By taking a train into the center city, visitors can experience all the best parts of Philly–the food, entertainment and views–without worrying about any of the traffic. 

The Suburban Station sits right in the center of Philadelphia. The surrounding area is rich with culture, hosting many upscale restaurants, Love Park, City Hall and activities. 

During the holiday season, center city is known for its holiday shops in Love Park and the ice rink in Dilworth Park. The ice skating rink is open from November 4 through February 26. Tickets are $10 and skate rentals are $8. Lockers are free to use, but either bring a lock or buy one at the rink for $10. 

After the holiday season, the ice rink is generally not too busy. The ice has lots of room to move without bumping into anyone. Earlier in the day is better to go if you want fewer people with you on the ice. 

The ice rink is open in 90-minute sessions. Depending on when you arrive, you can wait for the next session in the Rothman Cabin next door. The hot chocolate is delicious and they have an assortment of food including waffle fries, cookies, cupcakes and more.

Ninety minutes of skating is more than enough. The average time spent on the ice is probably about 45 minutes. Make sure to wear socks that hit about mid-calf to protect your ankles from chafing. 

There are many new skaters on the ice and no pressure to be very good. It is easy to hang on to the walls if needed. 

The picture opportunities at the rink make it worth the trip alone. With City Hall for the background and shiny, reflective ice, the photos turn out gorgeous. 

Skating works up an appetite though, so it is good to plan a meal option. Getting a reservation is always a smart plan when looking to eat in the city.

Only a few short blocks away from Dilworth Park was a small sushi restaurant on the edge of Chinatown: Kabuki Sushi. 

Kabuki offered a tranquil, warm dining environment in the heart of the chaos of Philadelphia.

The menu offers a wide variety of Asian dishes. The sushi is prepared exceptionally well, looking exquisite on the plate and tasting delicious in the mouth.

Kabuki is a great location to rest and enjoy the fresh and delicious food of the inner city after a tiring day of ice skating.

While prices can be slightly costly for high school students–about $15 per roll of sushi–it is much cheaper than many eateries in the surrounding area. 

If budget is a concern, Reading Terminal Market is just around the corner with very diverse selections and prices. 

If budget is less of a concern, there are a number of steakhouses in the area that have lunch menus. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood and Capital Grille are more upscale options.