Things To Do

Independence National Historical Park

Rich in history, there is tons to explore at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Independence Hall is also part of the U.S. National Park Service and Independence National Historical Park.

The Franklin Fountain

The Franklin Fountain aims to serve an experience steeped in ideals, drizzled with drollery, and sprinkled with the forgotten flavors of the American past. (Our favorite ice cream!) Cash only!

Winterfest!

A cold-weather version of the roller skating oasis Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, Winterfest houses an Olympic-size ice skating rink overlooking the Delaware River, a ski chalet-style lodge and winter garden with a majestically lit holiday tree (utilizing tens of thousands of LED lights!), an outdoor seating area with fire pits, cozy warming cabins, a kids’ lodge with arcade games and plenty more.

2nd Story Brewing

Brewed on a 15 BBL system on the 2nd floor of 117 Chestnut St, the beer is crafted from the traditional ingredients of barley, hops, and water, and sometimes not-so-traditional ingredients. In addition to the beers made on-site, they offer a full bar and collaborations with other brewers and businesses.

Jim's Steaks

We live a block away from the popular cheesesteak corner in South Philadelphia, but we believe it is worth the longer walk to our favorite cheesesteak at Jim's on South Street. Ordering tip: it is assumed that you are ordering a cheesesteak. Long lines prompt a culture of speedy service within the restaurant. So remember. it is CASH ONLY and all you have to specify is which cheese you want and whether or not you want onions. My favorite is a cheesesteak with cheese whiz and onions, so when I order, all I say is "whiz with." Someone who wants a cheesesteak with provolone cheese and without onions would say "provolone without."

Philadelphia Museum of Art

This is a beautiful area of the city. Museums, the Rocky steps, the Rocky statue, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and more! If you visit this area, be sure to walk around the back for a view of the river and boathouse row!

Boathouse Row

Local boating clubs take great pride in their historic 19th-century boathouses, which line the Schuylkill River just west of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. At night, lights outline one of the city’s loveliest views, aptly named Boathouse Row.

Barbuzzo

One of our favorite intersections in the city: 13th & Sansom. This strip of restaurants, including Barbuzzo & Sampan, are some our favorites. If you are interested in any of these- you need to make reservations far in advance! Here on this strip you will also find Bud and Marilyn's, McGillan's (the oldest bar in the city!), a wine bar & much more!

Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market is an enclosed public market located at 12th and Arch Streets in Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It opened originally in 1893. Presently, it still occupies the ground floor and basement levels of the Reading Terminal's former train shed which is now part of the Philadelphia Convention Center. Over one hundred merchants offer fresh produce, meats, fish, artisan cheese, groceries, ice cream, flowers, grilled cheese, baked goods, crafts, books, clothing, and specialty and ethnic foods. Two of the vendors are descendants of original merchants from the initial opening in the late 1800s. Currently, the market is open every day of the week.

Philadelphia City Hall

In his original 1682 design for the city, William Penn set aside the Center Square for public buildings, but it took 200 years before the square was used for that purpose. City Hall on Center Square was begun in 1871 and took over 30 years to complete. Dilworth Park was created as a gathering space just a few years ago. In the winter, it is home to an ice skating rink. This is right next to Love Park.

One Liberty Observation Deck

One Liberty Observation Deck, which opened in November 2015, provides Philadelphia with panoramic bird’s-eye views of the city from the 57th floor of One Liberty Place in downtown Philadelphia.

Rittenhouse Square

We spent a lot of our time here, as we used to live less than a block away from here. It is a beautiful park. One of the best coffee shops is right off the park- La Colombe. La Colombe is a local coffee roaster. It is lit up with beautiful white holiday lights during the evenings in the winter.

The Franklin Bar

This speakeasy has the best cocktails in the city! Continuing with the speakeasy protocol, this unlabeled "Franklin Mortgage & Investment" office will have someone who meets you at the door. Ask for "a table downstairs." If interested, we suggest going early. It is hard to get a table after dinner. (We try to go at 5 or earlier, late night we would not even try!)

Love Park

Yards Brewing Company

Local brewery

Tria Taproom

Wine on Tap! (And less than 1/2 a block from where we lived for several years while dating!)

Federal Donuts

Fried Chicken & Hot Donuts

Elfreth's Alley

This charming colonial alleyway is one of the oldest continuously used residential streets in the U.S.

McGillin's Olde Ale House

Oldest bar in Philadelphia!

South Street

South Street always buzzes with activity, whether on a Tuesday afternoon or a Friday night. Ethnically diverse restaurants, bars that keep the party going long after dessert and galleries and performance spaces help make South Street remain a vibrant and essential city destination. Mirroring this diverse mix of fun-to-watch pedestrians, a wonderfully eclectic lineup of businesses that includes over 300 shops and more than 60 eateries, cafes and bars caters to the crowd. Most stores are independently owned and have similarly minded signage.

Bud & Marilyn's

70s themed and amazing food! This is the beginning of our favorite strip of restaurants in the city! Information on this strip of 13th street: Chef Turney and Safran have been working since 2002 to help reinvent 13th Street. The pioneering duo's eight restaurants and boutiques between Chestnut and Locust Streets have helped transform the once-desolate neighborhood into trendy Midtown Village. Safran is the buyer for all products carried in both boutiques and also serves as general manager for the restaurants. As a team, she and Chef Turney are hands-on entrepreneurs who take genuine ownership of every aspect of their businesses, from the look and feel of the spaces to the products and menus that they offer to the service standards of the staff.

Betsy Ross House

Exploring the Betsy Ross House, and the surrounding neighborhood, is a great way to experience Historic Philadelphia, it is not far from Elfreth's Alley.

National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center in historic Philadelphia is America's most hands-on history museum. Located just two blocks from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, it is the only museum devoted to the U.S. Constitution and the story of we, the people.

Washington Square

Today, visiting Washington Square means strolling its tree-lined pathways, observing the clone of Philadelphia’s only Moon Tree and stopping to recognize the memorial to Washington and unknown soldiers of the American Revolution. The park is just a block from Independence Hall and a popular gathering spot for residents and visitors alike.

Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell can be found on the walk from the hotel to the wedding inside Independence National Historic Park!

Barnes Foundation

The true draw of this widely visited museum is the Barnes’ permanent collection, featuring 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes and 59 Matisses, along with works by Manet, Degas, Seurat, Prendergrast, Titian and Picasso — one of the world’s largest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings and African sculpture. Check out this article on how the controversial museum came to be: https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2010/06/the-controversy-over-moving-the-world-s-best-art-collection-you-haven-t-heard-of/345289/

The Franklin Institute

Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of America’s oldest and premier centers of science education. The museum is known for blockbuster exhibits, a bevy of interactive ongoing exhibitions, and one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences.

Museum of the American Revolution

One of the newest museums in Old City!