53 Responses

1. Anthony

   September 10th, 2008 at 12:14 am

   1

   Watch your back….

2. Andy

   September 10th, 2008 at 12:24 am

   2

   Hey, its only the 29th most dangerous city in the US, what could possibly go wrong?

3. Bill

   September 10th, 2008 at 12:55 am

   3

   The Art Museum is pretty good and worth checking out. South Street is pretty much where everyone hangs out. Tons shops, bars, restaurants, etc. Love Park is a fun sight seeing visit. The same goes for most of center city. Theres a lot of historical stuff like the liberty bell and Betsy Ross house as well. The colleges are nice to walk around and check out the babes. I’m just over the river in Jersey, I’ll show you some stuff when you’re here.

4. Josh

   September 10th, 2008 at 1:26 am

   4

   Wawa! Duh

5. michael

   September 10th, 2008 at 1:49 am

   5

   the black sheep pub is a great place to hang out

6. David

   September 10th, 2008 at 1:57 am

   6

   dueling Philly Cheesesteaks at Gino’s and uhh the place that isn’t Gino’s that’s right across the street. Mmmm mmm.

7. Garret

   September 10th, 2008 at 2:16 am

   7

   Go to Longwood Gardens, the Brandywine River Museum (for all the Wyeth paintings) near West Chester.

8. Kevin

   September 10th, 2008 at 2:44 am

   8

   I’m sure you know to check out the LOVE sculpture, but the Rocky one is win too. There’s also a “ghost tour” that goes on sometimes at night, you go to some “haunted” places. INDEPENDANCE HALL! See where the Declaration of Independance and the Constitution was written (I understand if you skip this one, you’re British :D). Chesnut Hill for shopping, has all the urban city-like stores, and probably a few neat tee shops.

9. Brian

   September 10th, 2008 at 3:41 am

   9

   I just moved to Philly too, but have already seen some cool stuff. I visited The Laurel Hill Cemetery in East Falls(the second largest cemetery in the US) the other day and it was pretty fantastic… beautiful sculpture and landscape, extremely peaceful, (free to get it). The zoo has ‘adult only’ tours that focus on how all the animals get it on… The Mutter Museum and Eastern State Penitentiary are a good time if you are into some museums of a different nature (both very creepy). Biking along Kelly Drive is great for some exercise and lots of cute girls. They have been said already, but I’m seconding South Street and Chesnut Hill for stores, restaurants, bars and the like. So far in the two weeks I’ve been here, just exploring and finding places I’ve never heard of have been the most fun.

10. jeremy

    September 10th, 2008 at 4:22 am

    10

    KosherHam.com knows of plenty of places in Chicago…it’s about an 80 min plane ride from Philly.

11. Oak

    September 10th, 2008 at 4:34 am

    11

    Walking/jogging/bike riding on Kelly Drive on the autumn. Pizza at Lorenzo’s on South Street at night. A real mango smoothie at Hong Kong Bakery in Chinatown. Visit the coffeehouses in Old City. Eat at Lee’s Hoagie House.

    Hope you find some good ppl!

12. Yarns87

    September 10th, 2008 at 4:46 am

    12

    You should check out Reading Terminal Market, or FDR skatepark.

13. Sumona

    September 10th, 2008 at 6:21 am

    13

    Rittenhouse Square

14. Matt

    September 10th, 2008 at 6:34 am

    14

    Whether you’re in Philadelphia or any other city, head to an ethnic area such as Chinatown. Look for a shabby little restaurant full of locals. Go in for a meal and strike up a conversation. You’ll be surprised at how good the food is and how much you learn and enjoy yourself. Try it in the city where you live - it works there too.

15. Mediocore Clothing

    September 10th, 2008 at 1:56 pm

    15

    I have no idea where to go.

    Get a Philadelphia cheese steak for sure. I can’t think of anything else, I’ve never been.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheesesteak

    dueling cheese steaks sound good!

16. miss teeandtoast

    September 10th, 2008 at 2:06 pm

    16

    the last time i was in phili i was 20 years old and skateboarding at love park,
    i was grabbing a juice from a nearby grocery store when the owner - a lovely, friendly but concerned chinese old man wanted to know “what grade i was in?” and “where’s my parents!” LOL i had to explain that i was 20 , travelling and that my parents lived in ireland. if i knew the shop off by heart i’d tell you to go visit that old man!

    otherwise i remember picking up some nice tee’s on south street!

    good luck & have a blast x claire

17. Jeff

    September 10th, 2008 at 2:25 pm

    17

    Abner’s makes an amazing cheesesteak. http://www.abnerscheesesteaks.com/

    Reading Terminal Market is also really cool. And yes, Wawa rocks!

18. A

    September 10th, 2008 at 5:11 pm

    18

    As a result of their previous habitats of the 700 Club and Standard Tap being plagued by an infestation of the highly feared hair gel-ed ones, track the northward migration of the hipsters from Northern Liberties to Fishtown, and study their curious mating behaviors at the Barbary, Johnny Brenda’s, and M Room.

    (you’ll probably find these sites helpful…www.philebrity.com and http://www.uwishunu.com)

19. Cait

    September 10th, 2008 at 6:45 pm

    19

    Go on a craft beer tour. It’s going to be NY Craft Beer Week soon, and although I’ve never been to Philly (I have relatives in PA), I’m sure they’ve got plenty of great beers brewing. If all else it would be a good chance to get to know the local bars and see what they’ve got on tap.

20. downrodeo

    September 10th, 2008 at 6:48 pm

    20

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Museum_of_Art

21. jimiyo

    September 10th, 2008 at 6:49 pm

    21

    Never been there, but you should walk any streets so you can be like… you know…

    the Boss.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L9_8vwx2w8

    or Tom Hanks

    being the Boss would be much cooler.

22. milkmedia

    September 10th, 2008 at 6:49 pm

    22

    1. NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER

    2. LOEW’S HOTEL PHILADELPHIA

    3. KIMMEL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

    4. JEWELER’S ROW

    5. RODIN MUSEUM

    6. ITALIAN MARKET

    7. CHINATOWN

    8. TANGERINE

    9. THE LEGENDARY BLUE HORIZON

    10. WARMDADDY’S

23. kEVIN

    September 10th, 2008 at 6:56 pm

    23

    well the first thing you need to do is run the stairs and act like Rocky! do an impression of him and it will make you feel like a million bucks. (at least i did when I did it). it is a cool place to hang out and there is a cool book out about the history of the stairs and the many things that have happended there. I have a buddy who was in the book for a wedding proposal. good luck!

24. BrandonHeart

    September 10th, 2008 at 6:59 pm

    24

    The Slinky was created by a marine engineer stationed in Philadelphia, who later became an evangelist and Bible salesman in Bolivia, leaving behind his wife, his children, and the Slinky fortune. Dude you could totally invent the next Slinky, then go to Gino’s and upon walking in yell “WHIZ WITH” you’ll have just ordered a cheesesteak with cheese whiz and onions.

25. greg/ miles to go

    September 10th, 2008 at 7:31 pm

    25

    hey man.

    i grew up in philly and lived there for 26 yrs. first thing, look up http://www.r5productions.com they handle all the good shows in philly and get on their email list. seeing at show at the first unitarian church is a must. plus any band you could imagine wanting to see that would go to ny plays philly.

    also, if your into it, look for the “click” parties or “making time” usually tons of people, dancing, drinking, good times.

26. Jess

    September 10th, 2008 at 8:39 pm

    26

    I think going to see the Liberty Bell is something you should most definitely do! It is just something that is so historical and has such a great background story.

27. Abu-Dun

    September 10th, 2008 at 9:26 pm

    27

    I asked a very good friend of mine and he said:

    http://snipr.com/3p0tp

28. Chad Pearson

    September 10th, 2008 at 9:30 pm

    28

    While, not technically in Philadelphia, you should check out the Hershey Park stuff. Be careful though, too much chocolate could make you sick. I almost puked my guts out after drinking a chocolate coke. And I second the Love Park, Liberty Bell and Cheesesteak recomends. How about a good old fashioned American Football game?

29. Efren

    September 10th, 2008 at 11:58 pm

    29

    Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. I’ve always wanted to go. Have fun!

30. Kindra

    September 11th, 2008 at 3:05 am

    30

    I’ve never been to Philadelphia but you should couch surf (www.couchsurfing.com) a couple of nights it will help you meet people there as well as show you maybe the real night life of Philadelphia. Another thing you could do find free wifi and post about hot t-shirt shops in the area.

31. David

    September 11th, 2008 at 4:35 am

    31

    White dog cafe in university city. Lorenzo’s pizza on south street. Reading terminal Market. Go to a show at the first uniatarian church basement. get dim sum in chinatown. Go to old city on first friday and visit all the art galleries for free. on another first friday, take the r5 out on the main line and enjoy the restaurants and streetwares. Get into contact with some local colleges and see if you can get more people interested in independent clothing. if you’re here by november go to the philly improv festival. visit the barnes foundation in marion (huge collection of art). go to the north east and go to a brazilian steakhouse. Philadelphia zoo. get out to visit Hershey Park, Dorney Park and six flags:great adventure. see films at the ritz theatres. liberty bell isnt too interesting, but it would be stupid to not see it. go and see the orchestra at the kimmel center. forget geno’s and pat’s and go for jim’s steaks. Walk arond wayne, ardmore, bryn mawr, chestnut hill, mount airy, manyunk, merion, and other neighborhoods. see the holiday lights at longwood gardens. and visit the rest of the east coast when philly becomes too small.

32. Amy

    September 11th, 2008 at 9:11 am

    32

    How about the factory where they make the soft cheese? (My wise ass comment to get a chance of winning!)

33. dean

    September 11th, 2008 at 8:35 pm

    33

    make sure you stock up on classic soul and disco vinyl on the awesome ‘philadelphia’ label from the 70’s

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtrWbBGOv5k

34. danielle

    September 12th, 2008 at 11:58 pm

    34

    i fear everyone has already suggested all of the better ideas, but i’ll second them and throw in a few of my own:

    -liberty bell, constitution center, art museum are all great places to go that everyone will recommend

    -as far as cheesesteaks go i would recommend jim’s, it’s on south street, which is trendy and overrated and crowded but i suppose it’s a good time nonetheless

    -definitely check out a show at the first unitarian church, probably one of the best venues ever.

    -the mutter museum is a great time, it’s all sorts of medical oddities in jars.

    -the franklin institute is geared mostly towards children but they usually have really good traveling exhibits, they had a big star wars one there recently

    -check out morimoto, it’s fancy and expensive but also some of the best japanese food i’ve ever had. alas, morimoto himself is rarely ever there.

    -go to a wawa, and get some tastykakes.

    -or you could just come hang out with me, i go to school right across the river at rutgers =)

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    September 15th, 2008 at 9:01 pm

    35

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36. Jennifer

    September 16th, 2008 at 3:51 am

    36

    Don’t over do it on the philly cheese steaks!
    Good luck on your internship!

37. Pascal

    September 16th, 2008 at 1:29 pm

    37

    Make sure you go to the art museum on sunday, cause its “pay what you want”, and the museum is really nice. besides you having to run up those stairs in honor of an American Hero that did not realy exist
    Check out the irish monument at Penns Landing, I think its great.
    As to the Cheesesteaks: Go to Pats, he is the original one (the one that has not a thousands of illuminated advertising) - they are both terrible busy and unfriendly though.
    Independence Hall is a must, just for having been there of course - the place itself.is rather unspectacular.
    Make sure you check out Amish County (around Lancester County) 40 min West of Philly and visit that amazing Amish people, go off the main roads, since in that “amish markets” you only find actors and busses full of tourists.
    If you happen to end up in Northern Liberties - they got a great Neighbourhood Festival more than once in sumer time. With couple of unkown bands and an awesome bagpipe player. 10 bucks for free beer all the night.
    And try to go to a show of the “Victor Victor Band”, a psychedelic / blues / rock / thing - band that does a realy great show.
    Oh yeah, and dont drink water out of the water-tap, dont touch the water of the citiy fountains (where kids bath in) and most of all dont walk alone thru the streets at night
    Where do you want to live? - chose a place here:
    http://inquirer.philly.com/graphics/homicide_map_2007/
    that has no red dots on it

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    September 22nd, 2008 at 3:01 pm

    38

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39. Alex

    September 22nd, 2008 at 3:24 pm

    39

    I don’t know a damn thing about Philly, but when you come to DC you should check out Major and Commonwealth, the two sneaker head stores with some fresh ts too, eat a chili-cheese halfsmoke at Ben’s and check out a museum or two, ‘cuz most of them are free.

40. Isaiah Headen

    September 22nd, 2008 at 3:30 pm

    40

    The Khyber = goodtimes
    http://www.thekhyber.com/

41. Brian

    September 22nd, 2008 at 6:24 pm

    41

    Dooooood, that’s great you’re coming to Philly - it’s a really great town, with lots to do. Forget about these cheesesteak pushers - I wouldn’t go out of my way to make that your first visit, although you should keep it in mind if you’re in the mood for a late night, post party snack… in which case I would go to Pat’s. Be sure to make good use of the SEPTA transportation - http://www.septa.org. So, on to the REAL good stuff:

    For cool T-shirts, Indie, vintage apparel, check out these stores:
    1. Lost & Found - 133 N 3rd St
    2. Sugarcube - 124 N 3rd St
    3. Daffy’s - 1700 Chestnut St
    4. Also, as people mentioned above, South St. has several interesting shops.

    Or check out a few upcoming indie craft fairs/art walks:
    - October 11, Liberties Walk, 1030 N. 2nd Street
    - December (date TBA), Punk Rock Flea Market

    Food: Philly is home to some waaay better food (and beer!) than cheesesteaks. Try out one of the many gastropubs or fooderies around town:
    1.The Good Dog Cafe, 224 S. 15th Street
    2.Silk City Diner, 435 Spring Garden St
    3.The Reading Terminal: Must-see, senses overload!
    4.Honey’s Sit N Eat (great for breakfast), 800 N 4th St
    5.Dock Street Pizza, 701 S. 50th Street

    Friendly Bars (good places to talk to random strangers):
    1. Brigid’s, 726 N 24th St
    2. The Dive, 947 E Passyunk Ave
    3. Fiume, 45th and Locust St

    Culture & Entertainment:
    1. Check out http://www.r5productions.com/shows.html for some of the best shows in town.
    2. Bowling at North Bowl: http://www.northbowlphilly.com/
    3. First Fridays Art Walk, first friday of the month between Front and Third, and Market and Vine Streets.
    4. Rittenhouse Square, around 18th & Walnut - good people watching.

    Cheers, and good luck!

42. Noddy

    September 22nd, 2008 at 7:34 pm

    42

    Please visit the ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ museum which is full of memorabilia worn by Will Smith’s character and features a room in which the title song plays on an endless loop.

    All together now: “INNNNN WEST PHILADELPHIA BORN AND RAISED…”

43. chad

    September 22nd, 2008 at 10:32 pm

    43

    I think they only logical thing to do would be to transform yourself into greenman.

44. Melvin

    September 23rd, 2008 at 12:41 am

    44

    I wish I knew anything about Philadelphia.
    Toronto is where I’m from and it’s where I’ll be.

45. Astrid

    September 23rd, 2008 at 2:50 am

    45

    I agree about the cheese steak! http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/ this place is the first and The Originator of the Philly Steak and Cheese Steak. Haha I saw it ones on the internet looks pretty cool. They are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, yummy! que rico! Oh but before you do that, just go and take a “siesta” (nap) cause you might feel tired. Now I have a question WHY Philadelphia?

46. Christy

    September 23rd, 2008 at 3:46 am

    46

    As it is, I wouldn’t want to be you.

47. Stephanie

    September 23rd, 2008 at 7:30 am

    47

    Let’s just say if I were you, I’d definitely go to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

48. Oak

    September 23rd, 2008 at 7:47 am

    48

    Forgot to mention: Wait for a hot summer day and get some Rita’s Water (”wuata”) Ice. I consider Philly my hometown, but I must say not to expect much “customer service with a smile” in many parts of the city.

49. Eric

    September 23rd, 2008 at 7:32 pm

    49

    You should check out Rittenhouse Square.
    Do it.

50. Adam

    September 23rd, 2008 at 7:33 pm

    50

    Check out a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park

51. SnakeMan

    September 23rd, 2008 at 7:53 pm

    51

    You can’t visit Philly without getting a good cheesesteak.

    My suggestion would be Pat’s - http://www.patskingofsteaks.com.

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    September 25th, 2008 at 12:01 pm

    52

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53. Kamil

    September 25th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

    53

    Congrats Brian!!!