Travel within central Philadelphia is rather easy. Taxis (including Uber or Lyft) and public transportation are affordable options, and all conference locations are within walking distance.
Please take note of the following addresses, and use these when setting your destination.
Philadelphia is a grid street pattern. The numbered streets run north/south and increase in number going west. [Note: There are two exceptions: 1st Street is Front Street and 14th Street is Broad Street.] Market Street is the divide between north and south.
Walking to the Free Library of Philadelphia
The Free Library of Philadelphia is a 10-minute walk (0.6 miles) from The Sonesta Hotel. Cross Market Street and walk north on 18th Street (passing JFK Blvd, Arch St, Cherry St, Race St) to Vine Street. At Vine Street, turn left and continue on Vine Street for 1.5 blocks. The entrance to the Free Library of Philadelphia is in the middle of the block.
Walking to Drexel University
Drexel University's Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building (PISB) is a 20-minute walk (1 mile) from the Sonesta Hotel. Make a left when you exit the hotel and walk on Market Street until you get to 33rd Street. At 33rd Street, make a left and continue one block south to Chestnut Street. The Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building (PISB) will be on your left.
Walking to the Crystal Tea Room
The Crystal Tea Room is a 15-minute walk (0.6 miles) from The Sonesta Hotel. Head east on Market St toward N. 18th St. Follow Market Street until you get to 15th Street. Turn right onto S. 15th Street, then make a slight left onto S. Penn Square. Stay to the left to stay on S. Penn Square (You will be walking around City Hall) and then make a right onto Market Street. Turn right onto S. 13th Street, and the Macy’s building will be on your right.
Riding the Bus to the Free Library of Philadelphia
It is only a 7-minute bus ride between the Sonesta and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Cross Market Street and walk north on 18th Street for one block to John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Cross John F. Kennedy Boulevard and walk toward the bus stop on the northeast corner. Here, wait for either the 32 (Ridge and Lyceum) or 33 (29th and Venango) bus. The 32 bus goes north on 18th street and makes a left on Vine Street. Get off the bus at 19th and Vine Streets. The 33 bus goes west on John F. Kennedy Boulevard to 20th Street and then makes a left on 20th and continues north on 20th. Get off the bus at 20th and Vine Streets. The fare is $2.25 each way. Be sure to have exact change for the fare; Septa drivers DO NOT give change.
Riding the Subway to Drexel University
It is only a 5-minute subway ride between the Sonesta and PISB. From the hotel turn left and walk one block along Market Street to 19th Street. Cross Market Street, and take the stairs underground on the north side to travel westbound. NB: the entrances on the south side of Market access the eastbound routes. Take the 10, 11, 13, 34 or 36 trolley to 33rd Street (be sure to pull the cord once you pass 30th Street to request the 33rd St stop). Walk above ground and head south on 33rd Street toward Chestnut Street. PISB will be on your left. The fare is $2.25 each way. Be sure to have exact change for the fare; Septa operators DO NOT give change.
Riding the Bus to the Crystal Tea Room
It is an 8-minute bus ride between the Sonesta and the Crystal Tea Room. Go to the corner of 18th & Market Streets, directly outside the Sonesta Hotel. Here, wait for the 17, 33, 44, or 48 buses.These buses all travel down Market Street and go around City Hall and back to Market Street. Get off the bus at 13th and Market Streets. The fare is $2.25 each way. Be sure to have exact change for the fare; Septa drivers DO NOT give change.
Hailing a taxi on Market Street from the Sonesta is easy, and the hotel attendants can also call a car for you. Taxis around PISB are generally easy to find. Please note that finding a cab around the Free Library in the evening can be a challenge, and Uber or Lyft may be an easier option.
Use the addresses above to reach your destination.