When in.. Philadelphia, PA

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

I love visiting Philadelphia! It is a charming and exciting city with a lot of history as it houses the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and of course the famous “Rocky steps”. Here’s a list of the places I visit the most and obviously can’t get enough of…

PLACES TO GO:

Reading Terminal Market

This place is amazing! Not only is it one of the oldest markets around but it is also the largest – it has about 75 vendors. The first time I visited, I couldn’t get enough. There is food literally everywhere. From Philly cheesesteaks to ice cream, to coffee and beer, I highly recommend going with an empty stomach because you will end up eating your way through the market. Since the market also houses fresh fish, poultry, meat, and produce, a lot of the locals do their shopping here. Check out Luhv Vegan Deli, Old City Coffee, Kamal’s Middles Eastern specialties, and Bassetts ice cream shop.

Philadelphia Magic Gardens

Mosaic heaven! There’s color, mirrors, and so much detail everywhere you look. Be sure to buy your tickets online as they sell out very quickly. Also make sure to check this place out on a nice day, as most of the exhibit is outdoors.

Morris Arboretum

Although it is about a 40-minute drive from Philadelphia, the trip is totally worth it. The gardens are filled with some of the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen and the admission is only $20 per person.

Penn’s Landing

Located in the Delaware River Waterfront, Penn’s Landing is great to visit either during the summer or the winter. If you visit in the summer, Spruce Street Harbour Park has a beer garden, food stands, outdoor games, and hammocks where you can lounge around. In the winter, the Blue Cross River Rink Winterfest has a giant ice skating rink, firepits, and cozy cabins as well as an arcade and other activities for the family.

Cherry Street Pier No. 9

This Pier is also located along the Delaware River Waterfront. Be sure to check out their events page, as the pier has events only on certain days.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Kelly Drive, this is where you’ll find the 72 famous “Rocky Steps” from the Rocky III movie. After taking a picture with the Rocky statue and climbing the steps, be sure to make your way inside the museum. It is one of the largest museums in the country. There are so many things to see at the museum, so be sure to set aside a whole day to explore. Admission is normally $20 for adults but if you go on the first Sunday of the month and Wednesday after 5 pm, the admission to the museum is pay-what-you-wish. The tickets are good for two consecutive days at the museum as well as three other buildings that are part of the museum. So if you don’t get to finish or explore everything in one day, you have an extra one to enjoy it.