A Football Fan’s Definitive Travel Guide to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is home of the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League.

American Football

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is home of the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). The Eagles will play the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. Here’s a travel guide for visiting football fans – what to do, what to eat, and where to stay.

The Minnesota Vikings will face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday 21  January 2018 in the NFL championship game.

Whichever team wins, will go to Super Bowl LII, which will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

What is interesting is that neither the Eagles nor the Vikings have ever won a Super Bowl. So both teams should be especially hungry.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Philadelphia

The view from the observation deck at One Liberty, an office building in Pennsylvania.

As long as you’re traveling to Philadelphia for the game, why not arrive one or two days early or stay another day or two to take in some of the sights that the City of Brotherly Love has to offer.

Here’s a short list of some of Philly’s top things to see and do …

• One Liberty Observation Deck – one of the best spots to get an overview of the City of Brothery Love is at One Liberty Observation Deck at 1650 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA.
• Independence Hall – where courageous men gathered in defiance of the King of England and scripted the Declaration of Independence, which led to the establishment of the United State of America at Independence Hall on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th streets, Philadelphia, PA.
• Liberty Bell Center – the original Liberty Bell is on display at Liberty Bell Center, 6th and Market streets, Philadelphia, PA.
• President’s House – the paradox of slavery and freedom is the focus of this house museum, where the first president of the United States resided and was served by nine slaves at 600 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA.
• Benjamin Franklin Museum – artefacts and historical objects are on display at this site honouring Benjamin Franklin at 317 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA.
• National Constitution Center – interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and a rare original copy of the Declaration of Independence are on display at the National Constitution Center at 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA.
• Museum of the American Revolution – opening last April, the Museum of the American Revolution displays 118,000 square feet of artifacts from the Revolutionary era at 101 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA.
• Franklin Institute – an exploration of science and technology the Franklin insitute at 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA.
• Philadelphia Zoo –  a 42-acre site with a variety of animal exhibits at 3400 West Grand Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.
• Adventure Aquarium –  located on the Camden Waterfront, this is the largest aquarium on the East Coast at 1 Riverside Drive in Camden New Jersey, just across the river from Philadelphia, PA.

Save 44% on Admission to 4 of Philly’s Top Tourists Attractions!>>

Where to Eat in Philadelphia

You won’t go hungry in Philly, but you might put on a few pounds. The first restaurant was recommended by local tourism officials.

I’ve included it because I’m a history buff and love heritage architecture. I think it would also be fascinating to find out what the period cuisine tasted like.

The other restaurants were recommended by local football fans.

• City Tavern – 138 South 2nd Street (at Walnut Street), Philadelphia, PA. Tel: (215) 413-1443, First opened in 1773, City Tavern was the meeting place of delegates of the First Continental Congress. Rebuilt in 1976, it serves dishes from the 18th century served by staff wearing period costumes. Recommended by Visit Philadelphia.com.
• Reading Terminal Market – 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA. One of America’s larget and oldest public markets, Reading Terminal Market is housed in a National Historic Landmark building dating back to 1893. “A must eat place is Reading Terminal Market! Here you can get a ton of different options, but do NOT miss the roast pork sandwich from Dinic’s,” says S. Elias Shaika.
• Federal Donuts – 1219 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA. Tel: (267) 687-8258. Serves coffee, donuts, and chicken. Recommended by S. Elias Shaika.
• The Cheesecake Factory – 1430 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. Tel: (267) 457-2203. Recommended by Garry Simmons.
• Champagne Cafe – 21 East Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Tel: (215) 849-7366.  Recommended by Garry Simmons.
• Maggiano’s Little Italy – 1201 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA. Tel: (215) 567-2020. Recommended by Wil Jamison.
• Chickie’s and Pete’s South Philly – 1526 Packer Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Tel: (215) 218-0500. “For anyone going INTO the game (or able to go to the locations or Xfinity Live, Chickie’s N Pete’s crab fries are a must have!” says S. Elias Shaika.

What to Eat in Philadelphia

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich from Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo Credit: JohnnyCalifornia.

Nothing says Philadelphia quite like Philadelphia Cheesesteak Sandwich. Dating back to 1930, the Philadelphia Cheersesteak is a crusty roll filled with thinly sliced sauteed rib-eye beef and melted cheese. Cheez Whiz is the most popular choice, but some eateries use other types of cheese.

In addition to cheese, other popular toppings include fried onions, sauteed mushrooms, ketchup, and hot or sweet peppers.

A popular variation is the cheesesteak hoagie, which combines the traditional cheesesteak with cold hoagie dressings such as lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

The following restaurants serving cheesesteaks were recommended by local football fans.

• Jim’s Steaks South Street – 400 South Street, Philadelphia, PA. Tel: (215) 928-1911. This is the original 1939 location of a local chain serving authentic Philly-style cheesesteaks and hoagies. “Your first stop should be a cheesesteak,” says Wil Jamison.
• Larry’s Steaks – 2459 North 54th Street, Philadelphia, PA. Tel: (215) 879-1776. Recommended by Wil Jamison.
• Dalessandro’s Steaks – 600 Wendover Street, Philadelphia, PA. Tel: (215) 482-5407. “Delassandro’s is the best, but it’s on Henry Avenue, not in Center City,” says Wil Jamison.
• Max’s Cheese Steak – 3653 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Tel: (215) 229-9048. Recommended by Garry Simmons.

Where to Stay Near Lincoln Financial Field

Only two hotels are within a reasonable walking distance of the stadium. There are plenty of options, however, further afield. These are 10 of the closest hotels and motels to Lincoln Financial Field. They are all within 3.5 miles of the stadium.

These properties are listed because of their proximity to the stadium, and their inclusion does not mean an endorsement.

Click on the hotel names beneath the photos for a direct link to hotel and hotel group websites and do your own due diligence.

Courtyard Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard – 0.4 miles from the stadium: 1001 Intrepid Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Check room rates and guest reviews on Hotels.com

Holiday Inn Philadelphia Stadium – 0.7 miles from the stadium: 900 Packer Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Check room rates and guest reviews on Hotels.com

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Philadelphia – 3.2 miles to the stadium: 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA. Check out room rates and guest reviews on Hotels.com

Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham Philadelphia Airport – 3.3 miles from the stadium: 7890 Penrose Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Check room rates and guest reviews on Hotels. com

Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Midtown – 3.4 miles from the stadium: 1301 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. Check room rates and guest reviews on Hotels. com

Ritz-Carlson Philadelphia – 3.5 miles from the stadium: 10 Avenue of the Arts, Pennsylvania, PA. Check room rates and guest reviews on Hotels. com

The Westin Philadelphia – 3.5 miles from the stadium: 99 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA. Check room rates and guest reviews on Hotels. com

Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport – 3.4 miles from the stadium: 4101b Island Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Check room rates and guest reviews on  Hotels. com

Sheraton Philadelphia Society Hill Hotel  – 3.4 miles from the stadium.: One Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA. Check room rates and guest reviews on  Hotels. com

Aloft Philadelphia Airport – 3.5 miles from the stadium: 4301 Island Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Check room rates and guest reviews on Hotels. com

If You’re Flying …

Philadelphia is served by Philadelphia International Airport. The sprawling airport has seven terminals.

PHL is served by 16 airlines. The airport is a hub for American Airlines and a focus city for Frontier Airlines. It is served by several international carriers, including the following Accidental Travel Writer affiliates:

• Lufthansa German Airlines
• Qatar Airways

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority connects with airport with Center City. Trains run every 30 minutes.

The drive from the airport to the stadium takes about 10 minutes, depending on  traffic. Public transportation will  run from 30 minutes to more than one hour.

Click here for the Top 10 Philadelphia Eagles Sports Bars>>

Your Input Wanted

Do you live or have you visited the Philadelphia area? If so, please comment on sightseeing attractions, restaurants, and/or hotels in the COMMENT box below.

Your input will be much appreciated by other visiting sports fans!

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