48 Hours in Philadelphia

8AM SAM’S MORNING GLORY DINER

In a city inundated with breakfast spots, Sam’s Morning Glory Diner is one of the original brunch pioneers, bringing fresh, local ingredients to diner classics. They pride themselves on all things being made from scratch – even the ketchup is homemade!

10AM PHILADELPHIA’S MAGIC GARDENS

Located on Philadelphia’s renowned South Street, this community art space attracts visitors with its folksy and whimsical mosaic gallery. In an effort to revitalize the neighborhood, visionary Isaiah Zagar used reclaimed materials to sculpt the 3,000 square foot 3D mural.

1PM READING TERMINAL MARKET

For lunch, head down to the Reading Terminal Market for the classic Philadelphia Cheesesteak from Spataro Cheesesteaks. Perfecting the art of sandwich making since 1947, whether you want it the authentic way “whiz wit” (topped with cheese whiz and fried onions) or “provolone without” (provolone cheese sans fried onions), it’ll come hot on a fresh roll, baked exclusively to handle this hearty local delicacy. If you have a few hours to kill, enjoy wandering around the market, as it is one of the country’s oldest and most bustling food halls.

3PM INDEPENDENCE HALL AND THE LIBERTY BELL

520 CHESTNUT ST. PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

A visit to Philadelphia is not complete without paying homage to our Founding Fathers. Stand in the preserved room where a group of rebel rousers hammered out the Declaration of Independence and eventually formed the government and system of democracy we know today. Just across the street is the world renowned symbol of freedom; the Liberty Bell. Access to both locations is free of charge.

6PM DINNER AT CITY TAVERN

Though the Founding Fathers worked long hours at Independence Hall, many claim that more of the delegation and deliberation actually occurred in City Tavern. Reconstructed in the image of the original Colonial tavern, they celebrate the tavern’s heritage by serving the favorite dishes of historical figures including Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To further transport visitors to Revolutionary times, servers are dressed in colonial period attire.

8PM FRANKLIN FOUNTAIN

Inspired by old fashioned sweets and turn-of-the-century treats, brothers Ryan and Eric Berley founded the Franklin Fountain; a specialty ice cream shop resurrecting classic ice cream concoctions. Bow-tie touting soda jerks serve up original recipes such as Hydroxy Cookie, the original Cookies and Cream, as well as Rocky Road, Peanut Butter, and Philadelphia-style Vanilla Bean.

9AM MRS. K’S COFFEE SHOP & CAFÉ

Just two blocks from Hotel Monaco is one of the city’s favorite diners. Serving local breakfast staples like scrapple, pork rolls (Taylor Ham to some), and creamed chipped beef, these hearty dishes will surely fuel you for your second day exploring Philadelphia.

11AM THE PHILADELPHIA ART MUSEUM

Many recognize the Philadelphia Art Museum because of the Rocky Balboa’s epic run up the stairs, and although the museum brings movie lovers from around the world to recreate the moment, the vast collection within its walls are certainly another draw. With over 227,000 pieces, the Philadelphia Art Museum is considered to be one of the biggest in the United States and is home to many original European and American works.

2PM IMPERIAL INN

Located in the heart of Chinatown, the Imperial Inn has been recognized time and time again as one of the best Dim Sum spots in Philadelphia. Available from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m., enjoy pushcarts of traditional Chinese fare that includes rice cakes, duck, and even chicken feet!

5PM CITY HALL

Right in the center of town where Broad and Market Streets meet, is the largest municipal building in the United States. Atop the ornately sculptured walls is a 27-ton statue of William Penn, which, before 1987, was the tallest structure in Philadelphia. Tours of City Hall can be booked Monday through Friday, which offer a glimpse behind the clock tower and a panoramic view of the city from the observation deck.

8PM MCGILLIN’S OLDE ALE HOUSE

End your 48-hour trek through Philadelphia with dinner and drinks at the oldest continuously operating tavern in town. Nestled on Drury Street, an old alley in Center City, is a local favorite that has been tested through the Civil War and even the Prohibition era. They pride themselves on serving local brews before it was a fad, and have been listed as the “Best Irish Pub in America” and one of the “Coolest Bars in the U.S.” by Gourmet.

10PM A NIGHTCAP AT NATIONAL MECHANICS

22 SOUTH 3RD ST. PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

An Old City favorite, this former bank turned low-key bar serves legendary cocktails with a wide variety of beers on tap. The vibrant atmosphere and open layout makes it a fun place to mingle with locals or participate in one of their many weekly events including trivia nights, live performances, or sporting events.

WHERE TO STAY: HOTEL MONACO

433 CHESTNUT ST. PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106

Within walking distance of many of Philadelphia’s main attractions, this boutique hotel offers luxury accommodations at an affordable price. After a long day exploring the city, enjoy the four-star amenities of an award-winning property, giving new meaning to the City of Brotherly Love.