5 Game-Changing Apps for Philly Residents

In the technological age, anything is possible. You can tell your speakers to play music with your cell phone and turn your lights off at home while you’re at work. And if you have a smartphone, you’ve probably realized that for almost anything you want to do, there’s an app.

As residents of Philadelphia, we’ve come across quite a few apps that have been complete game-changers – apps that mean we don’t take taxis anymore and can have food delivered to our doors without cash or credit cards. Want your Philly-living life to be a little easier? Check them out for yourself.

GrubHub
If you haven’t tried GrubHub yet, you’re still living in the past. GrubHub is an app that lets you place a delivery or pick-up order right from your phone – and you can use PayPal to pay for it. It doesn’t matter where you’re stranded or how much cash you have on you, GrubHub has your back, and you don’t even have to make a phone call: it’s all done through the app. All your favorite Philly food joints, like Art of Pizza, Campo’s, Paddy Whack’s, Nick’s Roast Beef, and Ho-Le-Chan are set up with this super convenient app. Download it here.

Septa
Everyone has had the experience of sitting at a Septa station and wishing they knew when the next train was going to arrive. The Septa app takes the guesswork out of the transportation game. This app updates in real time to let you see the running schedule, alert you of elevator outages, inform you if a station is wheelchair accessible, and more. The app is updating and improving every day. Find out where to get it here.

Philadelphia Traffic Cameras
Purchasing this app will be the best $2.99 you ever spend if you’re a commuter. This nifty tool gives you access to 153 different PennDOT traffic cameras so you can see what the roads are looking like before you’re on them. See just how backed up Kelly Drive is or what Girard Ave looks like after a big snowstorm so you can plan ahead and not waste any time. Here it is!

HopStop
If you’re new to the area, it can be a little confusing to get around – that is, if you don’t have HopStop.  This app lets you put in your current location and where you want to go, and then it lets you choose if you’re willing to walk, take the subway/rail, take a cab, or take a bus. Then, it offers you a number of ways you can make it to your destination sorted by which is the fastest, and you can pick your favorite. It’s pretty straightforward but insanely useful. Get it here.

Philly Tap Finder

Philadelphia has a plethora of wonderful craft beer bars around our city.  Yes, there’s nothing quite like walking in and ordering a “lager”, knowing damn well the sweet and recognizable nectar you’re about to receive.  But there’s also the thrill of trying something new and completely different, from a brewery you’ve never heard of.  That’s the brilliance of Philly Tap Finder, you can find out what’s on tap at  your favorite public house before you go.   Maybe even get a recommendation on a beer or bar with their featured section.  Never be disappointed with a draft list again with Philly Tap Finder, check it out here.