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While we Philadelphians might be known for our aggressive sports fandom and proclivity toward a steak “whiz wit” on a fresh Amoroso roll, the City of Brotherly Love offers so much more. With the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris, and one of the most lauded orchestras in the country—not to mention a strong community of chefs with roots around the world—Philadelphia is an underappreciated cultural hot spot. From gorgeously curated specialty shops and an electric food scene to an impressive public collection of Picassos and a vast library of American history, there are many reasons that make it a city worth visiting.
Below, the best places to stay, see, shop, and eat in the 215.
Where to Stay
This design-driven spot located in the heart of historic Old City offers only six suites. Each room is highly curated to the Philadelphian experience with locally sourced artisan goods; staying here feels like stealing away for a few nights at a chic friend of a friend’s on holiday.
Hotel Palomar is another eclectic (and eco-friendly) offering, housed in a former 1920s Art Deco building just blocks from Rittenhouse Square. Its sister spot, Hotel Monaco, is another funkily outfitted space with great service situated not far from Lokal in the historic district—close to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Betsy Ross House. It also happens to be pet friendly, so Fido can run up those Rocky steps with you too, if you feel so inclined.
A stay at this Four Seasons Hotel is worth putting on your bucket list, if only for the indoor infinity pool which sits on the edge of Philadelphia's skyline at 57 stories high. Other luxuries abound: the five-star spa is infused with 700 pounds of healing crystals and on the 60th floor, an elegant dining room serves a seasonal tasting menu prepared by Chef Jean-Georges.
In search of luxe five-star glamour? The recently restored Rittenhouse Hotel and Spa has been a mainstay in the area since the dawn of time, with exceptional service and a delectable massage menu to boot.
The Fitler Club, opened in 2019, is a members-only social club in the heart of Center City led by hotelier Jeff David. With 14 carefully curated rooms available to members and non-members alike, the property also boasts a golf simulator, bowling alley, pristine gym, and tens of thousands of square feet of communal workspace, making it the perfect place to stay for business or pleasure.
A former whiskey distillery turned Italian eatery and boutique hotel, Wm. Mulherin’s Sons is a one-of-a-kind retreat that carefully balances old charm with modern design. Each of the four suites is outfitted in custom-made furniture that accentuates the exposed brick walls, patterned wallpaper, and vintage accents.
What to See
On the museum front, the Barnes Foundation boasts one of the most impressive collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early modern paintings in the world. Including significant works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Rousseau, the Center City campus, built in 2012, is a must-see. Equally as special is the arboretum located at the Barnes’s original home in Merion, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Philadelphia’s suburban Main Line.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is home to a diverse collection of over 240,00 works spanning across 2,000 years. Sitting at the top of the famous Rocky steps, this museum features a one-acre outdoor sculpture garden and 14th-century Buddhist temple. Be sure to walk down to Boathouse Row, behind the museum. Particularly in the springtime, when crew season is in full swing, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic.
If you’re visiting during a temperate month, go to Chanticleer Garden, a stunning oasis located in Wayne, Pennsylvania. It’s set on the grounds of the former Rosengarten estate and was once deemed ”America’s most inspiring garden” by Garden Design. The Morris Arboretum, owned and operated by the University of Pennsylvania in Lafayette Hill, is another family-friendly outdoor favorite.
The highly acclaimed Philadelphia Orchestra, located inside the architecturally important Kimmel Center designed by Rafael Vinoly, is an out-of-body experience for the aurally inclined.
Where to Shop
In the middle of Old City stands Millésimé, a 9,000-square-foot home interiors showroom curated with a passion for art and ceramics by Jinous Kazemi. Kazemi’s eye for color, mosaics, and textures is evident across the multi-room space that showcases over 35 brands from around the world. Think sculptural pieces that play into contemporary design mixed with unique heritage styles, from Art Deco dining sets to Ligne Roset sofabeds and everything in between.
For over 50 years, Joan Shepp has been at the forefront of Philly’s fashion scene. By stocking emerging designers from across the globe and hosting an annual fashion incubator trunk show that showcases local talent, Joan Shepp is both an industry leader and iconic concept store. Without a doubt, the best-dressed Philadelphians frequent this fashion-forward haven where you might just find the next big designer.
Boyds Philadelphia is a multi-story designer store specializing in the latest luxury fashions for men and women. In 1990, Boyds took over the iconic Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art building and recently renovated the interiors without losing the landmark's original architecture. Whether you’re on the hunt for the must-have Bottega Veneta mini-bag or in need of a gift for that friend who has everything, Boyds is bound to have just what you’re looking for.
Ulises, an art bookstore located in the North Philly area of Fishtown, is part store and part venue, with selected readings, signings, and events held in the minimal, chic space.
The best of old-school Main Line decor—English garden planters, charming home decor items, and a bevy of plants, flowers, and trees—can be found at this Glen Mills shop.
In 2012, brothers Ky and Rick Cao opened Ps & Qs, a contemporary men’s store that serves both fashion and lifestyle on South Street. This concept boutique fuses global streetwear with local fashions and offers a one-of-a-kind collection of sneakers hand-picked by the founders. Their pool of brands includes Jungles, Stussy, The Hundreds, and most notably their own premium label, which is inspired by the city’s people and unique culture.
Visit Little House Shop for Scalamandré pillows, sets of vintage silver, and elevated luxe essentials like custom-monogrammed Matouk towels.
This historic market is not your average Little Italy. Spread across 10 city blocks in Bella Vista, the Italian Market on 9th street is home to both generations-old family vendors and new establishments that serve up everything from pizza (try Angelo’s!) to tacos (South Philly Barbacoa is a must) and even natural wine (check out Di Bruno Bros bottle shop).
Where to Eat
The Art Museum, the Liberty Bell, Zahav. Few things are as synonymous with Philadelphia as this modern Israeli eatery located in Society Hill. Helmed by Michael Solmonov, this winner of the 2019 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant serves up hummus perfected among a host of inventive twists on classic Israeli dishes like halloumi with strawberry-fennel jam, pistachio, and pickled green strawberries. Opt for the house specialty pomegranate lamb shoulder as your entree choice and splurge on the impeccably curated wine pairing.
Formerly a coveted sausage shop in Philadelphia’s Italian neighborhood, Fiorella is now one of the hottest seats in town helmed by James Beard award-winner Marc Vetri. This eatery holds onto the establishment’s rich history while simultaneously serving an inventive selection of antipasti, pasta, and desserts. Don’t worry, the original sausage recipe was passed down and regularly makes an appearance as a ragu with rigatoni.
After a stroll through Rittenhouse Square, Parc by Philly's own Stephen Starr is an ideal place to share a bottle of wine and some hors d’oeuvres in an alfresco setting. This spacious brassiere serves classic French fare from breakfast to dinner, so there’s never a bad time to pop in.
Marked only by a Japanese lantern hanging next to an innocuous blue door, Royal Sushi & Izakaya is part traditional Izakaya, part speakeasy sushi bar. In the front, you’ll find light bites alongside an expansive sake and Japanese whiskey list. Pass through the Noren curtains in the back and you’ll discover a 17-course tasting of the city’s best omakase in an intimate, eight-seat setting. Spots book up the second they become available, so plan your visit well in advance.
Named after chef and co-owner Nathalie Richan’s grandmother, this all-day Lebanese market, garden, and restaurant makes her spirit felt throughout. From design choices inspired by her neighbor's home to the delicious Lebanese dishes served on a picturesque garden patio, a meal at Suraya feels as if you’re dining among family. Come on a Friday or Saturday night for “A Taste of Suraya” to have your table filled with a dizzying array of spreads, appetizers, and entrees. But, if you can only join for an a la carte meal, don't miss the labneh.
K’Far might be chef Mike Solomonov’s most personal endeavor yet. Inspired by the cuisine and culture of Israeli bakeries, which is where Solomonov got his start, K’Far puts a delicious spin on café favorites. From traditional pastries like borekas with Bulgarian feta, chocolate rugelach, and babka, to toasts made with traditional Yemenite Kubaneh bread, everything in this kitchen is worth a try.
If you’re looking for a seasonal tasting menu in a stylish setting without all the fuss, Friday, Saturday, Sunday is the move. Helmed by West Philly native chef Chad Williams, this intimate restaurant offers a flavorful journey across eight courses. From sake to cognac, their craft cocktail list is far from ordinary and worth exploring as well.
Styled as an elegant oyster bar (and serving some of the best in town), Vernick Fish unsurprisingly focuses on dishes centered on high-quality fish and shellfish. Don’t skimp on the sides, especially the crispy potato topped with Osetra caviar, which pairs perfectly with just about everything on the menu.
Nestled in an alley on Ranstead Street is a nondescript door bearing the letters “RR.” Pass through it and you’ll find yourself transported to a speakeasy from another era with dim lighting, red leather booths, and stiff (but inventive) cocktails.
A vegan meal at Charlie was a sinner. should always start with one of their creative signature cocktails. Situated in the center of Midtown Village, this all-day café serves plant-based tapas-style plates in a posh setting.
Born in Philadelphia, La Colombe quickly became a highly sought-after direct-trade coffee spot across America. But at the Fishtown flagship location, you can order more than just an oat draft latte. Here you’ll find a full-service cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside tours of the roasting facility and espresso classes in the tasting room.