Philadelphia has long been nicknamed "The City of Brotherly Love" from the literal meaning of the city's name in Greek: (phileo) and brother (adelphos)
Philadelphia Airport
Airport Accessibility Leah Douglas,
PHL ADA Coordinator
1-215-937-5533
PHL Accessibility Booklet (The PHL Website is comprehensive and leads to additional resources.
PHL offers an accessibility guide that can be reached through the site in the left column) TSA Cares 1-855-787-2227 TSA Cares provides assistance through airport security but it’s suggested to contact them at least 72 hours before your flight. Airlines
Most airline phone numbers and websites are available on the PHL website page
The website lists all airlines that fly to and from PHL.
PHL Services and Amenities Some of the services provided include nursing stations, lounges, passes, shop and restaurant discounts, charging stations, child play areas, WIFI and adult assisted care restrooms.
See the website for exact locations
Phone numbers for rental car companies can be found on their websites, all of which can be accessed using the column to the right.
There are many airport parking options (daily, long term and public and private lots). See the website.
PHL SEPTA Bus & Train Service
1-215-580-7800
https://www.phl.org/getting-around/public-transportation
SEPTA, Philly’s public transportation, has airport bus and train service. According to the SEPTA website, buses are wheelchair accessible. Please note that getting to the venue from the airport might require a transfer.
PHL Taxi, Limousine & Shuttle Services
Similar and more Information is given in the “Taxi, Limousine & Shuttle Services” Table below.
The Airport map includes locations for restaurants, shops, lounges, restrooms, airlines, free-health amenities and directions.
International Travel
PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PHL)
1-215-937-6937
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
WILLIAM H. GRAY III 30th Street (AMTRAK) 2955 Market Street
1-800-872-7245
Scroll to “Station Details
Amenities (at station)
Scroll to “Station Details.
This guide is specifically for Philadelphia.
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
1-215-580-3335
General information on the website has additional resources.
General Bus Information (and maps and directions)
1-215-580-7800
Maps & Directions:
https://wwww.septa.org/destinations/
According to several websites, all buses are wheelchair accessible.
Provides information on how to get to specific places.
1-215-580-7145
SEPTA provides service for local residents after an application process for people with disabilities “who are functionally unable to use regular accessible fixed-route bus service for some or all their transportation needs.” Call ahead.
Train stations
1-215-580-7800
Elevator Status Hotline: 1-877-737-8248
Complete List of Accessible Stations
According to Internet resources, SEPTA trains are wheelchair accessible. However, not all stations and trolleys are. Thus, check the list in the adjacent column beforehand. Also see if the to-be-utilized stations have working elevators.
SEPTA Maps (for subways, trolleys and regional trains) 1-215-580-7800
Maps also can let you know which stations have wheelchair accessibility. Note again that not all trolleys and their corresponding stations are accessible.
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION
Taxi, Limousine & Shuttle Services
GPS Transportation 1-215-774-9913
GPS recommends calling in advance and noted that they can even arrange a group transport. You also can send a message via the website.
1-215-438-8888
Dispatcher recommended calling ahead.
1-215-467-6666
Call at least a day before as the dispatcher noted that there is a limited number of drivers during the summer.
(Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle)
1-833-873-8237
App Directions: Open app and enter destination in the "Where to?" box. Once you confirm your pickup and destination addresses are correct, select WAV at the bottom of your screen (a promo code is required in some cities). Then tap Confirm WAV.
(Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle)
Call 803-255-7124 within 60 to 90 minutes during service hours for a DART Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) to pick up.
App Directions: To enable wheelchair access, open the Lyft app menu. Tap ‘Settings.’ Tap ‘Wheelchair access.’
Philly PHLASH Bus - Shuttle Service
1-800-537-7676
All buses are wheelchair accessible with lifts and chair securement.
A route runs between Penn’s Landing and the Philadelphia Museum of Art with stops in between.
ACCESSIBLE VAN RENTAL
Wheelchair Getaways Accessible Van Rentals 1-866-224-1750
This is a referral service.
1-856-848-3470; 1-888-433-4120
About 5 ½ miles from Philadelphia International Airport. There is a significant delivery fee for pick up at the airport.
Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals 1-623-776-8830 Three minutes from the airport. There is a first-time-user discount of 10%, and an $80 delivery fee for pick up at the airport. However, storage is at the airport (Wally Park), a three-minute walk from terminals.
Cloud of Goods Rentals can only be booked through the website.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
A Complete Guide to Getting Around Philly (bus, train, trolley, subway, taxi, ride sharing, etc.)
Wheelchair Accessible Public Transportation Philadelphia
The Mobility Resource: Accessible Transportation in Philadelphia
Parking for Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing (venue)
Towne Park, LLC (Garage entry is 6 ft., 5 in.)
201 South Christopher Columbus Blvd
1-215-521-6500
Self-parking: $55.13 per day
Valet parking: $67.38
EV charging: Not available
Secured: Not available
Covered: Available
In/Out privileges: Available
Ritz East Parking (outdoor parking and a few blocks from venue)
107 Chestnut Street
1-201-253-0953
Autopark at Olde City (about three blocks away from the venue and entry is 6 ft., 7 in.)
125 South 2nd Street
1-215-683-9407
Bourse Garage (Height restriction of 6 ft., 4 in, and about a six-minute walk from venue)
47 South 4th Street
1-215-568-4018
DISCOUNT/COUPON PARKING WEBSITES
Note: Website provides garages near Penn’s Landing with more information.
RESTAURANTS
Keating's Rope & Anchor Bar + Kitchen onsite/at conference hotel
American cuisine and sustainable seafood
201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-521-6509
Spanish with tapas: 0.2 miles from venue
217-219 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-625-2450
Contemporary, seafood: 0.2 miles
104 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-267-324-3745
Bistro Romano Italian: 0.3 miles
120 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-925-8880
Asian, Vegetarian: 0.3 miles
325 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-574-9440
French, European: 0.2 miles
233 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-644-9395
Located at original Bookbinder’s
Seafood: 0.1 miles
125 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-267-284-7979
Italian: 0.1 miles
34 South Front Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-592-7761
Japanese, Vegetarian: 0.4 miles
228 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-267-519-0209
Middle Eastern/Israeli: 0.2 miles
237 St. James Place
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-625-8800
Cheesesteaks, burgers, shakes: 0.2 miles
206 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-515-3255
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings
Chicken: 0.2 miles
300 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-220-6173
Cheesesteaks burgers, sandwiches: 0.2 miles
228 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-629-5760
Shake Shack Midtown Village Burgers & Shakes: 0.5 miles
12th and Chestnut streets
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-709-2702
Cheesesteaks & Hoagies: 0.5 miles
214 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-923-1000
PIZZA
Pizza: 0.2 miles
229 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-964-9218
Pizza: 0.3 miles
400 South 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-320-8000
Pizza: 0.3 miles
215 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-267-968-2626
Wood Fired Pizza by Oh Brother
Pizza: 0.2 miles
212 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-845-5902
SWEETS
Ice cream, baked goods: 0.1 miles
116 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-627-1899
Ice cream, baked goods: 0.1 miles
299 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Philadelphia, PA
Italian bakery with multiple locations
1523 South 8th Street
1538 Packer Avenue
12th & Filbert streets
1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
900 Packer Avenue
1-800-882-7650
BEVERAGES
onsite/at conference hotel
201 S Christopher Columbus Bl
Philadelphia, PA
Cafe Tolia (Old City)
26 North 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-267-687-2533
Coffee Zeit (Old City)
246 Race St
Philadelphia, PA
1-609-592-1003
T Cafe (0.2 miles)
108 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-267-732-4419
Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen (0.2 miles)
126 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-267-687-7878
Race Street Cafe (Old City)
208 Race Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-627-6181
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
PHARMACY
CVS (Old City)
259 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-625-3740
1101 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-629-5690
241 S. 6th Street, #5
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-925-1466
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
Allcare Medical Equipment (extensive inventory with several locations)
8348 Bustleton Avenue (Northeast Philly), 1-215-745-4010
126 9 North 9th Street (Center City), 1-215-922-4010
Marx Medical Equipment & Supplies (sales, rentals, repairs)
2814 East Allegheny Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-426-9242
URGENT CARE
618 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-583-0618
1420 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-999-1420
917 Arch Street, Unit 107
Philadelphia, PA
1-267-500-9767
1-267-703-2345
HOSPITALS AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
3401 Civic Center Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-590-1000
800 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-800-789-7366
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
132 South 10th Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-955-6840
ANIMALS AND SCIENCE
3400 W. Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-243-1100
Adventure Aquarium (across the Delaware River from Penn’s Landing)
One Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
1-844- 474-3474
Franklin Institute (Science and Technology Museum with a Planetarium)
222 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-448-1200
HISTORY
317 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-965-2305
525 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-409-6600
520 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-965-2305
211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-413-8655
526 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-965-2305
Museum of the American Revolution
101 South 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-253-6731
151 N Independence Mall E
Philadelphia, PA
1-800-872-6468
ART
2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-278-7000
Otherworld Philadelphia (interactive)
2500 Grant Ave #1
Philadelphia, PA
1-267-332-5391
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-763-1800
2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-763-8100
PERFORMING ARTS
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA
Additional Theater and Music Resources
Philadelphia Theatre (very informative)
BASEBALL
Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Team
Citizens Bank Park
1 Citizens Bank Way
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-463-1000
Note: The Phillies will have at-home games with the Detroit Tigers and the Baltimore Orioles during Sci Fam.
SHOPPING
Reading Terminal Market (a 125-year-old farmer’s market with food and crafts)
1136 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA
Fashion District Philadelphia (indoor shopping mall)
901 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA
The Shops at Liberty Place (indoor shopping mall)
1625 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-851-9055
PARKS
There are more than 26 parks are scattered throughout Philadelphia. They can be found adjacent to roadways, in front of museums, among City squares and along the waterfronts of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. Many have shaded areas to relax and food stands while others have watering spots and trails. Below are several parks near the venue but to find additional green space, see the last two websites.
Features music, restaurant vendors, hammocks and floating gardens. Closest to venue.
301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-922-2386
This park sits at the edge of Old City and provides up-close views of the Ben Franklin Bridge. There’s also a lawn, plant beds and benches.
N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-922-2386
Independence National Historical Park
This is located and begins in Old City, near the Ben Franklin Bridge. The start of this park is surrounded by historical buildings like Independence Hall and various museums. There are tree-lined paths, lawn areas and gardens.
1-215-965-2305
This is across from Independence Hall and not to0 far from the venue. There are tree-lined paths and a fountain.
210 West Washington Square
Philadelphia, PA
1-215-965-2305
Additional Park Resources
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
NEIGHBORHOOD EXPLORATION
Old City, where many say “America began,” is closest to the venue and next to Independence Mall. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and cobblestone streets to roam through.
Chinatown is north of Old City and lies between Vine and Arch streets and 8th and 11th streets. There’s an abundance of East Asian businesses to explore.
Logan Square, which is west of Penn’s Landing, includes museums and lots of green space as well as office buildings and high rises.
Market East is west of Old City and home to City Hall, the Philadelphia Convention Center and Reading Terminal Market. Besides shopping and dining, there are galleries and museums.
Rittenhouse Square, known to be a stylish, active neighborhood, is west of the venue and south of Market East. There are plenty of restaurants, boutiques, theaters and bars.
Neighborhood Articles & Websites
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
16 Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Philadelphia
A Guide to Accessible Philadelphia
Philadelphia City Pass: Savings for multiple sites and sponsored by Groupon.
National Geographic
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/guide-to-philadelphia-philly-usa
New York Times (might require subscription to read)
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/04/27/travel/things-to-do-philadelphia.html
Lonely Planet
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/pennsylvania/philadelphia
Philadelphia Magazine
https://www.phillymag.com/things-to-do/do-philly-like-a-tourist/
Many thanks to Sondra Mermelstein, Lyn Baier, Sarah Foye, and Joelle Robinson for their contributions