Guidebook for Philadelphia
Sightseeing
Great historic site within three blocks that is perfect for an afternoon tour.
433 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount AveGreat historic site within three blocks that is perfect for an afternoon tour.
Largest limestone building in the country. Check out Dilworth Park at the west entrance, walk through the center, and descend into an old-school subway station directly below.
354 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-City Hall yasePhiladelphia
1400 John F Kennedy BlvdLargest limestone building in the country. Check out Dilworth Park at the west entrance, walk through the center, and descend into an old-school subway station directly below.
Simply the greatest city market in the United States. Go hungry and take an UberX from the house (less than $7). Seek out DiNics for the roast pork, Bassets for ice cream, and hit up the amish goods
739 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Reading Terminal Market
1136 N 12th StSimply the greatest city market in the United States. Go hungry and take an UberX from the house (less than $7). Seek out DiNics for the roast pork, Bassets for ice cream, and hit up the amish goods
So much history, so many bars, great food. Spend a night in this area and explore. 2nd floor of Revolution House on the balcony is a winner for drinks and dinner after your walk.
258 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Old City District
231 Market StSo much history, so many bars, great food. Spend a night in this area and explore. 2nd floor of Revolution House on the balcony is a winner for drinks and dinner after your walk.
Arts & Culture
Run the Rocky Steps, take in some great works of art, but be sure to check out the trails and gardens behind the museum.
1164 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin PkwyRun the Rocky Steps, take in some great works of art, but be sure to check out the trails and gardens behind the museum.
If you love art, then you must go here. Easy walk from the house and well worth your time. Reserve tickets online.
560 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barnes
2025 Benjamin Franklin PkwyIf you love art, then you must go here. Easy walk from the house and well worth your time. Reserve tickets online.
If you have kids, this is a wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon.
458 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Franklin Institute
222 N 20th StIf you have kids, this is a wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon.
The best venue to see a concert in the city. Check their events page and Google the performers if they're not familiar to you. Easy walk and usually affordable.
94 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Union Transfer
1026 Spring Garden StThe best venue to see a concert in the city. Check their events page and Google the performers if they're not familiar to you. Easy walk and usually affordable.
Lesser known, but fantastic plays. Usually has national talent, some who you might recognize from TV and film. Not a bad seat in the house, affordable, and in a great area. I insist that you go to Bud & Marylin's after a show and order off their night owl menu.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Suzanne Roberts Theatre
480 S Broad StLesser known, but fantastic plays. Usually has national talent, some who you might recognize from TV and film. Not a bad seat in the house, affordable, and in a great area. I insist that you go to Bud & Marylin's after a show and order off their night owl menu.
Food Scene
BYO inexpensive brunch three blocks away. Also, they have a great artisanal market.
79 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tela's Market & Kitchen
1833 Fairmount AveBYO inexpensive brunch three blocks away. Also, they have a great artisanal market.
Amazing BYO sushi restaurant. This is what neighborhood eating is all about. RSVP needed, but they can squeeze you in the day-of most of the time.
27 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Umai Umai
533 N 22nd StAmazing BYO sushi restaurant. This is what neighborhood eating is all about. RSVP needed, but they can squeeze you in the day-of most of the time.
Everything on the menu is great at this corner bar/restaurant deep in the Fairmount neighborhood. Don't even think about driving to this one. No parking.
27 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bridgid's
Everything on the menu is great at this corner bar/restaurant deep in the Fairmount neighborhood. Don't even think about driving to this one. No parking.
Lot's of hyped restaurants in Philly. This one is the best. RSVP needed, sit at chef's counter. Budget $60 per person.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Serpico
604 South StLot's of hyped restaurants in Philly. This one is the best. RSVP needed, sit at chef's counter. Budget $60 per person.
Skip the garbage steaks in south philly and walk down the street to Jimmy's. Don't leave without the old bay fries.
27 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Jimmy G's Steaks
Skip the garbage steaks in south philly and walk down the street to Jimmy's. Don't leave without the old bay fries.
BYO Brunch in the industrial loft district. Walkable from the house, but do not go between 11-1 on the weekends. Need to be earlier or later to avoid a wait.
58 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cafe Lift
1124 N 13th StBYO Brunch in the industrial loft district. Walkable from the house, but do not go between 11-1 on the weekends. Need to be earlier or later to avoid a wait.
Great spot for authentic Vietnamese lunch. Get #140 and let me know what you think for $6.50. Pro tip! Park here and walk to the Italian Market after lunch.
31 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Nam Phuong Restaurant
1100 Washington AveGreat spot for authentic Vietnamese lunch. Get #140 and let me know what you think for $6.50. Pro tip! Park here and walk to the Italian Market after lunch.
Laid back, BYO, hidden, local gem mexican brunch/lunch spot. Easy parking, bring tequila and order their carafe mixers. All tacos and the chicken enchiladas are great.
56 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cafe Ynez
2025 Washington AveLaid back, BYO, hidden, local gem mexican brunch/lunch spot. Easy parking, bring tequila and order their carafe mixers. All tacos and the chicken enchiladas are great.
The mothership of coffee. Many say the best in the world. I wouldn't know, I don't drink coffee!
334 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Colombe Coffee Roasters
1335 Frankford AveThe mothership of coffee. Many say the best in the world. I wouldn't know, I don't drink coffee!
Classy BYO in the ultra foodie hip Passyunk Square area. You can't go wrong at this place and the service is incredibly friendly. Budget $40-60 per person. Others nearby: Fond, Stateside, Will
43 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Noord
1046 Tasker StClassy BYO in the ultra foodie hip Passyunk Square area. You can't go wrong at this place and the service is incredibly friendly. Budget $40-60 per person. Others nearby: Fond, Stateside, Will
Never heard of Chaat? Don't worry, go to the Mood Cafe for lunch and fall in love. It's an Indian puffed rice salad with fruit, yogurts, nuts, root veg, and spices. Let the owner lead you.
31 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mood Cafe
4618 Baltimore AveNever heard of Chaat? Don't worry, go to the Mood Cafe for lunch and fall in love. It's an Indian puffed rice salad with fruit, yogurts, nuts, root veg, and spices. Let the owner lead you.
Nightly jazz show, fantastic bayou inspired menu, and a great happy hour from 4-6PM. The upscale alternative to Bob and Barbaras. Easy walk from the house and right next door to Alla Spina.
31 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
SOUTH
600 N Broad StNightly jazz show, fantastic bayou inspired menu, and a great happy hour from 4-6PM. The upscale alternative to Bob and Barbaras. Easy walk from the house and right next door to Alla Spina.
Very approachable Middle Eastern BYO in a tiny corner location in Art Museum area. Extremely affordable and everything on the menu is excellent. Cash only
27 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Figs
2501 Meredith StVery approachable Middle Eastern BYO in a tiny corner location in Art Museum area. Extremely affordable and everything on the menu is excellent. Cash only
Famous for their square tomato pies. Easy walk from the house for quick, Italian comfort food. They deliver too. Cash only
50 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Santucci's Original Square Pizza
901 S 10th StFamous for their square tomato pies. Easy walk from the house for quick, Italian comfort food. They deliver too. Cash only
Always ranked in the top restaurants of Philadelphia. Close to the house and makes a great date night. Menu is very approachable and has mid and higher priced items. Usually need RSVP.
58 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Osteria
640 N Broad StAlways ranked in the top restaurants of Philadelphia. Close to the house and makes a great date night. Menu is very approachable and has mid and higher priced items. Usually need RSVP.
Best close spot for coffee. They have excellent crepes and cookies, and everything is affordable.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Vineyards Cafe
847 N 16th StBest close spot for coffee. They have excellent crepes and cookies, and everything is affordable.
The best happy hour! Every day from 4-7PM. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Beware, it can get crazy busy on Friday and Saturday around 5:30-6. If you can't score a seat, go to Bud & Marylin's, Tredici, Charlie was a sinner, or Frankie Bradley's nearby. Also, El Vez has a hopping singles scene on the corner.
61 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sampan
124 S 13th StThe best happy hour! Every day from 4-7PM. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Beware, it can get crazy busy on Friday and Saturday around 5:30-6. If you can't score a seat, go to Bud & Marylin's, Tredici, Charlie was a sinner, or Frankie Bradley's nearby. Also, El Vez has a hopping singles scene on the corner.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is where the locals go. Don't fear the locale. If you love whiskey, this is your place.
36 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Trestle Inn
339 N 11th StThis is where the locals go. Don't fear the locale. If you love whiskey, this is your place.
Go visit Kelly the bartender on Friday and Saturday nights. Great draft list, local crowd, and solid pub food. Easy walk from the house.
35 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
London Grill
2301 Fairmount AveGo visit Kelly the bartender on Friday and Saturday nights. Great draft list, local crowd, and solid pub food. Easy walk from the house.
Happy Hour until 7:30. Short walk from the house. Great draft list, lots of sports, cool building. Bar food is ok if you're hungry.
42 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Urban Saloon
2120 Fairmount AveHappy Hour until 7:30. Short walk from the house. Great draft list, lots of sports, cool building. Bar food is ok if you're hungry.
If you love beer, this is nirvana. Extensive and unusual list on draft. Excellent food and just a short walk from the house.
30 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Alla Spina
1410 Mount Vernon StreetIf you love beer, this is nirvana. Extensive and unusual list on draft. Excellent food and just a short walk from the house.
A must see May-Sept on Friday and Saturday night. Pop-up park on the Delaware river with more than enough to see and do (and eat/drink). Go roller skating too!
317 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Spruce Street Harbor Park
301 S Christopher Columbus BlvdA must see May-Sept on Friday and Saturday night. Pop-up park on the Delaware river with more than enough to see and do (and eat/drink). Go roller skating too!
Voted the #1 Dive Bar in America. If you love live music and appreciate lively jazz. Go here after 9:30 on Friday or Saturday. If you're into this type of thing, trust me, you won't be disappointed
305 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bob and Barbara's Lounge
1509 South StreetVoted the #1 Dive Bar in America. If you love live music and appreciate lively jazz. Go here after 9:30 on Friday or Saturday. If you're into this type of thing, trust me, you won't be disappointed
Beer heaven, literally. Not the most inexpensive choice though. Walk around the area if you go. Green St is beautiful.
61 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cooperage: A Wine & Whiskey Bar
123 S 7th StBeer heaven, literally. Not the most inexpensive choice though. Walk around the area if you go. Green St is beautiful.
Old school Ethiopian dive bar. If you like adventurous and cheap food, this is your Andrew Zimmerman moment. #1 and #14 are winners along with cheap drinks. Very friendly local spot.
36 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
ERA
2743 Poplar StOld school Ethiopian dive bar. If you like adventurous and cheap food, this is your Andrew Zimmerman moment. #1 and #14 are winners along with cheap drinks. Very friendly local spot.
Great new brew pub that is one block from the house. Excellent place to go for an early or late beer. We tend to skip the dinner rush, because there is better food nearby.
58 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bar Hygge
1720 Fairmount AveGreat new brew pub that is one block from the house. Excellent place to go for an early or late beer. We tend to skip the dinner rush, because there is better food nearby.
Excellent new micro-brew with a limited but good food menu. You can score parking along Girard. Beware that this is an up-and-coming neighborhood.
53 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Crime and Punishment Brewing Co.
2711 W Girard AveExcellent new micro-brew with a limited but good food menu. You can score parking along Girard. Beware that this is an up-and-coming neighborhood.
Shopping
DiBruno's, The Spice Lady, D'Angelo's Meats, Fante's kitchen shop, Paesano's sandwiches, apple fritter at Golden Donut, Taluto's, and San Roman. This is Philly at its gritty best. Take cash.
419 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Italian Market
919 S 9th StDiBruno's, The Spice Lady, D'Angelo's Meats, Fante's kitchen shop, Paesano's sandwiches, apple fritter at Golden Donut, Taluto's, and San Roman. This is Philly at its gritty best. Take cash.
Parks & Nature
Great place for a walk, run, or bike ride. Fantastic people watching and beautiful scenery.
204 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Boathouse Row
1 Boathouse RowGreat place for a walk, run, or bike ride. Fantastic people watching and beautiful scenery.
Massive park with lots of trails. If you love nature and hiking, you'll end up here all day.
315 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Fairmount Park
Reservoir DriveMassive park with lots of trails. If you love nature and hiking, you'll end up here all day.
It's a park, it's a trail, it's a scene. Lots of people watching, great views of the city. Go to the Art Museum, head out back to the hillside trail, and it connects right into the Schuylkill River trail.
250 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Schuylkill River Trail
Schuylkill River TrailIt's a park, it's a trail, it's a scene. Lots of people watching, great views of the city. Go to the Art Museum, head out back to the hillside trail, and it connects right into the Schuylkill River trail.