Foodie paradise. Located in Center City, this is one of the biggest and oldest public markets in Philadelphia. It is THE place for fresh produce, seafood, meats and cheese for locals. You will find every type of food there and dozens of restaurants to choose from. I’d definitely recommend wandering through the whole place before you decide on your main meal!
Despite the name, don’t expect to see any plants in these gardens. This was actually my favorite part of my stay in Philadelphia. This artsy mosaic gallery and art center makes you appreciate all forms of art. The mosaic murals are made up of objects such as kitchen tiles, glass bottles, bicycle wheels, and china plates but all come together into a mesmerizing arrangement. It’s truly something to be seen with your own eyes. Just a heads up to book a ticket in advance if you can and the museum is closed on Tuesdays!
It’s basically a rite of passage to get a Philly cheesesteak if it’s your first time to Philadelphia. The experience of eating a cheesesteak is not just hype; they are delicious. Everyone has an opinion on the best cheesesteak. It may be Pat’s, Geno’s, or Jim’s on south street. You can’t go wrong with any of those but I was also recommended to try Ishkabibbles and it did not disappoint. Make sure you order it the proper way and say “wiz wit” if you want cheese wiz with fried onions. You already committed to join the @fatfoodiezzz club so might as well get the real deal.
The Rocky statue and Rocky steps are another piece of Philadelphia history and should not be missed on a visit here.
At the top of the Rocky Steps sits the Philadelphia museum of art which features a little bit of everything including American art, medieval armor, and a rotating exhibition (designs for different features was up when I went). This museum has thousands of art pieces from some of the worlds most well known artists. You can spend hours wandering through all the pieces in this museum.
The iconic sculpture crafted by Robert Indiana marks Love park. You can’t help but feel happy standing in its presence.
Philadelphia has so many historical sites including the famous Liberty Bell, the national symbol of freedom. Definitely something to check out when in Philly! Entrance to the bell is free and then across from the Liberty Bell is Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Hancock.
Definitely enjoyed seeing the grittier side of Philadelphia. I spend hours wandering the streets and popping into various vintage and consignment stores on and near South Street. Some of my favorites were Bella’s boutique, Philly AIDS thrift, and Retrospect Vintage.