Any suggestions for a trip to Philadelphia

[Aggie87]

Half this thread is bickering and not very useful. Here are my bullet recommendations:

* Liberty Bell
* Independence Hall
* Elfreth's Alley - the nation's oldest residential street
* Christ Church - 1st Episcopal Church in the U.S. - Ben Franklin, George Washington, Betsy Ross, and 15 signers of the Declaration of Independence attended services there
* Christ Church Burial Ground (not adjacent to the Church) - Ben Franklin is buried there
* Remains of the original President's House (where Washington & Adams lived as Presidents)
* Run up the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and take pic with Rocky statue (not at top of steps anymore, but bottom right)
* A ton of other great museums
* Have a beer at the Belgian Cafe or Monk's (I like Belgian Cafe for it's proximity to the spooky Eastern State Penitentiary, also worth a visit)
* if you like military history, Commodore Barry (father of the Navy) is buried at Old St. Mary's Catholic Church
* Reading Terminal Market is a blast
* Have a pastrami sandwich at the best Jewish delicatessen in town, Famous 4th Street Deli

 

[tm1119]

From someone who has lived in the area his entire life...

-I wouldn't suggest wearing anything Cowboys...just not worth the trouble. If you do just take the talk with a smile and don't say anything back and you should be fine
-South Street is fun but can be overcrowded/rowdy. If you're looking to drink some good beer and enjoy yourself I would go to Old City. A lot less crazy enviornment
-Aside from all of the other museums/history that everyone has already been mentioned, check out the Franklin Institute. Tons to do there, never met anyone that didn't enjoy themselves there.

Overall just be respectful and stay out of the obviously bad areas (every big city has them) and you should really enjoy yourself. A lot of silly stereotypes from people who have never even been to the city in this thread.

Oh, and Nick's Roast Beef. It's incredible.

 

[jaybird]

Hey guys, as a lot of you know im heading to the game on Sunday from Toronto. Anything in particular anyone here would recommend seeing or doing in the city of Brotherly Love?

Cheesesteak about the only thing they're good for

 

[phildadon86]

Phildadon, I was born and raised about a mile from Veteran's Stadium in South Philadelphia. I grew up there and have spent my entire life in the area. I have also visited cities all across the globe (my favorites outside of my hometown are Boston, San Fran, Savannah, Rome, Florence, and London). I can tell you that the attitude you arrive on the plane with will shade your entire experience of any city. One of the reasons why Philadelphia gets such a bad rap is because of the behavior of their sports fans (probably rightly so, although entirely undeserved when reflected on the city as a whole, in my opinion). It shades people's attitudes before they even have a chance to experience all that the city has to offer.

Philadelphia is not much different than any other major city - there are pockets of undesirable areas and people, as well as amazing cultural experiences. However, it is unique in that this entire experiment in freedom which we call America had its birthplace in this city. As a result, when you walk around the center of the city (called "Center City" strangely enough), you are surrounded by landmarks and reminders of where all this began. It is truly an enchanting environment if you are any type of history buff.

In addition to the suggestions already presented, you may want to take some time to visit the Constitution Center - it is a truly moving museum. You probably won't get a chance to visit Valley Forge National Park (a half hour drive from where you are staying), but it is also a really inspiring tour which leaves you in awe of how our Revolutionary Soldiers suffered through a horrendous winter on their way to the ultimate miraculous military victory.

Enough nostalgia. Down to brass tacks. You will be staying in my old neighborhood.

I know the tourist-y hype about the cheesesteak revolves around Pat's versus Geno's. If you really want to hit cheesesteak nirvana, either go to John's Roast Pork on Snyder Avenue near Columbus Avenue (I went to grade school with the owner - he consistently gets voted on as serving the top cheesesteak in the city) or Steaks on South, my personal favorite, especially if you plan on walking South Street (which still has a lot of cool, eclectic shops and restaurants, even though it is no longer one of the top hot spots in the city). John's is in South Philly (near your hotel) and Steaks on South is closer to Center City, but if you really want a one-of-a-kind sandwich that you will be dreaming of on the plane back to Canada (and you may even still have the intoxicating aroma lingering on your fingers), do yourself a favor and go to Nick's Roast Beef on 20th and Jackson Streets, about a mile from your hotel. It is a dive bar inhabited by hard core, blue collar locals, but nothing to fear - they are harmless, if not colorful. They have a Spartan dining room in the back of the bar. Sit down and order a Roast Beef Combo (combo means with provolone cheese), overboard (which means dripping with pan juices). It is served on a Kaiser roll, and is probably one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. Chicago brags about their "Italian Beef" sandwiches, but they cannot hold a candle to Nick's Roast Beef.

If you want Italian food, and want to stay in South Philly (near your hotel), take a quick ride to Scannicchio's at Broad and Porter Streets. It will give you a taste of authentic, Italian-American cuisine ... the kind the local neighbors grew up on since moving to the city from the old country back in the day. The menu is simple, but consistently good.

One last tip. If you do find yourself in Center City (which is LOADED with amazing, 5-star restaurants), and are walking through the Reading Terminal, or anywhere else in the area, if you want to get into the Christmas Spirit, stop into Macy's right near City Hall at Broad and Juniper Streets. They have a light show that is very nostalgic and will definitely bring a smile. It plays every hour (I think).

Despite the negative press in here, try to keep an open mind and positive attitude. Travel safely and enjoy the city where it all started.

Wow thanks man. Great recommendations can't wait to eat all of what you just described lol

 

[Fredd]

To the OP, get a Jim's Steak (I think it's on 3rd and South)...I generally get two or three every time I go there (I am a big Phillies fan, so I go to philly about 5 times per summer)

 

[hornitosmonster]

But you're wrong. It's no more a cesspool than any other city.

Ok Eagles boy. It is a cesspool of a city and you should feel bad that your sister has to live there. Help her out and get her to a better city, what kind of brother are you?

I don't know who you are trying to convince? I guess yourself. You will never change my opinion

 

[TheCowboy]

I would never step foot in Philthy. I'd rather be in Detroit.

 

[Redball Express]

Hey guys, as a lot of you know im heading to the game on Sunday from Toronto. Anything in particular anyone here would recommend seeing or doing in the city of Brotherly Love?

Sure..

Take lots of peppermint. schnapps to the game.

Everytime we score..

Pass the bottle.

Everytime they score..

pass the bottle.

No matter what happens..

enjoy the game.

I'll be right there with you.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

Wow thanks man. Great recommendations can't wait to eat all of what you just described lol

Remember you have to get back on a plane. You eat all that you might need to buy an extra seat. None of that food is on any diet plan.
But it does all sound so good. Ahhhhh I miss NY.

 

[coult44]

Hey guys, as a lot of you know im heading to the game on Sunday from Toronto. Anything in particular anyone here would recommend seeing or doing in the city of Brotherly Love?

A 9MM