Travel

[Shelbelle]

If you like stage shows, the Walnut St theater is located right there too and offers nice productions, you could see what is playing at the time you are there. 

[Mz iMac]

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@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:

Eat an Authentic Philly Cheesesteak  (where should we go?)

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@JeanLouiseFinch  All philly cheesesteak places are "authentic."  And if you really want authentic, order one from a food truck around lunch time outside of your hotel.  Same w/soft pretzels.  The carbon monoxide adds a kick to the taste. 

The "fake" ones are outside of Pennsylvania.

"Tourists" seem to be steered towards Ginos & Pat's King of Steaks.  Both in So. Philly, 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue.

Both places tend to have long lines.  Best to go between Monday-Thursday early to mid afternoons to avoid the local working crowds.

I grew up in Philly & retired in Center City.  Other posters already provided some excellent suggestions.

Out of town "inlaws" & "grands" I took advantage of the "get on-get off" double decker bus tours.  You MUST get tickets weeks-months in advance.  They go fast.

A nightly stroll up & down South Street is a must do.  A restaurant called Copacobana serves REAL margaretas.  They leave the shaker/strainer at your table.

TIP:  Get friendly w/the hotel's concierge.  They know where all the "hidden" gems are regarding sites to see & what to avoid.

[FlyersGirl]

Respectfully, I don't recommend Pats or Genos for cheesesteaks. They are definitely "THE" touristy recommended places, due to lots of publicity and their proximity to one another, but the cheesesteaks are not great. 

Skinny Joe's is relatively new, another promoted tourist trap, but their cheesesteaks are actually pretty good. If you want one of the best cheesesteaks in Philly, go to Angelos on 9th st in South Philly. Speaking of South Philly, the Italian Market, all along 9th,  is a great place to visit.Of couse, the Reading Terminal.Market is amazing too! 

As mentioned, thier are many amazing museums in Philadelphia. And if you are here mid month, the Philadelphia St Patrick's day parade will be on March 15th. So many historical sites to see. 

Since 2026 is the USA 250th birthday celebration, there are events planned all year (many closer to the 4th of July, but some will take place throughout the year). 😁

[MoonieBaby]

I live in Philthadelphia and have for close to 45 yrs. Keep your head on a swivel. It’s a nice place to visit, the food is great and the history unsurpassed, but keep in mind, criminals love opportunity, be wise for yourselves. Enjoy your time. And I agree, our zoo is fun. It’s the oldest zoo in the nation. I visit it almost as much as I go to the museums in our area. Ps: Pat’s and Geno’s cheese steak both stink! Tourist traps with lousy sandwiches.

[beach-mom]

In addition: 

The Independence Seaport Museum 

National Constitution Center

Elfreth's Alley - houses date from 1700, you can tour two of them 

I agree with others to skip Pat's and Geno's. I recommend Joe's Steak and Soda Shop in Fishtown. 

I don't live there, but I'm not far.   

[PA Mom-mom]

@JeanLouiseFinch  I agree with @FlyersGirl  about Geno's and Pat's being sub-par. We have better cheesesteaks here in Montgomery County. Sure wish they were as good as many years ago.  That being said, the experience is one to tell your family and friends about. Jim's was good until they started expanding. Try South Street.

[feline groovy]

@PhilaLady1 ...

@FancyPhillyshopper ...

[JeanLouiseFinch]

BIG THANKS for all the input.  Now I have something concrete to work with and I can get busy doing my research and arranging an itinerary.  We won't be in Philly too many days as we will be stopping on our way to Lancaster. But we can work out a couple of days there for sure.  

I really appreciate it, friends.  😊

[PhilaLady1]

Hello @feline groovy !

Looks like any suggestions I would make were already covered.

[drizzellla]

Please if you get to Reading Terminal Market don't forget to order roast pork sandwich at Tommy DiNic’s. There will be a line but it moves.

And polish it off with Bassett's Ice Cream.

Please try and figure out if you will be there during the Flower Show. You might like to see it. It is impressive. But traffic and parking will be a bear. So have lots of patience.
We always parked in a lot near Broad Street (14th) and walked back to the Convention Center.

If you plan on taking the tour of Independence Hall you will need to get tickets. I think it is $1. They want to keep the groups a manageable size. Sometimes the groups can be large and they could not hear the Ranger. So they started issuing tickets.

March the weather is schizoid. May be sunny and nice and may be cold and rainy. So pack accordingly.