I just had an amazing weekend in Philadelphia. Yeah I know, I could probably pick a better word to describe great weather, memorable food and fantastic company than amazing. But it’s the word that comes top of mind. I came to Philly for a concert I’ve been wanting to go to for 4 years and took some ‘me’ time wandering the city like a local, and friend time with my B-school classmate Travis at the concert and exploring his favorite local spots.
So if you’re planning a weekend in Philly and want to see it like a local, my (less than) 48 hour itinerary will hit some high spots in neighborhoods outside of the historic city center. You’ll probably want some comfy walking shoes.
SATURDAY
Italian Market is a great place to start your day. The district’s website describes the neighborhood as “a wonderful assault on the senses” and it really is just that. Scents of produce stands, butchers, coffee shops and Italian specialty shops filter through the air in a few small blocks that are packed with a melting pot of nationalities and backgrounds. Korean produce vendors, a latin bodega, an African-American wig shop and an Italian butcher shop that’s 100 years old all stand side-by-side. Come hungry for a delicious brunch at Sabrina’s Cafe (910 Christian Street). Arrive early to avoid what can be a long wait on weekend mornings. I had the Falcor’s Children special - zucchini and basil corn cakes with a cheddar onion scramble, marinated steak tips and tri-pepper chutney. Yum!
Italian Market
9th Street between Washington and Christian
Website
From Italian Market, make your way north on 9th Street and enjoy the smell of fresh baked goods from Sarcone’s Bakery (758 South 9th Street) wafting through the street. Stop in for a taste too! People watch the whole way - Little League practice, children learning to ride a bike in Palumbo Playground, locals out for a morning run or getting their AM coffee fix.
You won’t want to miss Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens - a huge public mosaic installation by artist Isaiah Zagar. The installation covers half a city block and is made of found objects, glass, mirrors and ceramic tiles that combine to make a beautiful combination of light, texture and color. Magic Gardens is also an art education center and hosts events from concerts to birthday parties.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street
Website
Keep the walking tour going and head north to Walnut Street. Hang a right and check out the cute shops on the way to Independence National Historic Park, home of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Get free tickets to the sights at the Visitor’s Center and use the very informative and convenient phone service to pick up a few historic facts. Look for the plaques found throughout the park.
On the recommendation of a friend, I had an early dinner at Barbuzzo, an intimate Mediterranean bar in the heart of the city, because I had tickets forThe Roots Picnic that evening. I doubt you can go wrong with anything on the menu. I had the fava and arugula salad, stuffed meatballs and margarita pizza that is served with fresh dried oregano and a hot pepper sauce. It tasted like it came straight from Naples. Delicious! Make sure to get reservations. But if by chance you can’t, stop in anyway and eat at the bar. You don’t want to miss this restaurant.
Barbuzzo
110 South 13th Street
Website
After the concert we headed to the up and coming Fishtown area for late night drinks and eats a Kraftwork. Kraftwork serves casual and yummy food paired with fantastic craft beers on tap that change daily. I had the Korean BBQ tacos which were super tasty and washed it down with a couple of glasses of Russian River Brewing Company’s Pliny the Elder.
Kraftwork
541 East Girard Avenue
Website
SUNDAY
Eclectic is the best way to describe the decor of North Third (801 North 3rd Street) a bar/restaurant located in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia (just north of City Center). You’ll find some typical and atypical brunch fare and yummy bloody marys. Get a table outside and watch the bands of young professionals and their toddlers walk by in this trendy neighborhood. Looks like a good place for nighttime fun too - especially if you’ve just seen some live music at the Electric Factory (421 N. 7th Street).
Head over to the Old City section of town for some shopping at the stylish boutiques on 3rd Street between Arch and Race. The shops tend to cater to the hipster crew. You can find everything from cute floral dresses to used bicycles to a double espresso from the ever ubiquitous Starbucks. For old-school music stop in at AKA Music (27 N 2nd Street), one of the few used music stores left in the city with a large collection of vinyl.
You’ll probably work up a hunger with all of the shopping and walking, so on the way back to the airport stop for a traditional Philly Cheesesteak at Jim’s Steaks. Philadelphian’s will debate who makes the best cheesesteak and Jim’s is one of the oldest and most popular. Geno’s (1219 South 9th Street) and Pat’s (1237 East Passyunk Avenue) also make the top of the list and are located close to Italian Market (also kind of on the way to the airport).
Jim’s Steaks
400 South Street
Website
As you wander around the city look for the more than 3,000 murals scattered on random buildings. If you have time, you can even take a mural tour. The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program offers several tours on trains, trolleys and by foot. There’s even a tour you can download and take yourself. I’m taking one on my next trip to the City of Brotherly Love.