 | Philadelphia Big City Survival Tactics Reviews | 1 - 10 of 14 |  |
I lived in Philly for about two years and not once have felt that I was in danger. Okay, one night I felt a bit weird in the subway as they were some really weird people there, but apart from that I can say that if you use your common sense, Philly is quite a safe place to be. First - City Center is really safe. I worked for a criminal lawyer in Philly and know from there that hardly any serious crime happens here. Lots of crime happens in North Philadelphia and another really nasty spot is the corner of Broad Street and Girard. Don't go there. If you come for sightseeing, you will mainly be in City Center anyway. I lived on 'Temple University campus and the campus is pretty safe. But don't go to the adjoining areas. On the corner of Cecil B. Moore and Broad Street some of my fellow students had to witness a double murder on a Sunday afternoon. To sum up: stick to City Center, University City and Temple Campus. South Philly is okay during daylight, though not too recommendable. Stay away from Northern Philadelphia. The subway is pretty safe during the day. In the evening, don't take it if you don't have to or stay within a group of friends. Rather take a cab or a bus. Avoid getting gas at night, you might be surrounded by shady figures asking for money within a few seconds (happened to a friend of mine). Apart from that - do what you should always do: don't wave around with money and don't go into unfamiliar and shady areas. Leave a Comment
|
 | |  |
Visiting Philadelphia?
Read reviews about Philadelphia Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 Traffic Jam by bct341
The pic I took here was the third major traffic jam I was in driving from Dover, DE to Philadelphia on Interstate 95. One was a 13 mile backup!! When I drive to Washington D.C on business from Philadephia, I count my blessings when I can make it all the way there without being in a traffic jam. There is always heavy traffic on the major interstates between the cities and within them as well.
If you planning on driving on the east coast... realize the time frames for your normal rush hours.. 7-9 am and 4 - 7pm, Monday to Friday. But... also realize that in the summer months traffic is very very heavy on Friday nights going south and East and on Sundays going North and west. This is mostly beach traffic and you can get stuck in some nasty traffic jams at toll booths or bridges. Just hope there isn't an accident somewhere ... yikes :)
Friday nights and Sunday nights can get heavy all year also because a lot of people commute from where they work.. to where they live or have family.
In Philadephia.. listen to the AM radio station 1060 for traffic updates.... I don't go anywhere without tuning in and if you have computer access, check out the traffic.com website before you take that drive. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
I took the subways a few times and I noticed one thing - most people wait upstair and not on the platforms. I guess thats the way how you can tell whether the platforms are safe or not....That was Day Time & I just followed . Its always good to be on the safe side ! Leave a Comment
|
any city is not exactly the safest... but if you're not from here, you might not realize that philly can turn ugly in a matter of ONE block. Depending on where you are of course
IF you visit - stay away from North Philadelphia - unless someone you know who lives here wants to drive you thru it, don't go there - its worse than dangerous, and there's nothing to see anyway except for dire poverty, gangs, and lots of drugs... whatever you do - don't take the train there eitehr - bad experience! temple university is there, which may make it sound safe, but trust me - its not.
As for West Philly - the area around UPenn... some streets are going to be ok, and then you'll turn the corner adn you'll be in a war zone. Stay where all the students are..
Center City is ok for the most part - the only thing you want to be careful of is the subway or market east and suburban stations at night - Suburban more so b/c its so far under the ground that no ones cell phones work - if you were to need help, you will be stuck - no reception... and there's never any security at night making sure things are ok - if anything, try waiting at 30th street where there's more people usually - Market East can get shady too... especially at night if you're alone - a lot of homeless guys sleep there which is understandable, but again, there' sreally never any security.
I've lived here for over 10 years and only had a few problems - it all comes down to being street smart -
|
| | |
I have lived in Center City Philadelphia for 13 years and feel very comfortable walking anywhere in it, South Street to Vine, alone, up until about 10 pm. You can in fact walk anywhere you're going in the Center City area...it's not all that large.
As in any city, don't dangle your purse from your shoulder or put it down on the ground while you take a photo. Don't engage shady-looking characters in long converstions. Panhandlers are not dangerous. I often give food, but never money.
I work in the University City area and also feel quite safe there in the daytime. Because of less traffic and less light, I am somewhat more leery of walking around this area by myself at night. Leave a Comment
|
Visiting Philadelphia?
Read reviews about Philadelphia Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
Philadelphia has it's dangers just like any big city. I will just give you a brief reminder of the things you should keep in mind while in the city.
Don't walk alone at night, and be mindful of your surroundings.
Never carry large sums of money on your person, or leave them in your hotel room-- leave extra money in the safe at the front desk.
(This one may appear racist, but it is not intended to be, it's just 'the way it is'.) Some communities in the city do not welcome people of other ethnic or sexual persuasions or race. While I think it is sad and close minded on their part, you can be putting your self in danger if you go in these areas uninvited or unescorted. Be mindful of where you are-- you could be entering someone else's *territory*. (I think this whole thing is stressful, which is one of the reasons I could never live in the city.)
Don't leave valuables in plain view in your vehicle and lock the doors.
Parking is an absolute nightmare in Philadelphia. Plan extra time to find a spot if you have an appointment. Expect to pay exhorbitant prices to park. I suggest you leave your car behind and use public transportation.
Philly has reliable transportation-- trolly, subway, bus, high speedline, train-- we've got it all. They can take you wherever you want to go. Just one word of caution, Philly's underground subway is one of the filthiest I have ever seen, and some really shady charaters are about-- but it can get you where you need to go. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 by keeweechic
. Leave a Comment
|
None really, except the normal: Be aware of your surroundings all the time, never give any money to beggers( which I am sure you dont do anyway)!.There are plenty of police around the historical sites, so if you ever feel unsafe or lost, they can help you. Leave a Comment
|
As with any big city, practice discretion, but you don't need to be too paranoid here. Mainly, you just have to be a little more cautious at night.
The primary tourist areas, including Center City(Spring Garden to South, Delaware river to Schuylkill river), are fine in the daytime. At night, just be aware and stay where you see other people.
After 10PM, it's a good idea to stay off the subways (unless you're riding home from South Philly after a game); take a bus or taxi instead. Also, use caution at night at regional train stations (R trains) outside of Center City.
Other places tourists should generally avoid: North Philly, West Philly west of UPenn & Drexel areas. Leave a Comment
|
Use big city survival tactics and stay in the tourist areas and you should be fine. Dress down when walking around (Don't look like a visitor). Use common sense, don't flash money, etc... Stay out of the many drug infested areas, it is very dangerous. I owned a store for three years in the Frankford section of North philly, I was lucky to get out alive! Leave a Comment
|
 | 1 | 2 |  |
|
| Best Philadelphia Travel Deals |
Hotels in Philadelphia
Save up to 50% on Hotels at Expedia And Now Earn ThankYou Points Too! Philly Tours
City Tours in Philadelphia, PA. Book Online and Save. 888-478-1479 Philadelphia Pa Vacation
Get a Free 3 Night Disney Cruise When You Buy Select Trips By 1/15. Graystones Preserve
Historic Poconos Private Retreat. Fly Fishing, Hiking, Birding, Arts. Hotel Philadelphia
Limited Time Rate Of $59/Night Book Now. World Class Resort/Casino Sponsored Links
- Grandview Suites
1100 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA - Penn Tower Hotel
Civic Center Boulevard at 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA - Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia
237 South Broad Street Broad and Locust Streets, Philadelphia, PA - Rittenhouse 1715, A Boutique Hotel
1715 Rittenhouse Square Street (formerly Rittenhouse Square Bed and Breakfast), Philadelphia, PA - The Independent
1234 Locust St. (formerly The Inn on Locust), Philadelphia, PA - Embassy Suites Philadelphia Center City
1776 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA - Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown
21 Juniper Street, Philadelphia, PA - Holiday Inn Philadelphia Stadium
900 Packer Avenue 10th and Packer Avenue, Philadelphia, PA - Best Western Independence Park Hotel
235 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA - Conwell Inn
1331 West Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA - Chestnut Hill Hotel
8229 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA - Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Northeast
9461 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA - Latham Hotel - Philadelphia
135 South 17th Street (Walnut and 17th), Philadelphia, PA - Radisson Plaza Warwick Hotel Philadelphia
1701 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA - Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City
One East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
|
