Guidebook for Philadelphia
Arts & Culture
Run up the Rocky stairs on your way to view an amazing art collection. Be sure to check out the Hall of Armor, the Japanese Tea House and the Modern Art wing. They also have fantastic temporary exhibits but be sure to book your tickets ahead of time.
1164 locals recommend
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy Run up the Rocky stairs on your way to view an amazing art collection. Be sure to check out the Hall of Armor, the Japanese Tea House and the Modern Art wing. They also have fantastic temporary exhibits but be sure to book your tickets ahead of time.
Excellent 7 show season (5 shows for adults, 2 family shows)
30 locals recommend
Arden Theatre Company
40 N 2nd StExcellent 7 show season (5 shows for adults, 2 family shows)
Kimmel Cultural Campus
300 S Broad StFringeArts
140 N Christopher Columbus BlvdBarnes
2025 Benjamin Franklin PkwyThe Wilma Theater
265 S Broad StTheatre Exile
1340-48 S 13th StInterAct Theatre Company
302 S Hicks St1812 Productions
2329 S 3rd StTheatre with a focus on Comedies
First Food Market
116 S 21st StThe Franklin Institute
222 N 20th StGreat traveling exhibitions
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
1900 Benjamin Franklin PkwyGreat Museum for young kids. Highly interactive. A great place to burn off rainy day energy.
214 locals recommend
Please Touch Museum
4231 Avenue of the RepublicGreat Museum for young kids. Highly interactive. A great place to burn off rainy day energy.
Food Scene
Vedge
1221 Locust StAmazing Vegan and Vegetarian Food
Amazing food! Go early and be sure to make a reservation. It's very popular.
138 locals recommend
Zahav
237 St James PlAmazing food! Go early and be sure to make a reservation. It's very popular.
Barbuzzo
110 S 13th StAmazing food. Be sure to make a reservation.
Amazing tapas and sangrias. Get the chef's tasting menu. It's a great bang for your buck!
79 locals recommend
Amada
217-219 Chestnut StAmazing tapas and sangrias. Get the chef's tasting menu. It's a great bang for your buck!
Great modern Mexican restaurant. It is a small venue and is quite popular. I would recommend an early dinner here. The Carne Asada is amazing!
20 locals recommend
Lolita
106 S 13th StGreat modern Mexican restaurant. It is a small venue and is quite popular. I would recommend an early dinner here. The Carne Asada is amazing!
Amazing, ever changing seasonal menu. Fork is a little more upscale and not as great a choice for small children but you will not be disappointed with the food or atmosphere.
27 locals recommend
Fork
306 Market StAmazing, ever changing seasonal menu. Fork is a little more upscale and not as great a choice for small children but you will not be disappointed with the food or atmosphere.
Phenomenal coffee crafters. If you are a craft coffee lover, this is the spot. My favorite spot in the city for a latte. You have to wait a little longer to get your beverage as they brew each cup to perfection but well worth the wait,
37 locals recommend
Elixr Coffee Roasters
207 S Sydenham StPhenomenal coffee crafters. If you are a craft coffee lover, this is the spot. My favorite spot in the city for a latte. You have to wait a little longer to get your beverage as they brew each cup to perfection but well worth the wait,
My husband and I got married on The Moshulu because the ship s stunning and the food is top notch. They have an amazing brunch but the dinner scene is where it is at. The waitstaff is impeccably trained. Fine dining at its best!
38 locals recommend
Moshulu
401 S Christopher Columbus BlvdMy husband and I got married on The Moshulu because the ship s stunning and the food is top notch. They have an amazing brunch but the dinner scene is where it is at. The waitstaff is impeccably trained. Fine dining at its best!
The owner of Zahav opened this hummus restaurant a few years ago. It is inexpensive and delicious with a limited menu. It can get crowded but you can also get your hummus and pita to go. Don't forget to try the frozen Lemontta. They are only open for lunch.
25 locals recommend
Dizengoff
1625 Sansom StThe owner of Zahav opened this hummus restaurant a few years ago. It is inexpensive and delicious with a limited menu. It can get crowded but you can also get your hummus and pita to go. Don't forget to try the frozen Lemontta. They are only open for lunch.
Best gelato in the city. They have a few locations. South 13th Street, 20th Street, Walnut Street in Old City (they have pizza too) and Passyunk East in South Philly. Amazing and innovative flavors!
31 locals recommend
Capogiro Gelato Artisans
119 S 13th StBest gelato in the city. They have a few locations. South 13th Street, 20th Street, Walnut Street in Old City (they have pizza too) and Passyunk East in South Philly. Amazing and innovative flavors!
Best gelato in the city. They have a few locations. South 13th Street, 20th Street, Walnut Street in Old City (they have pizza too) and Passyunk East in South Philly. Amazing and innovative flavors!
31 locals recommend
Capogiro Gelato Artisans
119 S 13th StBest gelato in the city. They have a few locations. South 13th Street, 20th Street, Walnut Street in Old City (they have pizza too) and Passyunk East in South Philly. Amazing and innovative flavors!
Best gelato in the city. They have a few locations. South 13th Street, 20th Street, Walnut Street in Old City (they have pizza too) and Passyunk East in South Philly. Amazing and innovative flavors!
32 locals recommend
Capogiro Gelato Artisans Scoop Shop
1625 E Passyunk AveBest gelato in the city. They have a few locations. South 13th Street, 20th Street, Walnut Street in Old City (they have pizza too) and Passyunk East in South Philly. Amazing and innovative flavors!
What can't you find at Reading Terminal Market?!? So many food vendors all in one spot. It can get crowded but there are many family friendly options here. My personal recommendation would be: Flying Monkey Bakery, Down Home Diner, Olde City Coffee, Metropolitan Bakery, Miller's Twist (Amish soft pretzels), 12th Street Cantina, Famous Fourth Street Cookies, The Original Turkey, Hershel's East Side Deli (Hot Rueben Sandwiches), Termini Brothers Bakery (Take the Canolli)
739 locals recommend
Reading Terminal Market
1136 N 12th StWhat can't you find at Reading Terminal Market?!? So many food vendors all in one spot. It can get crowded but there are many family friendly options here. My personal recommendation would be: Flying Monkey Bakery, Down Home Diner, Olde City Coffee, Metropolitan Bakery, Miller's Twist (Amish soft pretzels), 12th Street Cantina, Famous Fourth Street Cookies, The Original Turkey, Hershel's East Side Deli (Hot Rueben Sandwiches), Termini Brothers Bakery (Take the Canolli)
Homemade Ice Cream by The Berley Brothers. The scene at Franklin Fountain is something out of the history books. The 2 owners grew up in a family that ran an antiques shop. Their ice cream parlor is historic and authentic right down to the Ben Franklin bust and the belt run ceiling fans. This is original Philadelphia architecture and decor at its best. The staff is super friendly and the ice cream is amazing. Be sure to try the homemade chocolate sauce, caramel sauce to peanut butter sauce. You can even buy a jar to take home.
90 locals recommend
The Franklin Fountain
116 Market StHomemade Ice Cream by The Berley Brothers. The scene at Franklin Fountain is something out of the history books. The 2 owners grew up in a family that ran an antiques shop. Their ice cream parlor is historic and authentic right down to the Ben Franklin bust and the belt run ceiling fans. This is original Philadelphia architecture and decor at its best. The staff is super friendly and the ice cream is amazing. Be sure to try the homemade chocolate sauce, caramel sauce to peanut butter sauce. You can even buy a jar to take home.
Old Time candy shop run by The Berley Borthers who also own Franklin Fountain just a few doors down. Lots of vintage style candies. They handmade chocolates, camels and buttercream in house. You can build your own box of chocolates or select one of their remade assortments. They have tons of non chocolate items too, There is a hot chocolate bar in the back. Do yourself a favor and get a Jefferson's Nightcap. The architectural and interior design of this historical Philly confectionery is top notch and super nostalgic.
6 locals recommend
Shane Confectionery
110 Market StOld Time candy shop run by The Berley Borthers who also own Franklin Fountain just a few doors down. Lots of vintage style candies. They handmade chocolates, camels and buttercream in house. You can build your own box of chocolates or select one of their remade assortments. They have tons of non chocolate items too, There is a hot chocolate bar in the back. Do yourself a favor and get a Jefferson's Nightcap. The architectural and interior design of this historical Philly confectionery is top notch and super nostalgic.
They have great breakfast options and excellent coffee. It's really quiet here during the week. A great coffee shop to take your laptop and get some work accomplished!
43 locals recommend
Plenty Café
1710 E Passyunk AveThey have great breakfast options and excellent coffee. It's really quiet here during the week. A great coffee shop to take your laptop and get some work accomplished!
Great food, fun atmosphere. Be sure to get the corn on the cob and a mexican coke. Go early if noise level and crowds are an issue. They also do a nice brunch.
137 locals recommend
Cantina Los Caballitos
1651 E Passyunk AveGreat food, fun atmosphere. Be sure to get the corn on the cob and a mexican coke. Go early if noise level and crowds are an issue. They also do a nice brunch.
Fantastic brunch! They do not take reservations and are very busy on the weekends. Get there early but it's worth the wait.
265 locals recommend
Green Eggs Café
212 S 13th StFantastic brunch! They do not take reservations and are very busy on the weekends. Get there early but it's worth the wait.
Amazing fried pickles and tater tots. I recommend the Punk Mustard, Chipotle Mayo and the Vinegar May for dipping. Great burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Small spot but the service is friendly and relatively quick. Be sure to get a milkshake or Maine Root fountain soda.
17 locals recommend
P'unk Burger
1823 Passyunk AveAmazing fried pickles and tater tots. I recommend the Punk Mustard, Chipotle Mayo and the Vinegar May for dipping. Great burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Small spot but the service is friendly and relatively quick. Be sure to get a milkshake or Maine Root fountain soda.
Black N Brew
1523 E Passyunk AveGreat little coffee shop with lots of breakfast options.
This little Vietnamese Fresh bakery is the hidden gem of South Philadelphia. It doesn't look fancy at all but don't be fooled. They do killer iced Vietnamese coffee and excellent classic french baked goods. You won't see them in the display case but the do croissant breakfast sandwiches (Egg, bacon, cheese, sausage or any combination of those). They are the best croissants I have every had! Well worth the trip!
40 locals recommend
Artisan Boulanger Patissier
1218 Mifflin StThis little Vietnamese Fresh bakery is the hidden gem of South Philadelphia. It doesn't look fancy at all but don't be fooled. They do killer iced Vietnamese coffee and excellent classic french baked goods. You won't see them in the display case but the do croissant breakfast sandwiches (Egg, bacon, cheese, sausage or any combination of those). They are the best croissants I have every had! Well worth the trip!
Right around the corner from the house. This is a great, new little Mexican restaurant.
10 locals recommend
Frida Cantina
1000 Wolf StRight around the corner from the house. This is a great, new little Mexican restaurant.
Another great option close by. They are nothing fancy but the food is decent and the price is right. The service can be a little slow though.
24 locals recommend
Los Gallos
951 Wolf StAnother great option close by. They are nothing fancy but the food is decent and the price is right. The service can be a little slow though.
Good brunch spot. Can get a little crowded for brunch. I would recommend going on the earlier side.
47 locals recommend
Flannel
1819 E Passyunk AveGood brunch spot. Can get a little crowded for brunch. I would recommend going on the earlier side.
Birra has great pizzas and appetizers. This is a neighborhood spot with some kid friendly options on the menu.
63 locals recommend
LaScala's Birra
1700 E Passyunk AveBirra has great pizzas and appetizers. This is a neighborhood spot with some kid friendly options on the menu.
Fun dim sum and trendy decor. Do yourself a favor and order the caterpillar bread.
83 locals recommend
Bing Bing Dim Sum
1648 E Passyunk AveFun dim sum and trendy decor. Do yourself a favor and order the caterpillar bread.
Amazing Dutch cuisine. Excellent restaurant. A little more upscale and pricey but such a great place for dinner.
43 locals recommend
Noord
1046 Tasker StAmazing Dutch cuisine. Excellent restaurant. A little more upscale and pricey but such a great place for dinner.
Stateside
1536 E Passyunk AveMostly tapas. Good food. Great atmosphere.
A cash and carry beer store in the neighborhood. Excellent selection of beers. They even carry some sour beers.
34 locals recommend
The Bottle Shop
1616 E Passyunk AveA cash and carry beer store in the neighborhood. Excellent selection of beers. They even carry some sour beers.
They deliver! Great take out Chinese spot. It is nothing fancy to look at but have been my go to Chinese delivery joint for ages.
8 locals recommend
China House
1739 E Passyunk AveThey deliver! Great take out Chinese spot. It is nothing fancy to look at but have been my go to Chinese delivery joint for ages.
Restaurant and bar. Their menu is constantly changing. Great beer selection. Kinda has a sports bar vibe to the place.
112 locals recommend
South Philadelphia Tap Room
1509 Mifflin StRestaurant and bar. Their menu is constantly changing. Great beer selection. Kinda has a sports bar vibe to the place.
Sightseeing
National Constitution Center
525 Arch StLiberty Bell
526 Market StYou can't stop in Philly and not see the Liberty Bell!
Independence Hall
520 Chestnut StTake on of their free guided tours.
Parks & Nature
Rittenhouse Square
135 S 18th StCheck out the Japanese Tea House and Boathouse Row. One of the largest urban parks in the county. It's bigger than Central Park in New York City. Great seasonal events like marathons, Dragonboat Races, Concerts and more.
315 locals recommend
Fairmount Park
Reservoir DriveCheck out the Japanese Tea House and Boathouse Row. One of the largest urban parks in the county. It's bigger than Central Park in New York City. Great seasonal events like marathons, Dragonboat Races, Concerts and more.
In December, check out the Christmas Village and Ice Skating at Dilworth Park. There are craft vendors, artisans, food vendors and hot cocoa.
In the summer, they screen free outdoor movies.
81 locals recommend
Dilworth Park
1 S 15th StIn December, check out the Christmas Village and Ice Skating at Dilworth Park. There are craft vendors, artisans, food vendors and hot cocoa.
In the summer, they screen free outdoor movies.
This waterfront pop up park is only open in the warm months. You can play arcade games, oversized Jenga and Chess, and shuffleboard. There are amazing food vendors like Franklin Fountain (ice cream) and Federal Donuts (donuts and fried chicken) and outdoor beer gardens as well as a floating bar/restaurant section with overwater hammocks. In the main park, there are overhead LED icicles and hammocks hung throughout the park. It is a really unique and fun pop up park experience.
317 locals recommend
Spruce Street Harbor Park
301 S Christopher Columbus BlvdThis waterfront pop up park is only open in the warm months. You can play arcade games, oversized Jenga and Chess, and shuffleboard. There are amazing food vendors like Franklin Fountain (ice cream) and Federal Donuts (donuts and fried chicken) and outdoor beer gardens as well as a floating bar/restaurant section with overwater hammocks. In the main park, there are overhead LED icicles and hammocks hung throughout the park. It is a really unique and fun pop up park experience.
Essentials
ACME Markets
1400 E Passyunk AveEntertainment & Activities
South Bowl Lounge N Lanes
19 E Oregon AveEscape the 1980s
111 S Independence Mall EThis is one of our local rock climbing gyms. They have a knowledgable staff. They have folks that can belay for you for a fee. I would suggest calling ahead to make sure they can accommodate your group ahead of time.
7 locals recommend
Go Vertical
950 N Penn StThis is one of our local rock climbing gyms. They have a knowledgable staff. They have folks that can belay for you for a fee. I would suggest calling ahead to make sure they can accommodate your group ahead of time.
Shopping
Great local business that has an fantastic greeting card selection. They have a nice housewares section as well as jewelry, giftware and gifts. One of my favorite neighborhood spots.
16 locals recommend
Occasionette
1825 E Passyunk AveGreat local business that has an fantastic greeting card selection. They have a nice housewares section as well as jewelry, giftware and gifts. One of my favorite neighborhood spots.
Local toystore for kids! They have a great book selection, toys and games for kids. The staff is very knowledgable and friendly. There is even a small castle for little ones to play in while Mom and Dad shop.
Tildie's Toy Box
1829 E Passyunk AveLocal toystore for kids! They have a great book selection, toys and games for kids. The staff is very knowledgable and friendly. There is even a small castle for little ones to play in while Mom and Dad shop.
Verde has it all...artisan chocolates, jewelry, local Philadelphia artists, clothing and handbags. This is one of my go to gift shopping spots.
9 locals recommend
Verde
108 S 13th StVerde has it all...artisan chocolates, jewelry, local Philadelphia artists, clothing and handbags. This is one of my go to gift shopping spots.