Ruth Haines
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) offers a range of amenities and attractions to keep travellers entertained during layovers. From exploring rotating art exhibitions and virtual libraries to indulging in spa treatments and local cuisine, there's something for everyone. With over 50 eateries, travellers can turn their layover into a food crawl, sampling everything from crab fries at Chickie & Pete's to sushi at Sky Asian Bistro. For those seeking relaxation, XpresSpa offers manicures, pedicures, and massages. If you have at least 7 hours, you can even venture into downtown Philadelphia to visit the Liberty Bell and the Museum of the American Revolution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of eateries | 50+ |
| Types of eateries | cafes, to-go kiosks, casual restaurants, and fancier restaurants |
| Standout eateries | Chickie & Pete's, Geno's Steaks, Noobar, Aldo Lamberti Trattoria, Sky Asian Bistro, Bar Symon, Cantina Laredo, Gachi House of Noodles, Kiehl’s, Philly Pretzel Factory, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Smashburger, Legal Sea Foods, Tony Luke's |
| Amenities | Charging stations, airport lounges, virtual library, XpresSpa |
| Attractions | Art exhibitions, giant Liberty Bell made of LEGO bricks, Zagar’s embellished mosaic labyrinth, Quiet Room, Fort Mifflin, John Heinz Wildlife refuge, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute, Eastern State Penitentiary |
| Nearby attractions | Valley Forge, King of Prussia Mall, South Philly, Museum of the American Revolution |
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What You'll Learn
Explore the airport's art and exhibitions
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has been recognised as one of the Top 3 Best Airport Art Programs in the United States by USA Today. The airport has been celebrating art for the last 25 years through its Exhibitions Program, which showcases the work of artists and organisations from across the Greater Philadelphia Region.
The Exhibitions Program features more than 20 galleries and visual arts activations across all seven terminals. There are 13 permanent works of art and 19 rotating exhibits by Philadelphia-area artists, with the intention to beautify the airport, promote local artists, and provide a visually engaging experience for passengers.
One of the exhibits displays sculptures by Chantaphone Rajavong, while another features an in-depth look at the life and work of mosaic artist Zagar, starting with the "prototype" for Magic Gardens, Eyes Gallery.
Passengers can also see a giant Liberty Bell made entirely of LEGO bricks at the A-West Terminal and a recreation of Hamilton Street's rooftops and trees by Sarah Zwerling at Terminal A-East.
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Relax in an airport lounge
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) offers several lounges where you can relax, unwind, and even grab a snack during your layover.
If you're an economy class traveller, you can access airport lounges by purchasing a day pass, annual membership, or paying at the door. For example, Minute Suites in Terminal B offers small personal private suites with free Wi-Fi, a desk, a daybed, and a shower. Up to four people can hang out, and reservations can be made online or via phone or email.
American Airlines offers the most lounge options, with an Admirals Club in almost every terminal. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines also have lounges available. Additionally, the Centurion Lounge by American Express and private suites allow passengers from any airline to book by the hour or rent a small room overnight.
The Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, located between Terminals D and E, provides a range of amenities, including elevated dining, a beer garden, a game room, private rest pods, free facial treatments, and showers. Access is granted to those with a Priority Pass membership, and certain credit cards offer unlimited or yearly access.
While waiting for your flight, you can also explore the various dining options, art exhibits, and unique attractions that PHL has to offer, making your layover an enjoyable and relaxing experience.
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Shop at the Philadelphia Marketplace
Philadelphia International Airport has a lot to offer, but if you're looking to shop, the Philadelphia Marketplace is the place to be. With a range of stores to choose from, you can find everything you need, whether it's travel essentials, local delicacies, or even high-end skincare.
For those with a sweet tooth, Philadelphia Marketplace has you covered with options like Dunkin' Donuts, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, and Pinkberry. If you're craving something more substantial, there's Chickie's & Pete's, Smashburger, or Philly Pretzel Factory for a hearty pretzel bagel sandwich. And if you're in the mood for something healthy, there's even a Gachi House of Noodles and a Life is Good store, which offers inspirational t-shirts alongside a short story dispenser.
The Marketplace also caters to those looking for retail therapy, with stores like Kiehl's for high-end skincare, Benefit Cosmetics, and The Body Shop. You can also browse the latest sunglasses at Sunglass Hut, pick up some sports gear at Roster, or treat yourself to something sparkly at Swarovski.
If you're looking for a last-minute gift or a special treat, Philadelphia Marketplace has a few unique options. You can find a range of books and accessories at the Life is Good store, or browse the tech offerings at Tech Interaction and Techshowcase. For the music lovers, there's also a Bose store. And, of course, you can always grab a bottle of something nice at Vino Volo to celebrate any occasion.
So, whether you're looking for food, retail therapy, or simply a way to pass the time, the Philadelphia Marketplace at PHL Airport has something for everyone.
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Eat at one of the many restaurants
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has a wide variety of restaurants and eateries to suit all tastes and preferences. If you're looking for a quick bite, there are plenty of grab-and-go options available. Good 2 Go, for example, offers bottled drinks, snacks, and premade salads and sandwiches for those in a hurry.
For coffee lovers, La Colombe is a Philly-born chain offering caffeinated beverages and baked goods. If you're after something more substantial, there are numerous restaurants serving a range of cuisines. Sky Asian Bistro, for instance, lets you watch your sushi rolls being prepared by chefs in an ambient setting of low lights and neon cherry blossoms. Another option is the Gachi House of Noodles, where you can either sit at the sushi bar or grab packaged sushi, sashimi, and hot Japanese entrees to go.
If you're craving Mediterranean cuisine, Baba Bar in Terminal B offers meze (hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves), wraps, and kebabs, along with alcoholic beverages. La Tapenade is another casual dining spot with Mediterranean-inspired dishes like hummus, fire-roasted veggies, and grilled meats. For Italian fare, Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar serves beer, wine, cocktails, and Italian dishes.
For those seeking a more traditional American dining experience, Chickie & Pete's is a Philly sports bar chain serving crab fries, crab cakes, wings, sandwiches, and bloody marys, with TVs for game-watching. You can also grab a cheesesteak at Geno's Steaks (in the B/C Connector) or Tony Luke's (Concourse F). If you're looking for something more upscale, Bar Symon, by celebrity chef Michael Symon, offers pierogies, pulled pork sandwiches, and Fat Doug burgers (a combination of coleslaw, pastrami, mustard, and Swiss cheese).
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Explore Philadelphia if you have a long layover
Philadelphia International Airport has plenty of amenities to keep you entertained during a long layover. The airport has various restaurants, cafes, kiosks, and lounges to relax in. There are over 50 eateries, including local favourites Chickie & Pete's for crab fries, Geno's Steaks for cheesesteaks, and Noobar for made-to-order sushi. You can also find Mediterranean, Mexican, and seafood options. If you want to treat yourself, head to one of the airport lounges, which offer unlimited food and drinks for a single fee.
For some retail therapy, browse the Philadelphia Marketplace, which includes Duty-Free areas, convenience stores, bookshops, and travel and technology boutiques. You can also find high-end skincare at Kiehl's, L'Occitane, and The Body Shop. If you're looking for sports gear, check out Roster, which offers Philadelphia-themed merchandise.
If you're an art enthusiast, explore the airport's 13 permanent art installations and 19 rotating exhibits by Philadelphia-area artists. You can find sculptures by Chantaphone Rajavong and an exhibit on Zagar's life and work, including the "prototype" for Magic Gardens.
With a layover of at least 7 hours, you can even venture beyond the airport to explore Philadelphia. Take the SEPTA Airline Line to Center City, where you can visit the Liberty Bell and the Museum of the American Revolution. You can also visit world-class museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Franklin Institute. If you're feeling adventurous, explore the Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison rumoured to be haunted.
So, whether you're relaxing in one of the airport lounges, indulging in a delicious meal, shopping till you drop, appreciating art, or exploring the city, there's plenty to do during a long layover at Philadelphia International Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
PHL Airport has over 50 eateries, ranging from cafes and kiosks to casual and fancier restaurants. Local favourites include Chickie & Pete's for crab fries, Geno's Steaks for cheesesteak, Noobar for sushi, and Aldo Lamberti Trattoria for pizza and pasta. Other options include Sky Asian Bistro, Cantina Laredo, Gachi House of Noodles, and Bar Symon.
PHL Airport features rotating art exhibitions from Philadelphia-area artists, with 19 exhibits on display at the time of writing. The airport also has a virtual library, where visitors can access ebooks, podcasts, and more from the Free Library of Philadelphia. Additionally, there are over 250 charging stations throughout the airport.
If you have a longer layover, you can explore Philadelphia, with the SEPTA Airline Line providing easy access to downtown. Attractions in the city include the Liberty Bell, the Museum of the American Revolution, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Franklin Institute. Near the airport, you can visit Fort Mifflin, the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge, or the King of Prussia Mall.
