Things To Do and Eats
Independence Hall and Old City
If you're in Philadelphia, you cannot leave without checking out the spot where it all began. The Declaration of Independence AND Constitution were both hashed out and signed here. Independence Hall is the gate to Philadelphia's Old City, marked by narrow cobblestone streets and brick row houses. My favorite way of exploring this area is by horse and carriage ride! Here's a link to list of some old City sites and activities: https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/things-to-do-in-historic-philadelphia/
Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rocky Steps!!)
For the ultimate skyline of Philadelphia, come to the Philly Art Museum. Not only does this museum sit on top of the famous "Rocky steps," but it actually is a really fun and unique museum. There is art from all eras, including a really cool Asian art section that has a few ceremonial tea houses. Behind it, you can find a garden area, Boathouse Row (a series of lit up, college boat houses) and Water Works, an event space that used to be the home base for Philly's water department. The views here are pretty epic as well. It sits at the end of Ben Franklin Parkway, which is a long boulevard that Philly uses for huge events, such as the Pope's visit, Live 8 and various festivals every year (and you know, driving). Come on a Friday night for extended hours and free live music and cocktails: https://www.philamuseum.org/calendar/event-series/friday-nights
Longwood Gardens
Most of my friends have already heard me rave about this place. About an hour from Philadelphia, this place is hands down the best gardens I've ever been to. There are fountains, castles, an observatory, tree houses, a meadow and even live music and operas outside on certain days in the summer. You could spend a couple hours or the entire day there. Bring a book for a little lunch/reading break in the meadow to conserve energy. Just an absolutely magical place. **There is a discount for youth, college students and seniors**
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
This strip of road takes you from City Hall to the Philly Art Museum, separate by a few lovely fountains. I recommend walking between those two points of interest because it is lined with flags from every country in the world. Philly loves to phil (haha) it up with people for festivals and other special events. There have been crowds as large as one million packed into that mile-long strip!
The Kimmel Center
Home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, Verizon Hall in the Kimmel Center houses some great art. I've performed here several times in this beautiful cello-shaped space. This world-famous orchestra performs all summer long, and they are just one of many artists featured in Philly.
Time
A low-lit, swanky but friendly whiskey bar and tap room with great music every night. I've seen many of my friends play here and have sung here a few times! You can also try absinthe and some great cocktails here. I love watching people walk by and poke their heads in to catch a few tunes. Great late-night spot, always a good vibe.
Reading Terminal Market
An absolute staple when in Philly! Try anything from a good cheesesteak (Obama had one here!) to Whoopie Pies from the Amish community, it's all here. This place has been around forever and is great if you wanna do a bit of sampling or want to see all your options.
Heritage
My favorite spot for live music and some unique eats. This place is covered with wood walls and greenery and instruments line the ceilings. Great place to linger, listen to some tunes, and enjoy the summer by the garage door. They have live music every night (no cover) and usually play jazz, funk, folk, latin and any combination of those genres.
The Dandelion
This place warms my heart. This charming British restaurant has rooms that feel like a pub, a 19th century living room, an upscale dining room, a library, all in one building. Miguel recommends trying the British Beer Flight. I fell in love with the sticky date cake.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Hammocks by the water, colorful hanging lights, food trucks, games, a bar surrounding a small pond, this is Spruce Street Harbor Park! This super colorful urban garden is a great spot to hang out, try some food and explore with some friends. A MUST when visiting.
Lancaster County
About an hour from Philly is home base for the Amish community, a population of traditional Christians with Swiss German roots. They live simple lives and usually reject all modern technology. You will easily recognize them in their plain clothing, women with bonnets and men with beards. They are really kind folk! I recommend taking a carriage ride at Kitchen Kettle Village https://www.kitchenkettle.com/index.asp and taking a tour to learn about Amish life. Lancaster is the more rural part of PA that represents what a lot of the state looks like. Great place to buy homemade candles and other trinkets. Downtown Lancaster is also a fun place to explore, with some great bars and cafes. This is also a really good place to try some traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food like scrapple, apple butter, chicken pot pie, whoopie and shoo-fly pie. They love their jams here.
One Shot Cafe
This super cute coffee shop has a rustic vibe and library upstairs with plenty of couches. This is a new favorite for Miguel and me.
The Franklin Institute
This. Place. Is. So. Fun. Every kid from the Philly area would take field trips here year after year and even as an adult, it is SO FUN. It's a science and technology museum with changing exhibits and a massive dome IMAX that completely immerses you in the show. One of my earliest memories is running around inside the giant human heart in the body exhibit. You can also play around in a real steam train, ride a bike on a suspended cable, learn about planes and space and mess with electricity. Great with kids AND without.