Cuisine, nature, museums, cobblestone streets — not only does Philadelphia have all of the best getaway attractions, I can almost guarantee the city will surprise + delight you, since what they say about us is only half-true. Incredible local delicacies? Holy cheesesteak yes. Mean sports fans? That’s part of the fun.
Why go?
- Explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art , filled with contemporary, American, and East Asian art, plus run up the famous Rocky steps outside + pose with the Rocky statue .
- Snap more than a few photos in Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (it’s covered in stunning, glittering mosaic art).
- Try your hand at getting a reservation at Zahav (here are some tips ). The famous Israeli restaurant serves up fluffy, thick Laffa bread, the Pomegranate Lamb Shoulder, and the best hummus in the city .
- Head to Reading Terminal Market for lunch — it’s a classic for a reason, and is perfect for a group with different tastes or dietary restrictions.
- Catch a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park, which not only has all the best grub + beer, but was named the No. 1 ballpark for vegetarian options . Pro tip: Gluten-free folks, head to the stand behind Section 122 for gluten-free hot dogs, cheesesteaks, and beverages.
- Drink in all the US history you could want by checking out the crack in the Liberty Bell or visiting Independence Hall , where the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed.
- Visit around the holiday season to ice skate outside City Hall at Dilworth Park’s Winter Wonderland , plus shop the Christmas Village at Love Park.
You’ll heart Philly too after a sunny day spent in the City of Brotherly Love.
Photo by Jesse Steinberg
Act like a local:
- Food: Must-try local specialties include water ice , cheesesteaks , and if you’re really trying to act like a local, a late-night Wawa run . Bonus: Splurge on the most upscale cheesesteak known to man with Barclay Prime ’s $140 Wagyu ribeye cheesesteak.
- Food: Don’t be surprised when there are soft pretzels for sale at every single ice cream + water ice place you come across. We’d recommend parting with your dollar bill and enjoying every pillowy-soft bite.
- Outdoors: Take up a favorite local pastime and bike down the Schuylkill River Trail , which extends over 75 miles of Pennsylvania abandoned railroads.
- Explore: Spend a morning in Rittenhouse Square for coffee shops, dining, shopping, and lounging in the green park.
- Sports: Wave hi to Gritty , a beloved orange monster and the Philadelphia Flyers mascot, at a hockey game .
- Sports: Head to a Sixers game and cross your fingers that the other team misses two consecutive free throws in the second half so you win a free Wendy’s Frosty.
Where to stay:
- Vrbo: Center City/Rittenhouse Square apartment with a walk score of 100 (~$201/night)
- Splurge hotel: Lokal Hotel , a boutique hotel in Old City (~$323/night)
- Save hotel: The Mansion in Old City , a short distance from Independence Hall (~$221/night)