Make Your Philly Visit Better Using These Tips
- elleno1962
- Feb 1
- 6 min read
In my opinion, Tripadvisor does not provide the justice Philadelphia deserves as a top American tourist destination. Absolutely, one must visit the city’s historical treasures but there are many other unique destinations to explore! A car is required for some of these memorable sites, but the short road trip is well worth it.
The following is my list of THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE PHILLY AREA (in no particular order)
10 - Wander the city without an agenda
My family and I love hopping on the regional rail for Center City with no set plan. Each visit, we seem to find something new. Walking the streets of Chinatown before feasting on homemade goodies at Reading Terminal Market is always a treat.
Recently, we stumbled upon our new favorite Mexican restaurant. Check out El Purepecha (rated 4.4 on Yelp in January 2025) at 315 North 12th Street. The burritos will blow you away.
For a truly unique experience, check out Paddy’s located at 228 Race Street. Come here for an authentic Philly bar feel - think Cheers with a Rocky vibe. This pub inspired many of the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia characters. Yes, the food prices are unreal ( and so is the food) but smoking is allowed and the craft beers are delicious. Amazingly, the bar didn’t smell smokey during our recent visit making Paddy’s a rare find.
9) Find Calm at The Dream Garden
I take every guest new to the city to see this Maxfield -Parrish glass masterpiece produced at Tiffany Studios ( 1914-15). Located in the Curtis Building lobby at 6th and Walnut, this 15’ by 49’ piece of splendor is Xanax for the soul. You can’t help but leave more calm.
8) Stroll along the Schuylkill and Delaware River Trails
Especially delightful during good weather, both trails offer you a myriad of great people watching, enchanting water views, and history. We start at 30th Street and Market, descend the steps off the main bridge to hit the trail along the west bank of the Schuylkill (phonetically pronounced Schoolkill) River.
The Waterworks and Boathouse Row offer fascinating photo ops. Historical markers along the way give you a glimpse of life in Philadelphia when municipal drinking water lines were first installed beginning in 1812.
In Old City, enjoy strolling alongside the Delaware River, maybe taking in the https://www.phillyseaport.org/ and its two outside exhibits; the cruiser Olympia and submarine Becuna.
The nearby Moshulu (the world's oldest and largest square rigged sailing vessel still afloat) offers a vast menu of food and drink including fantastic maritime ambiance. Ahoy Matey!
7) Relax at the Brandywine River Museum
Located on South Route 1, this charming art museum featuring American Folk Art with regularly rotating exhibits guarantees to capture your interest. At Christmas time, the massive train display delights folks of all ages.
6) Explore America’s Lesser Known Historical Buildings
Beside the usual notable stops be sure to visit Fireman's Hall Museum, Carpenters Hall, Christ Church, America’s First Post Office, and Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continually inhabited street.
Traveler’s Tip: You won’t need advance tickets to tour the above sites but please note: For Independence Hall, reserve your timed tickets online at least one day before you wish to visit. Expect approximately a 20-30 minute wait for free entrance into the Liberty Bell Center.
5) Visit Several of America’s Most Beautiful Gardens
There are too many to list but my personal favorites are Longwood Gardens,
the Morris Arboretum, and Chanticleer located in Wayne, Pa. (yes, you’ll need a car for all). If you only have time for one - Longwood Gardens located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania is an unforgettable experience (see #3).
Traveler’s Tip: At many of America's botanical gardens your purchased membership includes entrance to many other gardens across the country. For instance, our local Tyler Arboretum membership allows us to visit beautiful Cheekwood Gardens in Nashville during our frequent visits. On road trips, I always check to see if we get free admittance to any of the gardens in the area using our reciprocal membership benefits.
4) Find a Bit of Paris in Nearby Delaware
After twenty years, I recently returned to Nemours in December and was completely dazzled. The mansion is beautifully decorated all year round, but during the winter holidays the mansion becomes a real showcase. I can’t wait to return in the spring when the gardens promise to burst with botanical color and scent. Don’t miss the car collection housed in the completely restored period garage at the back of the property.
A must see! Recently opening its stunning Conservatory extension to the public; I know it sounds cliche, but Longwood is not to be missed. The gardens and grounds are vast; plan to spend at least a few hours there. Don’t miss the exquisite Italianate garden with the adjoining pool I find reminiscent of Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens. Check out the website for the ever changing programs, concerts, and fountain and fireworks shows. I’ve toured many American gardens and Longwood is by far the most visually stunning.
Travelers Tip: Longwood is located approximately an hour's drive from Center City in Philadelphia. If you can, combine Longwood and the Brandywine River Museum for a full day of exploring.
2) Spend an Evening at Christmas time at the Plough and Stars
Visiting this charming Irish pub located at 123 Chestnut Street (entrance is on North 2nd in Old City) has become our family's most treasured Christmas tradition. We delight in cozying up next to the wood burning fireplace on tiny stools that even my 6’10” son finds magical. The Irish beers are fresh, the food is good, and the incredibly charming mantle decorations may inspire you to recreate the scene in your own home because admiring them makes you feel so darn good.
1) Do An Overnight in the City (click on any hotel name and go directly to its website for more info)
Philadelphia has wonderful hotels. Via winning bids at auctions, attending galas, and supporting the hotel owner herself, I have a short list of my personal favorite hotels in Philadelphia
They include:
The Guild House - My family and I recently stayed here enjoying the apartment/Airbnb/hotel style accommodation immensely. Offering invisible housekeeping, you may not see staff and you won’t need to. Everything you need is provided for in any of the themed rooms you choose. Guild House has been refurbished in the Gilded Age decor perfectly befitting the mansion when first built in 1855. Upon arrival, we witnessed wedding vows being exchanged in the lovely common area. The bride looked stunning in an elaborate lace gown worthy of any Park Avenue heiress of 1895. You won’t find an in house restaurant or a front desk but the key less entry is easy to use and our accommodations were extremely comfy. The Guild House is an easy walk to the Forrest and Walnut Street theaters.
Loews Hotel - previously the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society (first savings bank in America), the Art Deco building now houses the Loews Hotel at 1200 Market Street. Loews is especially well situated for touring Philly’s museums and Old City by foot.
Kimptons - The Monaco - Staying here during the pandemic, our experience felt understandably quiet but overall the feel of this eclectic beauty is everything you’d wish for if you desire a hotel elegant, relaxing and romantic. You’ll love the city views from your windows at night and the soaking tub is utterly delightful.
The Notary - Again, my husband and I stayed here during the pandemic but even with social distancing, the Notary is definitely not your usual Marriott hotel. Its quiet elegance is simply sublime.
Kimptons Palomar - This boutique hotel is filled with charm and surprises. The afternoon wine hour is lovely and its ideal location makes this inn the perfect choice when shopping and dining in the Rittenhouse Square area.
I love Philadelphia! I vaccinated as a registered nurse at the Philadelphia Convention Center in spring of 2021 when the only things I noticed while walking from the train station to work were the few homeless wandering around and trash blowing down the sidewalks. In 2025- the city is once again clean and alive with culture, fantastic restaurants, shopping, and most thankfully, people from all over our wonderful world. It’s great to see Philly is back!!!
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