What can I do in Philadelphia for 3 hours?

May 14, 2015 8:39 PM

I have three short hours (during rush hours) while waiting for a connecting flight at the airport, how to optimize that time?
posted by lorn to Travel & Transportation around Philadelphia, PA (7 answers total)

That's not really enough time to leave the airport, since you'd have to go back through security and the train into downtown only runs twice an hour.
posted by serelliya at 8:48 PM on May 14, 2015 [3 favorites]

Cheesesteak, pretzel, box of tastykake krimpets. The initial eating won't last three hours, but it'll stay with you at least that long.
posted by roue at 10:03 PM on May 14, 2015 [1 favorite]

I don't think 2-3 hours would be enough to leave the airport, unfortunately. Browse the shops and eat a Philly cheesesteak. PHL also has exercise bikes scattered around the airport...
posted by gemutlichkeit at 10:31 PM on May 14, 2015 [1 favorite]

If it wasn't rush hour, an expensive cab (~$30 iirc) would get you into the city and back, a half-hour each way. But, during rush hour, all bets are off. Unfortunately, I think you're stuck at the airport.
posted by zeek321 at 5:09 AM on May 15, 2015

Do not leave the airport. That is not enough time to get anywhere good, get back, make it through security again, and get to your connection.

There is a Chickies and Petes at the airport - find it (you might have to switch terminals but not sure how things are all interconnected now), eat some crab fries (fries with Old Bay seasoning), drink a Yeungling or any other local beer they might have, order a cheesesteak, and relax.
posted by kellygrape at 5:40 AM on May 15, 2015 [2 favorites]

There are lots of shops you'd find in a mall (Gap, Brooks Brothers, Bose, sporting goods/apparel) along the Terminal B-C connector that you could waste some time in. Stop in Legal Seafood for food/drink.
posted by jshort at 7:44 AM on May 15, 2015 [1 favorite]

We were there 3 years ago, and we ate at a pizza stand in the airport. We were hungry and had more flying to do, and we know great pizza, but for some reason it was really hitting the spot and we couldn't control ourselves! Two hours went quickly just relaxing and enjoying the experience.
posted by Shylo at 6:08 PM on May 15, 2015