Exploring Philly Outside of the Tourist sites

Marketing often is lost on me, but Visit Philly’s signs across the city got me. They read: “Come for Philadelphia. Stay for Philly.” The first time I visited the former capital of the United States was with family. Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Rocky Statue, and Reading Terminal Market filled our trip. We experienced Philadelphia.

Living in Washington, D.C., the short Amtrak trip brings me to Philadelphia often, inviting me to experience Philly, the city beyond the tourist sites. After dozens of trips, I’m convinced Philly is one of the best cities in the country. Their food scene rivals most, neighborhoods vibrant, and the mural program the country’s largest. To experience it yourself, here are my recommendations.

Eat:

• Bamboloni with Sicilian pistachio cream from Pietramala, a vegan restaurant that sources its ingredients from local farms.
• Buttercreams from Shane Confectionery, one of the oldest chocolate shops in the country.
• Canolli from Isgro Pastries, a family-owned Italian bakery for over 120 years.
• Cheesesteak from John’s Roast Pork, a Philly institution since 1930.
• Chocolate and halva babka at Essen Bakery, which is temporarily closed as of June 2026.
• Double chocolate pain au chocolat croissant at Machine Shop, a woman-owned bakery inside a 1936 school building.
• Focaccia ricotta open-faced sandwich at Mr. Rabbit Coffee, a small cafe within walking distance from the Amtrak train station.
• Garlicky cabbage from Mawn, a top-rated Cambodian restaurant on the same block as beloved Angelo’s Pizzeria.
• Pastrami from Famous 4th Street Delicatessen, a Jewish deli in a 1920s space.
• Pomegranate lamb shoulder from Zahav, a top-rated Israeli restaurant.
• Sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese at Cleo Bagels, a shop with a secret courtyard that started in a basement kitchen. If you want a sesame bagel with blueberry compote, go to Slice & Schmear.
• Shopsin club from Middle Child, a popular sandwich shop with a funky design.
• Turkish egg safeha at Majdal Bakery, a Syrian bakery with pastries from across the Middle East.

Drink:

• Bubble tea from Tea House Cafe, a shop on the bottom floor of an apartment building.
• Cardamon caramel latte from Function Coffee Labs, a single-origin coffee shop in the Bella Vista neighborhood.
• Cocktails inside Hop Sing Laundromat, a speakeasy in Chinatown.
• Craft cocktails from STATIC!, an innovative cocktail bar with elevated cocktails and daily Jell-O shots.
• Latte from Two Persons, a coffee shop inside the BOK Building, once a 1936 school.
• Sour ale at Human Robot, a brewery with several locations and a rotating seasonal sour on tap.
• Totomoxtle latte made with corn husk and burnt tortilla from La Jefa, a cafe inspired by Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city.
• Vanilla latte at Vernick Coffee Bar, a coffee shop inside the design-forward lobby of the Comcast Technology Center.

Do:

• Hike 50 miles of trails inside Wissahickon Valley Park, the city’s second-largest park. Start at the Hermitage Mansion, a 19th century mansion named after the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. Follow the trail to Kelpius Cave, a 17th century cave built by hermits/mystics. Continue to the Henry Avenue Bridge for sweeping views and graffiti art. (You can go off the trail to find the graffiti under the bridge.) Next, walk to Historic Rittenhouse Town, a preserved 17th century paper mill village.
• Read a book and people watch at Rittenhouse Square, a public park first planned in the 17th century with regular events and live music.
• Shop at the Black Farmers Market at Malcolm X Memorial Park every second and fourth Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the end of May through November.
• Skate at the large skating park under an underpass within FDR Park, a large public park with a 1914 gazebo with water views, a 1920 boat house, and the Swedish American Historical Museum.
• Stroll along The Rail Park, an urban park along historic railroad tracks that’s reminiscent of NYC’s Highline.
• Tour the Eastern State Penitentiary, the country’s first penitentiary and home to Al Capone’s cell and ghost tours.
• Walk along the Italian Market 9th Street, a ten-block open-air market and one of Philly’s largest.

See:

• Beaux-Arts architecture at Parkway Central Library, the city’s largest public library built in 1927.
• Famous shoes like ones worn by Ringo Starr at the Shoe Museum inside Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine open weekdays.
• Mosaic art at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a venue with mosaics and sculptures. For more mosaics, wander the neighborhood.
• Murals in almost every neighborhood through Mural Arts, the country’s largest mural program.
• Riverside views from Bartram’s Garden, a 50-acre public park with trails and 18th century buildings.
• Views of the city’s skyline from Cira Green, a rooftop garden and bar near the train station.