Pennsylvania stretches from the Delaware River to the Ohio border, encompassing historic Philadelphia, dynamic Pittsburgh, the scenic Pocono Mountains, the rolling Amish farmlands of Lancaster County, and some of the most important Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields in the United States. It is one of the original 13 colonies, home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Gettysburg National Military Park.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
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Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Respect Amish communities by observing quietly and not photographing individuals
- Use 'please', 'thank you', and 'excuse me' — Pennsylvanians value politeness
- Try a Philly cheesesteak from both Pat's and Geno's — the debate is part of the fun
- Reserve popular Philadelphia restaurants (Zahav, Vetri) well in advance
- Visit Central Market in Lancaster on a Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday for the freshest produce
- Download the SEPTA app before arriving in Philadelphia
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — Philadelphia's Old City and Pittsburgh's cultural district reward walking
Don't
- Do not photograph Amish individuals without permission
- Do not honk your horn aggressively in cities — a brief tap is acceptable; aggressive horn-use is considered rude
- Do not jaywalk on busy thoroughfares in Philadelphia — police do occasionally issue fines
- Do not assume 'PA Dutch' means Dutch from the Netherlands — it refers to Deutsch (German) settlers
- Do not wear strong perfume or cologne when attending smaller, intimate theater or classical music performances
- Do not leave food in your car in state park areas — black bears are present in northern and western PA
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Wudder
Water (Philadelphia pronunciation)
Jeet?
Did you eat? (local greeting/question)
Hoagie
A sub/hero sandwich; the Philadelphia term
Wit'
With fried onions (cheesesteak ordering)
The Shore
The New Jersey seashore/beach — where many Philadelphians vacation
Yinz / Yunz
Pittsburgh's plural 'you' (like 'y'all'); marks a true Pittsburgher
Jagoff
Pittsburgh slang for an annoying or incompetent person
Gum band
Pittsburgh term for a rubber band
Red up
To tidy or clean up; common Pittsburgh/rural PA expression
PTC
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; locals call the toll highway simply 'the Turnpike'
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Pennsylvania.
Items:
- Faith
- Amish & Mennonite (Plain Communities)
- Notes
- Concentrated in Lancaster County. Deeply traditional, faith-centered communities. Visitors are welcome to observe markets and crafts but must respect religious privacy.
- Faith
- Quakerism
- Notes
- Pennsylvania was founded as a Quaker colony. The Friends Meeting House at 4th & Arch St, Philadelphia, is the oldest Quaker meeting house in America (1685). Open for public visits.
- Faith
- Roman Catholicism
- Notes
- Large Catholic population, particularly among Philadelphia's Irish, Italian, and Polish communities. The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is the mother church of the Archdiocese.
- Faith
- Jewish Community
- Notes
- Philadelphia has one of the older Jewish communities in the US; the National Museum of American Jewish History is on Independence Mall at 101 S Independence Mall E, Philadelphia.
- Faith
- African Methodist Episcopal (AME)
- Notes
- Mother Bethel AME Church at 419 S 6th St, Philadelphia, is the mother church of the AME denomination, founded by Richard Allen in 1794. Open for tours.