2023-10-11 09:17:53
CHINATOWN/CONVENTION CENTER DISTRICT (CENTER CITY) ANCHORED BY THE PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER, THIS BUSTLING DISTRICT IS WHERE CULTURE, COLLABORATION AND COMMERCE CONVERGE. DO: Take the City Hall Tower Tour and get a panoramic view of Philadelphia from 548 feet above ground. Tour the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the oldest art museum and art school in the nation. Walk under the Friendship Gate, a gift from Philadelphia’s sister city of Tianjin, which welcomes visitors to Chinatown. Visit the free Fabric Workshop and Museum, a modern-art exhibition space whose unique artist-in-residence program results in one-of-a-kind collaborations with internationally renowned artists. DINE: Satisfy just about any craving at the historic Reading Terminal Market, home to more than 80 independent vendors and 30 eateries. Grab a drink at McGillin’s Olde Ale House — the city’s oldest continuously operating tavern — or settle in for an evening of live jazz at Chris’ Jazz Café. Savor the best duck in the city in Chinatown’s local favorite, Sang Kee Peking Duck House. RITTENHOUSE SQUARE A EUROPEAN-LIKE SQUARE IN THE MIDDLE OF PHILADELPHIA, RITTENHOUSE SQUARE IS KNOWN FOR ITS PICTURESQUE PARK, UPSCALE SHOPPING AND AL FRESCO DINING. DO: Home to a collection of more than 25,000 medical specimens and instruments, the iconic Mütter Museum is dedicated to displaying fascinating discoveries about the human body. The Rosenbach Museum holds a private collection of noted rare books, including the only surviving copy of Benjamin Franklin’s first “Poor Richard’s Almanack” and Bram Stoker’s notes for “Dracula.” For late-night fun, reserve an Olympic-grade ping-pong table at SPIN Philadelphia, a ping-pong social club. DINE: Enjoy a Parisian brasserie experience at Parc, complete with outdoor seating along the square. Chef Amanda Shulman’s Her Place Supper Club is like a dinner party with an ever-changing menu of Italian and French fare. Gran Caffè L’Aquila serves authentic Italian delicacies from a building moved here from Italy. GAYBORHOOD/WASHINGTON SQUARE WEST THE PULSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE WEST IN PHILADELPHIA IS ALWAYS BEATING AS LIVELY DINING, ENTRANCING PERFORMANCES AND VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE FILL THIS QUAINT HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD. DO: Founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond, Pennsylvania Hospital is the nation’s first hospital and boasts the inaugural surgical amphitheater and medical library, both accessible on tours of the historic Pine Building. Headlining Broad Street, the Kimmel Cultural Campus is a collection of performing-arts venues, including the Academy of Music and the Miller Theater, where visiting Broadway tours perform. The campus is also home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, one of America’s “Big Five” symphony orchestras. DINE: For breakfast, the pillowy egg sandwiches at Middle Child are an absolute must-try. Charlie was a sinner. specializes in vegan offerings, pairing small, plant-based plates with an exceptional lineup of artisan cocktails. The intimate lounge and incredible chefs’ tasting menu make dinner at Double Knot unforgettable. And don’t miss the Sunday gravy at Little Nonna’s, a red sauce transporting patrons to Italy. OLD CITY STROLL ALONG COBBLESTONE STREETS AND EXPLORE TRENDY BOUTIQUES AND ART GALLERIES AS YOU DISCOVER AMERICA’S SPIRIT AMID COLORFUL FALL FOLIAGE. DO: Increase your insight at Independence Mall, including the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center, the African American Museum in Philadelphia and the Museum of the American Revolution — where you’ll discover the history of the American Revolution with all-ages exhibits that include George Washington’s actual war tent. Experience the mindbending Museum of Illusions‘ holograms, optical illusions and immersive rooms. DINE: A giant golden Buddha greets you at Stephen Starr’s Buddakan, serving Asian-fusion dishes and cocktails in a hip dining room. Elevated new American cuisine awaits at Fork, the restaurant of 2023 James Beard “Outstanding Restaurateur” Ellen Yin. Fellow James Beard-award winner Chef Jose Garces’ Amada specializes in Spanish tapas. For dessert, order scoops of ice cream made on site from an authentic turn-of-the-century parlor setting at the Franklin Fountain. NORTHERN LIBERTIES/FISHTOWN JUST NORTH OF CENTER CITY, THE ART-INSPIRED NEIGHBORHOODS OF NORTHERN LIBERTIES AND FISHTOWN ARE HOME TO ECLECTIC RESTAURANTS, CRAFT BREWERIES AND POPULAR LIVE MUSIC VENUES. DO: Peruse and purchase literature celebrating female writers, activists and artists at Black-owned Harriett’s Bookshop. In the evening, visit Fabrika, a dinner theater with nightly performances, including circus and cabaret acts. To enjoy more live entertainment, catch rising acts at Johnny Brenda’s, Ortlieb’s, The Fire or Heritage. DINE: Laser Wolf serves visitors a salatim spread of Israeli delicacies made on a charcoal grill, intensifying its subjects’ flavor. An art gallery, bookstore and music venue all in one, LMNO is a Baja Mexican restaurant with a menu as diverse and captivating as its concept. A “comfortable place to be,” Murph’s Bar is a friendly Irish pub full of character and deliciously authentic Italian dishes. FAIRMOUNT/PARKWAY MUSEUM DISTRICT A MILE-LONG RED CARPET OF WORLD-RENOWNED MUSEUMS LINES THE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PARKWAY IN THE FAIRMOUNT NEIGHBORHOOD. STEPS AWAY FROM THESE CULTURAL CENTERS, VISITORS ENJOY BEAUTIFUL GREEN SPACES AND A THRIVING FOOD SCENE. DO: See Dr. Albert Barnes’ eclectic collection of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern art at the Barnes Foundation. Emerging above the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, The Philadelphia Museum of Art houses a triumphant collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and architectural settings from Europe, Asia and the Americas. Kept in “preserved ruin,” Eastern State Penitentiary invites visitors to stroll through its haunting halls to learn about former inhabitants, including Al Capone. DINE: Atop the Logan Hotel is Assembly, a rooftop bar with picturesque views, serving equally stunning craft cocktails and charcuterie. On Fairmount Avenue, Bar Hygge is a cozy brewpub focusing on neighborhood comfort food. Those on the go can get quick bites from chef-driven establishments such as Pizzeria Vetri and Buena Onda Tacos. UNIVERSITY CITY/WEST PHILADELPHIA HOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA AND DREXEL UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES, WEST PHILADELPHIA IS A FOLKSY NEIGHBORHOOD WITH DIVERSE RESTAURANTS AND COMMUNITY PRIDE. DO: On the University of Pennsylvania campus, explore priceless archaeological artifacts from around the globe — including the largest sphinx in the western hemisphere — at the Penn Museum. Take in a theater, dance or world-music performance at Penn Live Arts and view installations from up-and-coming artists at the Institute of Contemporary Art, home of Andy Warhol’s first solo show. DINE: Reserve a table or grab a quick snack to go from Walnut Street Café, which prepares hot American plates, breakfast through dinner. A neighborhood staple, Sabrina’s Café is a brunch haven, serving both breakfast classics and specials inspired by blockbuster movies. Baltimore Avenue is the go-to street for international dining, lined with Mediterranean, Indian, Mexican and Thai cuisine, such as Booker’s Restaurant & Bar, serving worldly takes on traditional Southern-inspired dishes. SOUTH PHILADELPHIA SOUTH PHILADELPHIA BLENDS ITS RESIDENTS’ RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE WITH ITS OWN UNIQUE FLAVORS. DO: A mix of traditional charm and modern eccentricity, East Passyunk Avenue is filled with neighborhood-favorite bars, restaurants and independent shops. Head to South Street for a manic melting-pot of merchants, from palm readers to record stores. While you are there, bask in the reflections of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a mesmerizing mixed-media tile labyrinth. DINE: There is no shortage of excellent Italian eateries in South Philadelphia. Seen in the “Rocky” movies and known for always having fresh fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, cheese and baked goods, the Italian Market on 9th Street is a bustling must-visit spot. Tattooed Mom is the only dive in Philadelphia where you can enjoy drink specials and vegan treats sitting in a rollercoaster cart. NORTHWEST PHILADELPHIA JUST MINUTES OUTSIDE OF CENTER CITY, GERMANTOWN, MANAYUNK, EAST FALLS, CHESTNUT HILL AND MOUNT AIRY ARE ALLURING NEIGHBORHOODS WITH LIVELY MAIN STREETS, BOUTIQUE SHOPPING AND RESTAURANTS WITH A HOMEY FEEL. DO: Survey the 16 early-American sites of Historic Germantown and learn about the Revolutionary War battle fought there. Take advantage of tax-free shopping at the boutique shops in delightful Chestnut Hill or along Main Street in Manayunk. Admire Morris Arboretum & Gardens, where nature’s wonders unfold amid meticulously curated plant collections. DINE: At Jansen in Mt. Airy, Chef David Jansen serves contemporary-American dishes with classical French techniques in an elegant setting inside a lovely 18th-century cottage. The area is also home to one of the top-ranked classic cheesesteaks, at Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies. BEYOND PHILADELPHIA FROM ACROSS THE RIVER IN NEW JERSEY TO THE COUNTRYSIDE OF PHILADELPHIA, THE EXPANSIVE REGIONS SURROUNDING THE CITY OFFER PERFECT-FOR-A-DAYTRIP ATTRACTIONS. DO: Take the short trip to the Countryside of Philadelphia and you’ll be rewarded with rich, rolling hills and inviting towns. At Brandywine Valley, explore the grounds of Longwood Gardens, complete with ethereal indoor and outdoor gardens featuring seasonal displays. Explore the Mushroom Capital of the World, Kennett Square, to find a walkable downtown with local shops and restaurants. Experience the life of a pilot and climb into militaristic and commercial aircrafts at the American Helicopter Museum. Along the shores of the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey, is the most decorated battleship in U.S. history, the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial. Climb up and down ladders, navigate narrow passageways and go out with a bang by firing the Saluting Gun. Nearby, visit the Adventure Aquarium to enter an underwater world, home to more than 7,000 fish species, and walk on a bridge suspended over a shark tank.
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