Philadelphia Travel Forum

Hi.
I will stay 2 days in Philadelphia combining business (need to stop at my consolate) and leisure.
I was wandering which side of the river is best to get an hotel: Downtown (convention center) or University side?
During the days I will mostly be downtown side, but I would like to stay close to an area where would be enjoyable to walk and maybe hop in some bar or clubs at night.

Thanks

You definitely don't want to stay on the University side. Aside from the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, there is really nothing there to see or do (aside from a few bars full of college kids), and there are parts that can be pretty unsafe (Philly is suffering from a huge crime problem lately). I would suggest staying on the "downtown" side of the river, where everything is pretty walkable. Old City is kind of Philly's nightlife hub, and it is also home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc. The Center City area is also great for restaurants and nightlife. The Art Museum area is a little less central to everything, but is picturesque and there are a few nice hotels. Enjoy Philly!

I completely agree with the above. There's plenty of nightlife on South Street and on Broad Street, and nothing special in the university area you can't get in Old City. The only reason to stay in the univ area is a great deal on lodging, which is not that likely.

Do NOT go west of 40th Street or so; and I say that as someone who willingly drives in this area at night all the time.