Walking along the cobblestone streets of Old City, past the Liberty bell, or Independence hall, you can easily find yourself caught up in the history of Philadelphia. The literal birthplace of a nation, it’s important not to ignore the contributions the city made to the nation’s past as a whole. But don’t get too lost in the ghosts of the past; the city is also alive with enough modern entertainment, nightlife, and dining to make any city jealous! From the fabulous four star dining experiences, to the nightlife on the waterfront, there’s something for every type in Philadelphia.
Standing just East of the corner of 10th & South Street is the strange and mysterious Magic Gardens. Originally an art project started by a lone artist (who didn’t even own the lot it’s in) the Gardens have grown into a spectacular vision of broken glass, and tile mosaics. Free to view, the gardens also offer workshops teaching artists the broken tile medium.
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Originally started as a means to cut down on graffiti throughout the city, the city’s mural arts program is directly responsible for decorating the city with more murals then any other in the nation. Ranging from building to park bench in size, the murals cover almost any subject imaginable.
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Reading Terminal specializes in fresh produce, handmade crafts, and great food. The largest indoor Farmer’s market in the city, it opened its doors in 1892 and has flourished ever since. A great place to spend the afternoon, parking can even be validated for the low price of only three dollars. The market can be found on 12th and Arch streets.
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You can’t make a trip to Philadelphia and ignore the Constitution Center. A relatively new attraction in the city, it’s one of the nation’s premiere historical museums. Take a tour through the past, and explore the exiting history of a document that frames the very essence of the United States.
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The Liberty Bell, possibly the most famous bells in the country, can be found on Market and 6th streets in the Liberty Bell Center. Originally cast to commemorate the anniversary of the Pennsylvania charter (even though the word Pennsylvania is missing an n) the bell was taken up as a symbol against slavery giving it much larger meaning to the country.
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Independence hall is a building that gave birth to a nation. Explore this popular Philadelphia attraction and see just where the Declaration of Independence was signed by men who ultimately changed the face of the world. Tours are available daily, and during summer months the surrounding park even hosts a light show. Walk-Up Tickets are available for free on the morning of your visit at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Street starting at 8:30 AM. The first tour starts at 9:00AM.
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Any good stay in Philadelphia deserves a viewing of the Philadelphia Museum of art. Made famous by the movie Rocky, the museum houses over 200,000 distinct pieces of artwork. It’s open everyday except Monday, and most major holidays, and the twelve dollar admission is waived on Sundays. Just make sure you don’t get caught doing your Stallone impersonation on the stairs.
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Quite possibly one of the most popular restaurants in the city, the stylish Buddakan features an Asian fusion menu. Come with a group, or meet new faces beneath a giant statue of Buddha around the communal center table, but be prepared to make reservations early. Buddakan fills up fast.
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Make your way into Northern Liberties to a little place on the corner of 2nd and Poplar, if you want a great selection of pub food. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers and fries or even a stylish cheese platter, Standard Tap has something for you. The clientele tends to be a bit on the artsy side, but the atmosphere is laid back and fun.
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Steven Starr’s take on the American diner, the continental serves up diner inspired meals with a gourmet flavor. Known also as a popular cocktail lounge, the decor here is sort of a classed up sixties style airport bar. Come ready for martinis (the signature drink) and if you get a chance try the appetizers.
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If you bring a bottle of Tequila, El Azteca’s staff will supply the rest. The result? A pitcher of margaritas for your table to share. Sit back, enjoy a good (strong) margarita with friends, and dine on some tasty authentic Mexican food to boot!
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Located in West Philadelphia on the UPENN campus, Pod is Steven Starr’s Sushi place designed with students in mind. It features a retro style interior complete with white plastic shell seats, and sixties style TVs in the windows. Drinks here are ordered by color not by liquor, so if you’re in a blue mood, this is your place!
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An Irish bar known for its Mexican food? Moriarty’s serves up some tasty Mexican style platters, with everything from burritos to nachos. It also hosts a huge assortment of beers on tap and an extensive import list. Watch out though, as its close proximity to the Forrest Theater makes this a popular spot for the after show dinner crowd.
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Philly may not be known for accommodating sports fans, but the same can’t be said of its premiere sports bar. Chickie and Pete’s has long been known as the place to go, grab a plate of crab fries, and watch the game on one of its many TVs. They even offer a free cab service to and from the stadium! You’ll never know who you might run into either, as many famous Philadelphia personalities frequent the place.
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Down on 7th and South Street is a little place known only as Sausalito Cafe. It serves up burritos (they call them Commandments) made to order using only the freshest ingredients. With even a large selection of vegetarian specialties, it has something for any Mexican taste. It’s mostly an order and go kind of place, but it does have a few tables in the back.
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On the corner of 9th and Passyunk Avenue, Geno’s Steaks is a legend amongst native Philadelphians hungry for cheese steaks. Choose onions or not, pick your cheese (American, Provolone, or Whiz) pay the man, and then move on down the line- you get your sides at the next window. Keep it simple and you’ll get your steak; otherwise, you just might stay hungry.
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If you loose your way in Philadelphia its best to remember the streets (throughout the main city) are arranged in a grid pattern. Named streets run East/West while numbered streets run North/South. Keep this in mind. It makes getting around the town just a little easier.
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Philadelphia was designed for the horse and carriage, not the automobile; most of its streets tend to be somewhat narrow without much available in the way of on street parking. When on street parking can be found, it’s strictly regulated by the Philadelphia parking authority. Parking meters, where available, cost twenty five cents per fifteen minutes, normally available for a span of one to two hours. If you’re going to be longer then an hour, your best bet, for convenience sake, is probably parking in one of the numerous public parking garages
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If beer is your thing, Monk’s, located on 16th and Spruce Street, is your place in Philadelphia. Just grab their beer bible and pick the beer you want. Beer is their specialty, so you’re almost guaranteed to find something that fits your appetite. Expect a tight crowd, however, as the place’s small size does nothing to diminish its popularity.
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Denim is Philadelphia’s answer to New York’s trendy night spots. Those who want to be part of the movers and shakers make sure they make an appearance at Denim. Drinks can get a little pricey at Denim, but you’re paying for the atmosphere. Be sure to dress your finest and act your coolest, as not everyone is allowed in.
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Sit back and relax in this cozy brewery turned Jazz house. Located at 837 N. 3rd Street, the atmosphere mixes hunting lodge (it even has a stuffed moose head) with Jazz club. The club offers its clients a place to grab a cold beer and kickback with some world-class jazz, including a regular Tuesday night jam session.
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Where do all the hippies meet? South Street is well known in the city for being home grown by artists. The shops and restaurants run the gamut from quirky, to trendy, and the residents are no different. It’s busiest on weekends before nine pm, but most of its sights are open all week. The crowd tends to be on the younger side, but the numerous bars give even the older folks something to do.
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Northern Liberties, used to be one of those places in Philly you tried not to find yourself in after dark. That’s been changing lately in part due to places like the 700 Club. It’s a quirky little bar/dance club that takes its name from its address: 700 North Second Street. The dance floor is crowded, and the place gets pretty hot, but if you’re looking for no cover, great dance music, cheap drinks, and a slightly more artistic crowd, 700 is the place for you.
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On 4th and South Street just above The Latest Dish is a nightclub known as fluid. Since 1997 it’s been the place to go for electronic music of all types. It’s tripped out curvy interior, lacking any corner whatsoever, only adds to the fun the DJs create on the dance floor. Philly’s own world famous Josh Wink still plays a weekly set there, and it even hosts an amateur topless dance night.
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