What to Do in Philly | Best Coffee, Parks, & More
I can go on and on about how Philly’s food and coffee scene are underrated, and y’all know I have an ongoing hashtag #phillynooks that I update periodically to highlight this great city I now call home. I’ve been getting requests for a full-on blog write up of my favorite Philly spots, so here it is! Full disclosure this was copy and pasted from our wedding website but has been updated with new spots, photos, up-to-date info.
Things to Do
BARNES FOUNDATION
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
https://goo.gl/maps/UYPxojgjP182
KELLY DRIVE
Scenic drive/stroll along the Schuylkill (Skoo-kuhl) River, look for the boathouses!
SHOP THE LOOK
PENN TREATY PARK
Super chill park tucked away in North Philly with great views of the bridge. Also where we took our engagement photos!
SHOP THE LOOK
PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART (ROCKY STEPS)
AAAADRRRIIAAANN...the museum is cool too
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130 / https://goo.gl/maps/FpyPXqg4Wyv
LONGWOOD GARDENS
If you're up for the drive (~45 minutes), beautiful outdoor space of gardens and greenery. Time it right for the fountain show!
1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348 / https://goo.gl/maps/diYSTzfejrm
READING TERMINAL MARKET
Public market with all kinds of food, from Amish to Indian and everything in between
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 / https://goo.gl/maps/ywMEzyrBnZ22
KING OF PRUSSIA MALL
Largest shopping mall in America! In terms of total space taken up, at least. It's so big it's both bougie AND basic.
160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406 / https://goo.gl/maps/V5NHR1vaY6J2
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
Independence Hall/Liberty Bell, Race St. Pier/Cherry St. Pier, Chinatown, Rail Park, University of Penn campus, Rodin Museum, Rittenhouse Square, Franklin Institute, Old City, Please Touch Museum (a hit with kids!), Washington Square
Coffee
ELIXR
Probably our favorite coffee in the city. Now with two locations!
207 S Sydenham St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 / https://goo.gl/maps/TipVi5GsPxn
315 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 / https://goo.gl/maps/LMyNNVXGTHP2
RIVAL BROS
1528 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 / https://goo.gl/maps/hEhYJSDFRSt
2400 Lombard St, Philadelphia, PA 19146 / https://goo.gl/maps/kEfxJ6DWHU32
REANIMATOR
310 Master St, Philadelphia, PA 19122 / https://goo.gl/maps/53LtDJpZZas
4705 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19143 / https://goo.gl/maps/4kiM3cxBVuM2
PEDDLER
Our first date spot. Also where we got engaged. Where it all began!
2100 Spring St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 / https://goo.gl/maps/iPPCB73vD7E2
LA COLOMBE
Philly staple. Check out the spacious flagship (with delicious pastry and food options!) in Fishtown!
1335 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125 / https://goo.gl/maps/Annmb2KEh4D2 (Flagship)
130 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 / https://goo.gl/maps/DMFeuN9bo7z
OTHER COFFEE JOINTS
Res Ipsa, United by Blue, Function, Ultimo, Menagerie, Joe
Dessert
JOHN’S WATER ICE
They sell delicious water ice and ice cream. Only open during the summer though, so definitely treat yourself if you’re in town during the warmer months. Cash only.
701 Christian St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 / https://goo.gl/maps/KqL6WQCP85bTVnpk7
LIL' POP SHOP
Whimsical artisanal popsicles. Green Tea Mochi and Chocolate Salted Caramel Brownie are our go-to flavors. And the Pumpkin S’mores in the fall. YUM!
265 S 44th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 / https://goo.gl/maps/g4G7umoENmM2
FEDERAL CHICKEN AND DONUTS
Excellent fried chicken (dry rub or glazed). Cake donuts that are either fancy (ex. blood orange caramel) or hot and fresh (literally made hot and fresh). Our recommendation? Hot and fresh. Don't doubt us.
1632 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 / https://goo.gl/maps/Vg6H99PHcx52
3428 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19121 / https://goo.gl/maps/1DTVg26gaQR2
BEILER'S DOUGHNUTS
Located in Reading Terminal Market (see Things To Do) but also by UPenn. Known for their apple fritters and the blueberry fritters but honestly you can't go wrong.
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 / https://goo.gl/maps/piQeAjWxtuA2
3900 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 / https://goo.gl/maps/xctKjP61kzE2
FRANKLIN FOUNTAIN
Old-timey ice cream with old-timey feel (literally, it's cash only)
116 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 / https://goo.gl/maps/Bxdmx53WCzT2
WECKERLY’S ICE CREAM
Best ice cream sandwiches we ever did have.
9 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123 / https://g.page/weckerlysicecream?share
OTHER DESSERT JOINTS
Bakeshop on 20th, Little Baby's Ice Cream, Dottie’s Donuts
Food
DIZENGOFF/GOLDIE'S
If you like hummus, go to Dizengoff. If you don't like hummus, go to Dizengoff (I was in the latter category and now I’m a convert). Also, tehina shake at Goldie's. I'm so hungry.
DIMSUM GARDEN
SOUP DUMPLINGS. Also cash only.
1020 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 / https://goo.gl/maps/mPFderk6sKS2
HAN DYNASTY
Szechuan food. Feel the burn.
3711 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 / https://goo.gl/maps/9TuiirvKQV82
123 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 / https://goo.gl/maps/622W7Hu5kCC2
CHILI SZECHUAN
We always get the dan dan noodles, double cooked pork, dry pepper fish, and snow pea leaves (yes for just the two of us).
4205 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 / https://goo.gl/maps/ezMZ9D1D8pGXBPer6
PAT'S/GENO'S/JOHN'S ROAST PORK/JIM'S/STEVE'S/WOODROW’S
The battle of cheesesteaks. Pick your contender
LOLITA
Luke's mom said it was one of her favorite Mexican places ever.
106 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 / https://goo.gl/maps/GV6oVNjXDrq
VILLAGE WHISKEY
Have you tried their burger? You should. Also their duck fat fries.
118 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 / https://goo.gl/maps/SFjfKAJWe172
RESTAURANT TAQUERIA EL JAROCHO
Some of the best tacos in the city
1138 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 / https://goo.gl/maps/1S3vFHowsm92
south philly barbacoa
Lives up to the Chef’s Table hype. Cash only and odd hours, so make sure they’re open before you head over!
1140 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 / https://goo.gl/maps/q4EaEXqpreLL2Pd66
SHOP L’S LOOK
PHO HA
Sadly no Asian grandma with glaucoma napping in the corner of the bathroom, but pretty sure it doubles as a supply closet. In any case, the floor is greasy so you know the pho is legit. Cash only because Asian.
600 Washington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147 / https://goo.gl/maps/SkqViSa6edD2
CAFE SOHO
KFC! Not KFC, but you know, KFC.
.
.
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As in Korean fried chicken
468 W Cheltenham Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19126 / https://goo.gl/maps/2VS88R8PxCz
PIZZA BRAIN
Come for the self-proclaimed world's first pizza museum, stay for the pizza
2313 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125 / https://goo.gl/maps/AU5sRwJnGC62
ANGELO’S PIZZA
736 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 / https://goo.gl/maps/c4oxqmyr2zJUAu8BA
PIZZA SHACKAMAXON
115 E Girard Ave #3907, Philadelphia, PA 19125 / https://goo.gl/maps/DgijkeTGEdcMhmEv8
ZAHAV
237 St James Pl, Philadelphia, PA 19106 / https://goo.gl/maps/mnSKxe9nqdW9AUfX9
LASER WOLF
1301 N Howard St, Philadelphia, PA 19122 / https://goo.gl/maps/MwfWvGRz4TNCPoFf6
CAFE LIFT
The best huevos rancheros Luke & I have ever had
428 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123 / https://goo.gl/maps/2g3t7SoeyY32
OTHER FOOD JOINTS
Because honestly there's too many places to list: Shiao Lan Kung, Monk's, Barbuzzo, South Philly Barbacoa, Paesano's, Dubu, Nomad, Green Egg's Cafe, Sabrina's, Saad's, Pizzeria Beddia, Square Pie
Hello, I’m Ettie, a graphic designer based in Philadelphia, PA. Welcome to my blog!