Things To Do
Philadelphia Museum of Art
One of the best places to visit for tourists and locals alike is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Enjoy one of the best art museums in the United States, which is known for its impressionist paintings. Looking for a local souvenir? The Art Museum also has three gift shops where you can find art from rising, local artists. The grounds outside of the Art Museum are beloved by Philadelphians, too. Take some time to run up the "Rocky" steps and pose with the Rocky statue nearby. In the warmer months, there is a rotating beer garden on the lawn nearby the entrance of museum adjacent to the Schuylkill river.
Eastern State Penitentiary
The Eastern State Penitentiary is located in the heart of the Fairmount neighborhood. This is a former prison turned museum. The prison was famous for focusing on principles of reform rather than punishment. You can take a self-guided tour or audio tour through the prison during the day or night.
Boathouse Row
Boathouse row is the home of local Philadelphia rowing teams located near the Art Museum and along the Schuylkill River Trail. On any weekend morning, the trail outside Boathouse row is bustling with runners, walkers, rollerbladers, and bikers. You can rent bikes from this area and also stop at the local coffee shop.
Schuylkill River Trail
Take a walk or run along Philadelphia's most popular paved trail. An easy access point to the Schuylkill River Trail is the river side of the Art Museum. Feeling like a bike ride? There are two Indego bike stations near the Art Museum - just make sure to register online with Indego in advance! Head South along the trail towards the South St. bridge where there is a popular viewpoint of the city. Head North along the trail to see some dogwood or cherry blossom trees - a perfect place to bring a picnic lunch and sit by the river!
Barnes Foundation
Another art museum not to be missed, the Barnes is a beautiful building filled with an exciting collection of artwork and offers rotating art exhibits.
Rodin Museum
Sculpture museum within steps of the Barnes Foundation and the Art Museum. They also have an outdoor garden area with sculptures free of charge.
The Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
Who doesn't love medicine and science? Combine that with a cool old building, a wall of skulls, and medical novelities, and we cannot resist. This is one of the most unique museums in Philadelphia. We highly recommend!
Logan Square
A small outdoor park with a fountain and benches surrounded by some of Philadelphia's most famous buildings - the Free Library, Franklin Institute, and Academy of Natural Sciences with views of City Hall in one direction and the Art Museum in the other.
More places to see
We could go on and on about places to see in Philadelphia. The above places are located in the area of our wedding, however, Philadelphia has many other great places to see, including: Independence Hall (while you're here - get a drink at the neighboring Independence beer garden!), Ben Franklin Museum, Elfreth's Alley, the Italian Market (go in the morning and bring an appetite!), Race Street Pier, the Gayborhood, and Rittenhouse Square (book a reservation at Parc and have a meal while people watching). The list goes on and on.
Bad Brother
Philadelphia has many delicious food options, and the BYOs in South Philly are unmatched, but there are some hidden gems in the Fairmount neighborhood, too. Bad Brother offers delicious burgers, beers, and great service tucked into a corner Philadelphia rowhome.
Umai Umai
A great sushi restaurant in the Fairmount neighborhood.
The Black Taxi
Casual bar food in a cozy Irish bar
ERA
Dive bar meets Ethiopian restaurant. Need I say more? Okay I will. This is our favorite spot. Let us know you're going - we'll join you.
Green Room
Located on beautiful Green Street, where we had our first apartment together, is a simple Irish bar with pool tables and a lively crowd.
Kalaya Thai Kitchen
If you love Thai, can get a table, and don't mind the trek to South Philly, go here.
Zahav
If you're reading this two months in advance, go here! On the first of the month at 11am reservations will open for the entire month and book within five minutes.
Reading Terminal Market
Can't decide where to eat? Go to Reading Terminal Market for food options galore, although we'd recommend Dinic's roast pork with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone and a donut from Beiler's.
The Rail Park
A quarter mile stretch of trail along the former train line.
The Trestle Inn
Go Go dancers, hipster bar, fun music, and dancing.
Evil Genius Beer Company
Brewery serving some of our favorite beers in the Fishtown/Kensington section of Philadelphia.
Wissahickon Brewing Company
Indoor-outdoor brewery with a Lumineers vibe several miles outside the city. Dogs welcome.