What to do in Philly

kayla12345 · April 2012

Hey ladies! I am looking for some must see/must do things in Philly. I will be there in a few weeks for part of my honeymoon and I am looking for some suggestions on what to do (besides catching a few Phils games!). Suggestions appreciated!

elmzar · April 2012

There are tons of museums in the city, and I'm sure you can find one that will appeal to you. I personally love going to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Franklin Institute is also great.

If the weather is nice, you can take a walk down Kelly Drive past Boathouse Row. Independence Hall is also enjoyable, and you can walk around that area as well.

I could name restaurants and bars for hours on end, but it would be helpful to know what you two are into! But, obviously, don't forget to get cheesesteaks!

MK&T · April 2012

I'm going to copy and paste my "Things to do in Philly" page from my wedding website below—hopefully the links will transfer, if not, Google 'em!

I don't have The Franklin Institute on there, because that is where we're getitng married.

My #1 suggestion would be The newly relocated Barnes Foundation. But you will have to get your tickets in advance. It's truly spectacular!

Have fun and pm me if you need anything more specific!

MUSEUMS

If Benjamin Franklin, the city’s first museum patron, were to come back to Philadelphia today, he would marvel at what he had started. Philadelphia’s museums are small and massive, historic and modern, interactive and exclusive, eccentric and unexpected.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Run up the famous Rocky steps, then see some of the most beautiful works of art in the world. The vast collections of this temple of art make it the third-largest art museum in the country, and an absolute must-see, and must run—just do it!

The Barnes Foundation

After much controversy, The Barnes Foundation is scheduled to open in its new location in late Spring 2012. The Barnes Foundation is home to an amazing art collection. Seriously, you HAVE to visit. Among the collection are numerous Impressionist and Modernist works, including 181 by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 69 by Paul Cézanne, 59 by Henri Matisse, 46 by Pablo Picasso, 21 by Chaim Soutine, 18 by Henri Rousseau, 16 by Amedeo Modigliani, 11 by Edgar Degas, 7 by Vincent Van Gogh, and 6 by Georges Seurat. Watch the documentary The Art of the Steal for background on Barnes and the decades-long controversy over the museum’s fortunes and its eventual decision to abandon its longtime home for new quarters in downtown Philadelphia. You need tickets in advance for The Barnes. We’re securing some for the afternoon of Friday, June 29th—please let us know if you want one.

HISTORIC PHILLY

To find out where Philly got its indie spirit—evidenced in everything from its fashion to its love of the cheesesteak—head to Independence National Historical Park, also known as America’s most historic square mile. Here you’ll find some of the most iconic symbols of freedom, and they’re free. Stop at the Independence Visitor Center to get your free timed ticket to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. Then delve into the meaning of that famous cracked bell, located just across the street. Between 5th & 6th Streets and between Chestnut & Arch Streets. Then step into the National Constitution Center to view the Constitution and find out everything you’ll ever need to know about one of the most important documents ever written. There is also an amazing Bruce Springsteen exhibit curated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame visiting the Constitution Center, including handwritten lyrics to “Born to Run!”

RELAX

Unwind at Rescue Rittenhouse Spa, an urban oasis offering signature facials, impeccable waxes and nail services and amazing massages, plus technology-oriented beauty treatments. Immerse yourself in the charm of Tuscany and the Almafi coast—the inspiration for Toppers Spa/Salon, offering massage therapies, hair services, facials, waxing and manis and pedis. Want a little pool time with your treatment? Make an appointment at the nearly hidden Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, where you can follow your massage or facial with a dip in the adjacent indoor pool and whirlpool. nail treatments.

EAT & DRINK

Pub & Kitchen—New American food in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Continental—Stephen Starr’s trendy and hip tapas and martini bar.

Monk’s Cafe—Belgium’s finest in the middle of Philly, with an astonishing selection of fine beers culled from breweries large and small throughout the world.

Parc—Dine al fresco at this charming and authentic French bistro.

Talula’s Garden—Featuring seasonal American food, all from local farms and gardens.

Union Trust—Philadelphia's premiere independent steak and seafood house.

Mac’s Tavern—A traditional sports bar modeled after Paddy’s Pub from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. The food is also delicious and it’s owned by the cast.

Do as Philadelphians do and BYOB—bring your own bottle. Grab your favorite wine from a state store and bring your appetite to one of the city’s hundreds of BYOB restaurants: Lolita, a BYOT where guests pour tequila in their margarita mixes; Kanella, a Greek spot that will have you planning a trip to the isles; Pumpkin, an American restaurant that’s big on local ingredients; La Fontana Della Citta, perfect for a South Philly Italian experience.

Reading Terminal Market—Philadelphia’s historic farmers market houses an exhilarating selection of baked goods, meats, poultry, seafood, produce, flowers, ethnic foods, cookware and eclectic restaurants. Be sure to get a roast pork sandwich from world famous Tommy DiNic’s

Of course no visit to Philly would be complete without a cheesesteak from either Pat’s King of Steaks or Gino’s. For for the ultimate bragging rights—get one from both!

bridetobe71412 · April 2012

MK&T - that list is awesome. I will for sure be copying some of your ideas.

Hope that's cool.

MK&T · April 2012

Thanks!

Feel free to take it! Let me know if the links don't work or won't format right, I can send you the actual word doc I wrote it on.

bridetobe71412 · April 2012

They appear to be working correctly. Seriously, this is SO helpful. I haven't lived in the city in quite some time and dreading compiling a list like this! We have nearly 98% out-of-towners, so this is extremely helpful.

Thanks again!

ps- SO jealous re the Franklin Institute! We didn't even think to look there. What a great idea!

MK&T · April 2012

No problem, glad to help! I actually didn't even want to look at The Franklin Institute. I was like we went on field trips there in 5th grade—ewwww, dirty kids and germs. But a friend went to a black tie there and said it was great, so we checked it out. I fell in love in 3 seconds. The lighting they can do in the rotunda is amazing! AND cocktail hour is in the exhibit area—the pass wine and hor d'oeuvres and have bars and food stations in all of the rooms. It was so much fun, actually upped cockail hour to an hour and a half.

Where are you getting married?

bridetobe71412 · April 2012

That sounds amazing! After booking our venue, I found out about all of these cool places . . . not that I don't love where we're getting married, but I would probably have chosen differently.

We're getting married at a Catholic Church in Center City (St. John the Evangelist) and then our reception is at Cairnwood Estate in Bryn Athyn. We're busing everyone out there and back, which is one of my concerns -it's about 20 miles outside the city (and why I would have done something in CC if I had explored our options a bit more).

And we're having a 1.5 hour "cocktail hour", too! The food was just too fantastic that we had to extend it. Plus, fiance wanted some of the raw bar, so I had to make sure we'd be present for at least some of it

kayla12345 · April 2012

Thanks so much everyone! All your suggestions will help out a ton!

rachel1840 · April 2012

I am getting married at the Penn Museum in October - a great museum to visit, in addition to being a wonderful wedding venue.

Check it out:
http://www.penn.museum/about-us.html

GoodLuckBear14 · April 2012

MK&T - I wish I had this when I got married. I had just moved here and it was kind of like the blind leading the blind with telling people where to go.

OP - if you are looking for cheesesteaks, I'd highly recommend Jim's Steakhouse. For a really nice dinner out, try Estia. The truth is though that it's hard to find a bad restaurant here. Enjoy.

kfras · April 2012

Lots of great places to eat. Try Chickie's & Pete's. Yum. And Tony Luke's for cheesesteaks (they were on the Throwdown with Bobby Flay and I love them). There is a bus tour that will take you to all spots where movies/tv shows filmed scenes in Philadelphia. Go to moviesitestour.com - FI and I have been dying to do this even though we have both lived in Philly our whole lives. We need to get around to it one day. Definitely visit LOVE park, and Independence Hall if you are into history. The Gallery is the big mall in center city. Eat at the Reading Terminal if you are downtown which was on MK&T's list. Historic. Drink a Yuengling (if you or DH likes lager).

What to do in Philly

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