How can you leave the Reading Terminal Market out?
1
This is definitely a great list of hot spots in the city. For way more things to do in Philadelphia check out the in depth www.yostcityguides.com
As a six generation Philadelphian I was delighted to see my fabulous city featured.What surprised me was several wonderful parts of my city were not included.
This is where America began and there is NO mention of the historical sites; Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell etc.
Also the spectacular view of the Parkway, easily seen from the Barnes was given no mention.
And last of all, our Reading Terminal market was not written about. My husband and I travel the world and this is a world class market.
Maybe there should be another article???
This is where America began and there is NO mention of the historical sites; Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell etc.
Also the spectacular view of the Parkway, easily seen from the Barnes was given no mention.
And last of all, our Reading Terminal market was not written about. My husband and I travel the world and this is a world class market.
Maybe there should be another article???
1
Yes, of course, there is so much more to Philadelphia in the cultural scene besides the Barnes, and perhaps even more important and impressive: big institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art (one of the best in the US) to Pennsylvania Academy of Art (with its amazing Frank Furness building), the Philadelphia Orchestra (comparable to the Berlin, London, or New York), Curtis Institute (where the likes of Leonard Bernstein and more recently Lang Lang went to school), dozens of dance companies including the Pennsylvania Ballet, BalletX, Koresh, Philadanco, and so many more, etc.
While Philadelphia has, in many places, an elegant, easy-to-walk European vibe, it retains a vibrant American-feel and has a one of the youngest populations among large American cities, as well. Nevertheless, people are surprisingly polite and helpful in the city, perhaps due to the strong, historical Quaker and Southern influences.
In short, a wonderful and charming city not far from Manhattan, DC, and the Jersey Shore.
While Philadelphia has, in many places, an elegant, easy-to-walk European vibe, it retains a vibrant American-feel and has a one of the youngest populations among large American cities, as well. Nevertheless, people are surprisingly polite and helpful in the city, perhaps due to the strong, historical Quaker and Southern influences.
In short, a wonderful and charming city not far from Manhattan, DC, and the Jersey Shore.
4
Amazing destination and really nice place for traveling. Do not forget Philadelpia for my tours in next season
Those that say Wawa has the best hoagies and meatball sandwiches (sub is really not used in Philly) have not ventured very far to find a sandwich. While Wawa is exceptionally convenient any neighborhood will have at least one local place that far outdoes Wawa fare. The roll is the key...
4
I love Wawa but I would never say it has the best of anything. It's just... Wawa.
It is hard to believe that the article doesn't even mention the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the most impressive collections of art in the country. To assume that everybody knows it's there is condescending; to make room instead for the Barnes Foundation, whose collection is, at the very least, mixed, is surprising. If only for the beauty of its Impressionist paintings, a visit to the Museum of Arts should be a must. Besides, it's a huge museum and presumably very expensive to run. In between a taco and a tequila, it could have used a little help from the New York Times.
2
Do you mean the Philadelphia Museum of Art?
The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Museum?
The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Museum?
2
Whether or not you like organ music, standing in the Grand Court in Macy's and hearing the sound of the Wanamaker Organ is an experience you won't forget. This largest working pipe organ in the world is a national treasure.
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Wait a second! Your giving advice for 36 hours in Philly pre-DNC and fail to mention sites commemorating the political history of the US? Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Washington Square, the Graff House. See the first Congress building and Supreme Court. All free and worth a look.
If you want to step off the traditional museum path, visit the Mutter Museum, which has more annual visitors per square foot than any other museum in Philly. And, sorry, but a cheese steak IS required for out-of-town visitors. Throw in a soft pretzel, a run up the Rocky steps, and a night view of Boathouse Row from behind the Art Museum, too.
If you want to step off the traditional museum path, visit the Mutter Museum, which has more annual visitors per square foot than any other museum in Philly. And, sorry, but a cheese steak IS required for out-of-town visitors. Throw in a soft pretzel, a run up the Rocky steps, and a night view of Boathouse Row from behind the Art Museum, too.
6
I second the Mutter Museum. Although I suspect it is not everyone's cup of tea.
3
Wawa as the best hoagies??? That's a joke, right? Wawa is great as a convenience store and late night place in a city that goes to sleep way too early. But I don't know any local who would say that they have the best hoagies. Try Paesano's in Italian Market or Fu-Wah's in West Philly instead.
While in Italian Market, make sure to stop by Claudio's, which is a far better Italian grocery store with great cheeses, meats, and pastas, than DiBruno's. If you are going to go to DiBruno's, at least go to the one in Italian Market. The one on Chestnut Street is fine, but will be disappointing to anyone who has been to Zabar's.
Speaking of Italian food, it is ridiculous to have a Philly list without Italian restaurants, as that is the one type of food that this city does a consistently excellent job at. For red-gravy, go to Villa DiRoma or Ralph's. For nicer Italian, L'Angolo, Saloon, Fiorino, and Dante & Luigi's can't be beat.
John's Roast Pork is a very good choice, but not the only one. Also try Dinic's in Reading Terminal Market, and George's in Italian Market can't be beat. Be sure to head to Isgro's for a cannoli for dessert.
The most consistently excellent restaurant in Philadelphia is the Cypriot restaurant named Kanella.
Finally, venture down to deep South Philly for tomato pie at Cacia's and wooder ice at Pop's.
While in Italian Market, make sure to stop by Claudio's, which is a far better Italian grocery store with great cheeses, meats, and pastas, than DiBruno's. If you are going to go to DiBruno's, at least go to the one in Italian Market. The one on Chestnut Street is fine, but will be disappointing to anyone who has been to Zabar's.
Speaking of Italian food, it is ridiculous to have a Philly list without Italian restaurants, as that is the one type of food that this city does a consistently excellent job at. For red-gravy, go to Villa DiRoma or Ralph's. For nicer Italian, L'Angolo, Saloon, Fiorino, and Dante & Luigi's can't be beat.
John's Roast Pork is a very good choice, but not the only one. Also try Dinic's in Reading Terminal Market, and George's in Italian Market can't be beat. Be sure to head to Isgro's for a cannoli for dessert.
The most consistently excellent restaurant in Philadelphia is the Cypriot restaurant named Kanella.
Finally, venture down to deep South Philly for tomato pie at Cacia's and wooder ice at Pop's.
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I may not agree with your politics, but I will defend to then death your choice of restaurants.
4
Thanks, dfdf! There's nothing like a good plate of Italian food to bring people together.
1
Absolutely agree. There are many better hoagies than Wawa. Try Sarcone's on 9th Street. Some of the best rolls in the city are from their own bakery. Buy early as they stop making hoagies when they run out of bread, usually about 2 in the afternoon.
How can you not mention the Franklin Institute (especially if you have kids), the Museum of Art (a few blocks away from the Barnes), and the Penn Archeology Museum (a few blocks from the ICA).
These institutions are virtually unequaled and should be sampled!
And, after all, one can get coffee, sandwiches, and other such impedimenta, anywhere. Why waste time with these, if your time is limited?
These institutions are virtually unequaled and should be sampled!
And, after all, one can get coffee, sandwiches, and other such impedimenta, anywhere. Why waste time with these, if your time is limited?
3
Absolutely right, BobR. Where else can you walk through a human heart (I hope that exhibit is still there)?
Yes, you're correct, one can't eat ones way through the city. When I moved here 50+ years ago, just Chinese and red Italian . However, there's more to Philadelphia than eating.....the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin museum, the Pearlman, the very interesting and beautifully located Water Works, the Kimmel Center , many, many boutiques and small galleries, and on and on. Stay for a while, it's really worth it!
3
Amen - just don't attempt travel on the Schuylkill (aka surekill) Expressway!
Guaranteed to make you leave, or never return. It's why I rarely go into Philly anymore - and I went to college and med school there, and attended the Philadelphia Orchestra for decades. The traffic is so appalling we virtually never go into Philly anymore.
Guaranteed to make you leave, or never return. It's why I rarely go into Philly anymore - and I went to college and med school there, and attended the Philadelphia Orchestra for decades. The traffic is so appalling we virtually never go into Philly anymore.
You actually think Philadelphia traffic is bad? It's far less taxing than LA (of course), NYC, Washington or Boston. And much of the traffic goes outbound, a result of the amazing livability of the city---people prefer to live in town even if they work in the suburbs. And there are trains from just about everywhere into Center City Philadelphia. No need to drive.
How could you not mention Franklin Fountain, the most incredible ice cream parlor of all time? It's in Old City so you can stop by after seeing the liberty bell.
3
With or without children, don't miss The Franklin Institute Science Museum. It's wonderful!
1
A museum that is a treasure hidden in plain view is the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology: http://www.penn.museum/ And if you are into architecture, talk a walk around the Penn campus. There is an amazing mix, and the gargoyles on The Quad are not to be missed! The Penn Museum building itself is quite impressive. Lots of parking garages nearby, too, if you are driving.
Gotta disagree about getting a hoagie at Wawa. Wawa has somewhat of a cult status here in South Jersey and Philly. But their hoagies are NOT representative of the best Philly has to offer. In fact, the hoagies are soggy, made from pre-cut deli meat, and are uninspiring. Try a hoagie just about anywhere else in Philly to get the authentic Philly experience.
If you are a vegan (or vegetarian, for that matter) and are looking for a place to eat, check VegPhilly's website: http://vegphilly.com/
Speaking of vegan and hoagies, the tofu hoagies at Nhu Y are not to be missed. 802 Christian Street, in the heart of South Philly. http://www.dishtip.com/r/pa/philadelphia/nhu-y/top-dishes/84156 They are right down the street from the best cannoli on the planet at Isgro's. (Not vegan, unfortunately, but my word, the pastries at Isgro's will make you think you died and went to heaven. There is a reason they were chosen to put together a pastry selection for Pope Francis to take on the plane back to Italy.) http://www.bestcannoli.com/
I could go on... lots to do, see and eat in Philly!
Gotta disagree about getting a hoagie at Wawa. Wawa has somewhat of a cult status here in South Jersey and Philly. But their hoagies are NOT representative of the best Philly has to offer. In fact, the hoagies are soggy, made from pre-cut deli meat, and are uninspiring. Try a hoagie just about anywhere else in Philly to get the authentic Philly experience.
If you are a vegan (or vegetarian, for that matter) and are looking for a place to eat, check VegPhilly's website: http://vegphilly.com/
Speaking of vegan and hoagies, the tofu hoagies at Nhu Y are not to be missed. 802 Christian Street, in the heart of South Philly. http://www.dishtip.com/r/pa/philadelphia/nhu-y/top-dishes/84156 They are right down the street from the best cannoli on the planet at Isgro's. (Not vegan, unfortunately, but my word, the pastries at Isgro's will make you think you died and went to heaven. There is a reason they were chosen to put together a pastry selection for Pope Francis to take on the plane back to Italy.) http://www.bestcannoli.com/
I could go on... lots to do, see and eat in Philly!
5
Penn Museum and Vietnamese sandwiches are spot on!
The Reading Terminal Market is a must see destination while in Philly- oldest continuously operated public market in the US. Vendors are local and varied- no chains or franchises allowed. Come hungry and ready to engage in a totally Philly atmosphere.
10
When I visit and revisit cities, I try to see their core attractions along with what is new. A long walk, a bike ride (as suggested here) or a run always includes the tried and true as well as the trendy. This account ignores Philly's core attractions because, I assume, they are so well known. If it regularly included a suggested long walk, run or bike ride that takes in the heart of the city as well as new places, I think it would benefit more readers and it would be better for their health, after visiting all the restaurants and bars that are listed.
1
Come on, this is LOUSY reporting; I cannot think of more uninteresting places and totally over priced places or hotel to go to in my Philadelphia !! I am a proud Quaker man, tenth generation in this city. AWFUL. Sorry, but, next time, for free, I will write you the best three page review for our beautiful city. Or, I can do it this weekend. By the way, my grandfather was one of the architects on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge; along with Paul Cret, who designed the original Barnes Foundation Museum. They did the Folger Library, the OAS in Washington, the Rayburn Building, University of Texas and many more, including the Normandy monument to the US soldiers who died at Normandy and was shown in the film "Saving of Private Ryan". And you left out the train to Chestnut Hill and the Valley Green Inn, surely the greatest walking and train experience in the USA-Nelson proposed to Happy Rockefeller there. And as to Oysters, the place you proposed is snobby, awful, crowded and very costly, just off of Washington Avenue is the oldest oyster house, Ten times cheaper and much better. And hotels, good idea, choose the MacDonalds of our hotel business. This is not Philadelphia. Best wishes, sorry for the criticism.
3
My God, give the reporter a break. She did a decent job surveying some of the newer places that have opened, which is what most readers are interested in. And, as lovely as the Valley Green Inn is, it's fairly off the beaten path for most short-time visitors. Kudos on your family history.
3
Exactly right about the Roast Pork being the REAL Philly sandwich. But I greatly prefer DiNic's version at Reading Terminal Market (RTM is also another must-visit destination) to John's. FWIW, it did win "Best Sandwich in America" on Adam Richman's Travel Channel TV show a couple of years ago.
1
No, exactly wrong BostonBestEats and Nell McShane Wulfhart.
The cheesesteak (1 word, not 2) is available at every bar and every sporting venue in and around the city. Here in Northeast Philadelphia, there are at least 5 cheesesteak restaurants (I use the term loosely, think more like deli, a little seating, most people ordering to take out) within a mile of my house. Roast pork, not so much.
The cheesesteak (1 word, not 2) is available at every bar and every sporting venue in and around the city. Here in Northeast Philadelphia, there are at least 5 cheesesteak restaurants (I use the term loosely, think more like deli, a little seating, most people ordering to take out) within a mile of my house. Roast pork, not so much.
2
Nice intro to Philly, but you left out a walk down South Street to see Isiah Zagar's Magic Gardens. Great street art. http://www.visitphilly.com/music-art/philadelphia/philadelphias-magic-ga...
5
Gotta second that thought! And there are other buildings along South Street that Isaiah has worked his magic on, and you can look for free. :)
No night life? No shopping?
1
Ahh, Philly. Or, as I like to call it, the Big Apple Without the Hassle! And what a great eating city. Can you keep up? http://traceyg.travellerspoint.com/77/
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If you're into art, the Barnes Museum, in its new building, is a must.
3
Oh, oh, oh. One more thing - come to Citizen's Bank Park to a ballgame. We love our Phillies!
5
I know you only have 36 hours, but might you return another day and visit our beautiful Philadelphia Museum of Art? The structure itself is stunning; climb the stairs, turn around, and you'll have a beautiful cityscape vista down the Ben Franklin Parkway. Visit the museum’s website at http://www.philamuseum.org/ to familiarize yourselves with the collection and exhibits. I have no affiliation with the museum (other than that I am a member), but I don't mind telling you I moved here to be near these glorious objects, pictures, and 'art is everywhere' vibe. I can't tell you how fortunate I feel to live here.
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