12 things to do in Center City Philadelphia
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
7. Feast on Philly favorites at the Reading Terminal Market
Foodies will want to place a visit to the Reading Terminal Market high on your to-do list. Eat your way through Philly’s diverse food scene by way of cheesesteaks, local coffee, fresh produce & bakery goods, authentic Italian cuisine, classic Pennsylvania Dutch food, and more.
The Reading Market opened back in 1893 and continues to be a tourist favorite. At one point, it was referred to as “the greatest food market in the world.” Today, both locals and tourists enjoy foods and goods from over 80 local businesses. Be sure to test out a Philly style soft pretzel at Miller’s Twist, Italian cookies at Termini Brothers, and a cheesesteak at By George.
8. Take a nature break at Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse is one of 5 beautiful public squares planned by William Penn. Leafy Rittenhouse Square is home to lovely fountains, animal sculptures, plenty of trees, and features great views of the skyline. Take a refreshing walk around the grounds, grab a coffee from a local shop and enjoy the ambiance, people watch. Simply spend an hour or 2 getting back to nature in one of Philly’s best urban parks. I love strolling around during cherry blossom season!
9. Enjoy a show on the largest LED screen
In 2005, the largest 4mm LED screen was installed at The Comcast Center in Philadelphia. The 10 million pixel screen provides the most amazingly crisp picture, 5x the resolution of of an HD television. During the Christmas season, they air a tremendous holiday production, a spirited 15 minute show featuring poplar carols and a brief hint of The Nutcracker production performed by the Pennsylvania ballet. As one of the city’s top holiday tradition, this is definitely one for the bucket list.
10. Treat yourself to authentic Italian food
Of course, you would never visit Philadelphia without indulging in some authentic Italian food. From pizza, to lasagna, to ravioli, to gelato, you can find all your Italian favorites here. From casual to elegant, classic to modern, numerous Italian restaurants are sprinkled throughout Center City. For terrific traditional old-world Italian food, check out Ralph’s Italian (America’s oldest Italian restaurant), Dante & Luigi’s, or Giorgio’s on Pine. Gran Caffe L’Aquila and Tredici Enoteca are fun modern Italian establishments to add to your bucket list.
For the best pizza in the area, stop by Aldo and Manny’s. This classic no frills pizza joint serves the best comfort fare in the city including traditional pies, hoagies, strombolis, assorted pasta dishes, and traditional Italian desserts. Conveniently located just a short walk from Dilworth park, this is a perfect lunch choice in between activities.
11. Enjoy sporting events at the oldest pub in the city
McGills Old Ale House opened in 1860 and is now the oldest continuously operating tavern in the city. The ambiance here is loud and rowdy most of the time, thus making it a more popular hangout for drinks and sporting events, rather than a traditional Irish pub where you come more for the great food. Nevertheless, it’s a fun place to watch an Eagles game.
Also, they always throw parties (with various food & drink specials) for all the biggest sporting events, most notably the Superbowl. The menu includes traditional Irish fare plus fun game day appetizers. As a bonus, they offer numerous vegetarian options so anyone avoiding meat no longer has to sit out on the fun. And, as you can see in the photo above, this place goes all out on the Christmas decor.
12. Eat your way through Chinatown
While Philly’s Chinatown may not be as large as New York and San Francisco, there are still plenty of great Asian restaurants and shops to check out. A beautiful gilt painted Friendship Gate welcomes you to the area. You will find everything here from dim sum, to matcha green tea infused desserts, to ramen, to rolled ice cream to enjoy during your time here.
One unique place you must try is A La Mousse, an eclectic French/Asian bakery which specializes in European style desserts infused with an Asian touch. Feast your eyes on the decadent assortment of desserts as you walk in, all of which look too good to eat. Treat yourself to a refreshing matcha green tea milkshake or a decadent matcha cheesecake.
- 1
- 2
