Nick and Leyla
Things To Do
Places to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Old City: Fork, National Mechanics, PJ Clarkes, Las Bugambilias, Spasso, Talula's Garden (!!!), Amada, Almanac, Independence Hall Beer Garden, Franklin Social, Revolution House, Old City Social, Malooga, Forsythia, Cuba Libre Rittenhouse Squae and Beyond: The Love, The Bunker, a. kitchen, Parc, Via Locusta, P.S. and Co, Dear Daphni, Wilder, Tria Cafe Rittenhouse, Vita, Scarpetta Bars: The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co (speakeasy bar in Rittenhouse), Rotten Ralph's (Old City), Old City Beer Garden (outdoor, chill vibes), Independence Beer Garden, and so, so many more.
Coffee and Cafes
Menagerie Coffee, La Colombe (this is actually a local spot before it became a national brand), Olivier Cafe, Coffee Zeit, Madi's Coffee, Knead Bagels, Cafe Tolia, Tu Rinconcito, Old City Coffee
Get a cheesesteak!
Expect to be very full afterwards, but this is pretty much a Philadelphia rite of passage. Reach out for some recommendations, but there are many, many choices in the area.
Independence Hall
Leyla is an absolute fiend for the movie National Treasure. Go see where the Declaration was signed! This is less than one block from the Kimpton Hotel. One building (The West Wing) is free entry. The other (where the Declaration was signed) requires a ticket, which can be purchased online for $1.00.
Liberty Bell
Anther amazing National Treasure reference ;) less than one block from the Kimpton, about three blocks from the Marriott. Requires entry!
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Very cool place and just a short walk away from the hotels. Admission is free. There is live music, food vendors, etc.
Elfreth's Alley Museum
This is a historic street in Old City that dates back to 1703! Really cute walk to get up close with history. On your way back to the hotels, there is a really quaint wine bar across the way called Calandrino's Old City Vino for quick glass!
Betsy Ross House
Either a ticketed entry to learn some history about the American flag OR stroll the area, have a coffee in the shaded courtyard area!
Some other honorable sites/mentions
The Ben Franklin Museum, Reading Terminal Market (food vendor hall), the Rocky steps, Rittenhouse Square (super cute park about 15 minutes away from Old City. Coffee shops and restaurants, etc. overlooking the park), Magic Gardens (art exhibit), Rodin Museum (amazing art museum) Citizens Bank Park (if you're there early, the Phillies are playing the Orioles on the 6th!).
Other Cities and Towns Near(ish) by
If you're planning on an extended stay, consider visiting some neighboring towns and cities! Some favorites: New York, Washington DC, Annapolis, MD, New Hope, PA, Cape May, NJ, various Jersey Shore beach towns (Leyla promises it's not all like the show), Lancaster, PA (Amish country), etc.