Guidebook for Philadelphia
Food Scene
Perfect for your morning coffee pick-me-up! You can also grab a quick bagel, pastry, or smoothie here.
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OCF Coffee House
2100 Fairmount AvePerfect for your morning coffee pick-me-up! You can also grab a quick bagel, pastry, or smoothie here.
If you’re in town on a Sunday night, we highly recommend treating yourself to their chef’s tasting prix fixe menu. This is an intimate place to have a delicious meal featuring fresh, local ingredients. Cash only and BYOB.
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Pumpkin BYOB
1713 South StIf you’re in town on a Sunday night, we highly recommend treating yourself to their chef’s tasting prix fixe menu. This is an intimate place to have a delicious meal featuring fresh, local ingredients. Cash only and BYOB.
The perfect spot if you are looking for Thai food. If you feel like going out in a casual environment, this is a great place, or call ahead for takeout. BYOB.
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Sawatdee
534 S 15th StThe perfect spot if you are looking for Thai food. If you feel like going out in a casual environment, this is a great place, or call ahead for takeout. BYOB.
Right around the corner, Southgate is a great upscale Korean/American Bar mix (I know, sounds weird but is delicious). You can either eat inside or outside, but will enjoy either way. Reservations recommended.
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SouthGate
1801 Lombard StRight around the corner, Southgate is a great upscale Korean/American Bar mix (I know, sounds weird but is delicious). You can either eat inside or outside, but will enjoy either way. Reservations recommended.
Another great brunch place nearby. Again, be warned that if you show up much after 11:00am during a weekend you will probably have to wait, but during the week it is much easier to get in.
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Honey's Sit 'N Eat
2101 South StAnother great brunch place nearby. Again, be warned that if you show up much after 11:00am during a weekend you will probably have to wait, but during the week it is much easier to get in.
After a tiring day of touristing, treat yourself to a ridiculously delicious ice cream sundae from Franklin Fountain. Cash only, and defiantly "old-timey" despite having been founded in 2004, but the concoctions are SO. GOOD. And it's short walk from Independence Hall.
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The Franklin Fountain
116 Market StAfter a tiring day of touristing, treat yourself to a ridiculously delicious ice cream sundae from Franklin Fountain. Cash only, and defiantly "old-timey" despite having been founded in 2004, but the concoctions are SO. GOOD. And it's short walk from Independence Hall.
For a sweet treat closer to home, try the frozen yogurt at Igloo. Select as many flavors or toppings as you want, and only pay for the weight of the items in your cup. Enjoy at home or at the wonderful outdoor seating area of Grey’s Ferry Triangle.
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The Igloo
2223 Grays Ferry AveFor a sweet treat closer to home, try the frozen yogurt at Igloo. Select as many flavors or toppings as you want, and only pay for the weight of the items in your cup. Enjoy at home or at the wonderful outdoor seating area of Grey’s Ferry Triangle.
We highly recommend you have a cheesesteak while in town. All Philadelphians have a certain maker they swear is the best, and our pick is Tony Luke's. However, getting there is not easy via public transit, so there are a few other options, also delicious, that are much more convenient (see Jim's and Ishkabibble's).
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Tony Luke's
39 E Oregon AveWe highly recommend you have a cheesesteak while in town. All Philadelphians have a certain maker they swear is the best, and our pick is Tony Luke's. However, getting there is not easy via public transit, so there are a few other options, also delicious, that are much more convenient (see Jim's and Ishkabibble's).
A cheesesteak option on South Street (which is a quirky place to check out anyway!)
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Jim's Steaks
400 N 62nd StA cheesesteak option on South Street (which is a quirky place to check out anyway!)
Another South Street cheesesteak joint. Oh, and be bold and get "wiz." It's just not quite the same with provolone...
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Ishkabibble's II
517 South StAnother South Street cheesesteak joint. Oh, and be bold and get "wiz." It's just not quite the same with provolone...
If you want a good brunch, this is a great spot. In addition, it becomes a relaxing (a bit divey) bar at night. Be warned that if you show up much after 11:00am during a weekend you will probably have to wait (but an insider tip is to ask if there are bar seats, which can get you in earlier).
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The Sidecar Bar & Grille
2201 Christian StIf you want a good brunch, this is a great spot. In addition, it becomes a relaxing (a bit divey) bar at night. Be warned that if you show up much after 11:00am during a weekend you will probably have to wait (but an insider tip is to ask if there are bar seats, which can get you in earlier).
Craving a bagel in the morning? It doesn't get much more convenient than this. Bagels, coffee, sandwiches, and salads galore!
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Fitzwater Street Philly Bagels
2001 Fitzwater StCraving a bagel in the morning? It doesn't get much more convenient than this. Bagels, coffee, sandwiches, and salads galore!
Starbucks
2201 South StOur neighborhood Starbucks.
Wawa
2000 Hamilton StWawa is a Philadelphia institution. Come here and grab a hoagie!
Essentials
One of our convenient neighborhood markets, great for picking up a few things. It’s about a 10 minute walk from our place.
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Rittenhouse Market
1733 Spruce StOne of our convenient neighborhood markets, great for picking up a few things. It’s about a 10 minute walk from our place.
Walgreens
1800 South StOur preferred pharmacy/convenience store. It’s 2 minutes away.
About a 7 minute walk away, very similar to Rittenhouse Market.
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South Square Market
2221 South StAbout a 7 minute walk away, very similar to Rittenhouse Market.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great neighborhood bar with American pub grub (yummy burgers!) and a solid seasonal draft list along with pool and darts. If you want to hang out and have a low key night, this is a great place.
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Ten Stone
2063 South StGreat neighborhood bar with American pub grub (yummy burgers!) and a solid seasonal draft list along with pool and darts. If you want to hang out and have a low key night, this is a great place.
A Philly Classic since 1969. This dive bar is famous for its cheap beer-&-a-shot special (aka the “Citywide Special”— can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jim Beam). They have live jazz with no cover every Friday and Saturday night and each Thursday present the famous Drag Show, showcasing the best female impersonators around.
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Bob and Barbara's Lounge
1509 South StreetA Philly Classic since 1969. This dive bar is famous for its cheap beer-&-a-shot special (aka the “Citywide Special”— can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jim Beam). They have live jazz with no cover every Friday and Saturday night and each Thursday present the famous Drag Show, showcasing the best female impersonators around.
The closest sports bar to our place if there’s a big game you want to watch. Lots of TVs and a full menu and beer list. This place can get pretty crowded when the Eagles are playing.
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Founding Fathers Sports Bar & Grill
1612 South StreetThe closest sports bar to our place if there’s a big game you want to watch. Lots of TVs and a full menu and beer list. This place can get pretty crowded when the Eagles are playing.
Sightseeing
A must see for any visitor to Philadelphia. The Liberty Bell is on view to the public for free, no ticket required, but you may need to wait in line to enter the building if you want to see the famous crack. Once you're inside, if you just want to see the bell, walk straight back, bypassing all the exhibits leading up to it. Or, spend some time reading about its history on the museum displays.
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Freiheitsglocke
526 Market StA must see for any visitor to Philadelphia. The Liberty Bell is on view to the public for free, no ticket required, but you may need to wait in line to enter the building if you want to see the famous crack. Once you're inside, if you just want to see the bell, walk straight back, bypassing all the exhibits leading up to it. Or, spend some time reading about its history on the museum displays.
Independence Hall tours are facilitated by the National Park Service and free timed entry tickets are required, so planning ahead is recommended. Tickets are distributed each morning from the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets starting at 8:30am. They are limited in quantity and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. On busy days, all the tickets may be distributed by 11am. Reserved tickets are a good option if you'd prefer to sleep in. Call toll free at 1-877-444-6777 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Eastern Time) or reserve your tickets online through the reservation website.
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Independence Hall
520 Chestnut StIndependence Hall tours are facilitated by the National Park Service and free timed entry tickets are required, so planning ahead is recommended. Tickets are distributed each morning from the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets starting at 8:30am. They are limited in quantity and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. On busy days, all the tickets may be distributed by 11am. Reserved tickets are a good option if you'd prefer to sleep in. Call toll free at 1-877-444-6777 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Eastern Time) or reserve your tickets online through the reservation website.
Some more free fun! The US Mint in Philadelphia is right in the heart of Historic Old City, so it's a great addition to a day of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Tours are self guided and highlights include viewing the actual coining operations from 40 feet above the factory floor and a collection of coins handmade by early Americans.
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United States Mint
151 N Independence Mall ESome more free fun! The US Mint in Philadelphia is right in the heart of Historic Old City, so it's a great addition to a day of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Tours are self guided and highlights include viewing the actual coining operations from 40 feet above the factory floor and a collection of coins handmade by early Americans.
Arts & Culture
The museum has a fantastic comprehensive collection of everything from ancient Asian architecture to Impressionism and beyond. Tickets are good for two days, giving you the opportunity to explore the collection in the main building, design and textiles in the Perelman Building, and the world's second largest collection of Auguste Rodin's sculpture in the Rodin Museum.
While you're there, don't forget to run up the famed "Rocky Steps," admire the amazing view of the Philly skyline from the top, and spend some time wandering around Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River.
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Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin PkwyThe museum has a fantastic comprehensive collection of everything from ancient Asian architecture to Impressionism and beyond. Tickets are good for two days, giving you the opportunity to explore the collection in the main building, design and textiles in the Perelman Building, and the world's second largest collection of Auguste Rodin's sculpture in the Rodin Museum.
While you're there, don't forget to run up the famed "Rocky Steps," admire the amazing view of the Philly skyline from the top, and spend some time wandering around Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River.
For something completely different and kind of creepy, check out the College of Physicians of Philadelphia's Mutter Museum. America's finest museum of medical history, the Mütter Museum displays its beautifully preserved collections of anatomical specimens, models, and medical instruments in a nineteenth-century "cabinet museum" setting and encourages visitors to become "disturbingly informed."
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First Food Market
116 S 21st StFor something completely different and kind of creepy, check out the College of Physicians of Philadelphia's Mutter Museum. America's finest museum of medical history, the Mütter Museum displays its beautifully preserved collections of anatomical specimens, models, and medical instruments in a nineteenth-century "cabinet museum" setting and encourages visitors to become "disturbingly informed."
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is an encompassing mosaicked art environment envisioned and created by Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar in the 1960s. This site, Zagar’s largest public artwork, includes a fully tiled indoor space and a massive outdoor mosaic sculpture garden that spans half a block on Philadelphia’s famous South Street. You can just peek in the gate to get a taste of experience, or enter to fully explore the environment. As you wander around South Street, keep your eyes out for more of Zagar's mosaics on the sides of buildings.
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Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
1020 South StPhiladelphia's Magic Gardens is an encompassing mosaicked art environment envisioned and created by Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar in the 1960s. This site, Zagar’s largest public artwork, includes a fully tiled indoor space and a massive outdoor mosaic sculpture garden that spans half a block on Philadelphia’s famous South Street. You can just peek in the gate to get a taste of experience, or enter to fully explore the environment. As you wander around South Street, keep your eyes out for more of Zagar's mosaics on the sides of buildings.
Philadelphia is a city of murals; you'll see them just walking from one destination to another, but it's also great to get off the beaten path and visit the heart of the city's neighborhoods away from main visitor attractions. The Mural Arts Tours are a perfect way to do this while viewing stunning public art and getting a feel for the rich culture of Philadelphia. Tours are ticketed and can be reserved online or by phone at 215-925-3633. Walking, trolly, train, segway, and private tours are available are are usually 1.5 to 2 hours long.
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Mural Arts Philadelphia
1727-29 Mt Vernon StPhiladelphia is a city of murals; you'll see them just walking from one destination to another, but it's also great to get off the beaten path and visit the heart of the city's neighborhoods away from main visitor attractions. The Mural Arts Tours are a perfect way to do this while viewing stunning public art and getting a feel for the rich culture of Philadelphia. Tours are ticketed and can be reserved online or by phone at 215-925-3633. Walking, trolly, train, segway, and private tours are available are are usually 1.5 to 2 hours long.
Entertainment & Activities
If you're looking to spend a day at the ball game—as long as they are playing at home—you can see the the top rated mascot in all major sports (The Phillie Phanatic). Cheering on the Phillies in person is easy to do: take a 15 minute drive from the house to Citizens Bank Park or walk 10 minutes to the Broad Street Line to avoid paying for parking. If you do take the Broad Street Line, go southbound to the last stop.
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Citizens Bank Park
1 Citizens Bank WayIf you're looking to spend a day at the ball game—as long as they are playing at home—you can see the the top rated mascot in all major sports (The Phillie Phanatic). Cheering on the Phillies in person is easy to do: take a 15 minute drive from the house to Citizens Bank Park or walk 10 minutes to the Broad Street Line to avoid paying for parking. If you do take the Broad Street Line, go southbound to the last stop.
Our preferred movie theater, near Penn's campus. Not a bad walk if it's a nice day, or a quick ride away.
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Cinemark University City Penn 6
4012 Walnut StOur preferred movie theater, near Penn's campus. Not a bad walk if it's a nice day, or a quick ride away.
Parks & Nature
Enjoy a scenic walk, run, or bike along the river! This recreational path runs along the Schuylkill River from Center City Philadelphia and extends 26.5 miles. Take the trail to the Art Museum and beyond! It can get crowded, especially on weekends, but was named 2015's number one urban trail in the country by USA Today and boasts spectacular waterfront views of the Philadelphia Skyline.
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Schuylkill River Trail
Schuylkill River TrailEnjoy a scenic walk, run, or bike along the river! This recreational path runs along the Schuylkill River from Center City Philadelphia and extends 26.5 miles. Take the trail to the Art Museum and beyond! It can get crowded, especially on weekends, but was named 2015's number one urban trail in the country by USA Today and boasts spectacular waterfront views of the Philadelphia Skyline.