Sarah and Alex's Philly Guidebook
Food Scene
Everything from fully vegan, dairy free, gluten free options to the world's best burger. Great cocktails, awesome outdoor seating seasonally. Brunch is slow but good. Upstairs is a pleasant place to work.
112 locals recommend
Front Street Cafe
1253 N Front StEverything from fully vegan, dairy free, gluten free options to the world's best burger. Great cocktails, awesome outdoor seating seasonally. Brunch is slow but good. Upstairs is a pleasant place to work.
Pancho's Cafe
152 W Girard AveSmall authentic Mexican spot, really tasty, often open late.
Inexpensive Vietnamese street food, good banh mi, surprisingly nice light salad.
12 locals recommend
Streetside
165 W Girard AveInexpensive Vietnamese street food, good banh mi, surprisingly nice light salad.
We think Joe's is better than Pat's & Gino's in South Philly. Strong words, but true. Get cheese whiz and mushrooms and onions. Possibly also a peanut butter and vanilla milkshake. Open late.
60 locals recommend
Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop Fishtown
1 W Girard AveWe think Joe's is better than Pat's & Gino's in South Philly. Strong words, but true. Get cheese whiz and mushrooms and onions. Possibly also a peanut butter and vanilla milkshake. Open late.
Incredible ice cream (texture, flavors) and ice cream sandwiches. Really nice folks.
34 locals recommend
Weckerly’s Ice Cream
9 W Girard AveIncredible ice cream (texture, flavors) and ice cream sandwiches. Really nice folks.
Reading Terminal Market
1136 N 12th StUpscale Baja California Mexican from Stephen Starr (recommend reservations for weekends and in summer)
LMNO
Upscale Baja California Mexican from Stephen Starr (recommend reservations for weekends and in summer)
Drinks & Nightlife
Barcade
1114 Frankford AveVintage arcade games. Lots of them. Great craft beer selection.
The Fillmore Philadelphia
29 E Allen St
Yards Brewing Company
500 Spring Garden St
Union Transfer
1026 Spring Garden St
Johnny Brenda's
1201 Frankford Ave
Kung Fu Necktie
1248 N Front St
Franklin Music Hall
421 N 7th St
BB&T Pavilion
1 Harbour BlvdSightseeing
See where Ben Franklin actually lived and worked! See the location (and foundation) of Ben Franklin's house in Philadelphia, as well as the actual early post office and print shop where Franklin worked (the post office is still in use, so you can mail postcards, and they sell souvenir reproductions of documents printed by Franklin in the very same room!
49 locals recommend
Benjamin Franklin Museum
317 Chestnut StSee where Ben Franklin actually lived and worked! See the location (and foundation) of Ben Franklin's house in Philadelphia, as well as the actual early post office and print shop where Franklin worked (the post office is still in use, so you can mail postcards, and they sell souvenir reproductions of documents printed by Franklin in the very same room!
Independence Hall
520 Chestnut StThis row of historic boathouses along the Schuylkill River is beautiful and overlooks one of the best rowing spots in the country. The riverside park is dotted with statues and places to sit, with a path running alongside. Pick up the path just behind the Art Museum.
204 locals recommend
Boathouse Row
1 Boathouse RowThis row of historic boathouses along the Schuylkill River is beautiful and overlooks one of the best rowing spots in the country. The riverside park is dotted with statues and places to sit, with a path running alongside. Pick up the path just behind the Art Museum.
Elfreth's Alley
126 Elfreth's Alley
Rittenhouse Square
135 S 18th St
Rocky Steps
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Schuylkill River Trail
Schuylkill River TrailParks & Nature
Hiking trails, walking along Boathouse Row and the River, finding hidden waterfalls. Check online for meetups and group tours!
315 locals recommend
Fairmount Park
Reservoir DriveHiking trails, walking along Boathouse Row and the River, finding hidden waterfalls. Check online for meetups and group tours!
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
1020 South St
Independence National Historical Park
Liberty Bell
526 Market St
Franklin Square
200 N 6th StEntertainment & Activities
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W Girard AveGreat zoo with lots of changing exhibits!
Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch St
Olde City Escape Games - Escape Rooms
221 Chestnut StGetting Around
Take the MFL line into Center City (2 stops to Old City, 3 to Independence Hall, 4 to Chinatown (8th Street). Goes to Amtrak 30th Street Station in about 20 minutes.
77 locals recommend
Girard Station
1200 N Front StTake the MFL line into Center City (2 stops to Old City, 3 to Independence Hall, 4 to Chinatown (8th Street). Goes to Amtrak 30th Street Station in about 20 minutes.
30th Street Station
2955 Market StGiant train station!
Essentials
CVS