Philadelphia is filled with so much history, so much culture, and SO MANY things to do and places to explore. We tried to narrow down our recommendations to the "must-dos" and our favorites!

Explore Old City (or take a tour!)

This is where you'll find Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, and tons of Revolutionary War history. A must for your first time in Philadelphia!

Run up the Rocky Steps

Leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, another iconic Philly thing to do for your first time in Philadelphia.

Go for a run or walk along the Schuylkill River

A favorite of Julie's, The Schuylkill River has a gorgeous walking/running trail that takes you from South Street, past the Art Museum, past the iconic Boathouses, through Fairmount Park into the Philly suburbs (if you go that far!!).

Visit some of Philly's many museums

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute (so fun for kids!!), The Mutter Museum, Museum of the American Revolution, Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, and SO MANY MORE!

Go to the Philadelphia Zoo

The first and oldest zoo in the country!

Have a beer at one of Philadelphia's many breweries

Independence Beer Garden, Frankford Hall, and Yards Brewing Company are just a few!

Other neighborhoods and places to see

Rittenhouse Square, South Street, Washington Square, Elfreth's Alley, Fishtown

Philadelphia has one of (if not the!!) best restaurant scenes. There are countless restaurants to choose from, and you really can't go wrong. Here are just a few of our favorites:

FOR BREAKFAST/LUNCH:

Reading Terminal Market

A Philly landmark, a huge food hall with just about anything you could want. There are cheesesteaks, oysters, cookies, ice cream, you name it! Make sure to find some of the Pennsylvania Dutch vendors for great cheeses and other fun things

Get a cheesesteak!!!

While the classic debate is Pat's vs. Geno's (obviously Pat's), our favorite is Jim's Steaks on South Street

Italian Market

One of the country's oldest open-air markets, you can find gourmet cheeses, meats, coffee, chocolates, and so much more

Talula's Daily

The cafe/breakfast/lunch spinoff of Talula's Garden

Green Eggs Cafe

Great brunch spot with their signature Red Velvet Pancakes

Parc

French bistro with great brunch (they also have dinner!!) in an amazing location on Rittenhouse Square

Honey's Sit N Eat

A favorite of Julie's and her college friends, a Jewish-Southern comfort food diner

Middle Child

Insane sandwiches

Mission Taqueria

Great tacos, great drinks, great vibes

FOR DINNER:

Sampan

Fun vibes, contemporary Asian small plates. Get the fun-flavored mini ice cream cones for dessert!

Zahav

Beyond amazing upscale Israeli food in a casual setting

Her Place Supper Club

Reservations become available two weeks in advance and it is nearly impossible to get one. But if you can, do it.

My Loup

French-Canadian amazingness

Talula's Garden

American, farm-to-table ish food

Suraya

Lebanese food in Fishtown

Pizzeria Beddia

Fun pizza place in Fishtown

A great thing about Philly's restaurant scene is the huge amount of BYOB spots, affectionately known as "BYOs". Grab a bottle (or four) of your favorite wines and enjoy!! Some classics:

Giorgio on Pine

A classic Italian spot

Mercato

Small, rustic Italian

Pumpkin

Seasonal American

FOR ICE CREAM:

Franklin Fountain

Old-school ice cream shop that serves sundaes in Chinese food takeout containers

1 - 900 - ICE - CREAM

Interesting, limited-edition flavors