Philadelphia is a fantastic place to enjoy an extended weekend. Known for its raving sports fans and its historical significance to the founding of the United States, Philly can provide so much more and these experiences aren’t hard to find. Here are seven ways I recommend enjoying a short trip to the city of brotherly love:
*Disclaimer: These are all assuming COVID-related restrictions are no longer needed*
1. Chow Down On A Cheesesteak
Let’s get this one out of the way. Whether you order yours “whiz with” or just steak and provolone, be prepared for a salivatingly (this is the word I want to use) delicious mouthful. Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks are famous, can’t miss spots to grab a bite, but I recommend Jim’s South St for the perfect lunch. It’s cash only, so know that before holding up the line.
2. Run Up The Steps At The Philadelphia Museum Of Art
Sometimes you just have to do the touristy things. Put the highlight on your own underdog montage as you climb the 72 steps, turn around, and lift your arms triumphantly overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway a la Rocky Balboa. Stop in the museum while you’re here. Tickets are $25 for adults, but have pay-what-you-want specials on the first Sunday of the month and every Friday night. Make sure to grab a pic with the Rocky statue at the bottom of the steps on your way out.
3. Fascinate Yourself With Medical Anomolies
Originally created as a collection for research, the Mutter Museum houses displays of medical tools and instruments, specimens, wax figures, and over 100 skulls, allowing you to learn the advancements of our medical technologies and how we differ anthropologically. I really liked the preservation of tattooed skin display. No pictures are allowed, but tickets are only $20 and well worth it.
4. Learn American History
Philadelphia was the largest city in colonial America (which boggles my mind, because my small hometown of 40,000 dwarfs pre-Revolution Philly) and thus one of the most vital locations during the American Revolution. The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are both free admission (with limited access during COVID) and offer plenty of information surrounding the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States.
5. Take a Picture With The Love Statue
Normally, I’d say skipping a cliché moment like this was the right thing to do, but this shot has become synonymous with the city of Philadelphia. Recently the park has been revamped and reconstructed to allow more green space, leaving it as a fantastic place to grab a selfie or picture with your loved ones.
*Top tip: Check out the “Amor” statue just a short walk away.*
6. Catch A Game
Philly sports fans can get rowdy. Really rowdy. I come from the Baltimore/DC area, so I’ve seen more than my fair share of Philadelphia-involved sports fights, but for the sake of this blog post, we’ll use the word “passionate.” From the Flyers to the Eagles to the 76ers, at least one of the teams are doing well any given season, but don’t miss out on the excitement of college basketball. This city is one of the meccas of collegiate hoops – UPenn, La Salle, Saint Joseph’s, Temple, and Villanova all competing for bragging rights as top dog of the city.
I was able to see the US Men’s World Cup send-off game against Turkey back in 2010 and that was a really fun atmosphere.
7. Eat more Food at Reading Terminal Market
So you’re having a cheesesteak for either lunch or dinner. What are you doing for your other meal? You’re stopping at Reading Terminal Market, that’s what you’re doing. Walk in and immediately lose yourself in the winding alleys of baked goods, vendors, and bar-service restaurants. The smells are intense and you start to feel guilty about which food you won’t enjoy that day. I highly recommend grabbing some souvlaki and baklava from Olympia Gyro and some bon-bons and macaroons from the Pennsylvania General Store.
Philadelphia is a great city and a wonderful weekend trip for anyone living in the mid-Atlantic.
Have you been to Philly? What are your favorite things to do or places to go?
Kelton Goes 