Things To Do in Philadelphia
Historic and Cultural Sites - Liberty Bell, Independence Hall & Benjamin Franklin Parkway Museums
The big tourist attraction in Philadelphia is Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. This is in the eastern section of Center City, around 6th street. You can get there by taking the Commuter rail lines to Jefferson station or by driving. There is a big parking garage below Independence Mall to easily get to the historic sites. There are also a number of other historic sites within walking distance of the bell, including the Betsy Ross house and the Museum of the American Revolution. In the Western Part of Center City, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (16th street to 24th street) is home to a number of museums including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation. If you are a fan of Impressionist Art, the Barnes Foundation is a must-see. If you have kids, you might consider the Franklin Institute which has a bunch of kid-friendly exhibits. All of these museums are within walking distance of each other on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Center City - Reading Terminal and Italian Markets
The Reading Terminal Market is located at 11th Street and runs between Arch and Market Street. There are loads of food vendors there, including a number of Amish groups which have booths selling traditional Amish fare. The Reading Terminal and the Historic Area are all within walking distance of each other. For a grittier experience, The Italian Market in South Philadelphia on 9th street between Christian and Carpenter street is filled with vegetable, meat, seafood and dry goods vendors. It’s a bit of a throw-back experience and a little old-world charm, in a Rocky Balboa sort of way. Walk four blocks south on 9th street and you will come across Geno’s and Pat’s steaks, directly across the street from each other. It’s the most famous place for cheesesteaks but locals argue that there are other places that have a better rendition of Philly’s favorite food.
Cheesesteaks
If you want to experience Philadelphia’s contribution to unique cuisine, then there are places near Chestnut Hill for you to dine. Our favorite is Chubby’s which is on Henry Avenue near Walnut Lane in the Roxborough section of the city, about a 15 minute drive from Chestnut Hill. Others prefer Cheesesteaks from Dallessandro’s, which is right across the street from Chubby’s. Either place will give you a dose of Philly’s favorite heart-stopping food!
Chestnut Hill - Germantown Avenue Shops
Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill is filled with interesting shops and great restaurants. Along the avenue, there is an indoor market next to Chestnut Hill Brewery, and one of our favorite coffee shops (and whiskey bar) called Char and Stave. Booked is a local bookstore owned by one of Jen's high school teachers, and is fun to wander around. Iron Hill Brewery is another decent brewery with food. The Woodmere Museum in Chestnut Hill is also on Germantown Avenue near Bell’s Mill Road, and has fashioned itself as the museum that features the works of artists in and around Philadelphia.
Chestnut Hill - Fairmount Park's Forbidden Drive
Fairmount Park is America’s largest urban park and it extends from Center City all the way out to the Chestnut Hill neighborhood. A major attraction is Forbidden drive, which runs alongside the Wissahickon Creek in the park. When you are in the park, you can’t believe you are inside one of the largest cities in the country. It is a wonderful place to take a hike or jog. Forbidden drive has a beautiful walking/jogging path and you can see horses, joggers and bicycles, but cars are forbidden. To get to Forbidden drive, there are parking lots at the end of Valley Green Drive, Bells Mill Road and Northwestern Avenue.
Tennis and Pickleball Courts
If one of these sports is your thing, there are courts for each where Hartwell Lane and Winston Road intersect. It’s first come, first serve so get there early!