Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Let me tell you, Philadelphia is a fantastic city but just like any major city it has a distinctive culture that not everyone will appreciate. So you fly into Philadelphia on flight 1776 perhaps on USA Air which is hubbed in Philadelphia and now what do you do?
Well there's the history. First stop should be Independence Visitors Center to get tickets to Independence Hall. Tickets are free. They often run out of tickets but here's a little secret...they'll let you in anyway. Just go to the exhibit and tell the park ranger at the entrance that there are no more tickets and he'll let you enter. It only takes 45 minutes to tour the two rooms. It's worth seeing, afterall these are the very rooms where our Country was formed. You'll pass the famous Liberty Bell on your way to Independence Hall. You can't miss it. It's housed in this hideous building that blocks your view of Indepence Hall from the visitors center. Everytime I'm there I think "why did they choose to house the Bell in this ugly mismatched piece of a building?" Still waiting for an answer. You'll see the Bourse building. At eight stories high it was our Nation's first skyscrapper. Most tourists (myself included before I figured out what it was)walk by and wander out loud, what is the Bourse? Now you know. The first public library is just to the left of Independence Hall, unfortunately you can't go inside. That's right, the first public library is no longer open to the public but when you walk by keep in mind that there are some famous docuements housed there like the journals of Lewis and Clark and various drafts of the Declaration of Independence. Just make sure you see the historic sites of Philadelphia, where the story of the USA begins.
For an incredible view of the city try hiking to the top of the Art Museum steps. From there you can see the flag lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the City sky-line as a backdrop including the majestic City Hall which is worth a tour itself. As you're walking up the Museum steps you might notice people running to the top turning to face the city and then cheering with both arms in the air. They're imitating Rocky Balboa since this is the famous location where the now iconic scene was filmed.
The Philadelphia cheesesteak is a must. Philly native's argue amongst themselves about who is best. I recommend Pat's for two reasons: it's where the cheesesteak was invented and its less showey than Geno's. They're a bit out of the city at 9th and Wharton but its worth the drive. Cash only and you order wit or wit out (with or without onions) and name your cheese.
South street is an ecclectic neighborhood filled with tatoo parlors, hair salons, ethnic resturants, and funky little stores. There are so x-rated stores around so not a great place for kids. Its a fun area for shopping and with some of the most unique architecture, wall murals, and the best people-watching that the City can offer.
Last but not least, go to Monks. It's a fantastic little Belgium restuarant with any western beer that you would like. Beers range in price from $5-$65. The inside is kinda dark and set up to look like a medieval Church, in fact, you're even seated in old church pews. They're also known for their frites and duck salad. This is one of my favorite restuarants.
So here you a go, some recommendations for a basic tour of Philly. You can fill in more-Rittenhouse Square, see the Love statue, Downtown farmers market, Little Italy, or see a show or the symphony in the Arts district . Also, there's great shopping at King of Prussia, one of the best mall's in the Country.
Enjoy Philadelphia!
Well there's the history. First stop should be Independence Visitors Center to get tickets to Independence Hall. Tickets are free. They often run out of tickets but here's a little secret...they'll let you in anyway. Just go to the exhibit and tell the park ranger at the entrance that there are no more tickets and he'll let you enter. It only takes 45 minutes to tour the two rooms. It's worth seeing, afterall these are the very rooms where our Country was formed. You'll pass the famous Liberty Bell on your way to Independence Hall. You can't miss it. It's housed in this hideous building that blocks your view of Indepence Hall from the visitors center. Everytime I'm there I think "why did they choose to house the Bell in this ugly mismatched piece of a building?" Still waiting for an answer. You'll see the Bourse building. At eight stories high it was our Nation's first skyscrapper. Most tourists (myself included before I figured out what it was)walk by and wander out loud, what is the Bourse? Now you know. The first public library is just to the left of Independence Hall, unfortunately you can't go inside. That's right, the first public library is no longer open to the public but when you walk by keep in mind that there are some famous docuements housed there like the journals of Lewis and Clark and various drafts of the Declaration of Independence. Just make sure you see the historic sites of Philadelphia, where the story of the USA begins.
For an incredible view of the city try hiking to the top of the Art Museum steps. From there you can see the flag lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the City sky-line as a backdrop including the majestic City Hall which is worth a tour itself. As you're walking up the Museum steps you might notice people running to the top turning to face the city and then cheering with both arms in the air. They're imitating Rocky Balboa since this is the famous location where the now iconic scene was filmed.
The Philadelphia cheesesteak is a must. Philly native's argue amongst themselves about who is best. I recommend Pat's for two reasons: it's where the cheesesteak was invented and its less showey than Geno's. They're a bit out of the city at 9th and Wharton but its worth the drive. Cash only and you order wit or wit out (with or without onions) and name your cheese.
South street is an ecclectic neighborhood filled with tatoo parlors, hair salons, ethnic resturants, and funky little stores. There are so x-rated stores around so not a great place for kids. Its a fun area for shopping and with some of the most unique architecture, wall murals, and the best people-watching that the City can offer.
Last but not least, go to Monks. It's a fantastic little Belgium restuarant with any western beer that you would like. Beers range in price from $5-$65. The inside is kinda dark and set up to look like a medieval Church, in fact, you're even seated in old church pews. They're also known for their frites and duck salad. This is one of my favorite restuarants.
So here you a go, some recommendations for a basic tour of Philly. You can fill in more-Rittenhouse Square, see the Love statue, Downtown farmers market, Little Italy, or see a show or the symphony in the Arts district . Also, there's great shopping at King of Prussia, one of the best mall's in the Country.
Enjoy Philadelphia!
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