Philadelphia Region

Understand

The Philadelphia region is the seventh most populated region in the nation, and the city of Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, is the nation's sixth largest city and the second largest city in the Northeast megalopolis (after New York City).

Regions

Cities

• Allentown — Pennsylvania's third-largest city is the center of the Lehigh Valley region and home of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.
• Bethlehem — Settled in 1614 by Moravian missionaries, Pennsylvania's seventh largest city was once a major center for the U.S. steel industry. Now, the city is home to a vibrant arts scene and Pennsylvania's largest casino.
• Chester — A struggling city located between Philadelphia and Wilmington, the city's redeveloping waterfront is home to a casino and a Major League Soccer team.
• Easton — Visit the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to telling the story of America’s historic towpath canals
• King of Prussia — Home of Valley Forge National Historic Park and one of the largest malls in the United States.
• Kutztown — A university town with a large Mennonite population
• Media — A popular culinary destination accessible by SEPTA regional rail in neighboring Delaware County.
• Philadelphia — Pennsylvania's largest city is the birthplace of American democracy and home of the cheesesteak.
• Reading — As the urban center of mostly rural Berks County, Pennsylvania's fifth largest city hosts a number of cultural festivals each year.

Get in

By plane

Philadelphia is served by Philadelphia International Airport, a large public airport that served nearly 10 million passengers in 2021 and is the 21st-busiest airport in the United States. Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown serves the Lehigh Valley region roughly 60 miles north of Philadelphia.

Get around

Public transportation

In the city of Philadelphia, public transportation is extensive and convenient. In the suburbs however, service tends to be more spotty.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the body that is in charge of public transportation in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. It has bus, subway, trolley and commuter rail services.

New Jersey Transit (or NJ Transit) operates bus service between Philadelphia and various points in New Jersey, and also commuter rail services on the Northeast Corridor between Trenton, New Jersey and New York.

Stay safe

There is a stark contrast between rural, suburban, and urban areas. Philadelphia often ranks among the USA's most dangerous cities, though most crimes are constricted to specific neighborhoods. Allentown and Reading also have their share of violence, though being street-smart and asking locals for help will be enough to avoid trouble. Suburban and rural areas are safe for the most part.

Go next

Travelers on East Coast itineraries can easily find a bus or train to other major cities on the east coast, including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Baltimore. Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore are also a short drive, bus, or train ride away. Travelers wishing to see more of Pennsylvania have the option of visiting Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch Country by journeying westward.