A Perfect Long Weekend in Philadelphia

Independence Mall

Let’s start with the obvious, which is the incredible history of the U.S. Independence Mall, in the Old City neighborhood, contains the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the National Constitution Center. Just a couple of blocks away is the Museum of the American Revolution, a worthy stop for history buffs.

Catch a game

Philadelphia is known for its sports as much as its history, and with a large roster of professional teams, you can catch a game just about any time of year. Whether you’re into football, hockey, basketball, baseball, soccer, or lacrosse—Philly has you covered!

Mural arts

Did you know that Philadelphia has more public art than any other U.S. city? In fact, Philly has been voted the “Best City for Street Art” by USA Today multiple times. With more than 4,000 murals and the nation’s largest public art program (Mural Arts Philadelphia), you can’t walk a block in this city without coming across some really cool artwork. Seasonal public tours through the Mural Arts program are a great way to learn more.

Museums

Don’t sleep on the world-class museums, either! There is truly something for everyone, from the traditional (Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum) to the scientific (The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Mütter Museum), and much more. My personal favorite is the Penn Museum, an incredible collection of archaeological treasures.

Live arts

Theater, concerts, drag brunches, even dinner with a show—you can find it all in Philly! In the summer, there’s no better venue to catch a band than the Mann Center, an open-air amphitheater with views of the Philly skyline. In early fall, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival sweeps the city with hundreds of performances.

Reading Terminal Market

Imagine scoring the best of Philadelphia’s food scene, all under one roof. My advice? Start with a cheesesteak from Uncle Gus’ Steaks (my personal favorite!), then hit Bassetts Ice Cream for a sweet treat. Grab some fresh-baked Georgian bread from Saami Somi, plus a bottle of PA-made wine or spirits from Pennsylvania Libations as a souvenir. Gluten-free? Be sure to check out Fox & Son for elevated corn dogs, hand-cut fries, and more.

Schuylkill Banks

Also known as the Schuylkill River Trail, this miles-long path welcomes people from all walks of life and many canine companions. A walk or run will ensure views of some of Philly’s most iconic landmarks: Bartram’s Garden, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Boathouse Row, to name a few. Check the official website for movie nights, kayak and riverboat tours, and more!

Fishtown

It’s hard to point out a singular neighborhood when all of them have their perks, but Fishtown has a very distinct vibe. There are loads of restaurants, plus coffee shops, boutiques, craft breweries, and bars for literally everyone—dive bars, wine bars, sports bars, and even NA bars (shout out to Palmina). Go to Fishtown for a fun night out or a vibey day.

Philadelphia’s food scene is bursting with gems, from cozy neighborhood BYOs to James Beard- and Michelin-awarded powerhouses. The following is a list of my personal favorites.

• illata: Located in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood, this tiny BYO simply hits the mark every time. Favoring local and seasonal ingredients, the menu rotates often and the service will welcome you like family. Always get dessert. Advance reservations are a must.

• Alice: This corner restaurant in the Italian Market is consistently delicious. The menu is ideal for sharing, so it’s a great place for a group, but just as nice for a date. Start light with a crudo so you can save room for the Iowa ribeye with hickory barbecue sauce. And don’t sleep on the fries, either!

• Wilder: A fun Rittenhouse-area restaurant that’s tucked slightly away from the masses on Sansom Street. The beverage program is especially creative for both drinkers and non-drinkers alike. Get: the roasted oysters, any of the salads, any of the pastas (but especially the mafaldine alla vodka).

• Darling Jack’s: Located on the restaurant row of 13th Street, Darling Jack’s offers a reasonably-priced menu with something for everyone. The wedge salad hits the spot every time, while the French onion soup—loaded with a pile of crispy fried onions—is a crowd favorite. In a group? Be sure to order a tavern pizza to share.

• Kiddo: On the corner of 12th & Pine lies a vegetable-forward restaurant that still has options for meat eaters. The salads are especially creative and are not to be missed. This is another restaurant that is great for sharing—try something from every section of the menu (snacks, small plates, pastas, big plates) for maximum deliciousness.

• Pub & Kitchen: This neighborhood favorite in Fitler Square serves up delicious burgers and hearty sandwiches but also has a nice mix of more refined plates. Brunch never disappoints: The Wrangler, P&K’s version of a Bloody Mary, is delicious.

• Dizengoff: In the heart of Center City, this Israeli restaurant serves up hummus several ways (try the Turkish hummus, served hot with brown butter and crispy slices of garlic), fresh salads and tasty sandwiches and platters. Always get a side of fries—the tehina ketchup is delicious!

• Vernick Fish: On the ground floor at the Four Seasons Philadelphia is my favorite special occasion restaurant, Vernick Fish. The restaurant is a seafood lover’s dream and the menu rotates regularly so there’s always a surprise.

• High Street: The area near the Convention Center can be tricky; for an elevated meal from a nationally celebrated restaurateur, look no further than High Street at 101 S. 9th. Great for lunch (try the crispy chicken caesar hoagie) or dinner. Be sure to visit sister restaurant The Bread Room just around the corner, for some of the best baked goods in town.

• D’Emilio’s Old World Ice Treats: My go-to for a frozen treat. Soft serve, sorbetto, gelati, and the most delicious ice cream sundaes you can find. Grab a treat and take a stroll down Passyunk Avenue.