Meagan & Ryan
City of Brotherly Love
Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park Don’t be surprised if you spot people dressed in character from tricorn-hat down to square-buckled shoe in this historic part of the city. After all, Philly is the Cradle of Liberty. Visiting these 55 acres of National Park is a must for anyone coming to Philadelphia. The abundance of landmarks in this park—including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall and the Ben Franklin Museum—speak to its extraordinary role in the founding of the nation.
Independence Beer Garden
For when you get a little THIRSTY after all that history you just soaked in from roaming around Independence Mall Park ;0)
Reading Terminal Market
A bustling hive of locals and tourists, the Reading Terminal Market has more than 75 vendors and promises a sensational blend of smells and flavors. Your taste buds will thank you, but what to choose? Amish soft pretzels, shrimp pad thai, chicken pot pie, lobster mac and cheese, roast pork or po’ boy sandwiches, organic juices, artisanal coffee, maple bacon doughnuts, cannolis.… Operating since 1892, the food hall is a true Philly kind of experience, yo
Old City
This funky and historic section of town close to the Delaware River is a blend of cafés, boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and some amazing historic gems. We all learned about Betsy Ross making the country’s flag back in grade school. Visit her house to see the birthplace of the flag and the stories behind its making. Want to see the oldest—and cutest—residential street in America? Check out Elfreth’s Alley, dating back to 1702, and stop in the Elfeth’s Alley Museum to learn more about this National Historic Landmark. Walk a few minutes to the historic Christ Church, founded in 1695, and active today. Revolutionary-era attendees of the Episcopal house of worship included Ben Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Rush and Sally Franklin Bache.
Rittenhouse Square
For those who love people-watching, Rittenhouse Square is endlessly fascinating. This elegant square with a rich history is one of the five open-space parks throughout the city originally planned by William Penn and built in 1683. Grab a sandwich from any of the nearby cafés, park yourself on a wooden bench in the beautifully maintained square and watch the show go by—from chic mommies and daddies playing with kids by the goat statue and busy professionals striding along to their offices to tattooed bike messengers hanging out on the 18th Street corner and crunchy hipsters playing hackey sack on the green. Besides the daily parade of Philadelphians going about their business, there’s also evening summer concerts, holiday celebrations, art fairs and farmers’ markets in and around the square. After you’ve relaxed, head east along Walnut Street and shop the thoroughfare’s high-end boutiques. When you hit Broad Street, you’ve reached the end of the loosely used term, “Rittenhouse Row.”
Philadelphia Zoo
Whatever your views are on animals in captivity, the Philadelphia Zoo’s Zoo360 project is giving its inhabitants more room to roam and choice locations to observe visitors. Pay attention, there may be a Sumatran orangutan checking you out from overhead. Though it’s the oldest zoo in the nation—opened in 1874—it is a leader in this innovative system to get those animals up high. Begun in 2011, the zoo-wide project of animal exploration is built on a series of mesh wire trails about 20 feet above ground. These trails have expanded to include special paths and mazes including the Big Cat Crossing, the Treetop Trail for monkeys and lemurs, Great Ape Trail for bigger primates, Meerkat Maze, and the Gorilla Treeway running 300 feet. If you want to get high, too, take the 10 -minute ZooBalloon ride over the Schuylkill River. The hot air balloon goes up 400 feet and offers stunning views of surrounding Fairmount Park.
Fairmount
This sprawling park that runs on both sides of the Schuylkill River is the city’s largest and has bragging rights to dozens of cool attractions. Same with the boathouses that accommodate the rowing clubs along Kelly Drive, tennis courts, mountain bike trails and the pump track for BMX-style riding. But there’s plenty to do for visitors who may have a shorter window of time. The Philly Zoo & the Philadelphia Museum of Art are both within the park. Kids will thank you for taking them to the kid-friendly Please Touch Museum or Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, famous for its radically awesome huge wooden slide dating back to 1905. Don’t miss the stunning Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, built in 1953 in Nagoya, Japan. There are also 18th-century historic homes to tour, including Mount Pleasant, Strawberry Mansion, Lemon Hill and Sweetbriar. In the mood for some music? See what's playing at the open-air Mann Center. Told you there was a lot happening there. Get out and explore.
Schuylkill River Trail
Some city dwellers love the challenge of going for a run through the streets and dodging distracted drivers barreling past them in cars. But for the rest of us who just want to go for a blissed-out run or bike ride, head to the Schuylkill River Trail. It is an extraordinary example of communities and local governments working together for the greater good. It’s currently a 26.5-mile protected trail that begins in Center City, winds its way through Valley Forge National Historical Park and ends up in Chester County’s Phoenixville. The approximately 10-mile section through Philadelphia runs along the Schuylkill River Banks and—in addition to being a place for walking, running and cycling—offers plenty of room for activities,like yoga, boarding in a skate park, moonlight kayaking tours and summer outdoor movie screenings.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Join the warm-weather party (May through October) at Spruce Street Harbor Park along the Delaware River. Features and activities include live music, floating gardens, bocce, ping pong, shuffleboard courts and arcade games. Hungry visitors can chow down on boardwalk food including pizza, tacos, cheesesteaks, fried chicken, funnel cake, doughnuts and ice cream. Or you could just snag one of the highly coveted hammocks and watch the whole scene unfold.
Franklin Square
This square, one of William Penn’s original five open-space parks, underwent a radical transformation in 2006 when Historic Philadelphia Inc. restored it from a creepy spot to be avoided into a child’s absolute, must-see destination. The beautiful fountain at its center has been restored, a delightful carousel spins and projects happy music, while a Philly-landmark-themed miniature golf course, a modern playground and a gourmet burger spot all beckon.
Eastern State Penitentiary
This massive Gothic-styled fortress, now mostly in ruins, was built almost 200 years ago in 1829. With encircling walls as high as thirty feet, the pen represents a rejected institutional idea that through isolation and complete silence, criminals would become penitent and feel true regret. Take the self-guided audio tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi and learn about the prison, once the most famous in the world that housed Al Capone and “Slick Willie” Sutton. Closed in 1971, today it remains only partially renovated with many crumbling cell blocks still on view. If you think you can handle it, check out the venue's annual “Terror Behind the Walls” Halloween haunted-house event each fall.
Philadelphia City Hall
Walk the halls of this magnificent Beaux Arts-style building, topped with a massive bronze statue of William Penn. It’s open for tours of its public rooms as well as to the observation deck for a tremendous 360-degree view of the city. On the apron of City Hall sits the recently renovated Dilworth Park. Go there for ice skating in the winter or live music, barbecue, beer and outdoor movie screenings in the summer. Across the street is LOVE Park, not to be missed for a photo opp.
Rocky Statue
“Gonna Fly Now.” That’s the song written by Bill Conti that everyone hums as they run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. If you don’t know the Rocky theme, learn it. And maybe get in a few training runs before you sprint up the 72 steps and raise your arms aloft victoriously. Rocky, the movie starring Sylvester Stallone, is still as inspiring as it was when it won the 1977 Academy Award for best picture. At the foot of the steps, off to the north side, is a 10-foot statue of Rocky Balboa created for Rocky III. Don’t be a bum. Snap a selfie with the champ—just be prepared to wait in line for it.
Pat's King of Steaks
PATS & GENOS DEBATE - Many out-of-towners associate the city with Philly cheesesteaks. It’s the famous grilled beef and onion sandwich on a hoagie roll with a glazing of cheese (Pro tip: “Wit Whiz?” means do you want Cheese Whiz instead of, say, provolone.) Though plenty of locals never go near the greasy belt-busting sandwiches, we get that it’s a bucket-list kind of thing. A couple sandwich joints that get the most attention are Pat’s King of Steaks where the cheesesteak was invented in 1930, and its across-the-street neighbor—and rival–Geno’s Steaks. If you’re still hungry after wolfing down one of their sandwiches, walk through the gritty 9th Street Italian Market from Wharton to Fitzwater streets. It’s one of the oldest open-air markets in the country, brimming with fish and fruit sellers, coffee and cheese stands, paninis, banh mi, freshly made pasta, water ice and gelato.
Dalessandro's Steaks
MEG & RYANS INSIDER TIP - THE BEST CHEESESTEAK IF YOU'RE WILLING TO UBER FOR IT! If you're a saavy enough cheesesteak aficionado, you will no doubt want to make the trek out to Roxborough, near Manayunk in Philadelphia's northwestern ridge. Here you'll find one of Philly's most storied purveyors of cheesesteak sandwiches, Dalessandro's Steaks. They have been serving delicious sinfully greasy cheesesteaks from their corner locale for as long as anybody can remember. Legend has it that the grillmasters season their sizable flat top grill with fat before adding the meat. The cheesesteaks here are piled high with generous portions of said beef — plus fried onions & American cheese all on a fresh, chewy hoagie roll. Delassandro's has quite a following, so be prepared for a line if you go on at lunch time, or on the weekend, or if it's sunny out, or — for that matter — anytime you go. But don't worry, by the time you take your first bite you'll be assured that the wait was well worth it.
Vernick Food & Drink
This is one of Meg & Ryan's favorite restaurants in the city - located right on the cusp of Rittenhouse Square. It is a husband and wife duo and they consistently provide some of the best food & drink in the city. All the locals know this - so if you want to try it out, we recommend making reservations, basically yesterday! Calling usually works better than Open Table.
Rouge
One of the best people watching spots in the city. Meg & Ry have been going here for years to get their dose of fresh air, dirty martinis and champs. Definitely a spot to sit down and grab a drink and take in the sites.
Friday Saturday Sunday
This is one our of favorite date night spots - great cocktails and bartenders and small plates!
Zahav
Zahav means 'Gold" in Hebrew and that, it certainly is. Zahav is one of the toughest tables in Philadelphia and with good reason: chef/ owner Michael Solomonov is turning out some spectacular Israeli-inspired creations there, hewing close to traditional flavor profiles but toying with cuisine of the Jewish diaspora. The result is fun, inspired, and so delicious that you’ll be licking your plate clean. It can easily be argued that Zahav is the most important and outstanding Israeli restaurant in America. A MUST FOR ANY FOODIE - but act fast, even the bar stools require reservations
Bok Bar
You’d never suspect the city’s best rooftop view exists on top of a former high school in a quiet Southeast Philadelphia neighborhood, but lo and behold, Bok Bar offers just that. Drinks are limited to beer and wine, but the beer options are plentiful and there are more non-alcoholic options available than is typical of any other rooftop bar—including kombucha. The rooftop is also, by way of being atop a school building, enormous. Mosey on over if you just need a place to enjoy a beer and breathe.
Frankford Hall
It's Oktoberfest all year round at Frankford Hall, where you can munch on Bavarian pretzels and bratwurst while browsing through a huge selection of German and American beers on tap, bottles, cans and beer cocktails (yes, beer sangria is a thing). Sit inside among the exposed brick and open windows or gather out back with a bunch of friends at the long wooden tables.
Philadelphia Distilling
Philadelphia Distilling Exposed brick walls juxtaposed with modern finishings characterizes this hip distilling company, which is housed in a former factory in Fishtown. The claim to fame here is that Philadelphia Distilling is the first post-Prohibition distillery in this city. They’re behind creations such as Bluecoat American Dry Gin, Vieux Carré Absinthe and Penn 1681 Vodka—all of which can be found in state liquor stores and in many of the best bars in Philadelphia. Or you can just sidle up to the bar at Philadelphia Distilling and have one of their mixologists whip you up a cocktail in the very place where these spirits were born. You’ll also find a restaurant serving contemporary American fare, an outdoor patio and tours and tastings shuffling off on Thursdays and Fridays at 6pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2, 4 and 6pm.
Oyster House
Dollar-priced oysters could sound suspect anywhere else, but not at Oyster House. The Rittenhouse restaurant is a go-to in Center City for seafood all-around, but a sort of “old faithful” for oysters, especially. For happy hour (Mon–Fri 5–7pm and Sat 9–11pm), they're paired with drinks that make sense with oyster flavors—mostly shooters, like a mini-sized Bloody Mary called “The New Englander.” But if that’s not your thing, don’t fret: They also feature a $3 draft beer menu.
El Vez
You are always guaranteed a great & energetic time at this staple in Philly, especially in the summer. Located on 13th Street in Midtown with restaurant after restaurant and mini boutiques to keep you occupied all day, this mexican joint is near and dear to Meg & ryan's hearts. Some of the best margaritas and sea bass tacos in all of the land!
The Franklin Fountain
It's kind of funny that the best time for ice cream coincides with bathing suit season but if you're in Philly, you've just got to eat some ice cream — diet or no diet! Nestled on a cozy corner in Old City, Franklin Fountain will take you back in time with its 19th century decor, resembling an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and soda fountain. While the ambiance alone is enough to draw a crowd, it is simply a cherry on top of their decadent, homemade ice cream. What to try: Hydrox Cookie, Mint Chocolate Chip, Honeycomb (made from their own rooftop hives!) and the Mt. Vesuvius sundae.
Fishtown
There’s no shortage of cool in Fishtown, which has emerged as Philly’s truest harbor of artistic, culinary and musical action. Think, the next Brooklyn... This classic working-class neighborhood, so named due to its history as an epicenter for the commercial shad-fishing industry, offers a colorful exception to the city’s gridded urban rule with its collection of narrow streets beset with modest row homes and independently owned businesses. According to Meg & Ryan, some of the best new restaurants are emerging here (La Colombe, Suraya, Root, WM Mulherins, to name a few).
Yards Brewing Company
The story of “Philly’s Brewery” started in a 1,000-square-foot garage in Manayunk. That might be hard to imagine when you’re perched at one of the long community tables inside the massive taproom of Yards Brewing Co.’s new 70,000-square-foot facility on Spring Garden Street, where there are house 20 beers flowing on draft and diners can choose from updated pub grub and trendier snacks, like ramen, tuna poke, and pork belly skewers glazed in spruce ale.
McGillin's Olde Ale House
McGillin’s is quick to remind you that it's one of the oldest bars in the country, opening its doors in 1860, the same year Abraham Lincoln was elected. You may be hard-pressed to find any breathable standing/walking/sitting space on a weekend night, but it’s also one of the only places in the US where you can get an O’Hara’s Irish Stout, brewed in Ireland. It wouldn't be a trip to Philly without at least popping in to see where Meg & Ryan spent many of their college karoke and green beer nights.
Morgan's Pier
This enormous deck on the Delaware river offers an unprecedented way to enjoy craft beer and killer cocktails by the water. Two bars and half a dozen seating areas are built right out over the river, and the view of the Ben Franklin Bridge towering overhead can’t be matched.
Parc Restaurant
Sip in sophistication under awning-covered tables that wrap around this Rittenhouse Parisian bistro. One of Meg & Ryan's Philadelphia Brunch staples for sure due to the always consistent french food -. MUST EAT ALL THE BREAD & THE WARM SHRIMP SALAD!
Suraya
12,000-foot cafe/market/restaurant offering Middle Eastern fare Phase one of Suraya launched late last year with its all-day cafe, and phase two -- the full-blown restaurant slated to seat about 120 -- just opened. As the full concept rolls out, it’s already garnered buzz in Fishtown and beyond, thanks to its Lebanese specialties (including imported beer) and expert owners Greg Root and Nick Kennedy from another great restaurant on the same street, Root, as well as Nathalie Richan.
Brigantessa
The pizza at Brigantessa is served in traditional Neapolitan style, meaning no pre-cut slices -- the kind of pizza that wants you to abandon all American habit and fork-and-knife your way along -- though your server will be happy to slice it up for you. The Regina pizza with Piennolo del Vesuvio is the must-have item, while gnocchi brushed with Calabrian chili oil is a must for lovers of all things hot and full of carbs. If you still think pizza bagels are exciting, elevate your tastes and head here for weekend brunch, where the drinks are bottomless and all pizzas can be breakfasty if you add an oozing egg.
Harp & Crown
The gorgeous, expansive space of Harp & Crown features high ceilings, exposed brick, a wrap-around bar, tufted booths, and vintage portraits. The striking atmosphere (and hidden basement bowling alley) can be enough to lure you inside, but the selection of stiff drinks, small plates, and diverse entrees will keep you coming back for more -- not to mention an all-you-can eat (and generous drink) weekend brunch. Charcuterie and cheese plates go great alongside Spanish octopus and lamb meatballs, while the hanger steak and the farro pasta with spinach pesto is one of the most satisfying meals you'll get to try