Things to Do in Philly
Independence National Historical Park
A must for first-time visitors. Independence Hall, site of the signing of both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Pro-tip, don't wait in line for the Liberty Bell - you can see it just fine from outside
Philadelphia Museum of Art
After you run up the Rocky Steps, don’t just turn around and go back down! The PMA is one of the country’s great institutions of fine art. Your ticket also gets you into the nearby Rodin Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Auguste Rodin’s statutes outside Paris.
Barnes Foundation
By some counts, the most valuable private art collection in the world, valued at upwards of $30 billion, the Barnes is truly one of the most unique and eclectic curations you will find anywhere. Here, the world’s largest collection of paintings by Renoir and Cézanne (as well as significant works by Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, and other masters) are uniquely displayed alongside hand-wrought iron, antique furniture, jewelry and sculpture, which encourage comparison and study of works from various time periods, geographic areas, and styles.
Dalessandro's Steaks
Our absolute favorite cheesesteak. Located dangerously close to Zac’s old apartment in Manayunk, Dalessandro’s has been doing it right since 1960. These massive steaks are overstuffed with finely chopped ribeye slathered with fried onions and cheese wiz in a soft Amoroso roll. (I know. Just get the wiz. Thank us later). You can smell the fried onions for blocks away. If you need to walk off one of these monsters, check out nearby Wissahickon Valley Park, a gorgeous natural park with over 50 miles of trails that will have you questioning if you’re still in Philadelphia (you are).
Angelo's Pizzeria
No-frills, top-notch pizza and hoagies. The hoagies and cheesesteaks are on freshly baked, seeded rolls from Sarcone’s Bakery next door. Like spice? Ask for some long hots on top. Try placing your order on the phone. If they don’t pick up, try and try again. No reservations. Frequently sells out. Cash Only. Take-out Only.
Jim's South St.
An institution on one of Philly’s most iconic streets for night life, Jim’s has reopened larger and better than ever after a massive 2022 fire laid waste to its iconic art deco interior (since rehabilitated). The new location plenty of seating in its redone upstairs, which features gorgeous mosaics from Isaiah Zagar, of the famed Philadelphia Magic Gardens.
Reading Terminal Market
One of the largest and oldest public markets in the US, Reading Terminal Market offers an eclectic variety of over 80 independent vendors. Particularly unique is its variety of Amish purveyors of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and confections. Here are a few of our favorite locations within the Market: • Termini Bros Bakery: Classic South Philly Italian bakery since 1921. Don’t miss out on the fresh cannoli! • Hershel’s East Side Deli: Hot take from Zac, a superior pastrami reuben to Katz's in NYC for 1/3 of the price • Beiler’s Doughnuts: Pennsylvania Dutch donut shop slinging freshly made confections. Pro-tip: Ask for whatever donut came out of the oven most recently • Tommy DiNic’s: One of the best hoagie spots around
Italian Market - South 9th Street
This is quintessential Philly. You’ll be taking a step back in time exploring the covered sidewalks, curb carts, and bakeries, cheese and butcher shops. While historically Italian, new generations of immigrants have continued this street's legacy for the better. Here are a few of our favorites in the area: • Di Bruno Bros.: Philly’s premier purveyor of artisanal Italian cheeses since 1939. Make sure to ask for all the samples. • Angelo’s Pizzeria: see above • South Philly Barbacoa: Cristina Martinez makes authentic barbacoa from scratch, featuring homemade tortillas from corn grown from seeds she brought from her native Oaxaca. • Isgro Pastries: Legendary Italian bakeshop serving classic cannoli, cakes, cookies, and other confections since 1904. Don’t miss out on the sfogliatella. • John’s Water Ice: Slinging Philadelphia’s best water ice (Italian ice), gelati and Philly soft pretzels from a streetside window since 1945, John’s is the ultimate way to cool down on a hot day.
Kalaya
We first stumbled in Kalaya when it first opened as a small Thai BYOB in the Italian Market. Now, former flight attendant turned James Beard Award “Best Chef” Nok Suntaranon has moved her restaurant to a beautiful new space in Fishtown where rich, eclectic, and unapologetically authentic Southern Thai cuisine is served up to those lucky enough to score a reservation. Think tom yum soup with head-on jumbo prawns and caramelized cod dumplings shaped like birds, rather than pad thai (which is proudly not served). Reservations strongly recommended.
Suraya Restaurant
A gorgeous Lebanese spot, whose outdoor garden seating will immediately transport you to the Mediterranean. Beyond delicious dinner, Suraya is easily one of our favorite brunch spots in the city.
Pizzeria Beddia
According to many, America’s best pizza. Decide for yourself at Joe Beddia’s Fishtown destination that started off as a counter with zero seats, two employees, and no phone, and has grown into a veritable dining powerhouse featuring creative pies influenced by Beddia’s global travels, specialty soft serve, Amari, and natural wines. Beddia also features the unique Hoagie Room, an omakase experience revolving around Beddia’s scratch made takes on some of Philly’s most famous dishes.
Fiore
Our favorite bakery and Italian destination in a city with an embarrassment of riches in both. Fiore offers elegant, traditional Italian pastries, gelati, and espresso by day and creative pasta dishes and BYOB by night. We would go every Saturday for their incredible breakfast sandwiches and baked goods to get us through the pandemic.
Middle Child
A small, buzzy counter slinging the best breakfast sandwiches we’ve ever had now has opened a second location with a full-service bar and restaurant (Middle Child Clubhouse in Fishtown)
Bloomsday Restaurant & Wine Bar
Our longtime haunt, serving up delicious breakfasts and a phenomenal selection of natural wines from around the world.
Brauhaus Schmitz
A very authentic German bierhalle and restaurant that boasts "more German beer than anyone else outside of Deutschland” with its 34 German beers on draft and over 50 in bottle. Having been to Oktoberfest, we can’t disagree. Considering our wedding is in October, don’t miss out on some seasonal, on-tap Märzen to wash down your schnitzel and finish off with an apfelstrudel. As Zac and Chloe have taken to saying since their time in Germany, “prost und l’chaim!”
Frankford Hall
While it has a more limited menu than Schmitz, Frankford Hall is a wonderful, laid back biergarten that will always hold a special place in our hearts. We met up here for our first date. Needless to say, it went well.
Tattooed Mom
Punk bar on South Street where the ever-changing upstairs walls are filled with stickers and graffiti. Chloe loves the pickle-tinis. Plenty of vegan snacks as well.
Monk's Cafe
This Belgian tavern has imported hard-to-find beers on tap for nearly 30 years, serving them up with delectable mussels, burgers, and pomme frites. No reservations.
Human Robot
Specializing in Czech and German-style beers, Human Robot is one of our favorite Philly breweries. Try the Milk Tube, a dense foam beer made in the traditional Czech mliko-style