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Philadelphia

Mural-lined streets, market halls & cheesesteak corners

Browse Philadelphia

Philadelphia is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include East Passyunk Singing Fountain, Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Food lovers should not miss Pats King of Steaks and Zahav. Below you will find 11 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Philadelphia at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: spring and autumn
  • Highlights: East Passyunk Singing Fountain and Liberty Bell
  • Where to stay: Old City and Rittenhouse
  • Local picks: 11 hand-chosen recommendations
  • Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Philadelphia

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Where to stay in Philadelphia

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Strawberry Mansion

Down North Pizza

Why it matters: founded by Muhammad Abdul-Hadi and open since March 2021, this Strawberry Mansion pizzeria hires only people who have been through the justice system – and backs them up with apartments above the shop and access to a pro bono attorney. The mission is the point, but the Detroit-style pies would be worth the trip regardless; the New York Times put it on their 50 favourite restaurants list the year it opened. Get a thick-crust square pie and the lemonade. Thursday to Sunday only, noon until they sell out, so go early and expect a queue – walk-ins and online orders, no delivery.
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East Passyunk

East Passyunk Singing Fountain

The little plaza at the heart of boho Passyunk Square, named for the 1930s and 40s standards drifting from speakers tucked in the landscaping (Sinatra features heavily, thanks to the Italian neighbourhood). Grab a coffee, share a bench and watch the vibrant, ever-changing strip of vintage shops and cafes around it.
★ 4.4
$
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Fishtown

Harriett’s Bookshop

Why it matters: Jeannine A. Cook opened this Black-owned Fishtown bookshop on 1 February 2020 and built it around a single idea – celebrating women authors, artists and activists in honour of Harriet Tubman. Six weeks later the pandemic shut the doors, and Cook kept it alive by moving the stock onto the pavement and selling on the honour system, then delivering books to Philadelphia kids on horseback. It worked: sister shops followed in Collingswood and Paris, while the original still stands on the corner of Girard and Marlborough. It is a small room, so go with time to talk to whoever is behind the counter rather than to browse in silence – open daily, noon to 6pm.
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Old City

Independence Hall

The hall where the Declaration and Constitution were signed.
★ 4.7
$
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South Philly

Italian Market

The oldest working outdoor market in the US, lined with delis and stalls.
★ 4.5
$
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Old City

Liberty Bell

The cracked bell that is Americas enduring symbol of independence.
★ 4.6
$
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South Street

Magic Gardens

A dazzling labyrinth of mosaic folk art by Isaiah Zagar.
★ 4.6
$
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South Philly

Pats King of Steaks

The self-proclaimed birthplace of the Philly cheesesteak.
★ 4.4
$
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Old City

Philadelphia History Walking Tour

A guided walk through the birthplace of American independence.
★ 4.5
$
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Fairmount

Philadelphia Museum of Art

A world-class art museum famous for its Rocky Steps.
★ 4.7
$$
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Washington Square West (Gayborhood)

Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room

Why it matters: Giovanni’s Room opened in 1973 and is the oldest continuously running queer and feminist bookstore in the country – and since 2014 it has been owned by Philly AIDS Thrift, a nonprofit that funnels the takings straight back into HIV/AIDS prevention, care and housing across Greater Philadelphia. The 2026 grant round alone handed $404,557 to 33 local organisations, bringing the lifetime total past $5.6 million; the nonprofit bought the building in 2018, so the shop is not going anywhere. Come for the LGBTQ fiction and nonfiction – the best selection in the city – and stay for the secondhand records, clothing and oddities crammed in alongside. It sits in the heart of the Gayborhood at 12th and Pine; the monthly Philly Queer Book Club meets here at 6pm on the first Thursday.
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Centre

Reading Terminal Market

A cavernous historic market of Amish stalls, cheesesteaks and more.
★ 4.7
$
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Rittenhouse

The Rittenhouse

A refined luxury hotel on the citys most elegant square.
★ 4.6
$$$
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Center City

U-Bahn

Hidden beneath the Brü beer hall at 1320 Chestnut Street, U-Bahn is Center City’s underground party bar, kitted out like a German subway station with a 15-foot stage, dance floor, and a row of old-school arcade games along the bar. Expect DJs most weekends, a solid list of Pennsylvania beers and locally distilled cocktails, plus bar snacks and sandwiches riffing on Philly street food. Tip: look for the unmarked stairs inside Brü — and come early on Friday and Saturday nights, since the dance floor fills fast.
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Society Hill

Zahav

Michael Solomonovs award-winning modern Israeli restaurant.
★ 4.7
$$$
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From our home city

Visiting New York City on this trip?

This guide is made by the team behind Like A Local Tours - NYC's award-winning, woman-owned food tour company. If New York is on your route, eat through it with us.

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Book your trip to Philadelphia

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Philadelphia travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Philadelphia?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Philadelphia at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Philadelphia?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Philadelphia?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Philadelphia guide.

What is the best time to visit Philadelphia?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Philadelphia is worth visiting year-round.

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