Explore Center City

One of the most famous landmarks in Philadelphia is City Hall which sits directly in the center of Broad Street in Center City.   Take some time to explore this famous landmark, and some other favorite Center City landmarks around City Hall.  City Hall is located right on the Broad Street subway line (get off at City Hall), and easily accessible from trains as well (Get off at Market Street Station).

Favored by Philly newlyweds and visiting couples for the perfect romantic photo, Love Park (officially JFK Plaza) and its famous sculpture are located just west of City Hall. The sculpture by Robert Indiana was placed in the park in 1978, and is commonly associated with the City of Brotherly Love.  The park also offers a pretty spectacular view of the Philadelphia Art Museum. If you’re visiting Philadelphia during the winter, the park features a Christmas market. While it doesn’t rival the famous Christmas markets of Europe, it still offers some good finds.

This massive, asymmetrical Masonic Temple sits across from Love Park on the opposite side of Broad Street.  The hulking building deserves a good long look, and if you have time, a tour of the inside of the building for its library and museum.  If you have the time, the guided tours are well worth the expense-especially to see the massive library. Guided tours run hourly Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am until 3:00pm (no tours at noon). There are special hours on Sundays, so be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date schedule.

With the Masonic Temple on your right, head south on Broad Street going straight through City Hall. You’ll come out on South Broad Street.  Looking down Broad Street, cross to the right side of the street and continue walking south.

The deep red brick of the Union League makes the building stand out from the numerous commercial buildings that line South Broad Street.  The Union League of Philadelphia is the oldest union league in the United States.  The league was founded in 1862 as a venue to show support for the Union and Lincoln.  Entrance to the league is for members only, but the historic building definitely deserves a look while exploring Philadelphia.

Walk Down Walnut Street

Continuing south on Broad Street, the very next cross street that you’ll reach is Walnut Street.  Make a right on Walnut Street, and continue down to Rittenhouse Square. 

Over the past few years Walnut Street has become one of the biggest shopping destinations in Philadelphia.  If you’ve got money to burn, you can shop ‘til you drop with stores like Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Lululemon, Anthropologie and BCBG.  Walnut Street is also home to numerous restaurants ranging from fast food to the super luxurious Le Bec Fin.  If shopping and fine dining are not your passions, you should still take a minute to look at the building on the left side of the street at the corner of Walnut and 15th Street.  Though it is now called Butcher & Singer, this building formerly housed the Striped Bass which was featured in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense. 

Rittenhouse Square

Walk to Tria

With Rittenhouse Square at your back, walk north on 18th Street for one block.  Tria will be at the corner of 18th and Samson streets.

Lunch at Tria

Tria offers the trifecta of culinary greatness—cheese, beer and wine.  The café features local and seasonal selections at a very reasonable price.  Their various bruschetta are not to be missed.  If you are a foodie & happen to be there on a Sunday, check out their Sunday School which offers unique and not so common beers and wine to taste (for a price).

Walk to Old City

Explore Old City

These are some of the sites to consider for a quick visit:

The Liberty Bell:  Located at 6th and Market Street, the Liberty Bell is one of the symbols closely associated with Philadelphia.  The bell has been housed in the new Liberty Bell Center since 2003, and can be seen 24 hours a day from the street.  If you have a strong desire to brave the long lines of school children and large tour groups, you can see the bell up close from 9am-5pm daily.

The National Constitution Center:  Located across Market Street across from the Liberty Bell is the National Constitution Center, and is dedicated to the history of the U.S. Constitution.  History buffs eager to learn more about it can visit the museum 7 days a week for $12.00.   Although the sleek and modern museum does not seem to fit in with the architecture of the rest of Independence Mall, the building is an interesting sight, and worth checking out.

Independence Hall:  Located behind the Liberty Bell on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Street is Independence Hall.  Famous for being where the Declaration of Independence and later the U.S. Constitution were adopted and signed, the hall opens at 9am daily for visitors.  Even though visits to it are free, you will need to get a timed ticket to be admitted. 

Carpenter’s Hall: Located at 320 Chestnut Street, the building is set back in part of the Independence National Historical Park.   Built between 1770 and 1773, the building was the site of the First Continental Congress.   The surrounding park is worth a stroll as well.  The building is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-4pm.

If you’re pressed for time, definitely take the time to check out Independence Hall and Carpenter’s Hall.

Happy Hour in Old City

Old City is not only home to many famous historical sites, but also to a plethora of cafes, bars and pubs.  Old City offers a huge variety of places to get a cheap drink, and these are a few of my old favorites and new finds.

Price: $9.00 for a mixed drink
Duration: 1 hour
Address:  10 South 2nd Street

Website: http://cubalibrerestaurant.com/

Located right off of Market Street, Cuba LIbre is one of the mainstays of Old City. The restaurant is famous of its mojitos and offers a great view of the bustling streets. It’s a fun place to relax for a drink or two during happy hour.

Price: $6.00 average for beer
Duration: 1 hour
Address: 22 South 3rd Street
Website: http://www.nationalmechanics.com

Located only two blocks from Cuba Libre, National Mechanics offers a more laid back place to grab a Happy Hour drink or two.  The bar boasts a variety of 34 beers with 18 of them on tap. It’s a great spot for early evening drinks or for a late night.

Dinner in Old City

Price: $10-$20
Duration: 2 hours
Address: 10 South Front Street
Website: www.swankybubbles.com

Swanky Bubbles is one of the many restaurants that line Front Street in Old City.  Just as there are numerous bars and pubs in Old City, there are equally plentiful restaurants within a stone’s throw.  Swanky Bubbles is one of my all time favorites in Philadelphia.  The restaurant offers a wide selection of sushi and tapas style entrees as well an extensive champagne and cocktaii menu. A sushi roll averages between $8-10, but portion sizes are large making this place a great value.

Price: $15-$30
Duration: 2 hours
Address: 15 South 3rd Street
Website: http://www.farmiciarestaurant.com/

Farmacia is one of the newer restaurants in Old City.  The menu boasts “Food and tonics” and it offers both in abudance with local & seasonal food selection & a unique drink menu with offerings such as floral infused vodka tonics.  It’s a bit on the pricey side, but the décor is casual, and during the warmer months the outdoor seating offers a great way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

Night Out in Old City

Philly is a city that offers a fun night out. One of the places that is a mainstay for Philadelphia nightlife is The Continental.  Although it may look like a 1950s diner with its shiny metal exterior, the inside is sleek and modern.  The place is famous for its elaborate martini menu.  Be sure to check out the back bar as well as the front bar if it looks too crowded at first glance.