Philly Favorites
It’s been rainy, and just plain nasty here all week, which means no outfit posts (bummer!). But I thought I’d do something fun and share a more in-depth list of some of my favorite spots in Philly! I’m always finding new things to do int he city. It is seriously packed with some great stuff, and there seems to be a never ending list of amazing restuarants to try.
I won’t pretend I know every bit of the city, so I decided to make more detailed list of my favorite shopping and eateries in Center City and Old City, and then a seperate list of some intersting other spots!
Center City
Shop
Anthropologie – If you come to Philly you have to stop in the Anthropologie! It sits right across form Rittenhouse square in what was once an incredible estate. You can still see some of the amazing original fireplaces, as well as an insanely cool ceiling in one of the rooms. Oh, not to mention, it’s Anthro, so it’s always packed with fun things to buy and some incredible displays.
Shopping on Walnut – If you’re not from the area it’s good to know that most of the higher end shopping in the city is right on Walnut Street from 19th Street down to Broad Street. You have everything from Juicy Couture, Jack Wills, and Free People and a ton more. There’s also some on Chestnut Street (the next street over).
Eat
The Dandelion – So the food is really good, but the decor is amazing. They left all the original fireplaces and what-not from when it was just a home, so it feels super cozy, but is also packed filled with really fun and interesting art, wallpaper, and nick-nacks!
Estia – We make it a point to come here every winter. It’s definitely a “splurge” restaurant, but it’s the best Greek food I’ve ever had, and has such a cozy atmosphere.
MagPie- Who doesn’t love pie? It’s the best. This little spot is dedicated to some pretty kick-butt pies and is totally worth a little extra walking from Rittenhouse to get some!
Di Bruno Bros – Need a quick, to-go meal, or some super fancy groceries? This place is it. It’s a grocery store that also has quick meal options that are pretty amazing, and some places to sit inside too. With Rittenhouse Park so close, it’s a perfect place to grab a picnic to-go and relax and people watch in the park.
Old City
Our old neighborhood! Old City is one of my favorite parts of Philly. It has it’s own unique charm. Most of the shops and boutiques are locally owned, and is home to some amazing historic buildings.
Shop
Art in the Age – A very “Philly” little boutique! They work with and sell pieces from a lot of local artists, which is great. They also carry a selection of Warby Parkers, so it’s always fun to stop in and try a bunch on:)
Lost + Found- I love Lost + Found because they have a great, unique selection of clothes (especially dresses!), but are pretty reasonable when it comes to price too.
Vagabond – Another great little boutique. I love that they carry both interesting and unique designer pieces, as well as some really fun vintage pieces.
Eat
Franklin Fountain – It’s really not a proper visit to Philly without a little ice cream from Franklin Fountain (or A LOT if you go with the Mt. Vesuvious). It’s an authentic ice cream parlor that only takes cash, and makes some of the best ice cream around.
Positano Coast- Me and Frank have been coming here since we started dating. We especially love eating in the lounge during summer. They open all the doors, and it’s just beautiful. Not to mention, the food is really tasty!
Nick’s Roast Beef- One of our little go-to spots for lunch when we lived in the city. They really do have great roast beef. It’s definitely not a “fancy” spot, but good food always wins. Tip – make sure you bring cash, that’s all they take:)
Museums + Spots to See
The Philadelphia Museum of Art- Sure, any list online of “things to do in Philly” will probably have it, but it really is worth a visit. It’s amazing, beautiful, and just plain inspiring.
The Franklin Institute – One of my husband’s favorite places. It’s a fun place to go with or without kids, and also hosts a lot of really cool exhibits.
The Mutter Museum – Not for the super squimish, but amazing non the less. It’s a museum of medical history, which may sound boring, but is actually beautiful and incredibly interesting.
The Mount Pleasant Estate – We just recently toured the estate and are completely in love. It’s so lovely, and it’s also part of “the charms of Fairmount Park” and we’re really excited to check out the rest of them.
The Top of City Hall Tour – I was so suprised at how awesome this was! It’s really amazing to get a whole 360 degree of the whole city from right under good ol’ Mr. Penn:)
There’s still a ton of places I have on my list to visit, and new restuarants I want to try, so I will occasionally be updating this list:) Oh, and feel free to share any of your favorites in the comments!
@josie—Parc is an awesome restaurant in Phila too. My husband always wants the steakhouse Butcher & Singer, which is a great steak place( except for red wine I’m not too into steak, lol). So glad you included the kind of twisted Mutter Mueseum too! I know it probably sounds kind of corny but I never, ever tire of cutting trough Independence Mall, it is always a pass-by for me, the history, everything, I am never not in awe of that spot. And as both my husband and grandfather rowed crew– I love, love seeing the 4’s & 8’s lined up boathouse row and East river drive in the Fall and Spring….great post!!!
Oh we love Parc and Butcher and Singer too! I was afraid of adding too many Stephen Starr restaurants to the list -but you’re so right, they’re both great! And I totally feel you about Independence Mall, I miss walking through there every day when we lived in the city:)
This just got me SO excited to check out cool places this summer! The Top of City Hall Tour looks super awesome.