Best sights of Philadelphia

Wait, you were in Philadelphia and you didn't see -insert famous location-?? People come to Philly for numerous reasons, but if you want to avoid being mocked by your friends when you return - make sure to check out these sights.

Rocky Statue - Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia Pa
If you don't have a picture like this on your phone or uploaded to your social media account, don't bother telling anyone you spent time in Philadelphia.
Park for free on Pennsylvania Ave(intersection is 25th st). Walk over and get in line behind 10-25 people. If you go during the weekend you will have no trouble finding someone offering to take your picture, although they are expecting a small tip.
I hope you wore tennis shoes, because after you get this shot you have to race your friends up the rocky steps which are right next to the statue.
Oh yeah, plus you could do Rocky one better and actually go into the art museum.

Okay - okay, so maybe you want to taste the history that this 300 year old city emanates. Well look no further than 6th and Market st in Center City.

Start your travel back through time at the Independence visitor center.  Here you can get a free ticket to enjoy the 30 minute tour of Independence Hall. It will give you a glimpse back in time to the signing of the constitution of the USA.

Since you've already arrived there check out the Liberty bell, US Mint building, or other cool museums. If you need a quick break walk inside Independence beer garden.


We could probably go on and on about historic areas about Philadelphia, but I don't want to bore you too much. Something you should know about us in Philly is - we like murals.  If you like art, but aren't the kind of person that enjoys walking around in air conditioned museums for 3 hours, check this out..


13th and Drury St

Mural mile No, that's not a crime scene. Philadelphia is home to numerous building size murals. It would be tough to see them all in a short visit, but you can see 17 of them on foot by walking the mural mile. This is a self-guided tour which you can access additional information by cell phone or pod cast.

My friends enjoyed seeing the first 10, by which time they were ready to do some shopping.  Now that you have seen all the sights you have probably worked up quite the appetite. Read on to see where to find the best cheesesteak, and best beer in Philadelphia.

Best beer in Philadelphia

So, you're coming to Philadelphia for the weekend. Gotta see the sights, eat the cheesesteak, and have THE beer. Like any major city there is plenty of beer to choose from.  You won't have a hard time finding bars or upstart breweries.

Monk's Café - 264 s 16th st Philadelphia Pa
So, their primary offering is brewed in Belgium. Giving it a pass a Philadelphia beer because it is brewed exclusively for Monk's. "That's right, our own private label brewed for us by the family-owned Van Steenberge brewery, just outside Ghent, Belgium. Medium body, red color, somewhat fruity nose, malt flavor with a slight lactic taste. Great Stuff! A real thirst quencher and palate cleanser." - monkscafe.com

If this isn't enough reason for you to be convinced... Monk's also often has kegs of Russian river beer offerings on tap.  Including the legendary Pliny the Elder. As I read their website today it's currently on tap. (note: if you are going to chase this beer make sure to call first.)

It will run you $7 for the Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale, and it pairs quite nicely with their mussels. Mussels are the specialty here, and come in 8 different styles. $16.95 for about a pound and a half with fries, which was plenty of food to share for both myself and my wife.

If you are a true to your art, and demand a beer brewed in Philadelphia with none other than the waters from the Delaware river.. I hear you.  Philadelphia brewery and Yards have both been underwhelming and so I can't point you in that direction. There are a few local upstarts, which I can't speak to as I haven't been there yet.  Manayunk Brewery is a cool spot with great parking, which features some unique fruit beers.

Sorry to do this again to you, but I need to take you just outside of Philadelphia. No, not all the way to Downingtown which is home to what thrillist.com ranks the #1 brewery in the whole state - Victory. Just 2 miles off City ave to Ardmore, PA.

Tired Hands Brew Cafe

Tired Hands Brewing Co.
"equally inspired by the farmhouse brewers of France and Belgium and the pioneering, heavy handed, brewers of America. We produce our beer in small batches, twelve kegs at a time. We believe that some of the best beer in the world comes from within the confines of an oak barrel. " - tiredhands.com
Flagship beers are saisons.  This place has a rotating list of unique recipes.

Okay okay, sorry to waste all this time talking about beer that may or may not be Philadelphia enough for you.  What you really want is some cheesesteak right? Oh you already got one? Well check out the sights before you head home.

About

welcome. Read on to learn how to enjoy your stay in Philadelphia from a local. Far from a native of the city, but will provide you with objective views. Having lived in different states and cities before coming to Philadelphia we bring in a lot of outsiders for weekend visits or one day tours.



Racing up rocky steps

Mostly everybody is wanting to try THE BEST cheesesteak. However, the city has so much more to offer that is unknown outside of south eastern Pennsylvania. Don't leave without racing your friends up the Rocky steps, walking the mural mile, and hitting up South street.

While this blog will be focused on what to do in town, as locals we also love traveling outside Philly and I will offer you some "expert" tips. After my first 20 years in a small town, I moved to Washington DC and fell in love with travel.

Okay, I won't waste anymore of your time, I know why you're here... What is the Best Cheesesteak in Philadelphia?? Best sights in Philadelphia?? Best Beer in Philadelphia??

Best cheesesteak in Philadelphia.

"Steak with onions, peppers, and provolone." Thats how I order my Philadelphia cheesesteak. If you wanna do it like a local order fast and confidently. You don't need to say "philly" cheesesteak. It's kind of implied when you're here. Be very specific about what toppings you'd like including the cheese you want. American, provolone, and yes the ever popular cheese whiz.

Okay sorry for that, just wanted to make sure you know HOW TO order it, before you get there.

Ishkabibble's - 337 South St Philadelphia, PA 19147
I won't lie and act like there is a unanimous favorite of the whole city.  However, they've been making 'em since '79 and they do it right. I've eaten a lot of cheesesteak since I've been here and Ishkabibble's is right on par. Also, even on a busy Friday or Saturday night you can have your food in 5 minutes. This eatery does not offer many seats, so if you need to sit just carry your steak 4 blocks down as there are benches before Penn's landing. You will be happy you burned off a few calories at the end of your meal.
Location, location, location - if you're only getting one cheesesteak please go to South street. It gives you a great feel of Philly'. Once you arrive you can also opt for Jim's.

Each neighborhood in Philadelphia has at least one, if not multiple good cheesesteak locations. Promise you won't be disappointed wherever you end up. Cost is typically $7-10 and bring cash.  Some locations will allow credit card purchase but often of have a minimum.

I'm aware of two areas, however there may be more, that feature competing cheesesteaks across from each other. The most famous being Pat and Geno's down on E Passayunk. Most locals consider this a tourist trap.  You can also buy one for your right hand and one for your left in Roxborough. On Henry Ave you will see Chubby's and Dalessandros across the street from one another. If you are more of a suburbanite then you will really enjoy Dalessandros - 600 Wendover St Philadelphia Pa. 19128.

Now that you've had a delicious cheesesteak, you could probably go for a beer.  But where can you get the BEST beer in Philadelphia?? If you've already done this and need to burn some calories walk over to the best sights.