A First Timer's Guide to Philadelphia: What to Do, See and Eat

• Independence Hall: This is a no-brainer. No first trip to Philly is complete without seeing Independence Hall. Depending on your level of interest in history, it may be enough for you to just admire Independence Hall from the outside and grab some pictures (it's pretty awe-inspiring, in its own way). However, if you have even a slight interest in history, I highly recommend taking the tour. The park rangers are all excellent guides and very passionate, and there are some super cool tidbits you can see and learn on the tour.

• Liberty Bell: Speaking of historic monuments in Philly, right across the street from Independence Hall is the Liberty Bell. The museum is thorough yet manageable on a time crunch, and it's full of neat facts. There is also a changing exhibit at the entrance to the Liberty Bell museum that is always super interesting.

• Carpenter's Hall: Just a block away from Independence Hall is Carpenter's Hall, which was the meeting place of the First Continental Congress.

• Franklin Court: Here, you can see the ruins of Ben Franklin's home.

• Elfreth's Alley: Dubbed America's oldest continuously inhabited residential street, Elfreth's Alley is a charming, narrow cobblestone street that has been inhabited since 1703. It was home to several merchants in colonial times. It's a very Instagrammable spot, as the scenery is picturesque. But be mindful and respectful, as many of the homes are private residences! I recommend going early in the morning to avoid crowds.

• Rittenhouse Square: The most popular park/square in the city. At any given time, you'll see locals and tourists alike enjoying a day in the park, reading, picnicking, walking dogs, etc. If your schedule allows it, go on a Saturday to take part in the Rittenhouse Farmer's Market!

• Philadelphia Museum of Art/The Rocky Steps: The Philadelphia Art Museum houses an impressive collection of works that, in my opinion, rivals the Met in New York. If art isn't your thing, then you may at least want to visit the museum to re-trace the steps of Philly's most loved sports icon: Rocky.

• City Hall: City Hall is beautiful and you can (on most days) walk through the courtyard and admire the splendor of the architecture. Right after you walk through City Hall (depending on which way you're entering from), you'll be facing Love Park at the corner. Definitely grab a picture with the famous Love statue to commemorate your first time in Philly.

• Reading Terminal Market: A bustling historic indoor market that is an absolute must-visit, especially if you're a foodie. It's been open since 1893, making it one of the oldest and largest public markets in the United States. Definitely check out the Amish baked goods stand and Beiler's Donuts (right across from each other). Also, the pancakes at Dutch Eating Place are a must for breakfast one morning. Go as early as possible, though, because the line forms quickly. Note: The market is always lively, but especially so on weekends and especially during lunch hours. It can be very overwhelming with the crowds, so try to go during off-peak times.

• South Philly: South Philly is a vibe unto itself, and it can only be experienced by meandering through it. Check out South Street as well as the Italian Market and the Magic Gardens to get a quick overview of this quintessential, and quirky Philly neighborhood.

Restaurants

• Sampan: An Asian-fusion restaurant with a cool vibe and amazing happy hour. Reservations are a must.

• El Vez: A beloved Mexican spot in Center City, right near Sampan.

• Dim Sum Garden: Venture into Chinatown with this neighborhood favorite.

• Han Dynasty: A classic on the Philly food scene. Spice wimps beware.

• Parc: Pretend like you're in Paris as you dine on delicious French cuisine and look out over passersby at Rittenhouse Square. Parc also serves up a great brunch.

• The Love: Another popular brunch spot. Right near Parc.

• Ralph's: Dubbed the oldest continuously-operated Italian restaurant in the country. Right at the edge of the Italian Market in South Philly.

• Famous 4th Street Deli: A staple of traditional Jewish cuisine since 1923. The place is famous for a reason. You'll eat incredible local food and enjoy the 1920s flair of the restaurant. But warning: the portions are MASSIVE, so order wisely! Note: this is also a wonderful spot for breakfast/brunch.

• Zahav: The star of Philly's fine dining scene. Reservations are very tricky — book well in advance.

• Suraya: Another star of Philly's fine dining scene. Reservations are a must. This also allows you to explore the trendy neighborhood of Fishtown.

• Cheesesteaks: When in Philly! If you ask 10 different Philadelphians for the best cheesesteak, you'll get 10 different answers. Here are a few that I can recommend for a first-timer: Jim's, Ishkabibbles, or Angelo's in South Philly, and Sonny's and Campo's in Old City.

Bars

• The Ranstead Room: A speakeasy cocktail bar with Hispanic and Caribbean roots.

• A.Bar: A sleek bar connected to a vibey restaurant inside the AKA Rittenhouse hotel. It's a Rittenhouse staple.

• Charlie Was a Sinner: A moody cocktail bar in Midtown Village (not far from Sampan). They have an impressive offering of mocktails, as well as an all-vegan small plates menu that is positively delicious, whether you're vegan or not.