooms available daily 24 hours. The University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, at 3400 Spruce St., is closest to the airport hotels. Pennsylvania Hospital (at Eighth and Spruce streets) and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (at 11th and Walnut streets) are closest to Independence National Historic Park. The Graduate Hospital (between 18th and 19th on Lombard Street) is near the business district.
CVS Pharmacy is open daily 24 hours and is located at 1410 S. 10th St. (at Read Street). Phone 215-465-2130. Eckerd/Thrift Drug, at 522 S. Second St. (between Lombard and South streets), is open Monday-Friday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm. Phone 215-625-9840.
A handicapped-access map of all the buildings and sites of Independence National Historical Park is available at Philadelphia's visitors center at the corner of Sixth and Market streets. A relief model of Independence Park, for use by the sight impaired, is located outside the visitors center as well. For a list of accessible restaurants, museums and entertainment sites, contact the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities, Municipal Services Building, Room 900, 1401 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone 215-686-2798 or 215-564-1782 (TDD). http://www.phila.gov/aco/mcpd.html. Also available through the Convention and Visitors Bureau (phone 215-636-1666). http://www.pcvb.org.
Do ask the highly visible members of the Center City District's goodwill ambassador program for directions or help. They wear teal-colored uniforms and are funded by the private sector to assure safety and hospitality for tourists and locals alike. In the University City area, ambassadors are outfitted in yellow.
Don't forget to carry quarters with you to feed the meters if you plan on parking on the street.
Do visit Philly in the fall or winter if you're traveling on a budget; many hotel and restaurant prices drop significantly in the cooler months.
Don't look for wine in supermarkets. In Pennsylvania, wine and spirits are sold only in state stores, while beer and wine coolers are available at delis and grocery stores.
Do be sure your taxi is metered before you get into it.
Don't drive in the bus lanes in Center City; the police are constantly on the lookout and will ticket you.
Do check out http://www.buyphilly.com for Philadelphia items from wearable art to gourmet foods. It's perfect for those who want to take home a bit of the city but don't have time to go shopping.
