Getting to Concert Venues

As one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, the Philadelphia region attracts its fair share of concerts: Performers range from the biggest pop act to the least-known punk band and everyone in between, providing a little bit of something for all musical tastes.  So, check our Concerts page and get a ticket.  And then, get ready to rock...  Oh wait, you don't know how to get to the concert?  No problem, just consult the following tips for getting to the hottest venue and you'll be on your way in no time:

The Electric Factory:

This smaller venue in Center City features a number of up-and-coming acts:

1) Take the R3 to Market East Station.  (Time: 30-35 minutes, Cost: ~$4)

2) Walk East on Market St. until you get to 7th St.  Then, make a left and walk 6-7 blocks North on 7th, past Franklin Square.  The Factory is 421 7th St.  (Time: 10-15 minutes)

Total Time: ~45 minutes, Cost: $8/roundtrip

First Union Center/Spectrum & Veterans Stadium:

You can get to these three large arenas quite easily:

1) Take the R3 to Suburban Station.  (Time: 30-35 minutes, Cost: ~$4)

2) Walk East to City Hall (Market & Broad - you can't miss it!).  (Time: 5 minutes)

3) Underneath City Hall, hop on a Broad St. subway local train, heading towards Pattison and take it all the way to Pattison.  (Time: 10 minutes, Cost: $2)

4) Go above ground and you'll be right outside the sports complex.  The Center is the bigger, more modern-looking arena of the two enclosed stadiums, while the Spectrum is the smaller dome-shaped stadium. Veterans is the open-air stadium.

Total Time: ~1 hour, Cost: $12/roundtrip

Kimmel Center/Academy of Music:

For you classical and opera fans out there, Philly's Avenue of the Arts will be like heaven.  And best of all, it's oh-so easy to get there.

1) Take the R3 to Suburban Station.  (Time: 30-35 minutes, Cost: ~$4)

2) Walk South on 16th until you get to Locust.  Make a left and walk two blocks East on Locust - and you're at the Academy (Broad & Locust)!  If you want to get to the Kimmel, just go one block further down on Broad.

 Total Time: 45 minutes, Cost: $8/roundtrip

Theater of the Living Arts (TLA):

Another smallish venue with diverse performances and good ticket prices:

1) Take the R3 to Market East Station.  (Time: 30-35 minutes, Cost: ~$4)

2) Walk East on Market St. until you get to 4th St.  Then, make a right and walk about 10 blocks South on 4th.  Turn left on South St. and walk half of a block to the TLA.  The theater is 334 South St.  (Time: 15-20 minutes)

Total Time: ~1 hour, Cost: $8/roundtrip

The Tower Theater

Getting to the Tower is simplicity itself:

1) Take a 109 bus going towards the Pike.  You can catch one at the intersection of College Ave. and Chester Rd. or across the street from PPR (make sure to wait on the side of the street across from College property).  Ride the bus all the way to 69th Street Terminal.  (Time: 35 minutes, Cost: $2)

2) Walk South on 69th St. one block.  When you reach Ludlow St., you'll be there!

Total Time: 40 minutes, Cost: $4/roundtrip

Tweeter Center

It can be a bit tricky to get to Camden's Tweeter Center since it involves crossing state lines.  Still, it may be worth your while when you consider some of the big-name acts that play here.

First of all, you've got two options: You can take a train or a ferry - the former is a bit quicker, but obviously not as enjoyable as a ferry ride on a warm day!

1 - If by land

1) Take the R3 to Suburban Station.  (Time: 30-35 minutes, Cost: ~$4)

2) Walk South down 16th St. to Locust, and enter the PATCO station there. (Time: 5-10 minutes)

3) Take the train to the Broadway Station in Camden, NJ.  (Time: 10 minutes, Cost: $1.15)

4) Walk West on Mickle Blvd., heading to the shore, where you'll find the Tweeter Center.  (Time: 5-10 minutes)

Total Time: 60-75 minutes, Cost: ~$10

2 - If by sea

1) Take the R3 to Market East Station.  (Time: 30-35 minutes, Cost: ~$4)

2) Another choice!

a) If you feel like walking a bit, walk South down 10th St., until you reach Walnut.  Then, turn left and walk East until you get to the waterfront. (Time: 15-20 minutes)

b) Or walk South down to Chestnut St.  Then catch a bus (#21 or #42) going all the way to Penn's Landing.  Be sure to stand on the far side of the road when waiting for the bus. (Time: 10 minutes, Cost: $2)

3) Finally, hop on a RiverLink Ferry going to Camden - it will drop you off right outside the Tweeter Center!  (Time: 20 minutes, Cost: $2.50)

Total Time: ~90 minutes, Cost: $13

Other Venues

There are a number of other great concert venues in the region.  While you may need a ride to get to most of these, that's easy to do through the Jolt's Ride Board.

Enjoy the show!