Which areas of Philadelphia should I avoid? Which areas are "must see"? King of Prussia, Chinatown, etc.?

I live 45 mins. from philly and go to Temple U. every week. The Italian Market on 9th and Passyunk is okay. Go see Independence Hall, the US Constitution Center and the Liberty Bell, they're all across the street from each other (6th & Walnut). Reading Terminal market is okay (Market & 14th I believe). Don't forget any of the museums: Art Museum (where Rocky ran up the steps; the Franklin Institute and/or the Museum of Natural Sciences). They are all on Ben Franklin Parkway around 18th to 20th sts. For safety, stay out of west philly (University of Penn area), stay out of North Philly (Temple U. and above) and stay out of South Philly (below South street). If you hang in or around the tall buildings or in and around the historical buildings, you'll be just fine.

Stay downtown, either in Society Hill, near the Convention Center or Rittenhouse Square. Downtown Philly is alive and active after 5pm, unlike most other other paces. The Asian food in Chinatown is not very good (but I'm not a fan of asian food). Go to a Mom and Pop corner restaurant and get a cheesesteak (stay away from Pat's, Jim's and Geno's), a Butterscotch Krimpet and a cherry water ice. SHOPPING Delaware, 45 minutes South on 95 is tax free Franklin Mills for outlet shopping King of Prussia for upscale shopping FOOD There is a LOT to choose from, especially downtown. MOVIES Check out the IMAX Theater at the Franklin Institute PARKS Fairmount Park is the nation's largest public park or something Valley Forge has historical stuff Valley Green for hiking Philadelphia has a LOT to offer that you can't get anyplace else. Why see a movie or go shopping when you can do that anyplace? Go on a historical tour. 3 weeks before I moved to Michigan, I called my friend and I said "Let's be tourists!" He said "WTF?" I picked him up and we saw the Liberty Bell, Edgar Allen Poe's house, Independence Square, etc. I stood in John Adams footsteps. Not only did we see these things, we read about them on the plaques that I used to walk by when I got off the train. Check out the theater (not movies). Philadelphia has some great independent theaters all over the place. It was Hollywood prior to Hollywood! One of the great things about Philadelphia is it's roots. Most of the neighborhoods are very ethnic, and hold on to that pride. Go to different neighborhoods and check out the restaurants, bookstores, live music and culture.

If you like asian food then china town and for everything else go to the king of prussia mall i love it

Then definitely go down town, China Town and Penns Landing are fun, and you should go to the Franklin Institue, the King Tut Exhibit is there and I'd reccommend going if you can get tickets. If you like to shop the King of Prussia is your Mall, you could spend all day there and not hit all of the stores. None of these places are in bad neighborhoods. Valley Forge Park is also a nice place to go if the weather is nice and the Franklin Institue and at the King of Prussia Mall you can find Imax theaters a great place to see movies.

If you stay in Center City, you'll be fine. You don't want to head too far North (toward Temple University) or too far went (toward University of Pennsylvania). Most downtown shopping and sites (including Chinatown) are within walking distance of each other. Art Museum and the Franklin Institute are good sites. Franklin Institute currently has an ancient Eygptian display, including King Tut. For the more bizzare and iron stomached, there is the mutter museum. You can head into South Philly to check out the Italian Markets and you can't leave philly without a cheesesteak from Pat's or Genos. South Street (between 2nd and 7th(?)) is also a great way to spend your Friday or Saturday night. If you get on I-76 and head west toward the Main Line, there is Manayunk if you want something away from the city. King of Prussia is a must of course.

The Italian section of Philly is not to be missed. Were I going I would spend most of my time there.

Whatever you do don't stay in west , southwest , or north philly but there's no hotels anyway in these areas . Chinatown is nice , try reading terminal market for lunch , and for dinner go to university of penn area which is nice and go to Pod which is asian fusion and it is great . It looks like the future. After you go to Pod , a block away is a movie theatre called the Bridge , they bring food to your seat and have beer so enjoy . Don't forget a cheesesteak on your way home

Go to the Franklin Institute, they have the KING TUT Exhibit in town, which has real items from King Tuts tomb.

You won't jeopardize your life if you are just driving by, but if you plan on getting out then i would recommend staying out of North Philly, or West and South, it's pretty bad now a days