So you’re planning a trip to Philadelphia? First of all, I have questions. But also, welcome. As someone who was born and raised here, I’ll admit I’ve spent years wondering why anyone chooses to visit this city. And yet… I get it. (part of being from here is talking mad shit on PHL but loving it concurrently). Philly is passionate, chaotic, and full of heart. It’s where you can get a $6 cheesesteak that’ll ruin all other sandwiches for you forever, stumble into a hidden art installation, and find yourself chanting Go Birds with 200 strangers before noon.

Philly will always be a part of me, and I’ll always be proud of it. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or just trying to see if it really is “like Rocky,” this guide will walk you through the best spots, from my favorite coffee shops and bars I go to regularly!

Best Things To Do in Philly

You can Google the Liberty Bell. Let’s talk about the stuff that makes this city what it is.

Philadelphia Flower Show – Center City

If you’re in Philly during March, the Philadelphia Flower Show is an absolute must-see. As the world’s oldest and largest indoor horticultural event, it’s packed with jaw-dropping floral displays, mind-blowing garden designs, and plenty of sustainable living tips. The show’s 2025 theme, Gardens of Tomorrow, brings a futuristic twist to the usual greenery, merging technology and nature in innovative ways. From immersive exhibits to the Butterflies Live! experience. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t go primarily for the butterflies… lol

Every year, the Flower Show fills the Pennsylvania Convention Center with unique floral creations from local and international designers. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or just looking to snap some cool photos, you’ll walk away inspired. Plus, it’s not just about the flowers, there are tons of educational workshops, sustainability tips, and kid-friendly exhibits, like the Kids Cocoon, where the little ones can get hands-on with gardening.

Wonderspaces – Old City

If immersive art is your thing, go here. Think glowing rooms, light tunnels, interactive visuals, and other wild installations that make you feel like you’re walking through a dream. Rotating exhibits mean it’s never the same twice.

Spruce Street Harbor Park – Penn’s Landing

If you’re visiting in the warmer months, this is a must. There are hammocks hanging in trees, floating barges, colorful lights, and enough food stalls to make your stomach happy. Great for a chill afternoon or a cute night out.

Reading Terminal Market – Center City

This is where locals and tourists both come to eat good food and get overwhelmed by options. From Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels to soul food, donuts, and roast pork sandwiches, it’s a chaotic delicious mess in the best way. Just don’t block the aisles. We will say something.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens – South Street

Yes it’s touristy, yes it’s worth it. This mosaic wonderland is a mix of art, mirrors, glass bottles, and tile work that stretches from floor to ceiling. There’s nothing else like it and it’s an easy win for your photo dump.

Italian Market – South Philly

Old school charm meets fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local vendors. You’ll smell it before you see it. Come hungry. Leave full and maybe with a weird bottle of hot sauce or homemade soap you didn’t plan to buy.

Fairmount Park and the Rocky Steps

Yes, do the Rocky thing. Run up the steps, throw your hands in the air, live your best montage moment. Then explore Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Peaceful trails, mansions, and that one guy who plays the saxophone on a hill for no reason. Philly magic.

If you’re in Philly during early April, you’re in for a treat. The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of Japanese culture and the blooming cherry trees that grace Fairmount Park. This annual event is organized by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia and centers around the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center and the Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park​

The highlight of the festival is Sakura Weekend. During this weekend, you can enjoy traditional Japanese music and dance performances, participate in cultural activities like origami and calligraphy, and explore a vendor market featuring Japanese goods and cuisine. There’s even a beer garden if you’re looking to relax with a drink under the blossoms. ​

The cherry blossoms typically reach their peak bloom around the first week of April, aligning perfectly with the festival. It’s a picturesque time to visit, with the park transformed by the soft pink and white hues of the blossoms. ​

Graffiti Pier – Port Richmond

An abandoned pier turned open air art gallery. It’s covered in colorful graffiti and has an eerie kind of beauty. You’ll see skaters, photographers, and probably someone doing yoga with a drone. Bonus points if you go around sunset.

Best Coffee and Tea Spots

If you’re the kind of traveler who judges a city by its caffeine scene, welcome. These spots hit.

Random Tea Room & Curiosity Shop – South Philly

Tucked into a chill residential street, this spot feels like you’re hanging out in someone’s cozy living room filled with incense and antique vibes. They have a unique selection of herbal teas, and there’s a tiny garden out back if you know where to look. Bring a book or just sit and people watch your inner peace into existence.

Prince Tea House – Chinatown

Walking into Prince Tea House feels like walking into a Parisian bubble tea dream. Expect chandeliers, plush seating, and drinks that are prettier than some people’s wedding cakes. Their desserts are next level and it’s one of those places where you’ll accidentally spend hours catching up with a friend or pretending you’re royalty.

Elixr – Various Locations

Strong coffee. Great workspace. What more do you need? Whether you’re remote working or fueling up for a day of exploring, Elixr is the move. They’ve got multiple locations, but the one on Market Street in Center City is my personal favorite. Their strawberry oatmilk latte is to die for! It’s not really a “coffee shop” vibe, but it is a great workspace or place to relax on your lunch break.

Char & Stave – Ardmore (About 35 Min Away From The City)

If you have the chance to get out into the suburbs, Char & Stave is my absolute favorite coffee shop in the Philly area. If you’re up for a little ride outside the city, Char & Stave in Ardmore is absolutely worth the trip. Hands down, it has the best coffee around. My go-to drink is the Whiskey Smash Latte. It’s smooth, flavorful, and just different in the best way. Their cereal milk latte is also delicious!

Char & Stave is a hybrid coffee shop and cocktail bar, and they pull it off flawlessly. The bartenders are incredibly talented and creative, crafting new cocktails every month that are just as impressive as their espresso. While drinks are the main focus, they do have a few pastries if you’re looking for a light bite.

Every Tuesday night is Trivia Night, and it’s one of my favorite weekly traditions. My sister and I go whenever we can, the vibe is fun, welcoming, and laid-back. Almost old school? Whether you go for the caffeine, the cocktails, or just a chill night with good company, Char & Stave delivers every time.

Where to Go Out at Night (or Just Yell “Go Birds” with a Crowd)

If you’re looking to dance, vibe, or make some questionable decisions (I’ve had my fair share), these are my go tos.

Concourse Dance Bar

Want to heal your inner child by playing in a ball pit and soaring down a slide leading to the dance floor? Concourse, IMO, is the best bar in Philly and where I take people who visit me. They recently underwent renovations and now have a blacklight room + ice room! The energy is chaotic, the music is a mix of throwbacks and bangers, and it’s impossible not to have fun. Definitely one of those places where you lose track of time and suddenly it’s 2am and you’re barefoot holding your heels. It’s also right in the heart of Center City, so if you want to go out to eat beforehand, it’s very easy to walk to other spots.

Kung Fu Necktie – Fishtown

Gritty, dark, and full of character. Depending on the night, you’ll catch alt shows, DJs, or a crowd just sitting and soaking in the ambiance. It’s def the kind of place you’d discover by accident and tell your friends was “underground” even though it’s on Google Maps. There is graffiti covering the walls, a naked doll light hanging from the stage, and cheap drinks. What more could you want?

Moshulu – Penn’s Landing

Yes. this bar is on a ship. A real one. And yes, you can party on it. Moshulu is a vibe on its own but when they do themed music nights it becomes next level. Country music night is sooo much fun! Plus, there is an awesome view of the Skyline and Ben Franklin bridge from the top. The food is also delicious 🙂 Though, VERY expensive lol

Tilted Axes – West Chester

Located just outside of Philadelphia, Tilted Axes in West Chester has quickly become one of my favorite weekend spots. What I expected to be a simple axe throwing venue turned out to be an energetic mix of games, dancing, and community!

Every Friday from 7 p.m. to midnight, J and J Line Dancing brings the space to life with high energy group dances and a welcoming atmosphere. A local food truck serves up bites throughout the evening, while a glowing bonfire creates a warm and relaxed setting to unwind between songs. With a five dollar cover, guests can enjoy everything the venue has to offer! This includes affordable drinks and access to a variety of arcade games + pool tables.

Tilted Axes bodes well for a full night out with great energy, good food, and music. If you are looking to mix things up and step outside the city, this spot is absolutely worth checking out. Parking is a bitch, but the fun is worth it!

SPIN Philadelphia: Ping Pong & Cocktails

If you’re looking for a fun alternative to the typical bar scene, SPIN Philadelphia is a great pick. I went for the first time in December with my marketing group and also played ping pong for the first time, all of us had a blast! They even have a bathtub full of orange ping pong balls you can take pictures in!

The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, and the menu really stands out. The Old Fashioned I had was excellent, and the vegan potstickers were some of the best I’ve had. SPIN is perfect for a casual night out with friends or coworkers, and it is also a great choice for business and workplace events.

Whether you’re into ping pong or just want something different, SPIN offers a relaxed and engaging experience right in the heart of the city. Note – it can be a little tricky to find, my marketing group had a bit of trouble locating the space at first because you do have to go downstairs.

Xfinity Live – South Philly

This is the place to watch an Eagles game if you’re not at the stadium. Giant screens, rowdy fans, and beer flowing like water. If you’re visiting during football season, it’s an experience. Go Birds.

Where to Eat in Philly (Yes, We’re More Than Cheesesteaks)

Philly’s food scene doesn’t get enough credit. Sure, we’ve got the cheesesteaks and soft pretzels — and yes, they’re good — but there’s so much more going on here. Whether you’re into trendy spots, hole-in-the-wall bangers, or something your foodie friend posted on IG, the city delivers.

Here are some of my favorite restaurants (that I actually take people to when they visit):

Zahav – Old City

If you can get a reservation, go. This Israeli restaurant has won actual awards, but more importantly, it tastes like it deserves them. The hummus alone could change your life. Do the tasting menu if you’re feeling fancy, or just order everything with pomegranate glaze and call it a day.

Suraya – Fishtown

This Lebanese café and restaurant is straight up gorgeous. Whether you’re there for brunch or dinner, the vibes are immaculate. Think plants, fairy lights, fresh baked pastries, and grilled meats that somehow feel like a hug. Bonus: the market section has some great grab and go options.

Where to Actually Get a Cheesesteak in Philly (No, It’s Not Pat’s or Geno’s)

Look. If you’re coming to Philly and you’ve only heard of Pat’s and Geno’s, that’s fine. It means you’ve seen a Travel Channel episode or two. But I promise you, anyone from Philly will gently (or not so gently) guide you somewhere better. Those spots are tourist traps. The meat is dry, the cheese is questionable, and the experience is more about the neon lights and rivalry than the actual food.

So where should you go for a real Philly cheesesteak? Let me bless your taste buds.

Dalessandro’s – Roxborough

This place is a Philly staple for a reason. It’s a bit out of Center City, but worth the trip. They chop the meat fine, pack the rolls full, and the flavor is next level. It’s greasy in the best way possible. Go with American or provolone, maybe add fried onions and hot peppers if you’re bold.

Ishkabibble’s – South Street

Kind of underrated but always solid. Ishkabibble’s has been doing cheesesteaks right for years, and it’s a good late night option if you’re already hanging out on South Street. Bonus points if you pair your cheesesteak with a Gremlin — half grape juice, half lemonade. Sounds weird, tastes amazing.

Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop – South Street

This one’s a bit more elevated but still delivers. Their cheesesteak comes with truffle cheese whiz and caramelized onions on a crusty roll. It’s fancy without being pretentious, and it hits so hard. Think of it as the cheesesteak’s artsy cousin who listens to vinyl and makes everything from scratch.

How to Get Around Philly: What You Need to Know

Let’s talk about getting around Philly because, as much as this city has charm, the transportation situation is… well, let’s just say you’ll need to be prepared. First off, Uber rides on weekends are not your best bet. If you’re thinking about hopping in one, be ready for sky-high prices, those surge charges are real, and they’ll leave your wallet feeling a little light. Plus, parking? Forget about it. It wish I was lying when I said it’s a nightmare almost everywhere you go.

If you’re not lucky enough to snag a street spot (which, good luck lol), you’ll be stuck hunting for a garage or lot, and those can be pricey too. But hey, welcome to city life!

Your best bet? Public transportation. Philly has a solid network of buses, trolleys, and the subway (or the “El” as locals call it). The SEPTA system is easy to navigate, relatively cheap, and will get you where you need to go without the stress of parking or trying to dodge surge pricing. If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing, day passes are a great option and can save you some cash.

Of course, walking is always a great option. Most of the attractions are close enough to each other that you can stroll between them, especially in neighborhoods like Old City, Rittenhouse, and Center City. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes, because the city’s got some hills, and the sidewalks can be a little uneven at times.