Philadelphia Parking

Philadelphia Parking Guide

About Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the second largest in all the East Coast. It is also popularly referred to as “Philly” and “The City of Brotherly Love,” the reason for the latter being that the Greek origin of the city’s name philos and adelphos literally translates to “˜love” and “brother” respectively.

Considered to be an important center for culture and the arts, Philadelphia’s major attractions include the Philadelphia Museum of Art and its famous “Rocky steps”, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which is home to the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. Philadelphia is also believed to have more public artwork than any other city in the nation and scattered throughout the city are works by such masters as William Rush, Auguste Rodin, Daniel Chester French, and the three Alexander Calders.

Philadelphia falls within the humid subtropical zone and its climate is marked by hot and humid summers, mild autumns and springs, and notoriously unpredictable winters. The variability of snowfall in the region necessitates much forethought, particularly in terms of travel and transportation.

Parking in Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) manages the parking system in Philadelphia and the use of parking meters figures chiefly in their parking management efforts.

Old-style single-space parking meters, which can be activated with coins (or a Smart Card, at least until December 31, 2014) are the most common type in Philadelphia, but multi-space parking meters are becoming a more frequent and familiar sight around the city. To use a parking space controlled by a multi-space meter, you can purchase time by paying at a parking meter kiosk; these kiosks normally accept coins, bills and credit cards.

Motorcycle and Scooter parking in Philly
Certain parking zones in the area between Arch and Locust, Broad and 20 Streets accommodate only motorcycle and scooters. The meter fee in these zones is equivalent to one-half of the rate on the rest of the block.

Parking Tickets and Violations
Philly’s list of parking violations include parking longer than the time you purchased on the meter, parking in spaces designated for people with disabilities, parking during prohibited hours or in prohibited zones. For more details, please visit PPA’s page on parking violations.

Parking in Philly Garages and lots
PPA also operates garages and lots throughout the city. Parking garages are ideal for both short- and long term parking of vehicles.Best Parking helps you choose the best suitable parking facility for off street parking via an interactive map. Most garages are suitable options for economical long term parking.