Philadelphia skyline
It's officially summertime in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which means tourists are back - and if that is you, welcome to the city of brotherly love.
Philadelphia has so much to offer, maybe too much, and it can be overwhelming to plan a perfect day in the city. But don't stress, I am going to help you plan out how you can spend a day or two in the city while experiencing the most Philadelphia culture you can.
I want to make sure you start your day in Philly on a good note, which means eating a good breakfast. You may want a quick on-the-go bite to eat to start your day in Philly, and if that sounds like you, Federal Donuts & Chicken is the best place to start your day. Federal Donuts & Chicken opened in 2011 and ever since has been a Philadelphia staple. With 11 locations around the city, it makes it a convenient option no matter where you are staying - it offers all sorts of donut flavors, fried chicken, and coffee. Federal Donuts & Chicken is the perfect affordable on-the-go choice.
(Credit: Federal Donuts & Chicken)
Sometimes you just want a relaxing morning and a place to sit down, plan your day, and drink a cup of coffee. So if that sounds like you, Dutch Eating Place located in the Reading Terminal Market, is the perfect spot for a traditional Pennsylvania breakfast. Dutch Eating Place gets busy fast, which speaks to its popularity and affordability, so be prepared for a bit of a wait, but it is a wait that is worth it. While dining, order scrapple and shoo-fly pie for a true Philadelphia experience - just don't look up what is in scrapple until after you try it.
Dutch Eating Place (Credit: Reading Terminal Market)
Everyone knows that you can't claim that you have been to Philadelphia if you have never tried a cheesesteak. Philadelphia is famous for the cheesesteak feud between Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks. Here is where things get a bit complicated; those not from Philadelphia often think that those are the best cheesesteaks in the city because of their fame, but according to Philadelphians, that consensus is false. The best cheesesteak titles belong to Dalessandro's and Jim’s Steaks on South Street, which are most commonly voted as the best cheesesteaks in the city. When it comes to choosing how you want to go about your cheesesteak experience, you have two different routes you can take.
Route one is choosing a cheesesteak for the overall experience, which would lead you to choose Pat’s and Geno's. Going to both of these places offers an experience that many tourists like to participate in - order one cheesesteak from each place and do the traditional comparison, then cast your vote for your favorite sandwich.
Route two is choosing your cheesesteak for the flavor and quality, which would lead you to either Dalessandro’s or Jim’s Steaks. Cheesesteaks are typically judged on three main qualities: the roll, the cheese, and the meat. Dalessandro’s and Jim’s Steaks are traditionally ranked highly in all three categories, guaranteeing you a positive cheesesteak eating experience.
Pat's King of Steaks
Geno's Steaks (Credit: Wikipedia)
When you are done running around the city from all of your sightseeing, there is no place better to end your day and unwind than at McGillin's Olde Ale House in Center City. McGillin’s Olde Ale House is the oldest operating tavern in Philadelphia and the fifth oldest in the United States, beginning its operation in 1860 - the year Abraham Lincoln was elected president. Be sure to check out McGillin’s Olde Ale House’s website before going to see what their daily specials are - my personal favorite is their Tuesday after 5 p.m. deal with $0.50 chicken wings.
(Credit: Visit Philly)
The independence of the United States was established in Philadelphia on July 4 of 1776. In Old City, Philadelphia, you can experience the start of the nation by exploring different sights in the neighborhood. In Old City, you can pose with the Liberty Bell, take a tour of Independence Hall, and walk down Elfreth's Alley - the United States’ oldest continuously inhabited residential street.
Independence Hall After exploring Old City, make your way to the world's largest free-standing masonry building, City Hall, where you can find the portal located in the courtyard. The portal is a 24/7 livestream connected to countries all around the world, which immerses you into multiple cultures while in one place. The other cities connected to the portal are Dublin, Ireland; Vilnius, Lithuania; and Lublin, Poland, and are randomly interchanged throughout the day and night. Philadelphia's City Hall is the largest in the United States and was once the tallest habitable building in the world when its construction was completed in 1894.
Philadelphia's City Hall
Love Park, home to the famous LOVE sculpture, is the heart of Philadelphia and only a few steps away from City Hall. Also known by its official name, John F. Kennedy Plaza, the park sits in the middle of the city, making it one of the main focal points when you enter the city by car. Taking a picture with the LOVE sculpture is one of the few iconic ways to prove that you were in Philadelphia.
John F. Kennedy Plaza
After striking a pose, you can make your way down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and see the flags of countries from around the world lining the street. The parkway ends at the Philadelphia Art Museum, where you will find the iconic Rocky statue located on the right hand side of the museum stairs. This is another opportunity to prove that you were in Philadelphia - run up the museum stairs and once you reach the top, jump up and down and shake your fists like Rocky.
Summertime in Philadelphia means it's Phillies time and there is no better way to spend your day than at the ballpark, so if the Phillies are playing while you're in town, be sure to look for tickets. Citizens Bank Park can give you a full Philadelphia experience in one go; order a cheesesteak from Chickees and Petes and a Yuegling to chase it down - you can't get any more Philadelphia than that. Be sure to join in on any Eagles chants - yes, we chant for the Eagles during baseball games- or you might get a few staredowns.
Citizens Bank Park (Credit: Citizens Bank)
If the Phillies are not playing, don't fret, there are plenty of other activities to participate in all summer long.
Reading Terminal Market, located in Center City, is an enclosed public market and one of the most iconic spots in the city. The market has everything from foods like cheesesteaks, sandwiches, and baked goods to candles and other knick-knacks. This stop is a must-do because of its rain or shine conditions and a one-stop shop for memorabilia, food, and checking off an iconic sight off your sightseeing list.
Reading Terminal Market
On a day when the sun is shining and you want to spend every minute you can outside, Penn’s Landing and Delaware River Waterfront are the places to be. Penn’s Landing is where William Penn landed in Philadelphia in 1682, making it not only a great place to spend your day but a historical landmark as well. Spruce Street Harbor Park, Independence Seaport Museum, Blue Cross RiverRink, and Cherry Street Pier are the most popular attractions along Penn’s Landing, with an array of activities that you can do to stay entertained for the day, from relaxing in a hammock to roller-skating at the RiverRink.
Penn's Landing
