I went to pholly a few years ago and i remember 2 blocks of big box stores and lots of poor rundown small houses and very dirty looking low class people
is there a nice part or was it the walmart?It sounds like you were either in the Northeast or the newer shopping area to the west of South Philly (I don't know the name of that area) but this is an excerpt of summary of the hobby areas in Philly that focuses on Center City and the Independence Square areas.
You have to remember that Philly, like Boston, is city founded a hundred years before the Revolutionary War. That means it is old, and its layout and the character of its buildings reflect that heritage. And it is multi-cultural with many different levels of economic achievement. So you can't judge it by a few blocks. Philadelphia: Center City ("CC") is the main business and cultural part of town. This area features many hotels, restaurants of all types, the area's finest museums and cultural points and other amenities. CC is best for businessmen who can break away during the business day. The lack of free parking is an obstacle to some hobbyists, but some of the hotels in the airport area also charge for parking. Another issue is that the better hotels require a key card to activate the elevator, so some maneuvering may be required. As would be expected, hotel prices are generally higher than in the suburbs. More towards the river are the Independence Hall, Society Hill and Penn Landing areas. There are a few nice hotels, including some new boutique venues, in these areas along with many fine restaurants, historic sites of interest and diverse shopping opportunities. Just a note: the Penn Landing area is a bit isolated if you want to move about. Philadelphia Area Attractions: The Benjamin Franklin Parkway has five great museums and is a nice place to walk when the weather is fine. For adults the top three are the Philadelphia Museum of Art (huge, diverse and extraordinary collections in a magnificent building), the Rodin Museum (concise collection of Rodin's major works in a recently renovated venue) and the new Barnes Foundation (impressionism gone wild in a new building). The Benjamin Franklin Institute specializes in science and technology and is great for kids and adults. And then there is the museum of natural history, which now has a great exhibit on the sexy Birds of Paradise. The Independence Square area has Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross's house and other historical sites. The nearby Society Hill area has 18th Century homes, great shops and restaurants and a little further south is funky South Street, although that area can be dicey for attractive women traveling alone
You have to remember that Philly, like Boston, is city founded a hundred years before the Revolutionary War. That means it is old, and its layout and the character of its buildings reflect that heritage. And it is multi-cultural with many different levels of economic achievement. So you can't judge it by a few blocks.
Philadelphia:
Center City ("CC") is the main business and cultural part of town. This area features many hotels, restaurants of all types, the area's finest museums and cultural points and other amenities. CC is best for businessmen who can break away during the business day. The lack of free parking is an obstacle to some hobbyists, but some of the hotels in the airport area also charge for parking. Another issue is that the better hotels require a key card to activate the elevator, so some maneuvering may be required. As would be expected, hotel prices are generally higher than in the suburbs.
More towards the river are the Independence Hall, Society Hill and Penn Landing areas. There are a few nice hotels, including some new boutique venues, in these areas along with many fine restaurants, historic sites of interest and diverse shopping opportunities. Just a note: the Penn Landing area is a bit isolated if you want to move about.
Philadelphia Area Attractions:
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway has five great museums and is a nice place to walk when the weather is fine. For adults the top three are the Philadelphia Museum of Art (huge, diverse and extraordinary collections in a magnificent building), the Rodin Museum (concise collection of Rodin's major works in a recently renovated venue) and the new Barnes Foundation (impressionism gone wild in a new building). The Benjamin Franklin Institute specializes in science and technology and is great for kids and adults. And then there is the museum of natural history, which now has a great exhibit on the sexy Birds of Paradise.
The Independence Square area has Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross's house and other historical sites. The nearby Society Hill area has 18th Century homes, great shops and restaurants and a little further south is funky South Street, although that area can be dicey for attractive women traveling alone.
I just stayed in the Old City area next to Independence Mall. Always felt safe, good nightlife, and good food as well.
and I haven't had a good meal there yet... please elvis share !
I lived just outside in South Jersey for three years. I grew to love it. It's a city. You will find rich people, poor people, middle income, health enthusiasts and drug addicts among other types all running around within close proximity of each other. There are done pretty trendy areas perfect for " foodies". It's a great city if you love music, especially good ole rock in roll.
It has history, oh tons of history and not just the Betsey Ross house and the liberty bell! I so miss being so close to Philly but it's ok. I really like DC as well. Philly is just a bit edgier of a city. In a good way and a bad way.
Love you Philly!!
Where did you eat?? I LOVE my Philly restaurants!!!
Many times people THINK Philly people are rude just because people from there are blunt. They have a dry sense of humor and tell it like it is. If you are someone too sensitive you might mistake it for rudeness. Actually pretty friendly people there. 
Like folks stated....there are many spots for good food in Philly... you just have to ask!
One should never mistake shortness or being a bit gruff for rudeness. People in Philly just like to get to the point lol
cultural and historical attributes .. One of them is Curtis Institute of music it is college town in eart even it is 6 biggest city in the US Philly keeping low profile
but I hit good connections finally with gentleman of Philly and I com coming Third time this month !can you beliv in that ? I was always ignoring Philly , comign every month to DC and MD I never stopped at Philly before !
Now it is my stop ALWAYS
So my lovers and clients in one face ..
Asta La Vista .
(in Rsssian
Skoro Ya Budy S Vami opyatt )
Kissess
was born and raise here in philly, moved to florida along time ago, still come back to my old hometown,in the summertime , love the food, people , and of course my family..BUT i have to say I HATE THE WINTER OUT HERE!!!
also was born and raised in philly...winter's suck, but the reast of the year is great. Real people, a lot of interesting and diverse things to do. Western suburbs are beautiful and the city keeps getting better and better. Philly is an acquired taste. One thing Philadelphians will do is put down their own city on occassion but will rip your head off if you try to do the same...
more money over the bridge
You have to remember that Philly, like Boston, is city founded a hundred years before the Revolutionary War. That means it is old, and its layout and the character of its buildings reflect that heritage. And it is multi-cultural with many different levels of economic achievement. So you can't judge it by a few blocks.
Philadelphia:
Center City ("CC") is the main business and cultural part of town. This area features many hotels, restaurants of all types, the area's finest museums and cultural points and other amenities. CC is best for businessmen who can break away during the business day. The lack of free parking is an obstacle to some hobbyists, but some of the hotels in the airport area also charge for parking. Another issue is that the better hotels require a key card to activate the elevator, so some maneuvering may be required. As would be expected, hotel prices are generally higher than in the suburbs.
More towards the river are the Independence Hall, Society Hill and Penn Landing areas. There are a few nice hotels, including some new boutique venues, in these areas along with many fine restaurants, historic sites of interest and diverse shopping opportunities. Just a note: the Penn Landing area is a bit isolated if you want to move about.
Philadelphia Area Attractions:
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway has five great museums and is a nice place to walk when the weather is fine. For adults the top three are the Philadelphia Museum of Art (huge, diverse and extraordinary collections in a magnificent building), the Rodin Museum (concise collection of Rodin's major works in a recently renovated venue) and the new Barnes Foundation (impressionism gone wild in a new building). The Benjamin Franklin Institute specializes in science and technology and is great for kids and adults. And then there is the museum of natural history, which now has a great exhibit on the sexy Birds of Paradise.
The Independence Square area has Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross's house and other historical sites. The nearby Society Hill area has 18th Century homes, great shops and restaurants and a little further south is funky South Street, although that area can be dicey for attractive women traveling alone.
restaurants, nightlife and general vibe the area has. Upscale and trendy, everything within a block or two walk from your hotel.
The Historic District near the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall is also nice, but aside from historic tours in the daylight, nightlife is probably less exciting than Rittenhouse.
Old City is nice, near the river, lots of restaurants and a mix of historic and nightspots along the river. Often free activities going on at nearby Penns Landing.
Market East (or "Center City") is basically the area near the convention center along Market Street. You can find a mix of everything here.
The Museum District is the area along the Ben Franklin Parkway from Fairmount Hill to Logan Square. Very nice area for walking, jogging, etc.. as well as the museums (Philadelphia Museum of Art, Academy of Natural Sciences, the Rodin Museum, the Franklin Institute, Library of Philadelphia, The Barnes Foundation).
I maintain my incall in Rittenhouse Square and there are so many great restaurants nearby and fabulous shopping. Because it's an upscale yet busy neighborhood near the business district, it is also easier to blend in and meet discreetly. A definite plus. And picking a restaurant for a dinner date is never easy because here are so many good ones to choose from.
Not sure where you were but it sounds like the Northeast or an area between districts. Please don;t judge Philly on that one drive-through experience. There's a lot to offer... besides seeing me, LOL! xoxox, Alex