Some bristle at the idea of calling Philadelphia the “City of Brotherly Love”: Brash, blunt, and unbothered, the residents of the greater Philadelphia metro area—a combined total of more than six million people—have, in the common parlance, a limited tolerance for b.s. Trends are especially meaningless; that whole, “keeping up with the Joneses” thing? Doesn’t apply here. Philadelphians are just as content with PBR and Jim Beam (shout-out to the Citywide Special) as they are with elderflower liqueur, and as enthusiastic about a hoagie—never a sub—piled high on a fresh Sarcone’s roll as they are over a gourmet meal. And you know why? Because they don’t have anything to prove. It was all born here, in this more than 300-year-old metropolis: The ideals of American liberty, the lightning rod, bubble gum, the toilet paper roll, the slinky. Philly did it all first. It’s the city that raised Thomas Eakins and Noam Chomsky, Will Smith and Questlove, Patti LaBelle and Grace Kelly. It’s home to America’s 2018 Super Bowl champions, and don’t you forget it—which reminds us: Whatever you do, don’t speak ill of the Eagles. (We warned you.)
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Philadelphia Travel Guide
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Featured
A Balloon Artist Is Bringing Color and Joy to the Streets of Philadelphia
One business owner is bringing some local color to her neighborhood of Fairmount.
Best Weekend Getaways from Philadelphia
A relaxing change of scenery is just a short drive away.
All the Travel News We're Excited About: 2021 Hot List
For the 25th edition of the Hot List—Condé Nast Traveler’s picks of the year's top hotel and industry openings—we highlight everything we’re looking forward to later this year, from ship launches to museum openings.
14 Best Hotels in Philadelphia
No matter which part of the city you're planning to post up in, we've got a place for you.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 1 Logan SquareRead full reviewWith a scenic rooftop bar and sleep-inducing spa the Logan is more than your standard business travel pit stop.
Readers Choice Awards - The Rittenhouse$$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 210 W. Rittenhouse SquareRead full reviewThe Rittenhouse nails it on superlative quality and prime Center City setting.Readers Choice Awards
- Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center$$$ | United States , Philadelphia, 1 N. 19th St.Read full reviewAs the enthusiastic staff will tell you, it's a Four Seasons for sure, but it's still Philly.Readers Choice Awards
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 433 Chestnut St.Read full reviewThe old and the new collide in fun, often surprising ways at this Washington Square West Kimpton outpost.Readers Choice Awards
- The Study at University City$ | United States, Philadelphia, 20 S 33rd StRead full reviewA perfect place to plant the folks, come Parents' Weekend.Readers Choice Awards
- AKA University City$$ | Philadelphia, Cira Centre South, 2929 Walnut StreetRead full reviewThe bachelor pad you always wanted.Readers Choice Awards
- The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia$$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 10 Ave Of The ArtsRead full reviewIf Insta-worthy interiors and a convenient location are your main hotel criteria, The Ritz-Carlton reigns supreme in Philadelphia.Readers Choice Awards
- Sofitel Philadelphia$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 120 S 17th St.Read full reviewif you’re looking for an affordable, yet upscale downtown hotel (with excellent manners, to boot) the Sofitel is your best bet.Readers Choice Awards
- Hotel Suites at The Touraine$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 1520 Spruce St.Read full reviewThis isn't technically a hotel—but with its thoughtful, localized touches, and high-end, small-scale design, it might just be better.
- Pod Philly Hotel$ | Philadelphia, 31 South 19th StreetRead full reviewA great deal in a great neighborhood.
- Roost East Market$ | United States, Philadelphia, 1199 Ludlow StreetRead full reviewThe apartment of your dreams.
The Best Things to Do in Philadelphia
- 21 Best Things to Do in PhiladelphiaGet that cheesesteak to go—you've got a lot of ground to cover.
- 15 Best Museums in PhiladelphiaThe only UNESCO World Heritage City in the United States, Philadelphia is packed with museums.
- 10 Best Tours in PhiladelphiaBecause marveling at murals, munching in Manayunk, and running Rocky-style through the streets of South Philly should all make the agenda.
- 4 Best Day Trips from PhiladelphiaIf you need a breather from all those Flyers fans, consider these three get-out-of-dodge destinations.
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Editor Recommendations
- The Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of PhiladelphiaUnited States, Philadelphia, 19 S 22nd St.Read full reviewIf you don't have a strong stomach, consider passing on this macabre museum of medical curiosities.
- Barnes FoundationUnited States, Philadelphia, 2025 Benjamin Franklin ParkwayRead full reviewThe passion project of one Dr. Albert Barnes, whose personal collection of Van Goghs and Picassos hang collage-style.
- Philadelphia Museum of ArtUnited States, Philadelphia, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.Read full reviewPhiladelphia's renowned museum is sizable in all senses.
- Eastern State PenitentiaryUnited States, Philadelphia, 2027 Fairmount Ave.Read full reviewEastern State Penitentiary was once considered the future of America's corrections: It was the most expensive prison constructed.
- Delaware River WaterfrontUnited States, Philadelphia, 121 North Christopher Columbus BoulevardRead full reviewOnce the spot where William Penn landed, now a series of piers, each with its own personality and draw.
- City HallUnited States, Philadelphia, 1400 John F Kennedy BoulevardRead full reviewThe views of the building—the largest municipal building in the United States—are impressive, but don’t simply stroll past.
- Mural Arts PhiladelphiaUnited States, Philadelphia, 1727-29 Mt. Vernon St.Read full reviewA reminder that art can thrive off the canvas.
- Fairmount ParkUnited States, Philadelphia, 1 Boathouse RowRead full reviewMore than 2,000 acres, with miles of trails, biking and hiking paths, the country’s oldest zoo, and the city’s iconic Boathouse Row.
- Independence National Historic ParkUnited States, Philadelphia, 143 S. 3rd St.Read full reviewSee where American independence was shaped.
- University of PennsylvaniaUnited States, Philadelphia, 1 College HallRead full reviewThis Ivy League campus offers a moment's peace from the bustle of Center City—and never ceases to inspire our inner nerd.
- New Liberty DistilleryUnited States, Philadelphia, 1431 Cadwallader StreetRead full reviewA highly-regarded craft whiskey operation in Philadelphia's South Kensington neighborhood.
- The Academy of MusicUnited States, Philadelphia, 240 South Broad StreetRead full reviewHome to most of Broadway's shows, it's also where Susan B. Anthony spoke about women’s suffrage, Tchaikovsky conducted music, and the Philadelphia Orchestra recorded the music for Disney’s Fantasia.
- Franklin SquareUnited States, Philadelphia, 200 N 6th StRead full reviewOne of the original five public squares William Penn plotted out when he designed Philadelphia, and a local-loved spot close to the tourist sites.
- Bok BuildingUnited States, Philadelphia, 1901 S 9th StRead full reviewClocking in at 340,000 square feet of retrofitted former classrooms, plus an auditorium and a rooftop—it's a magnet for some of Philly’s most talented independent makers and creators.
- Woodmere Art MuseumUnited States, Philadelphia, 9201 Germantown AveRead full reviewAn art institution worth the 30-minute trip from the downtown Philadelphia.
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A Photo Tour of Philadelphia Street Art
Take a virtual tour of Philadelphia's street art, including Robert Indiana's LOVE sculpture, Roger White's Your Move series, and paintings from the Mural Arts Organization.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Philadelphia
- 19 Best Restaurants in PhiladelphiaWith a restaurant scene like this, who'd be jealous of New York City?
- 15 Best Bars in PhiladelphiaFrom the stickiest dives to the most closely guarded speakeasies, Philly's got something that'll speak your language.
- 11 Best Philly Cheesesteak Spots in PhiladelphiaWhiz wit or witout: That is the question.
- 13 Best Brunch Places in PhiladelphiaFreshly baked pastries, pasta-for-breakfast, hearty brasserie fare—here's where to recover from last night's Citywide Specials.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- JG SkyHigh$$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 1 N 19th StThere are beautiful bars in Philadelphia, but nothing like this.
- Hop Sing Laundromat$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 1029 Race StA Chinatown legend that remains invested in a sincere speakeasy experience: think rules, secrecy, and strong cocktails.
- Kalaya Thai Kitchen$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 764 South 9th St.It’s fiery, fresh, and as close to eating in Thailand as one can find in Philly—or anywhere nearby.
- Down North Pizza$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 2804 West Lehigh AvenueCome for the community, stay for the pizza.
- Vedge$$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 1221 Locust St.You don’t need to be a bona fide vegan or vegetarian to dine at Vedge; but dinner here offers one of the most skillfully prepared vegan meals in the country.
- Irwin's$$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 800 Mifflin StCome for the hip South Philly vibes or the sweeping views—stay for the unique but not overly complicated cocktails.
- Hardena$ | United States, Philadelphia, 1754 South Hicks St.Indonesian cuisine marries flavors and ingredients from all over—India, the Middle East, Europe, and China.
- Jim's South Street$ | United States, Philadelphia, 400 South St.It's hard to live up to this much hype, but boy does Jim's manage.
- Royal Sushi & Izakaya$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 780 South 2nd St.This two-in-one izakaya and omakase den is a destination for Philadelphia’s hip food lovers and chefs—that is, when they’re not running their own kitchens.
- Suraya$$ | United States, Philadelphia, 1528 Frankford Ave.A modern spin on Lebanese food by Nathalie Richan and Roland Kassis that you can’t find anywhere else in the city.
- John's Roast Pork$ | Philadelphia, 14 Snyder Ave.Philadelphia’s best-known sandwich might be the cheesesteak—but the roast pork is really the official sandwich.
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A Walk Through Philadelphia’s Coolest Neighborhood
The booming ‘hood of Fishtown is filled with restaurants, bars, and music venues that draw visitors from across the city and beyond.
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What Does It Actually Mean to Create a ‘Sensory Inclusive’ City?
Sensory inclusion certifications are becoming increasingly popular in the travel world. But what do they actually mean?
Inspiration
The Perfect Weekend in Philadelphia
Each neighborhood is its own mosaic of art, food, timeless landmarks, and culture—here's how to see as much as you can in one weekend.
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Where to Celebrate July 4 in Philadelphia, the Birthplace of America
Celebrate the birth of America in the city where it all began.
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Philadelphia Is Taking on Soho House With the Fitler Club
This ambitious social club is over-the-top in every way.
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Beyond the Basics: Philadelphia
A complete guide to Philadelphia, compiled by Condé Nast Traveler editors.
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The 6 Best Places to Eat in Philadelphia Right Now
Whether you're craving French-inspired comfort food or a new spin on dim sum, Philly is the place to be—and eat.
News & Advice
Frontier Airlines's $25 Sale Might Break the Internet
The discount carrier is offering deals on flights to cities like Miami, New Orleans, and Austin.
Food & Drink
Navigating Philadelphia's 'Pho Row'
Philadelphia is home to the East Coast’s largest population of immigrants from Vietnam, meaning visitors and residents alike are blessed with some of the best Vietnamese food in America. Here are five essential stops along South Philly's 'Pho Row.'
Food & Drink
Pizza Museum Opens in Philadelphia. Yes, Philadelphia.
Philadelphia usually doesn’t stack up with pizza powerhouses like New York City and Chicago. But a group in the City of Brotherly Love is putting Philly on the map with today's opening of Pizza Brain, touted as the nation’s first museum devoted to the Italian pie’s place in American culture.
Inspiration
Van Gogh, Matisse, and Renoir: The Masterpieces of the Barnes Foundation
The new Barnes Foundation museum opens in Philadelphia tomorrow—and not without controversy. The long-awaited relocation of the original collection, formerly in the suburb of Merion, comes after years of legal battles and debate.
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