Full Guide: Philadelphia, USA
The City of Brotherly Love has everything from iconic American history and a vibrant food and drink scene to impressive art museums.
For this guide we’re trying something new — we added all our recommended spots in a Google Maps list to make it easy for you to save them and navigate during your travels! Check it out and let us know if we should do this for all our guides.
Getting There:
Very accessible - Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a well-connected hub with direct flights from many U.S. cities and international destinations. It’s about a 20-minute drive from PHL into downtown (depending on traffic). Ride-shares, taxis, and regional rail are all convenient options as well.
PHL Tips: The airport is manageable in size, with local options like Chickie’s & Pete’s for a quick bite. If you have a longer layover, Philly Pretzel Factory pretzels are a must-try.
Be mindful of timing: This airport has been known to have long TSA lines during peak hours, so arrive early, especially if you’re traveling on a holiday weekend.
Better yet, if you’re on the East Coast, Amtrak’s 30th Street Station makes getting to Philly by train a breeze.
Getting Around Town:
Philadelphia is a very walkable city, but there are plenty of options for getting around:
Public Transit: SEPTA’s subway, buses, and trolleys make navigating the city affordable and convenient.
Biking: Indego, Philly’s bike-share program, is perfect for zipping around the city’s trails and neighborhoods.
Ride-Shares and Taxis: Uber and Lyft are widely available and great for any time of day or night. We found that Lyft had much better pricing during peak times.
What to See & Do:
Historic Philadelphia
If you’ve never been to Philly, these are essential:
Independence Hall: Step into history at the site where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.
Liberty Bell: A symbol of freedom, this iconic bell is a must-see.
City Hall: Admire the architecture of this 19th-century building and take an elevator ride to its observation deck for great views.
Arts & Culture
Philadelphia Museum of Art: Famous for the "Rocky Steps”, this is one of the largest art museums in the country and the cultural heart of the city — spanning Impressionist notables to collections of armor and a 14th-century Buddhist temple.
Barnes Foundation: Smaller than the Philadelphia Museum of Art in size but just as impressive in its collections, the Barnes Foundation is an art collection and educational institution— a personal favorite of ours.
Franklin Institute: This hands-on science museum is great for families and kids, with plenty of interactive activities and exhibitions.
Iconic Landmarks & Neighborhoods
LOVE Park: Snap a photo with the iconic LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana at this park that used to be one of the most popular skateboarding spots until it was redesigned in 2018 to prevent this.
Rittenhouse Square: A lovely park to stroll through— enjoy the landscaping and sculptures. Stop by one of the nearby cafes or do some shopping in this picturesque area.
Rocky Statue: It has been debated whether it’s more of a movie prop than an art piece, but either way it attracts almost twice the number of visitors than the Liberty Bell each year.
Outdoors
Spruce Street Harbor Park: Seasonal pop-up with hammocks, lights, and waterfront vibes. During the summer they have various entertainment and food vendors for ultimate park hangs.
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center: A peaceful escape featuring traditional Japanese gardens and a tea house.
Where to Eat:
Reading Terminal Market: This bustling indoor market is a Philly institution, with over 80 vendors serving up everything from Pennsylvania Dutch specialties to fresh seafood and international eats. Whether you're in the mood for a famous roast pork sandwich or a freshly filled cannoli from Termini Brothers, there's something here for literally every palate. It can get a bit overwhelming with all the options.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor: Located in the heart of Chinatown, this spot is perfect for a casual yet memorable meal. Their dumplings, steamed buns, and noodles are bursting with flavor, and the retro décor adds to the charm. The pork buns are the biggest I’ve ever had — the size of an entire hand. It’s a great place to stop for lunch if you’re exploring the neighborhood, and it won’t break the bank.
Le Virtù: For an authentic Italian dining experience, head to this South Philly gem. Le Virtù specializes in Abruzzese cuisine, with house-made pastas and rustic dishes that transport you straight to the Italian countryside. The staff is easy-going, and the charming patio makes it perfect for a nice dinner al fresco. Shout out to my dear friend and Philly local Alexandria for this fantastic rec!
Machine Shop: Located in the historic Bok Building, this café is perfect for a morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up. They have a wide selection of amazing sweet and savory pastries and all kinds of coffee and tea.
Double Knot: We ate here two years ago, and it still is one of our most memorable Philly meals. Upstairs is more of a buzzing cocktail bar, while downstairs is more of an intimate sushi bar speakeasy. This is a great spot for date night vibes, and the quality of sushi is top notch without the hefty price tag.
Cheesesteaks: No trip to Philly is complete without a cheesesteak, but the debate continues as to who holds the title of the best one. Classic spots like Pat’s and Geno’s offer the iconic rivalry for first timers, but if you want more of the locals pick, try Jim’s South St, John's Roast Pork or Dalessandro's. Whichever you choose, order it “whiz wit” (with Cheese Whiz and onions) for the full experience.
Kalaya: This Southern Thai restaurant in South Philly is gaining quite a bit of attention from Chef Nok Suntaranon’s bold and vibrant dishes. She won a James Beard Award in 2023 and is going to be featured on the upcoming season of Chef’s Table. While we haven’t been yet, it’s on top on our list for next time so wanted to make sure it’s on your radar as well. The Tom Yum looks like a showstopper.
Where to Drink:
Bok Bar: Perched atop the historic Bok Building, this seasonal rooftop bar is a must-visit for its stunning views of the Philly skyline (as you can see above). The vibe is laid-back, with a rotating menu of local brews, wines, creative cocktails, and light bites. It’s the perfect spot for sunset drinks or a casual evening with friends. They’re closed for the winter now until April 2025, so be sure to visit in the spring and summer.
Good Dog Bar: Dog lovers will appreciate this spot that honors man’s best friend. It’s not overly themed, just the right amount that feels like you’re in a friend’s home. Stop by for a casual afternoon brew (their happy hour is a steal), and they allow dogs out back.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House: McGillin’s is an institution, as Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern, established in 1860. With its vintage charm, hearty pub fare, and a wide selection of beers on tap, this spot is a local favorite. The atmosphere brings all the nostalgia, making it a great place to soak up some authentic Philly vibes.
Grace & Proper: Tucked away in a quaint neighborhood, this cozy bar exudes charm. Known for its well-crafted cocktails and intimate ambiance, it’s a great choice for a quieter evening. Pair your drink with one of their small plates for a light yet satisfying bite.
Where to Stay:
The Notary, Autograph Collection: rates from $378, depending on the season
Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, this hotel has more of a boutique feel and is housed in a building that once served as a public records office. The architecture does a great job blending historic Philly elegance with a modern feel. It’s in a central location that puts you just steps away from City Hall and other major sights, so it’s easy to walk everywhere. The bar and lounge area just off the lobby is convenient, and the rooms were quiet and equipped with all the essentials.
The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia: rates from $440, depending on the season
If you want to upgrade for a more luxurious stay, The Ritz-Carlton is the way to go. You’ll be staying in a neoclassical bank building from the early 1900’s that has been preserved and is just as regal and stately as ever. The suites are known for some of the best views of City Hall.
Packing Essentials:
Comfortable Shoes: Philly is a walkable city with cobblestone streets and expansive parks, so be ready to explore on foot.
Seasonal Layers: Spring and fall can be unpredictable, while summers are humid. Bring layers to stay comfortable.
A Reusable Water Bottle: With plenty of walking and sightseeing, staying hydrated is key.
Have you been to Philly recently? Let us know your favorite local gems in the comments!