A Local's Guide to Philadelphia: What to Do, See and Eat in Philly from a Local's Perspective

• Washington Square Park: This is the sister park to Rittenhouse Square in terms of popularity. It’s smaller and doesn’t have a farmer’s market, but it is beloved by us locals. Probably precisely because it’s a bit quieter. It’s a wonderful place to lay out a blanket and spend an afternoon.

• Barnes Museum: Instead of the Philadelphia Art Museum, check out the Barnes Foundation Museum. It houses an impressive collection of modern European paintings, including works by Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso. It also houses artifacts and art from Africa and Asia. The layout of the museum is unique in that it is similar to how the collection was arranged in the owner’s home. So as you walk through the museum, you’ll feel as if you’re walking through a home.

• Rodin Museum: This is right next to the Barnes Museum and it’s very impressive. Even if you don’t care for Rodin, just go check out the gardens in front of the museum. They are absolutely beautiful, and free! If you’re there in the summer, the museum hosts a happy hour in the gardens every Friday evening!

• Take a walk or bike along Kelly Drive: Kelly Drive along the Schuylkill River is a beautiful nature escape. You will always find locals relaxing, running/walking or biking along this path.

• Cafe hop: Philly has TONS of cute and delicious independent coffee shops and cafes. One of my favorite things to do is pop in and out of multiple cafes as I walk through the city, taking in the day.

• Pasta-making class: Philly has a strong Italian heritage, so there are few better cities in the US to take a pasta-making course than Philly. There are several offered throughout the city at varying price points, so you should be able to find something that fits your schedule and budget. I do recommend booking in advance, though, as these tend to fill up (it’s a popular date night or girls’ night activity here)!

• Eastern State Penitentiary: What was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world is now a museum — and it’s a darn cool one. You can even see the old cell of the prison’s most famous inmate: Al Capone. It’s also a very informative museum, with commentary on the prison system today. If you’re visiting in October and like all things haunted, Eastern State Pen does a Halloween night that is not for the faint of heart.

• Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center: This is my favorite hidden gem in Philly. The center, gifted to the American people by Japan after WWII, consists of the main building — modeled after an early 17th-century temple guest house — and a separate teahouse and bathhouse, all surrounded by stunning gardens. It’s so well done and just a beautiful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Restaurants

• Cheesesteaks: If you REALLY want a local experience, you can travel out to Northwest Philly to try Max's or, even further (and even more local), Dalessandro's.

• Grandma’s Philly: A phenomenal spot in Midtown that serves Thai food tapas style.

• Giorgio on Pine: A beloved and cozy BYOB Italian spot located on picturesque Pine Street.

• Eggcellent Cafe: An intimate breakfast spot in Old City with a deceptively impressive menu. This place is one of my favorite spots to go for breakfast. The French toast is to die for. I recommend going early, as it fills up quickly.

• Juno Mexican Grill: One of my go-to Mexican spots in the city. It’s in between Old City and Northern Liberties. Get the nachos and thank me later.

• El Purepecha: Another fab Mexican restaurant in Callowhill. Probably a bit more authentic than Juno. Definitely off the beaten path.

• Middle Child Clubhouse: All-day eatery famous for its breakfast sandwiches, but the lunch sandwiches are just as amazing. Especially during tomato season, Mid Kid’s BLTs are the talk of the town.

• Fitzwater Cafe: A beloved bakery and cafe in Bella Vista. They do all-day brunch.

• John's Roast Pork: The roast pork sandwich is almost as common in Philly as the cheesesteak. This is outside of Center City a bit, but easy to get to via Lyft or Uber. You can also try a roast pork sandwich at DiNic's in Reading Terminal.

• Her Place Supper Club: The fine dining spot run by the legendary Amanda Schulson. It is an extremely intimate setting, meant to resemble being at a dinner party. Reservations are a must and very strict: reservations open every other Sunday on Tock at 6 pm. You can book a table up to two weeks in advance. There are only two seatings, at 6 pm and 8:30 pm, Monday through Friday only. The menu changes biweekly, but the food is always divine. Her Place is an experience worth the reservation hassle.

Bars

• Hop Sing Laundromat: The famous (or infamous, depending on your experience) speakeasy in Chinatown. I say infamous because many a bitter person has been turned away for not following the rules — rules about which the owner of the establishment is a stickler. The main rule is to dress well. No jeans, no flip flops. When you go in, you’ll sit through a short orientation and then be on your way. If you follow the rules and just show respect and politeness to the owner when he greets you at the door, you’ll be good to go. And, yes, the drinks are worth it. Note: there are no reservations.

• Amada: Enjoy a nice happy hour at this Spanish tapas and wine bar in Old City.

• Graffiti: Located in a narrow alley behind Sampan, this place is always packed with locals. It’s certainly not a sophisticated, lounge-style bar, but it is a lively and uniquely Philly bar.