Philadelphia, PA
- Call it Philadelphia... Philly... The Quaker City... The City of Brotherly Love. If you're taking a family vacation to the city, you'll find no shortage of fun and exciting things to do and see. Here's my suggested itinerary for your perfect Philly vacation.
Things to Do on the Perfect Philly Vacation
Take in History
Old City, Philadelphia is the most historic place in the United States, bar none. It is home to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated, ratified, and signed as well as The Betsy Ross House, where the first American flag was sown, Congress Hall, where both the House of Representatives and the US Senate sat when Philly was the nation's capital (1790-1800) and Ben Franklin's home and print shop.
Plan to spend at least one full day taking in the sights in historic old city Philadelphia.
See a Museum
Philadelphia is home to dozens of world-class museums. Plan to see at least one, or better yet two or three, during your time here. My favorite museum is the University of Pennsylvania's Museum of Archeology and Anthropology ("The Penn Museum"), boasting thousands of artifacts from ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Greece, China, and more.
Other great museum options include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which hosts a world-class collection, the new National Museum of American Jewish History, the Rodin Museum, and the quirky Mutter Museum, which is full of tastefully presented but intriguing medical oddities.
Eat! At Some of The Best Restaurants
Few cities in America are home to more great restaurants, chefs, and food-lovers than Quaker City. Great options include any of over a dozen restaurants by celebrity chef Stephen Starr, one of the 5+ restaurants owned by Philly resident and Food Network Iron Chef Jose Garces, and the city's bustling gastro-pub and BYOB scenes. Be sure to come hungry and eat often.
The city has a great food culture. For reviews of the best restaurants in the town, check out PhillyBite Magazine for the best places to eat.
See a Show
Philadelphia has a long and storied stage tradition home to the nation's oldest operating theater venue (the Walnut Street Theatre). While you are in the city, check out a touring Broadway show, see the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra ("The Fabulous Philadelphians"), enjoy the Pennsylvania Ballet, or see a smaller show at one of the city's many playhouses.
When you come to Philadelphia, there's a world of entertainment, restaurant, and cultural attractions that await you. Be sure to plan a visit to the City of Brotherly Love soon!
