If we flew into Philly airport as tourists, could we get easily around the city (particularly any historical section) without renting a car, like New York? Or is it too sprawling for that? I’ve never been there.
The airport isnt right next to the tourist spots…
but once you get into centre city, its possible to walk/taxi/bus/ to all the most popular historical destinations(Independence Hall, the Bell, Betsy Ross house, Franklin court, Christ Church, etc)
Places like the Art museum, Penn’s landing, Franklin institute + Poe’s house are a bit of a hike from the Historical district (Olde City), but its
pretty easy to find places + there’s plenty of help.
If you go, you might like the Duck boat tour (amphibious vehicle);
or the Horse +carriage ride. Plenty to see; hope you can make it! 
Isn’t there a museum of old clocks in Philly, as well? Just Googled, and yes](http://www.fieldtrip.com/pa/76848261.htm%22%3Eyes), there is. This was on an episode of This Old House, and looked like a place I could get lost in for quite a while.
djm
yeh..
dig thru this site a wee bit…
http://www.collphyphil.org/mutter.asp
There’s a vintage Taylor set just sitting here:
Pretty sure the Taylor’s workshop is under a 1920’s building now, (we dont have a plaque yet (…hint…hint…NPU)
But I DONT recomend trying to visit where the Taylor Bros once lived… 
Ask about the Terminal Market which is a fascinating place to visit. Also ask your concierge if they know where that Morrocan place is for dinner. It’s quite small, and you sit on the floor-- a fun experience.
If you’re not squeamish and enjoy medical curiosities, don’t miss the Mutter Museum (where’s the umlaut for the u in Mutter?) It’s really fascinating if you like things like odd skulls, skeletal deformities, etc.
ü - It is Alt+0252.
I usually keep this place bookmarked: http://www.starr.net/is/type/altnum.htm
djm
Having lived here 35 of 41 years, I can safely say that the Mutter Museum is best visited the morning after a lengthy pub crawl (preferably culminated with a 2am stumble up the ‘Rocky Stairs’, singing ‘Gonna Fly Now’ very loudly);
and for the full experience, hit the Edgar Allen Poe house RIGHT from the Mutter, and then get oysters. 
Also, for restaurant recommendations, my favorite little place is Monk’s at 16th and Spruce.
They specialize in mussels, and have a massive selection of Belgian beers. Their entire beer list is so thick that it begins with an invocation to the muse and ends with Adam and Eve leaving paradise.
Alas they don’t take reservations.
Caj
Monks totally rules. So does Tira Misu.
Maybe the OT is a Le-BecFin type.($$$$)
German: Ludwig’s,
Seafood: Sansom St Oyster house, McCormick + Schmicks;
SO many good Italian: La Famiglia, Mamma Maria’s.
Fado or Tir-Na-Nog if you get homesick for a pub,
Must, must get coffee at a Wawa.(way better than *bucks)