Tammy and I are often asked by visitors for suggestions. Below are some of our favorites, and a 2-3 hour walking tour. With the Semiquincentenial, FIFA World Cup, and MLB All Star game coming in 2026, we are expecting a lot of visitors!
Recommendations:
Best Philly Cheesesteak: Angelo's (736 S 9th), also best pizza, but it is take-out only.
Best Philly Soft Pretzel: Center City Pretzels (816 Washington Ave) are baked in a hundred year old oven, but they are only open 6-10am! Philly Pretzel Factory are nearly as good, and they have many locations (including Terminal F at PHL airport).
Most iconic street: Italian Market on South 9th between Catherine St (1 block south of Angelo's) and Ellsworth St.
Favorite food store: di Bruno Brothers,(1730 Chestnut St, much better than their Italian Market location) plus everything at Reading Terminal Market.
Walking Tour
Start at City Hall, see historical markers on west side, walk through courtyard. Guided tours are available.
Walk east on Market, left on 12th one block to Reading Terminal Market on your right. Try Dinic's Roast Pork sandwich with broccoli rob and sharp provolone, and for dessert Bassett's ice cream (best in Philly).
Return to Market St, right one block and turn left onto 13th.
Left on Pine St, "Antique Row" between 12th and 9th.
Left on 8th, right on Spruce, left on 7th and enter Washington Square Park. See Tomb of Unknown Soldier. Walk to northeast corner, see historical markers, cross Walnut and enter the Curtis Building on left along 6th St to see Tiffany mural (behind mural is impressive atrium).
Exit building and cross 6th to see back of Independence Hall and statues in the park. Circle building to enter (reserve tickets on US Park Service website).
Cross Chestnut Street to visit the Liberty Bell.
Head east on Chestnut past Second Bank of US, enter Carpenter Hall (on right between 4th and 3rd) reading historical markers.
Return to Chestnut. The Museum of the American Revolution (at 3rd and Chestnut) is excellent. Turn right (south) on 3rd St. Walk past First Bank of US, turn left onto Dock St past Merchant Exchange Building.
Our favorite restaurant is Zahav (on St James Place), reserve one month in advance. They have an amazing tasting menu, make sure to order the lamb shoulder.
Take 2nd St north from Walnut, with many restaurants and bars along 2nd between Chestnut and Market (Sassafras is a great bar).
Continue on 2nd across Market, The Book Trader bookstore is on the right, Christ Church is on the left (Washington and Franklin worshipped here). Continue two blocks north on 2nd, turn right onto Elfreth's Alley (oldest inhabited street in US).
Return to 2nd, left (south), turn right on Arch. Betsy Ross House in on right.
Continue west on Arch past Quaker Meeting House and Christ Church Burial Ground (look through iron bars to see Benjamin Franklin tomb).
Option: The US Mint offers free self-guided tours
Option: National Constitution Center is interesting
Side trips from City Hall:
Option 1: Take Benjamin Franklin Parkway northwest to the Philadelphia Art Museum (note Rocky Statue to the right of the "Rocky" stairs). Along the way, see the Logan Fountain, Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum. Have beer at Victory Brewing, or drinks at Assembly Rooftop in the Logan Hotel.
Option 2: Have drinks at Ritz Carlton on Broad St across from City Hall. Continue south on Broad past Union League, turn right on Walnut St. Walk four blocks to Rittenhouse Square. Walk into a Gilded Age mansion which houses the Anthropology Store, upon entering see the circular stairs, then turn right and walk into the back room, look up at ceiling. On 18th overlooking Rittenhouse is Parc Restaurant (perfect for brunch), and Barclay Prime (excellent steakhouse); make reservations well in advance for both). Other great eating choices on 18th north of Walnut: a.kitchen (burger), The Love, Dandelion (pub).
