Things To Do
Rittenhouse Square
Steps away from the hotel, a lively farmer's market takes place from 10-2 on Saturdays. Make a reservation for brunch at Parc, Via Locusta, or Borromini, or be prepared to wait at K’Far for delicious Israeli food (this is where our parents met each other for the first time!). Other recommendations include 1-900-ICE-CREAM, Vibrant Coffee Roasters pastries, Elixr Coffee, and walking or running along the Schuylkill River Trail!
Italian Market 9th Street
Where Ryan and Lily used to live one block apart, and also where Rocky ran through the outdoor market during his training. Our favorite spots are Function Coffee Labs for pastries, Gleaner’s Cafe bagel sandwiches, Binding Agents cookbook shop, Fante’s Kitchen Shop, and Get A Gato cat cafe! If you’re willing to brave the crowds, you can even line up for lunch at Mawn, James Beard winning Cambodian food. For a milder palate, check out Angelo’s for some of the best pizza and cheesesteaks in the city.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Fun fact, Philly has the second highest number of Impressionist paintings in the world, after only Paris. Go check out some of the collection at the art museum, where you can also run the Rocky steps and see his statue if that’s your jam. Nearby, find the Barnes Museum, with still more Impressionism, and Calder Gardens, memorializing one of Philly’s greats, the sculptor Alexander Calder.
Edgar Allan Pоe National Historic Site
Firstival: In 2026, Philly is ringing in the semiquincentennial by celebrating all the “firsts” in our history, every Saturday of the year. The Firstival on Halloween will celebrate the first American detective story written, at the Edgar Allen Poe Historic Site from 11-1. If you want to check out a truly haunted house, book well ahead of time to visit the Eastern State Penitentiary, built in 1829 and now a historic site and museum.
Old City
In the mood for some history? Take the Market-Frankford line, Uber, or walk over to the east side of the city (literally, Old City) to check out many of our historic sights. Visit Independence Hall, the Constitution Center, see the Liberty Bell, visit Betsy Ross’ house, or check out the Museum of the American Revolution. Lily’s personal favorite is Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continually occupied street in America.