It is well worth it to check out some of Philly’s hidden features. Tourists are attracted to the historical aspects, but there is so much more offered. It is definitely exciting to explore Old City, but if you have seen it all before, I will help you dig a little deeper. There is a Greyhound bus that travels into Philly from Scranton in about four hours, but if you have a car, you can get there in under three. Grab a friend and enjoy a long day or weekend in the city!
1. Eat a cheesesteak at Pat’s or Geno’s
Pat’s and Geno’s are two competing Philly cheesesteak vendors across the street from each other. Try a bite of both and you be the judge on the best Philly steak. The best part… they are open 24/7! Pat’s King of Steaks is located at 1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147. Genos is located at 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147.
2. Visit Magic Gardens
With minimal price to enter, the Magic Gardens houses a beautiful mosaic gallery and often includes a craft room where you can let your artistic abilities loose. It is located at 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147.
3. Explore Chinatown
In Chinatown you can eat at one of the many authentic restaurants, drink a bubble tea, try a Japanese soda, drop into a karaoke bar, stop by one of the many markets, and much more. Chinatown ranges from South 17th Street and Arch Street to North Franklin Street and west to North Broad Street.
4. Eat at the Reading Terminal Market
Only a few blocks away from Chinatown, the Reading Terminal Market houses food of almost every nationality you can imagine. You can get Amish donuts, Cajun gumbo, Jewish deli sandwiches, Italian rum cake and so many more delicious meals or treats. The market is located at 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
5. Stop and relax at Spruce Street Harbor Park
This park is the perfect place for a date or a fun time with friends. The park is lit up at night and offers hammocks for visitors to lay in and hangout. Food and beer vendors are present and there are large versions of games such as connect four and checkers, and an arcade. Spruce Street Harbor Park is located on the Delaware River at 301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
6. Venture down South Street
In walking distance from Spruce Street Harbor Park, South Street offers an array of fun things to do. There is a good cheesesteak place called Ishkabibble’s, bars, and stores with bizarre atmospheres, selling products like dream catchers and tapestries.
7. Run in the Broad Street Race in May
Enter the raffle in February for a spot to run in the ten miler down Broad in the Spring. It is an amazing way to see Philly in a new light and watch the city come together in support of the thousands of runners.
8. Catch a concert at the Electric Factory, The Fillmore or Festival Pier
Festival Pier is an outdoor venue where bands perform and a popular alternative radio station in Philly, 104.5, typically hold their block parties. The Electric Factory and The Fillmore are indoor concert venues. Festival Pier is located at 601 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19123. The Fillmore is located at 29 E Allen St, Philadelphia, PA 19123. The Electric Factory is located at 421 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123.
Fillmore
9. Enjoy the Mummer’s parade on New Year’s Day
The atmosphere on parade day is ecstatic. Mummer’s march starting at City Hall and venture South on Broad Street to Washington Avenue. Everyone dances along and many celebrate at the bars after.
10. Attend the Made in America Festival on Labor Day weekend
MIA is a two day festival on Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Get your tickets as soon as they come out or the prices will skyrocket. The lineup is typically huge and has never failed to be amazing. It is located in the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.