If you plan to attend take some time and explore Philly. We are more than cheese steaks! As a proud
Philadelphia native let me mention some things in the guide books and some not.....
We are more than cheese steaks but...
if you have that tourist urge for a cheese steak the world famous locations are Pat's & Geno's. Opposite each other at 9th and Passyunk. order one from each and compare. As a Pat's fan a little advice - two ways to order "wit" or Wit out". "Wit" is steak, onions and cheese whiz. "Wit out" is no onions. Use Uber parking is tough.
Plenty of tables outside to eat at
The other famous philly sandwich... DiNic's roast pork at the Reading terminal Market across the street from the convention center. For dessert Termini's cannoli or Basset ice cream; both philly favorites.
Philadelphia has a wonderful art museum. Great examples of my favorites Cezanne and Duchamp. But walk around the building and check out the sculptures on the back lawn or a short walk east on the parkway to the Rodin Museum. You also have the Barnes Museum right there with another great
collection of Impressionist works
However...
If you like your museums a little "odd" visit the Mutter Museum of medical oddities. It is unique. 19 south 22nd st. The hours are 10am-5pm. Last time I was there the power went out - left me standing in the middle of medical oddities in the dark- just a little creepy.
Of course we have the Historical
area... explore a little east on 2nd and 3rd between Race and chestnut street - The "Old City" Neighborhood.
Plenty of restaurants a few art galleries. One of my favorite restaurants is Farmica on 3rd st.
South of the convention center across Market Street is the neighborhood officially known as the "Gayborhood" Yes it is celebrated and marked with multicolor street signs. Great restaurant
area. I love the little wine
bar "Vintage" on 13th st. After a night of clubbing visit Insomnia cookie down the street - best warm cookie at 1 am. Down the block is a pizza joint whose name slips me but great "
mac & cheese" pizza at 2am.
When you
cross Market Street look up a Billy Penn on top of city hall. For the first 30 years of my life you were not allowed to build higher than the William Penn Statue. We broke that rule, but the Iron Workers of Philly have kept the tradition alive. On top of each new skyscraper they build they weld a miniature statue of William Penn to the top of the structure. Billy Penn will always be above the buildings
For the Beer lovers...Evil
Genius Brewery up in the Fishtown Neighborhood. Very little parking in Fishtown but a some unique joints. Loco Pez for
cheap but
good Tacos and Margaritas...or Murph's on Girard ave- an Irish pub serving excellent
Italian food. Make reservations
Closer to the convention center Monks cafe on 16th st. Large beer list and a great Duck sandwich. Also
Good Dog Bar on 15th for Burger and beer. Alas my puppy's picture is no longer on the wall- you'll understand when you visit
Good DogIf you want to
shop walk Walnut street from Broad st to Rittenhouse square. Another hub of restaurants.
I haven't touch Northern Liberties, Fairmount, South Philly, Society
Hill, Queen Village, Mayanuk or any of the other great Neighborhoods
If you haven't figured it out I was born and raised in Philly. We are not the screaming hooligans portrayed on the TV news. It's a city of great little neighborhoods with a rich cultural
history that somehow get along famously with each other.