<p>So I’ll be visiting my brother in Virginia in June, and I plan on going up to Philly to disobey sightseeing by myself. My parents are naturally concerned but I think it should be fine. What are some suggestions for a solo traveler in a big city? What are some good places to see and explore besides the usual touristy places?</p>
<p>So long as you stay aware of your surroundings as you should…no matter where you are…you should be fine. </p>
<p>As for places to see, I tend to be a history buff and love museums ranging from Independence Hall to UPenn’s Archaeology Museum. Also took the opportunity to try Philly Ices and cheesesteak…though I tend not to like anything with cheese-it or American Cheese. </p>
<p>Only things I’d warn about is if you’re visiting in June…Philly tends to get very hot and muggy. Was there twice this past summer…and the temperatures/humidity got to the point one could be in danger of heatstroke if one wasn’t careful about staying hydrated.</p>
<p>I would go to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Franklin Institute is a great science and industry museum. Go see a Phillies game (if they improve a little…). Go to Reading Terminal Market for a cheesesteak and shoo fly pie. Go to WaWa for TastyKakes.</p>
<p>Go to Reading Terminal, stop at Da Nicks for the best pulled pork sandwich…get it with Broccoli Rabe and sharp provolone…superb…Also ,if you are a Springsteen fan, there is an exhibit at Constitution Hall ,not sure of exact building…</p>
<p>All the things mentioned above (except MOWC idea about Tastykakes, you’d have to grow up with these treats, or you won’t get it).</p>
<p>And, if perhaps you are into Museums and Art- big deal in Philly is the much anticipated opening of the Barnes Museum, along the Ben Franklin Parkway a pretty one mile walk ending with the famed Rocky statue and Philly art museum .</p>
<p>Here is some info about the Barnes Museum:
PHILADELPHIA OPENING
OPENING WEEKEND
Opening Weekend, May 26–28, 2012
An elegant gala kicks off a year-long celebration of the opening of the Barnes in Philadelphia. Exclusive member opportunities, 10 days of special opening events, and other inaugural year programs are made possible thanks to the generous support of PNC, Comcast, and thousands of Barnes Foundation donors, members, volunteers, students, and alumni.</p>
<p>Inexpensive to see Philly - ride the PHLASH- for $2.00 you can ride the entire loop, which stops at about 17 places, even going out to the Please Touch Museum in Fairmount.
[Philadelphia</a> Phlash Downtown Loop Philadelphia — visitphilly.com](<a href=“http://www.visitphilly.com/tours/philadelphia/phlash/]Philadelphia”>Guide to the Philly Phlash Downtown Loop for 2023 - Visit Philadelphia)</p>
<p>Good way to cool off, if it’s hot out.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the info! Definitely not planning on renting a car in Philly.</p>
<p>I’m also planning on heading down to Baltimore and Washington D.C. via Amtrak, I assume I’d need cars in these two places? Also should I stay within the D.C. metro area or stay out in the suburbs in Maryland or Virginia?</p>
<p>Same with Baltimore, should I stay around Downtown and Inner Harbor?</p>
<p>The Mutter Museum is fascinating. Not sure if it’s always so uncrowded, but we had the place to ourselves. [mutter</a> museum](<a href=“Home - Collphyphil”>Home - Collphyphil)</p>
<p>Philadelphia Museum of Art is much underrated, I think. It’s really one of the top art museums in the country, little appreciated outside of the Philadelphia area. Especially strong on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art and sculpture.</p>
<p>Independence Hall is well worth a visit, but I enjoy just walking around the old historic areas of the city, some of which are very well preserved. Lots of fascinating little spots, like the recreated Graff House (Declaration House) where Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence; the Betsy Ross House where Betsy may or may not have sewed the first American flag; the historic Arch Street Friends Meetinghouse, still in use; historic Christ Church where George Washington, Ben Franklin, and many signers of the Declaration of Independence worshiped, and a classic example of 18th Century architecture; Christ Church Burial Ground where Franklin and several other signers of the Declaration are buried.</p>
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<p>I’ve never spent much time in Baltimore but in my opinion it’s easier to get around Washington without a car than with one. The Metro is pretty efficient, and it’s a pretty walkable town. It’s more fun to stay in the District but also more expensive; you might find something cheaper in Arlington, say in Crystal City (near National Airport), Pentagon City (near you-know-what), or in Roslyn (across the river from Georgetown); any of those locations would put you close to a Metro stop that will whisk you into the District in a matter of minutes.</p>
<p>You most definitely do not need – in fact, you do not want – a car in DC. And you want to stay in DC, not in one of the 'burbs. DC is the best city ever for tourists. It’s designed for tourists. Everyone there is a tourist!!!</p>
<p>^^^AND the world class museums are free!! You can spend all week just doing Museums on the mall and see some of the best the world has to offer.</p>