Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

Philly lore crowns Pat’s as the original cheesesteak. The only other items on their menu are fries and hot dogs. If you want to order like a true Philadelphian, ask for one “wit” or “wit-out” (onions). 

For those of us who are particular about our meat, Jimmy G’s lets you choose chopped or shaved, then they cut it fresh. Plus, they offer pork, chicken and lamb options. 

A family-owned deli with a quaint storefront and outdoor seating. Vegetarians and vegans, they’ve got cheesesteak alternatives featuring mushrooms and sweet peppers. They make a mean hoagie too.

This showy staple features a neon-clad facade and walls covered in celebrity autographed photos. They’re a local fave that’s been serving classic steaks for more than 50 years.

While you’re there, you might as well grab an “Upside Down Jawn,” a square pan pizza that seems like the delicious offspring of Chicago- and Detroit-style pies.

Some claim that the roast pork is Philadelphia’s real trademark sandwich, and DiNic’s is the best spot to get one. From behind their Reading Terminal Market counter, they pile sandwiches with thin-sliced pork, provolone and broccoli rabe. 

Water ice is more like shaved Italian ice than snow cones, and there are stands all over the city. The icy treats at John’s are all made with real fruit and fruit juices. 

Both spots—these are two separate places—are long-standing family-owned operations. Tacconelli’s churns out brick-oven, thin-crust “tomato pies,” and Santucci’s claims Philly’s original square pizza.

Cannoli aren’t unique to Philadelphia, but Termini Bros. makes some damn good ones. You’ll find them in the Reading Terminal Market, which is worth exploring for more great eats.

You might call them subs, grinders or heroes, but in Philly, they’re hoagies (and don’t forget it). Paesano’s in Northern Liberties is a local favorite for cold-cut creations. 

Quick, name the two most famous documents in American history. They were both drafted and signed here. See the assembly rooms and halls where John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence, or where Hamilton and Jefferson verbally duked it out over the Constitution. 

This herald of the Revolution and 1830s abolitionist symbol used to reside in the Independence Hall steeple, but now it’s across the lawn.

Once a commodities exchange, this brick behemoth now contains 30 innovative artisanal eateries.

See Isaac Tin Wei Lin’s gargantuan Start From Here, painted on the Church of Scientology.

Shira Walinsky’s vibrant mural, Migrating Home, pays tribute to South Philly’s rich diversity, and can be found at 1000 Dickinson St.

Phillip Adams’ Industrious Light: Leviathan Main Belting, which wraps the entire building at 1241 Carpenter St., tells a sweeping history of industry in Philly.

This is “get the energy out” central. It’s got a playground, a carousel, mini-golf and burgers. The park’s centerpiece fountain also puts on a show every 30 minutes. 

It’s right down the street from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and has some fascinating hands-on exhibits, like Sir Isaac’s Loft (to explore physics) and a Tech Studio.

Here you’ll find parks along the Delaware River, historic ships and numerous restaurants.

Yeah, the stairs were in that one movie, but the real attractions are inside — 200 galleries highlighting major Impressionist and post-Impressionist European, American and Asian artists. It’s one of the world’s most visited art museums, where you’ll find pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso and Dali.

Local artist Isaiah Zagar went on a mosaic rampage, tiling every available surface with ceramic shards, bottles, mirrors, bike wheels and basically anything else he could get his hands on. The result is less of a garden and more of a colorful, eclectic maze. Zagar created 100+ mosaics around the city, but this is his magnum opus.

If you couldn’t tell by the name, this two-story venue is a little off-kilter. It’s a dive bar with cartoonish street art, themed music nights, a dance floor, leather booths and (best of all) cheap drinks. 

Never mind the overpriced townhomes; you’re in NoLibs for the hippest bars and restaurants, housed inside old warehouses. Grab a six-pack and try BYOB spots like Dimitri’s, Baan Thai or Apricot Stone. Or get a hearty breakfast any time of day (or night) at Honey’s Sit ’N Eat. For nightlife, try the long-standing Jerry’s Bar or a popular hangout like The Blind Pig.

If you didn’t already guess from the name, Fishtown’s roots are in the commercial fishing industry. But it’s traded trout and bass for boutiques and cafés seemingly overnight. Start the day with a latte from La Colombe. As the sunlight wanes, you might find yourself at Fishtown’s favorite corner bar, Johnny Brenda’s, or perusing 800 bottles of beer at Bottle Bar East.

Here, resident artists display their work in repurposed shipping containers and culinary creatives sell theirs from former trolley cars. 

Attention beer and food lovers: Morgan’s Pier features local brews and a revolving door of acclaimed chefs-in-residence. Even better, its outdoor seating has some stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. 

This essential summer boardwalk is lined with waterfront hammocks and outdoor games like bocce ball, not to mention restaurants and a beer garden.

Their tasting room and distillery inside a Fishtown warehouse have a laid-back industrial vibe. Make sure to try the Bluecoat American Dry Gin.

Whiskey lovers, now’s your time to shine. New Liberty’s Dutch Malt Whiskey is for you.