Traveling to Philadelphia next weekend for business. I've got about 1.5 days to myself for exploration - getting in a day early and 2 evenings after work.

I've only ever passed through the city.

Hoping to solicit advice from members as to highlights that I should try to make time for, places to eat, and also places/areas to stay out of.

My thanks to all.

http://muttermuseum.org/visit/hours-admission/

The Mutter Museum

Old City around Independence Hall and Reading Terminal Market for food.

SEE:
- Independence Square (Liberty Bell, etc.)
- Museum of Art
- Franklin Institute

AVOID:
EVERYTHING North of City Hall

Note:
Carry will be off limits in buildings(FED) around Independence Square.

Hit Franklin Fountain for dessert.

Tour the USS Olympia.

-Rob

Market & Chestnut Streets for dinner / stroll in the Old Town Section of Philly. Two of my favorite restaurants are City Tavern and Buddakan.
PENN's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is one of the finest in the world, only surpassed by the Egyptian and London-based museums.
Not too far from the city center (an hour away or less) are many historical (e.g. Valley Forge) and visitor (e.g. Longwood Gardens) sites that are important/impressive. Just don't forget to snag a cheesesteak (whiz with or not) while in town!

I took a horse-drawn carriage tour around historic Philly my first time out there. Saw the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall. Had some really good cheesesteak, I think it was on Market Street.

I didn't do the Rocky run up the steps, nor see if I could tour the USS New Jersey sitting there in the Delaware River, although it was on my list.

Are you staying in Center City? I'd take a walk, river to river, first on Chestnut, then Walnut.

Washington Square has the eternal soldiers flame; lots of Revolutionary War dead are buried there. Christs Church churchyard, 2nd and Market, very cool. Rittenhouse Square, nice area. Center Square is where City Hall is, the largest stone building, I think, in the world - all stone supporting, all the way up.

Logan Square, nice fountains, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, nice walk along to the Rodin Museum, Phila Museum of Art, drop south along 20-something back to Walnut ...

It is a large grid, very walkable. Bring shoes and have a blast.

Have not had one in a while, but the Italian Roast Pork with broccoli rabe, sharp provologne, and hot pickled pepper at George's (1007 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147) is probably the finest in the city. Real small place, you eat outside on a sideboard, I think.

If you haven't been on an Iowa class battleship, the NJ is right across the river. Steer clear of the rest of Camden.

The Franklin Institute, if the neighborhood hasn't gone to shit.

quote:

Originally posted by Woodman:
Center Square is where City Hall is, the largest stone building, I think, in the world - all stone supporting, all the way up.

I think the cathedral in Cologne Germany may have the edge on that title....or at least larger than City Hall.

Hit Holt's cigar shop at 1522 Walnut Street. They have plenty of Fuente product. Have a smoke in the back or upstairs in the lounge.

The school yard where Will Smith Played b Ball...
In West Philadelphia.
ANYWHERE, but Pat's and Geno's!

Since you have a day, try Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. Longwood Gardens

Along the Schuylkill river in Manayunk, you will find dozens of great restaurants. I ran into Julia Child and her posse about 15 years ago at a place called Jakes. It's still there and the reviews are very good. Jake's and Cooper Wine Bar

Liberty Bell, Susan B. Anthony House, Art Museum all should be on the must-sees.

Avoid Geno's and the other one there for Cheesesteaks, there are far better local shops.

ETA: LOL They were advised against above as well

steves is the place to go.

http://www.stevesprinceofsteaks.com/locations/

-Reading Terminal Market: roast pork sandwich at DiNic's
-Museum of The American Revolution
-Independence Hall/Liberty Bell

Rittenhouse Square looking NE towards 18th & Walnut (seems they always say the numbered street first ) taken yesterday afternoon. After relaxing to a fairly decent busker, a short walk brought me to a friend's salon for some work on her web site. Philly is a very walkable city. Only 30 blocks from river to river - 1 ½ miles.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackks:
Old City around Independence Hall and Reading Terminal Market for food.

I went to a conference last June and my hotel was literally across the street from historic City Hall. If you like treats (too much), like me, the Reading Terminal Market will be like Nirvana and Hell rolled into one. There must be a dozen places selling every kind of baked treat and candy you can think of.

And I went every damn day for three days. Rode the exercise bike hard and I still gained weight. Oh well.

Bad side, there are some somewhat aggressive pan handlers and if you walk around the city center much, you WILL have to deal with them.

quote:

Originally posted by Batty67:

I went to a conference last June and my hotel was literally across the street from historic City Hall. If you like treats (too much), like me, the Reading Terminal Market will be like Nirvana and Hell rolled into one. There must be a dozen places selling every kind of baked treat and candy you can think of.

And I went every damn day for three days. Rode the exercise bike hard and I still gained weight. Oh well.

Bad side, there are some somewhat aggressive pan handlers and if you walk around the city center much, you WILL have to deal with them.

Yep. Even the Amish are there