Philadelphia Suggestions

Tammy and I are often asked by visitors to Philadelphia for suggested sites, activities and restaurants.  Below are some of our favorites, along with 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!  

Philly 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 on 12th Street, cross over Market and continue south on 12th. 

Make a right on Locust St, then left on Camac Street (looks more like an alley than street)

Left onto Pine St, which is "Antique Row" between 12th and 9th Streets.

Italian Market detour (30 minute roundtrip walk): Take a right on 9th Street,   Four blocks south is Angelo's, our favorite pizza (see below), followed by Sarcone's Bakery and Mawn Cambodian Restaurant (2025 James Beard Award, reserve months in advance).  The famous Italian Market stretches South from Christian to Washington.  Turn right on Christian to Isgro's Pastries.  Return to 9th and head south, stop in Di Bruno Brothers and Claudio's.  Walk one more block south of Washington on 9th Street to South Philly Barbacoa (James Beard Award) for a quick snack.  Return on 9th to Pine Street and turn right to continue the walk.  

Continue on Pine, turn 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 the back of Independence Hall and statues in the park.  Circle the building to enter (reserve tickets on US Park Service website).

Cross Chestnut Street to visit the Liberty Bell, no ticket needed, the line moves quickly.

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.

Head House Square Detour (15 minute roundtrip walk): Follow 3rd Street south to Pine, turn left and then right on 2nd Street.  This is Head House Square, a marketplace since 1745.  Bloomsday and Twisted Tail are great bars with decent food, Pizzeria Stella is very good.  When done, return to the tour by heading north on 2nd St, right on Pine at A Man Full of Trouble Tavern (worth a stop), then left on 38th Parallel Plade which becomes Dock Street. Past the Marriott, turn right on 2nd St.

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).  The tour is over, but you have options...

Option: The US Mint offers free self-guided tours

Option: National Constitution Center is interesting

After the tour, return to City Hall for one of these side trips:

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); on Walnut Steet North of the Square is Borromini Trattoria.  Other great eating choices on 18th north of Walnut: a.kitchen (burger), The Love, Dandelion (pub), and Di Bruno Brothers Italian grocery.

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, bigger than their Italian Market location) plus everything at Reading Terminal Market.