Travel

Philadelphia PA

Philadelphia is known for cream cheese, hot pretzels, and cheese steaks, not as a music city. Don't let this keep you from visiting the city of brotherly love in your quest for playing or listening to good music. You can spend your days enjoying the city's historical sites and your nights at one of the city's many clubs.

The Philadelphia Weekly which comes out on Wednesdays and The Philadelphia City Paper which comes out on Thursday both offer a music section so you can find out who's playing where. Both papers can be found in street boxes for free.

Getting around the city can be tricky spend a few bucks and buy a street map. The fold up plastic coated ones are cheap and cover all the city streets. You will need this detailed kind of map to find some of the best clubs. The city has a good system of trains and buses and cabs can be found in some areas. In the rougher sections of the city you need to call for a cab, they won't be cruising around and you don't want to walk to the train or wait at a bus stop. If you drive into these areas make sure you park in a secured area.

If you are in need of gear the major chains have stores in and around the city. There are also some small mom and pop stores scattered throughout the city. Clubs range from the trendy sites to the neighborhood bars but in a city with as many colleges as Philadelphia even the small bars can pack in a crowd. There are also larger venues that pull in national acts. This diversity can let you enjoy what ever your heart desires.

The center city area around the convention center is loaded with hotels if you plan to stay in the city. Prices vary so shop around. Pick a safe place in the city or stay in the suburbs and commute. Plan your trip so that you can take advantage of the many things this city has to offer.