Philadelphia car rental comparison

For your trip to Philadelphia make sure that you book a hire car Philadelphia through the online comparison portal HAPPYCAR. Discover the freedom that comes with having a hire car, explore the city at your own leisure, without having to worry about public transportation schedules, whilst also having the freedom to get out and enjoy the surrounding areas and seeing the things you actually want to see. Search through the prices and deals of all the best international and local providers and within a few clicks you can secure the ideal car for your next vacation at the best price.

General information

Located on the north east coast of the United States, Philadelphia is the fifth most populated city in the US. With a population of 1.5 million people within the city and 6 million around the great metropolitan area, also known as the Delaware Valley. Becoming a city in the late 17^th century, it soon became the second largest city in the British Empire and during the 19^th century the city became one of the major industrial centers in the country. Later on the city saw a massive wave of African immigration, all of which makes Philly a fascinating place to visit.

Sights

Independence National Historical Park is a national park dedicated to preserving sites concerning the American Revolution and the founding of the US. The focal point of the park is the Independence Hall where the declaration of independence was debated, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Near the hall, you will find the Liberty Bell, which was used to summon the population for the reading of the Declaration of Independence, which was read out in the Independence Square. The park's visitor center shows a five minute video on the contents of the Declaration of Independence.

The city has a number of high rise skyscrapers which feature wonderful views of the city for those who climb to their tops. One of particular note is the Mellon Bank Center which was built in 1990 and the building measures 792 feet high with 54 floors. The Comcast Center, however, is the tallest building in the city which was finished in 2008, the building measures 974 feet high with 58 floors.

Philadelphia Magic Gardens is a non-profit gallery space which showcases the work of the mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar and in 2008 after 24 years of work, the gardens were considered completed. The works are spread out over indoor and outdoor areas, with a total area of 3,000 square feet.

Museums

The Franklin Institute is named after Benjamin Franklin and it opened in 1824 in Independence Hal. Years later it moved to a new building and incorporates the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. The museum offers visitors a very hands on experience offering such things as a simulation of space commands Earth-orbit research station. There is also North America’s second oldest planetarium, which offers a 79 foot domed Imax screen.

Should you have kids to entertain, the Please Touch Museum is a great choice. Found in Memorial Hall, a landmark building built in 1876, the museum aims to provide learning through play through its six exhibit zones that bring together the past, present and future. The museum has a fantastic restored 1908 Woodside Park Denzel carousel.

Excursions

For history buffs, using your hire car Philadelphia to visit the Gettysburg national memorial is a must. The site of the most important battle in the American Civil War. Fought in 1863, the battle was and still remains the largest on American soil. It is also the site of the famous Gettysburg Address, given by Abraham Lincoln to rally the troops to continue to fight, so that those who died at this battle will not have died in vein for the morals of the country, but they will be honored and forever remembered. The site is free for visitors but should you wish to the Gettysburg National Memorial Museum there is a fee.

For history buffs, you can make a quick stop at the nation's capital, Washington D.C. to learn about past presidents or how the government works. For those who wish to experience a bit more life and oddities, make the drive in the opposite direction to visit the concrete jungle of New York City.

Whatever you do with your trip to the wonderful city of Philadelphia, weather its discovering the city and tasting some of the fantastic food that is on offer or getting and exploring the nearby cities and sites, it is all possible with a hire car Philadelphia.