Eric's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Snap a photo in front of the Liberty Bell.
Home of the internationally known symbol of freedom
It doesn’t make a sound, but The Liberty Bell’s message rings loud and clear: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” This inscription on the cracked but mighty bell is one reason it became a symbol to abolitionists, suffragists and other freedom-seekers around the world. The bell draws people from around the nation to snag a photo in front of the soaring glass walls overlooking Independence Hall. This American icon is free to visit year-round with no tickets required, though capacity is limited to 60 people at a time as of June 2021.
7 locals recommend
Liberty Bell
Liberty BellSnap a photo in front of the Liberty Bell.
Home of the internationally known symbol of freedom
It doesn’t make a sound, but The Liberty Bell’s message rings loud and clear: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” This inscription on the cracked but mighty bell is one reason it became a symbol to abolitionists, suffragists and other freedom-seekers around the world. The bell draws people from around the nation to snag a photo in front of the soaring glass walls overlooking Independence Hall. This American icon is free to visit year-round with no tickets required, though capacity is limited to 60 people at a time as of June 2021.
Rocky Statue
2600 Benjamin Franklin PkwyPose with the Rocky Statue & run up the "Rocky Steps"
While historical attractions abound in Philly, Independence Hall holds monumental significance to the development of the nation. In 1776, the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in the building’s Assembly Room. Just 11 years later, representatives from a dozen states met here to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park, and guided tours are available year-round. As of June 2021, free tours of the hall are available via timed tickets. Learn more about how to obtain tickets in the guide to Independence Hall.
Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street
569 locals recommend
Independence Hall
520 Chestnut StWhile historical attractions abound in Philly, Independence Hall holds monumental significance to the development of the nation. In 1776, the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in the building’s Assembly Room. Just 11 years later, representatives from a dozen states met here to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park, and guided tours are available year-round. As of June 2021, free tours of the hall are available via timed tickets. Learn more about how to obtain tickets in the guide to Independence Hall.
Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street
Visit the awesome museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philly's most artistic mile...
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, modeled after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, is sometimes called Philadelphia’s most artistic mile. Some of the city’s most important cultural institutions are housed here, including the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and the crowning Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Another super-popular attraction, former prison Eastern State Penitentiary, is just a 15-minute walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.) No Philly experience is complete without a dip into the city’s cultural offerings. Note that many attractions are operating under limited hours and only on select days, so be sure to check ahead (and consider buying tickets online) before swinging by.
114 locals recommend
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Benjamin Franklin ParkwayVisit the awesome museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philly's most artistic mile...
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, modeled after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, is sometimes called Philadelphia’s most artistic mile. Some of the city’s most important cultural institutions are housed here, including the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and the crowning Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Another super-popular attraction, former prison Eastern State Penitentiary, is just a 15-minute walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.) No Philly experience is complete without a dip into the city’s cultural offerings. Note that many attractions are operating under limited hours and only on select days, so be sure to check ahead (and consider buying tickets online) before swinging by.
City Hall has been the home to Philadelphia city government for more than a century. Once the tallest building in the U.S., the elaborate 14.5-acre masonry structure remains the country’s largest municipal building, and its exterior features more than 250 sculptures, including the 37-foot-tall, 27-ton bronze statue of William Penn atop the iconic clock tower. While interior tours are on hold due to COVID-19, residents and visitors can join the new-for-2021 City Hall Exterior Tour to learn more about the history, art and architecture of the iconic building.
Where: City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
62 locals recommend
City Hall Visitor Center
1400 S Penn SquareCity Hall has been the home to Philadelphia city government for more than a century. Once the tallest building in the U.S., the elaborate 14.5-acre masonry structure remains the country’s largest municipal building, and its exterior features more than 250 sculptures, including the 37-foot-tall, 27-ton bronze statue of William Penn atop the iconic clock tower. While interior tours are on hold due to COVID-19, residents and visitors can join the new-for-2021 City Hall Exterior Tour to learn more about the history, art and architecture of the iconic building.
Where: City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Once made up of undeveloped piers and underutilized public spaces, the Delaware River waterfront has become one of the most activated spaces in Philadelphia in the 21st century. That’s thanks to the opening of a number of exciting attractions and parks — Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier as well as seasonal spots like Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink — and diverse and well-attended events throughout the year. Those gorgeous views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge — which connects Philadelphia to New Jersey — don’t hurt, either.
27 locals recommend
Cherry Street Pier
121 N Christopher Columbus BlvdOnce made up of undeveloped piers and underutilized public spaces, the Delaware River waterfront has become one of the most activated spaces in Philadelphia in the 21st century. That’s thanks to the opening of a number of exciting attractions and parks — Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier as well as seasonal spots like Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink — and diverse and well-attended events throughout the year. Those gorgeous views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge — which connects Philadelphia to New Jersey — don’t hurt, either.
Food Scene
Probably not the best steak and Cheese but it is a Philadelphia institution. Gino's is located across from Pat's for another steak and cheese option.
316 locals recommend
Pat's King of Steaks
1237 E Passyunk AveProbably not the best steak and Cheese but it is a Philadelphia institution. Gino's is located across from Pat's for another steak and cheese option.
A short walk away from the house. Herman's coffee in one word, "unique." This local hot spot is unlike any you've visited before (unless you've been to many auto repair shop-turned neighborhood cafes).Located in the heart of the Pennsport neighborhood, Herman's was named after the owner's grandfather, who liked to sip his coffee sitting in a lawn chair inside his garage with the door wide open. Mimicking that aesthetic, on a beautiful day Herman's Coffee opens its garage doors wide open to the public so visitors can enjoy the sunshine and breeze. There are plenty of seating options from long tables inside to lawn chairs outside, and locals say it's a great place to socialize or to get some work done.
The menu features pour-over and espresso drinks that can be paired with baked goods, but what further sets this coffee shop apart from the rest is the rotation of food trucks that come by Friday through Sunday. Herman's truly has it all.
15 locals recommend
Herman's Coffee
1313 S 3rd StA short walk away from the house. Herman's coffee in one word, "unique." This local hot spot is unlike any you've visited before (unless you've been to many auto repair shop-turned neighborhood cafes).Located in the heart of the Pennsport neighborhood, Herman's was named after the owner's grandfather, who liked to sip his coffee sitting in a lawn chair inside his garage with the door wide open. Mimicking that aesthetic, on a beautiful day Herman's Coffee opens its garage doors wide open to the public so visitors can enjoy the sunshine and breeze. There are plenty of seating options from long tables inside to lawn chairs outside, and locals say it's a great place to socialize or to get some work done.
The menu features pour-over and espresso drinks that can be paired with baked goods, but what further sets this coffee shop apart from the rest is the rotation of food trucks that come by Friday through Sunday. Herman's truly has it all.
Federal Donuts is no ordinary donut shop.
Early risers can choose from “fancy” donuts with changing flavors that have included the likes of lemon gingersnap, maple bacon and chocolate caramel banana.
The made-fresh-all-day hot-and-fresh donuts arrive straight from the fryer and are dusted with sugary strawberry lavender, cinnamon and more.
Fried chicken aficionados wait in line regularly to score the twice-fried meat served with dry seasoning, wet glaze or naked. Rubs and glazes include za’atar, buttermilk ranch, sweet soy garlic and honey ginger.
Coffee, of the hot and iced varieties, round out the incredible delicacies available at this triple-threat.
130 locals recommend
Federal Donuts
1219 S 2nd StFederal Donuts is no ordinary donut shop.
Early risers can choose from “fancy” donuts with changing flavors that have included the likes of lemon gingersnap, maple bacon and chocolate caramel banana.
The made-fresh-all-day hot-and-fresh donuts arrive straight from the fryer and are dusted with sugary strawberry lavender, cinnamon and more.
Fried chicken aficionados wait in line regularly to score the twice-fried meat served with dry seasoning, wet glaze or naked. Rubs and glazes include za’atar, buttermilk ranch, sweet soy garlic and honey ginger.
Coffee, of the hot and iced varieties, round out the incredible delicacies available at this triple-threat.
Set below a former railroad terminal, Center City’s 127-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both a dazzling tourist destination and a source for fresh produce, seafood, meats and cheese for locals. The public space also provides open seating where customers can enjoy meals from dozens of restaurants, including Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and acclaimed DiNic’s hot roast pork sandwiches. Retail merchants sell housewares, jewelry, linens and more. As of June 2021, the market is open for indoor dining and shopping, with many vendors also offering takeout and delivery. (Translation: Check ahead with each vendor to get a sense of what experience to expect.)
Where: Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th Street
739 locals recommend
Reading Terminal Market
1136 N 12th StSet below a former railroad terminal, Center City’s 127-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both a dazzling tourist destination and a source for fresh produce, seafood, meats and cheese for locals. The public space also provides open seating where customers can enjoy meals from dozens of restaurants, including Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and acclaimed DiNic’s hot roast pork sandwiches. Retail merchants sell housewares, jewelry, linens and more. As of June 2021, the market is open for indoor dining and shopping, with many vendors also offering takeout and delivery. (Translation: Check ahead with each vendor to get a sense of what experience to expect.)
Where: Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th Street