Philly
Reading Terminal
The Reading Terminal Market has been around since the late 1800s and houses an incredible assortment of food vendors. It’s worth a mid-day trip to hit a couple of Philly classics at once.
DiNic’s — People associate Philly with the cheesesteak, but my vote is for a roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone.
Carmen’s — This is the place at the Terminal to get an Italian Hoagie, the third sandwich of the Philly holy trinity (alongside the cheesesteak and roast pork).
Beiler’s — Classic Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods, including fresh donuts and cookies.
Dutch Eating Place — Get an apple turnover for dessert. Yes it’s over the top.
Cheesesteaks
Order wiz wit, in my opinion. Though I don’t have a definitive ranking, I can recommend three stalwarts to narrow your focus:
John’s Roast Pork — A tiny spot wedged between a busy road and some old train tracks, John’s is pure Philly charm. If you don’t make it to DiNic’s, go here and add a roast pork sandwich to your order.
Pat’s — The OG. Whatever you do, don’t go to Geno’s across the street; that guys sucks.
Tony Luke’s — Sheltered by an I-95 overpass and a couple billboards. Unlike Pat’s and John’s, no outdoor seating.
Museums
These are in ranked order, with a preference for uniqueness.
The Mütter Museum — A collection of medical oddities assembled by the oldest medical school in America. Artifacts include the jaw tumor of President Grover Cleveland, Dr. Chevalier Jackson’s collection of over 2,000 swallowed objects, and slides of Einstein’s brain.
Eastern State Penitentiary — The world’s first true penitentiary, opened in 1829, encouraged separate cells for confinement as a means of reflection and reform. Fascinating building and discussion of where things went wrong with incarceration in America.
The Barnes Foundation — A truly world class personal collection of art, hung in eclectic style. Dozens of paintings each from Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, etc.
Philadelphia Museum of Art — A fantastic museum, don’t get me wrong, but unlike the others on this list it has clear comps in other big cities.
Walks
There are lots of great walkable neighborhoods. Just grab a coffee and stroll.
Old City — Independence Hall, the First Bank of the United States, the Liberty Bell, etc. You can shade south into Society Hill too.
Rittenhouse — Beautiful townhouses, parks, and restaurants.
Penn — The campus is beautiful and easy to get to from Center City.
There are also a few more discrete walking destinations:
Laurel Hill Cemetery — A historic cemetery in Fairmount Park.
Shofuso Garden and House — A Japanese garden in Fairmount Park.
Schuylkill River Trail — If you’re looking to exercise, run the loop from the Art Museum along the river. (It’s pronounced “SKOOK-ill”).