View from City Hall, Photo by Norman Maddeaux / CC BY-ND

If you’re searching for your next vacation destination, look no further than the City of Brotherly Love.  Philadelphia was named Lonely Planet’s #1 Best City to Visit in the US in 2016, and for good reason: the history, the architecture, the food…  I lived in Philly for 8 years before moving away last summer, so you could say I know my way around.  Allow me to guide you through the streets of Philly, from historic sites to local hotspots.

OLD CITY

Elfreth’s Alley, Photo by Celine / CC BY-SA

If you want to see where Philly (not to mention this country) got it’s start, head down to Old City.  Situated on the Delaware River Waterfront, this neighborhood is the epitome of historic, old world charm. Narrow cobblestone alleyways and 200+ year old brick homes mingle next to eclectic boutiques and coffee shops. You could spend an entire day in this neighborhood, walking the streets, seeing the Liberty bell and visiting the National Constitution Center. If you end up here on the first Friday of the month, galleries open their doors to the public for an event called “First Friday”.

Independence Hall, Photo by Prayitno / CC BY

The Sites: The Liberty Bell, National Constitution Center, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was signed), Elfreth’s Alley, Christ Church Burial Grounds (Benjamin Franklin’s Grave), Betsy Ross House

NORTHERN LIBERTIES & FISHTOWN

Piazza at Schmidts, Photo by Justin Wolfe / CC BY

North of Old City, past the Ben Franklin Bridge, is Northern Liberties (NoLibs). Aptly named, it used to rest just past the city’s northern limits, and was considered Philadelphia’s first suburban neighborhood.  Today, NoLibs is a prominent neighborhood in the middle of Philadelphia. On any given night, restaurants and bars on 2nd street will be packed with 20 to 30 year olds. Go to Standard Tap or North Third if you’re hungry – both are neighborhood staples. During the day, head to Yards Brewing Co. for a tour and beer tasting, or hit the lanes at North Bowl (but if you go at night, be prepared for a wait!).  The Piazza at Schmidts regularly has events that you can check out here.  If it’s music you seek, NoLibs does not disappoint.  There is jazz every night at Heritage, eclectic local bands at Ortlieb’s, and a DJ dance party at Silk City.

Penn Treaty Park, Photo by Jason Bachman / CC BY-ND

Next to NoLibs is Philly’s next “It” neighborhood: Fishtown. Over the past few years, Fishtown’s Frankford Avenue has seen an explosion of new businesses, restaurants, and construction. On the weekend, go to Kraftwork – their brunch specials (the quiche!) and the 20-tap beer list can’t be beat.  Or just grab a pie at Pizza Brain and chill out at Penn Treaty Park.

Pizza Brain, Photo by Viviandnguyen / CC BY-SA

 Live Music Venues:  Union Transfer, Silk City, Johnny Brenda’s, Ortlieb’s, Kung Fu Necktie, The Fillmore

CENTER CITY & RITTENHOUSE SQUARE

City Hall, Photo by Aby Jose / CC BY-SA

From Fishtown, you can catch the El at Front & Girard and head west toward Center City.  Less of a neighborhood vibe, Center City holds all of the hi-rise buildings that create Philly’s beautiful skyline.  When you first arrive, make sure to take your picture in front of the iconic LOVE statue (currently at Dilworth Plaza), and take a tour of City Hall. Fun fact: Before 1987, City Hall was the tallest building in the city. For shopping, Walnut Street between Broad and 20th is where you want to go to fill that retail void with shops like Apple, Intermix, Vince, and more. If you enjoy more intimate, family-owned shops, visit 13th street. Dinner is its own affair in Rittenhouse Square, just west of Center City.  Request an outside table at Parc to people-watch and look out over the park. End the evening by catching a concert at the Kimmel Center or a play at Plays & Players Theatre.

Rittenhouse Square, Photo by John Donges / CC BY-ND

Drinks & Happy Hour: Tria, The Franklin Bar, Monk’s Cafe, Philly Beer Week

FAIRMONT & ART MUSEUM 

Boathouse Row, Photo by Joiseyshowaa / CC BY-SA

The Art Museum, Photo by Thomas / CC BY-ND

Take the Ben Franklin Parkway from City Hall, and you’ll hit the Art Museum & Fairmount neighborhoods. If it’s a beautiful, sunny day, this is where you want to be.  Stroll down to Boathouse Row, home to many collegiate sculling clubs, or have a picnic in the scenic Fairmount Park, adjacent to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (and the “Rocky Steps”).  For a bite to eat, head down Fairmount Avenue to Fare, Jack’s Firehouse or the London Grill.  Then take a tour of the historic Eastern State Penitentiary, which once held prisoners Al Capone and “Slick Willie” Sutton.  Don’t worry, it hasn’t been a working prison since the 1970’s, but some people say it’s still haunted.

Eastern State Penitentiary, Fairmount Avenue

Quick tip:  Rent an Indego bike (Philly’s bike share program) to get around.  The Parkway and many other streets have bike lanes. If you have an extra day, from the Art Museum you can hit the Schuylkill River Trail to visit Manayunk.

PASSYUNK AVE

Row Homes in Philadelphia

To completely submerge yourself in the city’s culture, head to South Philly, specifically Passyunk Avenue.  It is here that you’ll find classic Philly row homes, vintage boutiques and thrift stores, and a very local crowd.  Over the past 5 years East Passyunk has been having a food moment, and offers an amazingly diverse mix of old standbys and hip new places to eat.  Consider it foodie-heaven.  If you plan ahead,  you can even snag a table at Laurel, Top Chef Nicholas Elmi’s French BYOB (When it first opened, you had to make a reservation 3 months in advance!). For the tourist that lives in all of us, stop by Pat’s and Geno’s for the ultimate Philly cheesesteak experience.

Geno’s Steaks, Photo by Mark Goebel / CC BY

Where to eat:  Laurel, Townsend, P.O.P.E., Noord, Stateside, Fond, Cantina Los Caballitos

Need additional tips or advice for visiting Philly?  Did I miss anything?  Add your comments and questions below!