The Complete Guide to a Kosher Trip to Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the cradle of the American Revolution, is also home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the United States — Congregation Mikveh Israel, founded in 1740 and known as "the synagogue of the American Revolution" for its role during the war. Here's a short guide to planning your visit.
Congregation Mikveh Israel and Chabad House
Congregation Mikveh Israel, founded in 1740, is the second-oldest synagogue in the United States and is known as "the synagogue of the Revolution" — some of the country's founders prayed there. Historic Congregation B'nai Abraham on the same street and Lubavitch of Center City round out the community picture.
See all optionsWhere to eat
Mama's Falafel in Center City and Judah Mediterranean Grill in Northeast Philadelphia are two central kosher options. House of Kosher on Bustleton Avenue serves as a central grocery store.
See all options
Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell — reserve a free ticket
Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, and the nearby Liberty Bell — with its famous crack — are Philadelphia's two most sought-after historic sites. Practical tip: entry to Independence Hall is free but requires a timed ticket during peak season (March-December) — book through the National Park Service website a few days ahead. The Liberty Bell has completely free entry, no ticket needed.
See all optionsBetween the historic Congregation Mikveh Israel and Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia offers a rare encounter between Jewish and American history — the two intertwined right at the heart of the city.
Stay in the kosher area of Philadelphia
Philadelphia does not have one obvious Jewish quarter. Lubavitch of Center City (Chabad house listed on the site) is the anchor - book a hotel within walking distance of it rather than picking a random part of Philadelphia.
To count as a booking, finish it in the same window after you click - it isn't saved for tomorrow.
Affiliate link. If you book through it we earn a commission - at no extra cost to you.
Recommended hotels & apartments in Philadelphia
Available hotels and apartments in this destination, shown together with our synagogues, Chabad houses and mikvehs - so you can see at a glance what is within walking distance.
This tool is loaded via an external partner that uses its own cookies. Accept cookies to view it.
Compares prices across the major booking sites. The booking is made on the external site, not on BooKasher.
Affiliate link. If you book through it we earn a commission - at no extra cost to you.
Guided Tours & Experiences
Guided tours, entry tickets and experiences in every destination - most with free cancellation, so you can plan ahead and still stay flexible around Shabbat and the chagim.
Affiliate link. If you book through it we earn a commission - at no extra cost to you.
Book it now
The next step of the trip - a car, an airport transfer and a stay, ready to book from here.
Rent a car in Philadelphia
Compare prices across local and international car rental companies at every destination - often significantly cheaper than booking direct, with free cancellation.
Both sites compare rental companies - prices sometimes differ, so it's worth checking both.
Affiliate link. If you book through it we earn a commission - at no extra cost to you.
Airport Transfer to Your Hotel
Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel and back - a fixed price agreed in advance (no meter surprises), a driver waiting for you with a sign bearing your name, and no need to haggle or speak the local language.
External link - you'll get a final price quote before confirming.
Affiliate link. If you book through it we earn a commission - at no extra cost to you.