|
 |
|
Print Preview
A Weekend Is More Fun in Historic Philadelphia
Historic by Day, Electrifying by Night
|
|
The original Morimoto in Historic Philadelphia
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
|
Location:
Historic Philadelphia
Transportation:
Walking. Cabs, horse-drawn carriages, and trolley optional.
Duration:
36 hours (Friday evening to Sunday lunch)
If your first visit to Historic Philadelphia was back in the fourth grade, clutching a warm juice box on a noisy school bus, congratulations — you can have a martini now.
In fact, for every place in Philadelphia that inspires you with American history, there’s another that will help you wind down or rev up — with food, fun, art, drinks, bargains and a whole lot more.
This itinerary is designed to get you out in Old City and its surroundings — sure, there's a ton to do during the day, but the scene really heats up at night.
So pack your dancing shoes and your appetite — and get ready for a little history, Philly-style.
Friday
|
6 P.M.
|
|
|
Old City at Night
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
|
1) Let The Crowd Be Your CompassAfter checking into your hotel, head over to Old City to orient yourself over a few alfresco cocktails.
Aim for Market Street between 2nd and 4th Streets, where sidewalk seating is plentiful. Pick a place that strikes your fancy — a few of our recommendations are Anjou, Fork, Pizzicato and Patou.
Sit back, enjoy a drink or two and soak up the vibe. This is a great way to get your bearings and an even better way to begin your weekend in Historic Philadelphia.
(Note: If you’ve arrived on the First Friday of the month, there’s already a party planned for you in Old City, the 19th-century loft district that wraps around Historic Philadelphia. Galleries and shops will be open to the public until around 9 p.m., and the neighborhood will be buzzing even more than usual.)
|
|
8:30 P.M.
|
Now it's time to sneak a little learning into your evening. The Lights of Liberty Show will take you through the Revolution — as it happened, where it happened.
While listening to celebrities like Ossie Davis and Charlton Heston narrate the story of the Revolution through headphones, you'll see a grand lighting display on such historic buildings as Independence Hall and Carpenters' Hall.
In the midst of the Philadelphia night, it's all very cool to watch.
|
|
10 P.M.
|
|
|
Enjoy a few sophisticated cocktails
Photo by G. Widman
|
3) High Society Social Hour
If you truly want to check out the scene, you should probably head to one of our suggested places for a few cosmopolitan cocktails — Tangerine, Red Sky, Patou and Cebu are all smart choices.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back spot, stop in the recently renovated Society Hill Hotel. The space once operated as a longshoreman’s tavern; today, the outdoor tables are prime real estate for people-watching.
|
|
12 A.M.
|
It's not time to hit the hay yet — check out National Mechanics for a beer, some dancing and perhaps a bite… if you’re still hungry. The bar is in a historic bank building from the early 19th Century. Now, the currency is 30+ local and international craft beers, amazing burgers and a seriously funky atmosphere. A DJ adds to the vibe on weekends.
Another good late-night option is Sugar Mom’s, a cavernous hipster hangout with awesome local beers on draft and a pretty stellar jukebox.
|
Saturday
|
9 A.M.
|
Nurse a cup of coffee and a slice of apple coffeecake at one of the sun-washed marble tables at Old City Coffee behind historic Christ Church. You’ll be looking out on a narrow alley that hasn’t changed much since Charles Dickens visited Philadelphia in 1842.
For a big diner breakfast, find Mrs. K’s, a coffee shop that’s so retro it doesn’t have to pretend to be. And please finish your eggs. Your waitress might worry if you don’t.
|
|
10 A.M.
|
|
|
Elfreth's Alley
Photo by E. Savaria
|
Of course Betsy Ross’ place is immensely popular, but you have quieter options, too. Stop by the modest Todd House, where Dolly Madison lived with her first husband, John Todd. Bishop White’s sprawling townhouse, meanwhile, boasts a hearth worthy of Cinderella. And the opulent Powel House (a mansion, really) was a favorite hangout of George Washington’s.
Then visit Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously occupied street in America, and an interesting lesson in how much room a family really needs (900 square feet, 0 baths, 0 garage).
Next, wander around Old City for shops that are unexpected but not over-priced. Did we mention that there’s no sales tax on clothing in Pennsylvania? And that AKA Music and The Book Trader are havens for the slightly used, and those who love them?
|
|
1 P.M.
|
7) Lunch with a Farm-Fresh Twist
|
|
2:30 P.M.
|
|
|
The National Constitution Center
Photo by J. Smith
|
Arrive at the National Constitution Center, located within sight of The Liberty Bell Center (you'll be getting there in due time).
“Multimedia” and “interactive” don’t begin to describe the scope and drama of this museum, built on a sweeping scale that's purely dedicated to our great nation. Watch live actors take the Presidential Oath, complain to your Senator via e-mail, then wander through a crowd of life-sized Founding Fathers.
It’s an eerie and powerful experience, staring George Washington right in the eye. What would you say to him?
|
|
4 P.M.
|
As you leave the Constitution Center, walk by the grave of one of The Constitution's most famous creators, Benjamin Franklin. He and his wife, Deborah, are buried at the Christ Church Burial Ground.
After paying your respects, you can walk through the Franklins' “ghost house” at Franklin Court. Rather than rebuild the torn-down house, the National Park Service uncovered its foundations and built a three-story steel outline. You have to imagine what room was where; it’s a 3-D brainteaser that would have made Franklin proud.
|
|
5:30 P.M.
|
|
|
The deck on the Moshulu
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
|
10) The Pursuit of Happiness
Option #2: Sopra Lounge at Positano Coast, where a beautiful open-air lounge allows you to enjoy an afternoon cocktail while overlooking picturesque Society Hill.
Afterwards, take a garden stroll on your way back to your hotel — enjoy a brief repose in the elegant 18th Century Garden on Walnut near 4th Street. Then cross 4th Street and head through the Rose Garden to Locust Street, where you’ll discover the hidden Magnolia Garden.
|
|
8 P.M.
|
11) From Colonial to Contemporary
Your first option is Zento, a modest-looking place that has a reputation for simple, fresh and exceptional sushi. (Don’t miss the Zento roll.)
Two blocks away is Bistro 7, another stellar BYOB serving locally-sourced new American cuisine. The continuously changing seasonal menu shines in the understated storefront design. (For wine and spirits, stop by the liquor store at 32 S. 2nd Street — your chef will take care of the rest.)
If you don’t feel like bringing your own beverage, check out the original Morimoto for absolutely sublime Japanese fare.
|
|
10 P.M.
|
12) Local Beers with the Local Set
Triumph's industrial-yet-swanky decor is enough to turn heads — as is the unisex bathroom — but the award-winning selection of home-brewed lagers and ales definitely ups the ante. The Imperial Stout and Honey Wheat brews are consistent favorites — and if you get there before 11 p.m., you can sample their late-night menu of risotto fritters, edamame and good-for-what-ails-ya burgers.
|
|
12 A.M.
|
|
|
Live music rocks at the Khyber
Photo by G. Widman
|
13) Liberty - Loud and Clear
And if you’re looking for DJs and a little dancing, just head on upstairs.
Further up 2nd Street is The Tin Angel, where the scene is a little more chill, but the music is still live and the acts are nonetheless legit.
|
Sunday
|
10 A.M.
|
14) A Trip Around the World - And It's Not Even Noon
|
|
12 P.M.
|
15) The Historical Heavy Hitters
This is it — the room where Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and their fellow revolutionaries laid the groundwork for creating a nation.
Once you've soaked in the feeling of the room, head to Congress Hall. It was here that the United States Congress sat when Philadelphia was the capital from 1790 to 1800.
Then walk across the street to the newly designed Liberty Bell Center. The most famous freedom ringer in history is clearly visible from the outside, but step into the Center to explore films, graphics, documents and even x-rays of the Liberty Bell's intricate inner-workings.
|
|
1:30 P.M.
|
|
|
Gorgeous Produce at Headhouse Square
Photo by M. McClellen
|
16) History Meets Foodie Heaven
Stroll through the market to find a beautiful display of locally grown produce like cheese, fruit and vegetables. Not that it's all good-for-you foodstuffs — you'll also find more than your share of baked goods and ice cream.
Buy one of everything you like, and what you can't finish while you're standing there chatting will happily go home with you.
|
Hotels + More
|
|
Transportation
If you're traveling from New York, New England, DC, Baltimore, Harrisburg, etc., Amtrak is easy — and you can get 50% off a companion fare when you use our special discount code V454. Book online at Amtrak or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Driving
If you drive here, stash your car off-street until you leave. Though you might enjoy an occasional cab, trolley or carriage ride, there’s nothing you can’t reach on foot. Parking regulations are enforced in the historic area, and you may find yourself getting towed with un-municipal efficiency.
Accommodations
You can’t get closer than the bustling Holiday Inn Philadelphia Historic District, which is right in the thick of everything (distance: 0 miles) and has a sunny rooftop pool with a view.
The Sheraton Society Hill is just four blocks from Independence Hall and a block from Penn’s Landing in residential Society Hill. It has a bit more greenery than most c | |