Things To Do
Old City
The birthplace of American independence, this now modern neighborhood is best known for its major Colonial-era sites - and where the hotels are located. Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross House are top area attractions. You can also find Elfreth's Alley - one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States, Ben Franklin's grave at the Christ Church Burial Ground, the Museum of the American Revolution and the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Old City is full of restaurants, cute shops and nightlife options on 2nd and 3rd streets. Khyber Pass Pub is one of our favorite restaurants, Omoi Life Goods is Lauren's favorite stationary store and we love the hand pies at Little Susie's.
The Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell, one of Philadelphia's most iconic pieces of American history, is located across the street from the Hotel Monaco, and a few minutes' walk from the Wyndham. If this is your first time in the city, it's a must-see.
Independence Hall
Have you ever wanted to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed? Or the building that Nicholas Cage broke into during "National Treasure"? Well, now you can. Independence Hall is another must-see stop on the Philadelphia history tour, and offers guided presentations multiple times a day. And, luckily for you guys, it's also located close to where you'll be staying.
Reading Terminal Market
Looking for an authentic cheesesteak? Or maybe some killer cannoli? Craving a hoagie or hot turkey sandwich? You can find it all, and much, much more, at Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest and largest public markets in America and a staple of Philly. Vinny and Lauren recommend: The hot turkey sandwich from Herschel's; cookies from Famous 4th Street Bakery; vegan "tuna salad" from Luhv; practically anything from Saami Somi Georgian Restaurant; a baleada from El Merkury
Chinatown
Vinny first fell in love with Philly's Chinatown as a 20-something crime reporter working nights; it was one of the few places that had restaurants open when he got off work at 12 or 1 a.m. When Lauren moved to the city with him, she quickly came to appreciate it, too. The country's oldest Chinatown, Philly's version offers dozens of shops and restaurants to peruse during the day, as well as a few karaoke bars that will help you throw back a few before belting out your rendition of "Mr. Brightside."
The Italian Market
The Italian Market is one of our favorite places in the city to spend an afternoon just walking around, and the food options are equally amazing. Grab Mexican fare from South Philly Barbacoa or stop in for a meal at Ralph's, the oldest Italian restaurant in the US. If you keep walking down 9th Street, you will make it to the Philly's cheesesteak mecca, featuring Pat's and Geno's. The nearby RIM Cafe is a must-go for elaborate hot chocolate drinks.
Museums throughout the city
Philly is known for its museums, and we've explored nearly all of them. Here are our favorites: - Philadelphia Art Museum, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130 - The Franklin Institute, 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 - The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118-128 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 - Please Touch Museum, 231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131 - Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130