Aer Lingus is about to further add to its list of American destinations, with direct flights from Dublin to Philadelphia taking off from March 25th next.
The new route will operate four times weekly, using a Boeing 757. Fares start at €199 each way, when booked as a return trip. It will further consolidate Dublin Airport’s position as one of Europe’s busiest in terms of transatlantic flights, and passengers will have the usual benefit of US Customs and Immigration pre-clearance.
It opens up a fascinating new option for all who enjoy transatlantic travel. Philadelphia is one of the most historic cities in the United States, and is known as the birthplace of American democracy. It’s also a vibrant, modern city, with much to do and explore.
If you’re interested in visiting, here’s our rundown on top things to do in Philadelphia.
1 – See the Liberty Bell
You’ll find this impressive chunk of historic metalwork in the Liberty Bell Centre in Independence National Historical Park. It weighs 2,080 pounds (that’s 148 stone, or close to one metric tonne), and has a unique place in American history.
English colonists commissioned and installed it in the 1750s, but its most famous sounding was for the first public reading of the American Declaration of Independence in 1776. The bell last rang in 1846 for George Washington’s birthday. Shortly afterwards, a large crack developed, that rendered it unusable.
The crack is still there today and the bell now stands inside a large glass enclosure, but still, expect queues of patriotic Americans and tourists alike, all waiting to get a photo of themselves standing by it. There is no charge to view the bell.
2 – Visit Independence Hall
Just across from the Liberty Bell, you’ll find Independence Hall. It was here that the USA’s founding fathers drafted and signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Original copies of both documents are on display.
Independence Hall also served as the seat of government until 1783. Its assembly room was where George Washington was appointed ‘Commander in Chief of the Continental Army’. This was the title he held until 1789, when he became the first President.
From March to December, admission to Independence Hall is by ticket only. Tickets are technically free, but there is a $1.50 ‘handling fee’. You don’t need tickets in January or February, but you still must join a guided tour.
3 – Follow in Rocky’s footsteps
An absolute must for anybody who’s ever seen the movies. No list of top things to do in Philadelphia would be complete without suggesting that you run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and jump about at the top, just as Sylvester Stallone did as Rocky Balboa in both Rocky and Rocky III.
Also, get your photo by the Rocky statue there. It was first installed at the top of steps while Rocky III was being filmed, but now stands a short distance away, at ground level. Just like the Liberty Bell, be prepared to wait your turn – you won’t be the only one with this idea!
4 – Visit the museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia rivals even Washington DC in terms of museums that celebrate American history and all manner of Americana. You’ll find many along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a stunning boulevard that’s modelled after the Champs Elysées in Paris.
These include the Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art – where you’ll find yourself anyway, if you run up the Rocky steps!
Admission costs vary. There are several options for a ‘Visit Philadelphia’ card that will deliver you discounts to many.
5 – Enjoy a Philly Cheesesteak!
And now for more simple pleasures! Another absolute must in a list of top things to do in Philadelphia is to sample at least one Philadelphia Cheesesteak during your stay.
This classic sandwich is the city’s staple food. At its most basic, it’s chopped or thinly sliced steak with cheese and optional onions, on a ‘hoagie’ bread roll. More creative folks dress it up with all manner of other additions and condiments. It may sound simple, but think how Ireland’s lunchtime favourite – the chicken fillet roll – might sound to outsiders who’ve never tried it either. Trust us when we tell you that a Philly Cheesesteak is tasty, and not to be missed!
Travel Insurance for Philadelphia
If you do end up making plans to travel to Philadelphia, make sure you have travel insurance for your trip.
Travel insurance is particularly important for the USA because of the high cost of healthcare there, should you become ill or suffer an accident. Remember too that you’ll also be covered against all other mishaps that might befall you during your trip, such as lost luggage or cancelled/delayed flights.
Choose single trip travel insurance if your Stateside trip is likely to be your only travelling of the year, or go for annual multi-trip travel insurance if you’re likely to do more travelling during the year too.
Whatever policy you choose with Insure My Holiday, you are assured of a high standard of cover at a low price.
Key benefits of our Gold Plan travel insurance
- Medical Expenses Cover of €5 Million
- Personal Luggage Cover of €2,000
- Personal Money and Documents Cover of €1,600
- Delayed Departure Cover of €200
- Cancellation or Curtailment Cover of €4,000
- Abandonment Cover of €4,000
- Missed Departure Cover of €500
- Personal Accident Cover of €55,000
- Personal Liability Cover of €2,000,000
- Third Party Supplier Insolvency Cover of €2,000
- Schedule Airline Failure Cover of €1,000
- Legal Expenses Cover of €10,000
- Hijack Cover of €1,000
- Catastrophe Cover of €750
- Credit or Cash Card Fraud Cover of €300
Key benefits of our Platinum Plan travel insurance
- Medical Expenses Cover of €10 Million
- Personal Luggage Cover of €3,000
- Personal Money and Documents Cover of €2,000
- Delayed Departure Cover of €400
- Cancellation or Curtailment Cover of €6,000
- Abandonment Cover of €6,000
- Missed Departure Cover of €600
- Personal Accident Cover of €95,000
- Personal Liability Cover of €2,000,000
- Third Party Supplier Insolvency Cover of €2,000
- Schedule Airline Failure Cover of €2,000
- Legal Expenses Cover of €20,000
- Hijack Cover of €2,000
- Catastrophe Cover of €1,000
- Credit or Cash Card Fraud Cover of €500
All are as generous or more generous as you will find with any other travel insurance provider, so it all adds up to even more great reasons to choose Insure My Holiday for all your travel insurance needs.
Just get a travel insurance quote now to see how much you can save!
