I feel this way about my city from time to time. I recently had a fight with Jamie, a lifetime Philadelphia resident-recently turned Jersey girl- about if I have lived in the city long enough to be considered a Philadelphian. She didn’t think I had because I get annoyed at people who think Wawa and Dunkin Donuts are establishments that should be visited other than when you’re coffee desperate or in need of a bathroom, and because I don’t care at all about Philly sports. But I’ve lived in this city for almost 5 years, I’ve lived in two different neighborhoods, almost been kidnapped by an Uber driver once, had our cars broken into 3 times and haven’t seen the Liberty Bell yet. Even Jamie had to admit I’m a real Philadelphian now.
Since we have a world-wide reading audience, we want to share the best-of the cities we know and love. So today we bring you the FIRST in our new series: TN Travels. Today’s episode is….
One Day in Philadelphia
If you’re going to REALLY do Philadephia, I recommend more than 1 day, but let’s pretend you only have 1 day to spend. Here is what you should do:
Stay at a Kimpton’s Hotel
Philadelphia has two Kimpton’s hotels: The Palomar and Hotel Monaco. Both hotels are in prime locations and you can get a great deal if there’s nothing too crazy going on in the city.
Get Brunch at Honey’s Sit n’ Eat (Northern Liberties)
Head to Northern Liberties, wave hi to where I lived for 4 years and enjoy what I think is Philadelphia’s best brunch in the form of Southern-Jewish fusion at Honey’s Sit n’ Eat at 4th and Brown. Try something Mexican-inspired (I always get the Enfrijoladas and the Huevos Rancheros are YUM).
TN Tip: Get there early otherwise you’ll wait for a long time. If you don’t listen to me and there wait is long, walk north on 4th street to Poplar and eat at Cafe Chismosa. Tell Jugo I sent you.
Get Coffee at La Colombe (Fishtown)
I struggle recommending this, sorta. Philadelphia is home to AMAZING coffee roasters. I don’t think La Colombe is one of them, BUT… they are a Philly staple. They started here, their coffee is decent, affordable and is every where. The chain has since expanded into other cities, but they recently opened their headquarters in a neighborhood called Fishtown. The building is gorgeous. And the coffee they sell here is different than you’ll find in other coffee shops/restaurants across the city. Plus you can enjoy a pastry with your coffee after brunch.
(Not Coffee, but you get the idea…)
Stroll along 3rd Street in Old City
After your brunch and coffee, boutiques should be starting to open. My favorite place to browse boutiques is 3rd street in Old City. Hope in a cab or drive from Fishtown over to the oldest part (I think) of Philadelphia. Not only will you find awesome shops (I love Art in the Age, Philadelphia Independents and Vagabond), but you’ll be in the heart of our historic district. The Liberty Bell is close by, you can walk past Benjamin Franklin’s grave and throw a penny onto it (I think it’s good luck) and see this bad boy:
That’s Independence Hall the birthplace of Freedom, you idiots. I think…
Walk down to Race Street Pier
Philadelphia is surrounded by water and the city is really trying to push peoeple to the smelliest side that borders the Delaware River. Race Street Pier is their first, good attempt to get people there. Take Race street towards the water and stroll along the pier, people watching for a bit. Plus you can wave hi to New Jersey!
Get Ice Cream at Franklin Fountain
I’ve never done recommendations like this before, but by now it’s probably early afternoon. I know you’re hungry for lunch- we’re getting there. But first, get ice cream. Why not? You’re on vacation. Franklin Fountain is a close walk from Race Street Pier and the servers dress like old timey soda-shop workers. It’s completely over priced but terribly delicious.
TN Tip: The wait can be upwards of an hour. I think I’m sending you at a good time, but if it’s really hot or at a normal-person-eating-ice-cream time, you might have to wait. Also it’s cash only.
Explore and Eat at Reading Terminal Market (Center City)
Reading Terminal Market is an enclosed public market filled with interesting food-related shops and eateries. I honestly don’t eat there often, but when I do I go to Meltkraft Grilled Cheese. There are TONS of famous places for the meat eaters out there. I’m anti-touristy places for the most part, but this market is worth seeing. I love shopping here for produce, seafood and cheese!
Walk down Ben Franklin Parkway to the Art Museum and Kelly Drive
Find your way to Ben Franklin Parkway and walk towards the Art Museum. It’s a decent walk, but oh-so-worth it on a nice day. You’ll see beautiful statues I know nothing about on your way and Logan Circle, where homeless people bathe. Try to enjoy it anyway:
#philly at dusk. I kinda love this city {try to ignore the bathers in the fountain. At least I cropped out hairy back guy} A photo posted by Bekah Buttons (@bekahbuttons) on
Once you get to the Art Museum, I guess you can do the Rocky Thing. Makes for a good Instagram picture so people know where you are, at least.
If you still have energy, continue around behind the Art Museum. It’s beautiful and the OTHER river we border is there (The Schuylkill river- Skoo-Kill). Walk north along the water a little bit and you’ll come to “Boat House Row” where crew teams from local universities keep their boats. Lament how you didn’t go to a cool university that kept big boats in a cute house.
Sit in Rittenhouse Square, Then get a Cocktail
Head to Rittenhouse Square. People watch, and enjoy the music that’s bound to be there. Once you get bored, there is an awesome Anthropologie at the corner of 18th and Walnut. There’s also a Madewell right on Walnut. Get a Cocktail and a snack at Parc. Try to snag an outdoor seat.
TN Tip: Don’t eat a full meal here. Overrated. But it’s a great place to drink and people watch.
Go take a Nap
You deserve it.
Eat Dinner in the Gayborhood (Washington Square West)
There’s this neighborhood everyone calls the Gayborhood (you’ll see why) that has some awesome places to eat. If you’re planning ahead, try to get a reservation, but most places accept walk-ins. Check out the menus for Lolita, Barbuzzo or Little Nonnas and see what strikes your fancy.
While you wait for your table, you can usually snag a bar spot at Vintage Wine Bar for wine. If you want Cocktails, check out Charlie was a Sinner or Vedge. The Gayborhood is PACKED on a nice night which always makes for fun people watching/laughing when drunk girls fall in their too-high-heels.
Great job #Philly sunset #nofilter A photo posted by Bekah Buttons (@bekahbuttons) on
I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted from planning your day. You can wrap up the night with a cocktail at any of the above mentioned bars, but if I were you, I’d just go to bed!
You’ll notice I did not mention consuming a single cheesesteak or soft pretzel. That was intentional as I don’t recommend those things. This One Day in Philadelphia keeps you in the touristy areas for the most part. There are tons more things you COULD do that are touristy in one day, but this is kinda my quintessential perfect Philly day. And is almost exactly what I did this weekend!
There is so much more to say about my wonderful-for-now-until-it-becomes-too-hot-to-bare-city, but this will have to do. Let me know if you have any questions about planning a trip to Philly!
Have you seen the Rocky Statue? What about the Liberty Bell? Did you know Benjamin Franklin almost died from syphilis? #PhillyPhacts
