Curator’s statement
Philadelphia is home for me. I have grown up in this rich, culture-filled city and love to share my love of all things Philly. Whether you are going for a stroll in Center City or trying one of our many amazing restaurants, there is always something to do here. And don't get a Philly local started on where to enjoy the best cheesesteak. Everyone has a different opinion and it's a big piece of our culture here.
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Things to do in Philadelphia
An afternoon in Penn’s Landing
Nestled along the Delaware River, Penn’s Landing offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Here’s how to spend your afternoon:
Walk Along the Waterfront: Take in the views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and watch boats glide by.
Blue Cross RiverRink: Depending on the season, enjoy ice skating in the winter or roller skating in the summer.
Spruce Street Harbor Park: Relax in hammocks, grab a craft beer and enjoy food from local vendors. The twinkling lights at night create a magical atmosphere.
Independence Seaport Museum: Dive into maritime history and explore historic ships like the Cruiser Olympia.
South Philly: Sports heaven
South Philly is the epicenter of Philadelphia’s sports culture. All major stadiums are conveniently located here:
Lincoln Financial Field: Home of the Eagles (NFL).
Citizens Bank Park: Catch a Phillies (MLB) game and savor their iconic crab fries.
Wells Fargo Center: Cheer on the 76ers (NBA) or Flyers (NHL).
Before or after the game, head to Xfinity Live! for food, drinks and entertainment with fellow fans.
Day trips
If you are looking for a quick and easy day trip starting in Philadelphia. You are in luck. The City of Brotherly Love is close to NYC, Baltimore and the Jersey Shore. There are so many amazing spots to check out within a few-hour drive of Philly.
Places to eat & drink in Philadelphia
Must-try cheesesteak spots
No trip to Philadelphia is complete without indulging in a cheesesteak. Here are a few iconic spots:
Angelo’s Pizzeria: Located at 9th and Fitzwater, this spot serves up phenomenal cheesesteaks alongside some of the city’s best pizza.
Cleavers: Situated in Center City, Cleavers offers gourmet cheesesteaks with high-quality ingredients and creative toppings.
Dalessandro’s Steaks: For a more local vibe, head to Roxborough. The cheesesteaks here are packed with meat and topped with perfectly melted cheese.
John’s Roast Pork: While known for their roast pork sandwich, their cheesesteaks are equally deserving of the spotlight.
Amazing restaurant options
Philadelphia is a foodie paradise with diverse dining options:
Vetri Cucina: A fine-dining Italian experience that’s consistently top-rated.
Zahav: An Israeli restaurant renowned for its hummus and lamb dishes.
Reading Terminal Market: A culinary haven with dozens of vendors serving everything from Amish baked goods to DiNic’s roast pork sandwiches.
South Philly Barbacoa: Authentic Mexican tacos that are a must-try.
Suraya: A Lebanese gem in Fishtown offering a memorable dining experience.
Need to know
Embracing Philadelphia culture
Philadelphia’s culture is a blend of its historic roots and modern creativity:
Historic sites: Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell to relive America’s founding.
Mural arts: Walk through the city to admire vibrant murals that tell the stories of Philly’s communities.
The Barnes Foundation: An impressive collection of art, from Impressionist masterpieces to African sculptures.
Philly’s music scene: Catch live performances at venues like The Fillmore or Union Transfer.
Neighborhood vibes: Wander through South Street, Fishtown or Northern Liberties to experience Philly’s unique character and local charm.
The Rocky Statue: Run up the stairs of the Philly Art Museum just like Rocky did in the movie. This is a right of passage for any tourist visiting the beautiful city of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia’s energy, history and unbeatable food scene make it a must-visit destination. Follow this guide to explore the city like a true local and create memories you’ll cherish forever.
Travel Advisor
Adam Jarvis
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