PHILADELPHIA & DELAWARE VALLEY
Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley are the Birthplace of America, where revolutionary history was written and iconic symbols of freedom were forged. It is a region of world-class museums, vibrant urban culture, and sprawling historic countryside.
This dynamic area blends the historic heart of its metropolis with picturesque towns, lush botanical gardens, and key Revolutionary War sites spread across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Most Popular Attractions
Historic Core & Old City
Independence Hall: The UNESCO World Heritage site where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed.
Liberty Bell Center: Home to the iconic bell, a powerful symbol of freedom for the nation and the world.
Independence National Historical Park: Known as “America’s Most Historic Square Mile,” encompassing many sites from the founding of the nation.
National Constitution Center: An interactive museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution.
Museum of the American Revolution: Features an extensive collection of artifacts from the nation’s founding period.
Betsy Ross House: The historic house and burial site of the woman credited with sewing the first American flag.
Elfreth’s Alley: Billed as the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States, dating back to 1702.
Christ Church: A beautiful historic church, where many Founding Fathers attended services.
Benjamin Franklin Museum: An indoor-outdoor museum dedicated to the life and work of Philadelphia’s most famous citizen.
Second Bank of the United States: A National Historic Landmark, housing a portrait gallery of prominent figures from the early U.S.
City Culture & Modern Sites
Philadelphia Museum of Art & The “Rocky Steps”: A major art museum famous for its vast collections and the iconic exterior steps featured in the Rocky films.
Eastern State Penitentiary: A massive, gothic former prison that operated from 1829 to 1971, now a haunting museum.
Reading Terminal Market: One of the oldest and largest public markets in the country, a paradise for food lovers.
The Barnes Foundation: Houses an incredible collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings.
LOVE Park (John F. Kennedy Plaza): Famous for the iconic LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana.
City Hall: A grand municipal building with a tower topped by a statue of William Penn, offering observation deck views.
The Franklin Institute: A renowned science museum with interactive exhibits, including the famous Giant Heart.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens: A mosaicked visionary art environment and gallery on South Street.
Boathouse Row: A National Historic Landmark of historic 19th-century boathouses lining the Schuylkill River.
Delaware River Waterfront: A revitalized area with parks, piers (like Cherry Street Pier), and year-round attractions along the river.
Delaware Valley Countryside & Historic Parks
Longwood Gardens: A world-renowned botanical garden in Kennett Square with over 1,000 acres of gardens, fountains, and conservatories.
Valley Forge National Historical Park: The site of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
Brandywine Battlefield Park: Site of a major Revolutionary War battle, located in Delaware County.
Fonthill Castle: An eccentric and massive concrete castle museum built by archaeologist Henry Chapman Mercer in Doylestown, Bucks County.
Washington Crossing Historic Park: Marks the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776.
Brandywine Museum of Art: Housed in a 19th-century gristmill in the Brandywine Valley, known for its collection of Wyeth family art.
Peddler’s Village: A charming countryside shopping village with colonial-style architecture in Bucks County.
Adventure Aquarium (Camden, NJ): A major public aquarium on the Delaware River waterfront, just across from Philadelphia.
Delaware Canal State Park: Features the historic canal towpath perfect for hiking and biking along the Delaware River.
Activities & Experiences
Walk the Historic Mile & Ring the Liberty Bell: Start your journey in America’s most historic square mile. Visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, and see the iconic Liberty Bell.
Run the “Rocky Steps” at the Museum of Art: Ascend the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous from the Rocky films, and pose for a photo at the top. Afterward, explore the museum’s world-class collection.
Explore Reading Terminal Market: Indulge in a local food crawl at one of America’s oldest and largest public markets. Try Pennsylvania Dutch treats, an authentic cheesesteak, and grab a fresh pretzel.
Visit Valley Forge National Historical Park: Drive outside the city to the site of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army. Hike, cycle, or take a guided tour to learn about this pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War.
Tour the Barnes Foundation: Explore the unique, eclectic art collection of Albert C. Barnes, displayed in its distinctive, precise, and permanent arrangement that features masterpieces by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse.
Go Underground at the Eastern State Penitentiary: Take an audio tour through the eerie, crumbling cells of this former revolutionary prison, which once held Al Capone and pioneered the concept of solitary confinement.
Stroll and Shop on South Street: Explore one of Philly’s most eclectic and vibrant streets, famous for its diverse mix of shops, restaurants, music venues, and Mummers Museum.
Hike the Wissahickon Valley Park: Escape to this massive urban oasis within the Fairmount Park system. Enjoy miles of wooded trails for hiking, running, biking, and horseback riding along Wissahickon Creek.
Explore the Murals of the City: Take a guided walking or trolley tour with Mural Arts Philadelphia to discover the city’s incredible collection of public art, earning Philadelphia the title “Mural Capital of the World.”
Kayak or Paddleboat on the Schuylkill River: Rent a kayak or paddleboat at Boathouse Row and explore the river, getting a unique view of the city skyline and the historic boathouses.
Experience Longwood Gardens: Drive to Kennett Square (the mushroom capital) and spend a day at one of the world’s premier horticultural display gardens, featuring elaborate fountains, conservatories, and seasonal displays.
Take a Cheesesteak Showdown: Commit to trying at least two of the city’s legendary cheesesteak spots (such as Pat’s, Geno’s, or Jim’s) to determine your personal favorite.
Local Tips & Transport
SEPTA for City Travel: Philadelphia’s public transit system, SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), is your primary way to get around the city.
- Subway/Elevated Lines: The Broad Street Line (North-South) and the Market-Frankford Line (East-West) are fast and efficient for covering long distances.
- Trolleys & Buses: An extensive network covers the rest of the city and nearby suburbs.
- Regional Rail: SEPTA’s Regional Rail connects the city to the Delaware Valley suburbs (like Valley Forge, Media, etc.) and is useful for day trips outside the immediate center.
The PHLASH Bus: A simple, purple, seasonal bus service that runs on a loop connecting 20 popular attractions from Penn’s Landing to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s affordable and tourist-friendly.
Walking is Central: Center City (downtown) is relatively compact and flat. Most major historical sites, museums, and dining areas from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River are easily accessible on foot.
Airport Transfer: The SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line is the most convenient and affordable way to get from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) directly to Center City stations like Suburban, Jefferson, or 30th Street.
Taxis & Ride-Shares: Widely available, especially in Center City. Taxis often have a flat rate to/from the airport.
Jawn – Your New Favorite Word: This all-purpose noun, pronoun, or verb is a Philadelphia staple. It can mean literally anything: “Pass me that jawn,” “That song is my favorite jawn,” or “Let’s go to that new bar jawn.” Locals will appreciate you trying to use it.
The Philly Food Order: When ordering a cheesesteak, the lingo is simple: state your cheese choice (“Whiz,” “Provolone,” or “American”) and whether you want onions (“wit” or “wit-out”). A “Whiz wit” is the classic order. Don’t ask for a salad; just know that hoagies (subs/grinders) are a must-try too.
The Two Rivers: The city is defined by two rivers: the Delaware River to the east and the Schuylkill River to the west. “Penn’s Landing” is the waterfront area on the Delaware side.
Museum Etiquette: While the Philadelphia Museum of Art has a fixed price, many smaller museums and cultural sites in the region operate on a “Pay What You Wish” basis. Always check their websites to confirm the policy, as this can save you money.
Tipping Culture: Standard U.S. tipping rules apply. Expect to tip 15-20% for table service in restaurants, around $1-2 per drink at a bar, and tip your tour guides and ride-share/taxi drivers.
Hidden Gems:
- Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens: An immersive, mixed-media art environment created by Isaiah Zagar, covering half a block of South Street in mosaics made of bicycle wheels, tiles, and bottles.
- Elfreth’s Alley: Tucked away in Old City, this is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States. It’s a charming cobblestone alley that offers a glimpse into 18th-century life.
- The Rodin Museum: A beautiful, smaller museum housing the largest collection of Auguste Rodin’s work outside of Paris, including a large-scale casting of The Thinker.
- Manayunk’s Main Street: A neighborhood with a historic, trendy feel along the Schuylkill River, great for boutique shopping, dining, and walking/biking along the canal path.
Sports Passion: Philly fans are legendary for their intensity. If you hear someone yelling “Go Birds!” (referencing the Eagles), the proper response is to either yell it back or give them a fist bump.
Top Restaurants
John’s Roast Pork [$10-$20] – A South Philly classic in a corrugated metal shack, famous for its award-winning roast pork sandwich with provolone and spinach, and a truly great cheesesteak.
Hardena [$15-$25] – An unassuming spot in South Philly serving delicious, authentic Indonesian cuisine, known for its changing selection of intensely flavored dishes like beef rendang.
South Philly Barbacoa [$15-$25] – Famous for its incredible, tender lamb barbacoa tacos and consommé, served from a small, highly-regarded location.
Mawn [$20-$30] – A popular, walk-in-only spot in Queen Village for lunch, serving excellent Southeast Asian/Vietnamese dishes with a modern flair.
Pietramala [$20-$35] – A Northern Liberties standout offering Italian-inspired dishes that are entirely plant-based, surprising even dedicated carnivores with its impressive vegan creativity.
Ralph’s Italian Restaurant [$20-$35] – The nation’s oldest Italian restaurant, located in South Philly, serving traditional red-sauce Italian-American comfort food with a historic, old-school atmosphere.
The Dandelion [$25-$40] – A charming, cozy British pub near Rittenhouse Square with excellent comfort food like fish and chips, cottage pie, and a great beer selection.
Middle Child Clubhouse [$20-$35] – A fun, chill neighborhood hangout in Fishtown with an innovative menu offering elevated comfort food, sandwiches, and a great bar scene.
Dino’s Backstage [$30-$50] – A Delaware Valley gem in Glenside offering classic American and Italian food with a sophisticated, supper club atmosphere and live entertainment.
Amada [$35-$55] – A Spanish tapas restaurant by Chef Jose Garces, serving classic Spanish small plates and paella with a lively atmosphere.
Saloon [$40-$70] – A grand, old-school Queen Village steakhouse and Italian restaurant known for its classic red-sauce dishes, large portions, and elegant, traditional setting.
The Love. [$30-$50] – A beautiful and cozy American restaurant near Rittenhouse Square serving sophisticated comfort food with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Le Virtù [$30-$50] – A rustic East Passyunk restaurant specializing in the traditional, hearty cuisine of Abruzzo, Italy, with a strong focus on house-made pasta.
Amá Fishtown [$20-$40] – A modern, stylish spot offering Mexican cuisine inspired by six standout culinary regions of Mexico, with house-nixtamalized tortillas and complex moles.
Little Nonna’s [$25-$45] – A cozy, Italian-American spot with a charming, rustic vibe serving elevated, soulful red-sauce classics like meatballs and pasta.
Mike’s BBQ [$15-$30] – A tiny, much-loved spot that operates only a few days a week and sells out fast, famous for its Texas-style barbecue and imaginative sides.
Fork [$40-$65] – A 27-year-old New American staple in Old City known for its refined, seasonal menu, excellent wine list, and sophisticated atmosphere.
River Twice [$50-$80] – A modern American restaurant in East Passyunk dedicated to sustainably sharing the richness of the Delaware River Valley’s bounty, with a continuously evolving menu.
Laser Wolf Philadelphia [$50-$75] – A loud, fun, and raucous Israeli skewer house in Fishtown, offering an exuberant, all-inclusive “Israeli feast” experience.
Suraya [$40-$65] – An instant classic in Fishtown with stunning decor, offering shareable Lebanese fare with a lively cafe up front and a lush garden lounge in the back.
Royal Sushi & Izakaya [$40-$150] – A two-part experience in Queen Village: a high-energy izakaya with Japanese bar food, and an intimate, renowned omakase counter.
Kalaya [$40-$60] – A critically acclaimed Fishtown restaurant offering imaginative, intensely flavored Southern Thai cuisine from a James Beard Award-winning chef.
Revolution House [$25-$45] – A spot in Old City with a rooftop garden and a menu of elevated comfort food, wood-fired pizzas, and classic American dishes.
Corio [$30-$50] – A popular University City Italian spot by Vernick alums, making fresh pizza and pasta with both classic and creative offerings.
Rosemary [$40-$60] – A sophisticated spot in Ridley Park (Delaware County) known for its excellent handmade pastas, vegetable dishes, and high-quality suburban dining.
Ground Provisions [$35-$55] – An outpost in West Chester by the team behind Vedge, focusing on a vegetable-centric, fine dining experience outside the city.
Oloroso [$40-$60] – A Center City restaurant and tapas bar known for its modern take on Spanish cuisine, with a focus on wood-fired dishes and a lively atmosphere.
La Jefa [$25-$45] – A new Rittenhouse Square spot offering Mexican cuisine, balancing traditional flavors with a fresh, modern perspective.
illata [$30-$50] – A creative Graduate Hospital restaurant focusing on elevated, seasonal American cuisine with thoughtful preparation and an intimate setting.
Dancerobot [$40-$60] – Chef Jesse Ito’s newest Rittenhouse spot, delivering Japanese comfort food for dinner, brunch, and late night in a stylish, neon-dotted setting.
Fleur’s [$35-$55] – A new French spot in East Kensington, leaning casual with a small market up front and a wine bar counter in the back, serving elevated bistro fare.
Vernick Food & Drink [$60-$90] – An acclaimed Rittenhouse spot known for its inventive New American cuisine, with a focus on global flavors and refined technique in a beautiful setting.
Vedge [$50-$80] – Located in an old mansion, this inventive restaurant offers French-inspired, plant-based small plates that are high-impact and flavorful.
Vernick Fish [$50-$80] – Chef Greg Vernick’s modern American oyster bar in the Comcast Center, focusing on ingredient-driven seafood and a hyper-seasonal selection of vegetables.
Vetri Cucina [$150-$250 (Tasting Menu)] – Chef Marc Vetri’s intimate, flagship restaurant offering a refined, multi-course Italian tasting menu experience.
Zahav [$80-$120 (Tasting Menu)] – James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Solomonov’s iconic restaurant, offering an exuberant, modern Israeli tasting menu focused on signature salatim and hummus.
Friday Saturday Sunday [$100-$150 (Tasting Menu)] – A beloved, intimate neighborhood jewel offering an acclaimed tasting menu with modern American cuisine influenced by French techniques and the African diaspora.
Jean-Georges Philadelphia [$100-$300] – Located atop the Four Seasons, this fine-dining spot offers Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s French-American cuisine with dramatic, panoramic city views.
Lacroix Restaurant at The Rittenhouse [$70-$120] – A pillar of the fine dining scene in the Rittenhouse Hotel, offering recognizable dishes with a fresh perspective, rooted in French bistro flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Her Place Supper Club [$80-$100 (Prix Fixe)] – A charming, intimate Queen Village spot offering a weekly-changing, fixed-price menu centered around a specific theme or cuisine, with a relaxed, dinner-party feel.
Laurel [$100-$180 (Tasting Menu)] – A tiny, highly-regarded French-inspired American restaurant in East Passyunk, offering an intimate, refined tasting menu.
1906 Fine Dining [$60-$100] – Located in Longwood Gardens (Chester County), this destination restaurant offers an elegant garden-to-table experience with a refined American menu focused on seasonality and locality.
Kissho House Omakase [$150-$200] – A refined Rittenhouse spot offering an affordable, high-quality 18-course omakase (chef’s choice) experience.
Tequilas Restaurant [$40-$70] – An upscale Rittenhouse Square Mexican restaurant known for its refined dishes, extensive tequila selection, and sophisticated, historic setting.
Reading Terminal Market [$5-$30] – A historic and vibrant indoor food market with over 80 merchants, offering a massive variety of food stalls for a casual, choose-your-own-adventure meal.
Federal Donuts [$5-$15] – A quirky, popular chain with locations across the city, famous for its fresh-made doughnuts in a rotating array of flavors and its twice-fried chicken.
Gran Caffe L’Aquila [$15-$30] – A multi-purpose venue offering a cafe, gelateria, and restaurant with incredible, authentic Italian coffee, pastries, and food.
Riegelsville Inn [$25-$45] – A historic inn in Riegelsville (on the Delaware River) offering upscale casual American cuisine, with lovely al fresco dining and canal-side views.
Talula’s Garden [$40-$60] – A beautiful Washington Square spot with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine, known for its rustic-chic garden patio and seasonal American menu.
Dat Dog (Camden, NJ) [$10-$20] – While in the Delaware Valley region, this popular spot just across the river is known for its inventive, gourmet hot dogs and sausages with unique toppings.
Go Pop-ups & Kitchen Incubators [Varies] – Look for pop-up events at spaces like The Bok Building or kitchen incubators, which often showcase the most exciting new and non-touristy food concepts from rising local chefs.
Nok’s Kitchen (Fishtown) [$20-$40] – Another fantastic Thai option often overshadowed by Kalaya but highly-regarded by locals for its authentic, complex flavors.
Zig Zag BBQ (Delaware County) [$15-$30] – A beloved Delaware County spot specializing in high-quality, authentic barbecue.
Cicala at the Divine Lorraine [$40-$70] – A stunning, elegant restaurant in the historic Divine Lorraine Hotel, serving refined, classic Southern Italian cuisine.
La Cantina (Italian Market) [$10-$20] – A no-frills, cash-only stall in the Italian Market known for its fresh, simple, and high-quality ingredients, great for a quick, authentic bite.
Stockyard Grill (Chester County) [$20-$40] – A local favorite outside the city center, known for its solid American comfort food and great atmosphere.
Superette [$15-$30] – A South Philadelphia spot offering excellent, elevated sandwiches, salads, and casual fare with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Ting Wong [$10-$20] – A Chinatown essential for authentic Cantonese cuisine, known for its excellent roast meats (duck, pork, etc.) served in a bustling, no-frills setting.
Fiore Fine Foods (Queen Village) [$25-$45] – A charming Italian spot known for its delicious, house-made pastries and pastas, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Vernick Coffee Bar [$10-$25] – A modern cafe in the Comcast Technology Center, perfect for high-quality, made-to-order craft coffee and in-house pastries or a sophisticated working lunch.
Fellnini Cafe of Media (Delaware County) [$25-$45] – A well-loved Italian spot in the suburbs, offering traditional Italian dishes in a charming setting.
Sergeantsville Inn (Delaware Township, NJ) [$30-$50] – Just outside the city, this historic inn offers contemporary American cuisine in a picturesque Delaware Valley setting.
Osteria [$40-$70] – A classic North Broad Street Italian restaurant known for its wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and rustic, high-quality fare.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.: A subterranean speakeasy in Center City, this establishment is a pioneer of Philadelphia’s craft cocktail scene, offering an encyclopedic menu of meticulously constructed drinks in a dimly lit, cozy setting.
Ranstead Room: Hidden down a Center City alleyway near Rittenhouse Square, this dark, moody, and intimate spot serves classic, expertly mixed cocktails with a focus on high-quality spirits.
a.bar: Located in the AKA Rittenhouse Square hotel, this sleek, minimalist bar offers a concise, seasonal menu of refined cocktails alongside an impressive list of natural wines.
Vedge: While primarily known as an acclaimed vegan restaurant near Rittenhouse Square, its bar program is exceptional, featuring creative, vegetable-forward cocktails using unique ingredients.
Art in the Age: Situated in Old City, this is a unique tasting room and boutique liquor store that specializes in its own line of small-batch spirits. They offer cocktails and flights using their products in a bright, rustic setting.
Palizzi Social Club: An exclusive, members-only Italian-American social club in South Philadelphia (though sometimes open to the public on weekdays), known for its retro ambiance, classic Italian drinks, and incredible atmosphere.
The Olde Bar: Found in the historic Old City, specifically the former Old Original Bookbinder’s location, this elegant bar serves up classic cocktails and fresh seafood in a beautifully preserved setting.
Charlie was a sinner.: A chic, plant-based cocktail lounge in Center City, offering dark, atmospheric lighting and an inventive list of drinks with a focus on house-made syrups and high-quality ingredients.
Bloomsday Cafe: This spot in Society Hill (near Old City) is a relaxed, literature-themed cafe by day and a sophisticated wine and cocktail bar by night, offering unique, well-balanced drinks.
Hop Sing Laundromat: A notoriously private and eccentric speakeasy located in Center City, known for its strict rules, lack of a sign, and fantastic, classic cocktails.
The Twisted Tail: Situated on Headhouse Square in Society Hill/South Street, this Southern-inspired spot is known for its extensive whiskey list, blues music, and a strong cocktail menu, complete with a popular second-floor lounge.
Stateside Urbancraft Vodka Bar: Located in Fishtown, this bar is the flagship tasting room for the local Stateside vodka distillery, serving creative cocktails that highlight their own spirits.
The Continental Mid-town: A trendy, multilevel spot in Center City known for its retro-modern atmosphere and classic cocktails, including its signature “The Astronaut,” with a lively rooftop deck.
Vernick Food & Drink: Found in Center City, the bar area of this upscale restaurant provides a refined atmosphere for enjoying expertly crafted, seasonal cocktails.
Suraya: Located in the booming Fishtown neighborhood, this stunning Middle Eastern restaurant has a beautiful bar that serves light, herbaceous, and well-executed cocktails.
NOTO Philadelphia: A premier, upscale nightclub located in Center City, featuring internationally known DJs, an elevated sound system, and a luxurious design with multiple bars and VIP areas.
The Ave Live: A large-scale entertainment venue and nightclub near Spring Garden/Northern Liberties that often hosts top electronic dance music (EDM) artists and DJs, known for its high-energy atmosphere.
Stratus Rooftop Lounge: Located atop the Hotel Monaco in Old City, this indoor/outdoor lounge transforms into a lively, sleek nightclub with a sophisticated crowd and skyline views, especially on weekends.
Recess Lounge (G Lounge): Situated in Center City/Rittenhouse, this venue features a mix of a lounge and a club atmosphere, hosting themed nights and DJs playing a mix of Hip-Hop and commercial music.
Concourse Dance Bar: A uniquely themed dance club located in Center City, famous for its massive indoor ball pit, 80s/90s throwback music, and casual, high-energy party atmosphere.
Silk City Diner Bar & Lounge: Located in Northern Liberties, this spot is half retro diner and half dance club. Its back lounge hosts various DJ nights, offering a fun, alternative vibe.
Punch Line Philly: While primarily a comedy club in Fishtown, it also features a bar and lounge area with music and a buzzing atmosphere before and after shows, sometimes functioning as a late-night club space.
Rumor: A popular club in Center City known for its focus on house and EDM music, featuring a large dance floor and a lively, enthusiastic crowd.
Tír na nÓg: This Irish pub near City Hall (Center City) has a large basement area that often features live music and DJs on weekends, transforming it into a high-energy dance venue.
The Dolphin Tavern: A historic dive bar in South Philadelphia that has a reputation for hosting some of the city’s best indie, house, and disco-themed DJ nights in a no-frills setting.