Hidden gems in Philadelphia
Skip the tourist circuit. These Philadelphia spots are the ones locals actually send their out-of-town friends to.
Top spots in Philadelphia
Independence Hall
CultureOld City
Where the Declaration was signed — small room, very large weight.
Reading Terminal Market
Food & DrinkCenter City
Amish pretzels, roast pork sandwiches and a century of vendors under one roof.
Rocky Steps at the Art Museum
OutdoorsFairmount
Run the steps, then actually go inside — the museum is world-class.
Magic Gardens
CultureSouth Street
Isaiah Zagar's mirror-and-mosaic maze — half a city block of folk art.
Wissahickon Valley
OutdoorsNorthwest Philly
Forest gorge trails 15 minutes from Center City.
Where to eat
Zahav
$$$Israeli · Society Hill
Michael Solomonov's hummus and lamb shoulder — book a month out.
Pat's King of Steaks
$Cheesesteak · South Philly
Order 'whiz wit' and eat it standing up.
Vetri Cucina
$$$$Italian tasting · Center City
12-course Northern Italian in a townhouse — one of the country's best.
Suraya
$$$Lebanese · Fishtown
All-day Levantine market, café and dining room with garden seating.
Federal Donuts
$Fried chicken & donuts · Multiple
Half-dozen donuts and a piece of Korean-spiced fried chicken.
Frequently asked
- Locals' under-the-radar picks include Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market, Rocky Steps at the Art Museum. These are the places that don't show up on the first page of mainstream travel guides.