NECA Penn-Del-Jersey can’t wait to welcome you back to the City of Brotherly Love in 2023 for another incredible convention! Much has changed since 2018, and we look forward to sharing our city with you.
Below, you will find some of the “Best of Philly” for you to enjoy while visiting Philadelphia. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to directly contact us. See you soon!
Table of Contents
The Top 10 Most Essential Things to Do While Visiting Philadelphia
1. Take a photo in front of the Liberty Bell – It doesn’t make a sound, but the Liberty Bell’s message rings loud and clear: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” This inscription on the cracked but mighty Bell is one reason it became a symbol to abolitionists, suffragists and other freedom-seekers around the world. The Bell draws people from around the world to snag a photo in front of it and its dramatic backdrop: Independence Hall. Both sites are free to visit year-round.
2. Pose with the Rocky Statue & run up the “Rocky Steps” – Since Rocky’s first triumphant onscreen run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1976, the 72 steps have become an international destination. Travelers from around the world embark on their own trek up the stairs, pumping their fists in the air as they cherish the spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city skyline. Cheesey? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely! To finish off the experience, head to the bottom of the stairs and snap a photo with the bronze statue of Rocky, originally created for Rocky III.
3. Enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak – The Philly cheesesteak is inarguably the city’s most famous food. So put your diet on hold for the day, and indulge in a hoagie roll filled with chopped (or thinly sliced) steak and your choice of cheese and/or fried onions. Those in the know order their cheesesteak with two words only: cheese selection (provolone, American or Whiz) and “wit” or “without” onions. The debate about which local spot cooks up the best sandwich won’t ever end, but for an iconic Philly experience, visit the intersection of South 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, where rivals Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks feed the masses daily, and do your very own taste test.
4. Tour Independence Hall – While historical attractions abound in Philly, Independence Hall is where the nation was founded. In 1776, the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in the building’s Assembly Room. Just 11 years later, representatives from a dozen states met here to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution. Today, the goose bumps-inducing UNESCO World Heritage Site is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park, and guided tours of this bucket-list gem are available year-round. Free tours of the Hall are available via timed tickets. Learn more about how to obtain tickets in our guide to Independence Hall.
5. Visit the famous LOVE sculpture – The City of Brotherly Love is filled with love—literally. One of best-known landmarks is LOVE itself — the Robert Indiana sculpture in John F. Kennedy Plaza (or LOVE Park, as it’s affectionately called by most) that’s a prized photo op for couples, families and friends eager to show the world how they feel about one another. The sculpture was restored and repainted in 2018, and the park was entirely redesigned to add more green areas and a high-tech water feature. A small visitor center kiosk was added in 2021. Another LOVE statue sits just west of Center City on the University of Pennsylvania campus near 36th and Locust streets. And because love comes in all languages in Philadelphia, there’s an AMOR sculpture — a Spanish edition of the LOVE sculpture — on display at Sister Cities Park, a six-minute walk from LOVE Park.
6. Enjoy food from dozens of vendors at Reading Terminal Market – Set below a former railroad terminal, Center City’s 127-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both a dazzling tourist destination and a trusted source for fresh produce, seafood, meats and cheese for locals. The public space also provides open seating where customers can enjoy a world of cuisines from dozens of restaurants, including Pennsylvania Dutch vendors and sandwich slingers like the acclaimed DiNic’s, serving up hot roast pork sandwiches that rival the city’s much-lauded cheesesteaks. Retail merchants sell housewares, jewelry, linens and more.
7. Visit the museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway – The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, modeled after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, is called Philadelphia’s most artistic mile for good reason. Some of the city’s most important cultural institutions are housed here, including the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute (how can you not love that giant Heart?), The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and its crown jewel, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Another super-popular attraction, former prison Eastern State Penitentiary, is just a 15-minute walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.)
8. Amble through the world-renowned Longwood Gardens – It’s not in Philadelphia proper, but the horticultural legend that is Longwood Gardens is well worth the 50-minute drive from Center City Philadelphia to Kennett Square. Spectacular, epic, brilliant, breathtaking — all of these adjectives adequately describe the Chester County mega garden and its 1,000+ acres filled with 20 outdoor gardens, 20 indoor gardens, 11,000 different types of plants, dancing fountains and meandering meadows and woodlands. The colorful oasis also hosts hundreds of events each year, including flower shows, gardening demonstrations, educational programs, children’s activities, concerts and musical theater.
9. Explore Philly’s hip waterfront – Once made up of undeveloped piers and underutilized public spaces, the Delaware River waterfront has become one of the most activated spaces in Philadelphia in the 21st century. That’s thanks to the opening of a number of exciting attractions and parks — Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier as well as seasonal spots like Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink — and diverse and well-attended events throughout the year. Those gorgeous views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge — which connects Philadelphia to New Jersey — don’t hurt, either.
10. Dine at a critically acclaimed restaurant – There’s no way around it: Philly’s dining scene is special. The Wall Street Journal recently called the city “a booming cultural and culinary destination,” and Time placed Philadelphia on its “World’s Greatest Places 2021” list in part because ”the local culinary scene is as vibrant as ever.” So what makes the city’s food and the people who create it so irresistible?
For starters, chefs choose Philadelphia for their passion projects; it’s where they can run their (usually small) restaurants and fully commit to their vision. And it’s a place where they can pivot if they need to (like during a global pandemic, for example) and still thrive.
What you get in Philly is diversity of all sorts: in cuisine, in price, in formality. Options include street food, James Beard Award winners out the wazoo, hundreds of bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) restaurants, sidewalk seating reminiscent of European cities, bars with great food, craft pizza spots, vegetarian and vegan eateries (that aren’t just for vegetarians and vegans) and the storied Reading Terminal Market and Italian Market. And, of course, all of the Philly classics: cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, hoagies, pretzels and water ice.
(Top 10 list above is from VisitPhilly.com)
2023 James Beard Award Nominees
Several of Philadelphia’s restaurants and bars have been recognized as semifinalists or finalists (winners yet to be determined) in the 2023 James Beard Awards.
According to the James Beard Foundation, “The James Beard Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and exceptional culinary talent, as well as all those doing incredible work on behalf of our communities and wider food system.”
Below is a list of Philadelphia’s 2023 James Beard Award Nominees:
Outstanding Restaurant Category: Friday Saturday Sunday – In an intimate upstairs dining room, Chef Chad Williams presents an indulgent eight course tasting menu. Also a purveyor of expertly-crafted cocktails. 261 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Outstanding Restaurateur Category – Ellen Yin: Fork – Sophisticated New American cuisine that includes a popular brunch served amid sleek modern decor. 306 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Outstanding Restaurateur Category – Ellen Yin: a.kitchen + bar – This stylish American bistro offers seasonal small plates and craft beers in a white-oak-lined space. 135 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Emerging Chef Category – Amanda Shulman: Her Place Supper Club – Described as, “kind of like a restaurant but kind of like a dinner party. The menu changes biweekly, sometimes daily, sometimes a la minute.” – 1740 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Best Chefs Mid-Atlantic Category – Jesse Ito: Royal Sushi & Izakaya – A moodily lit Japanese pub with drink-friendly fare and a chefs’ sushi counter in the back. Far from Center City but worth a visit if in Queen’s Village. 780 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Best Chefs Mid-Atlantic Category – Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon: Kalaya – Authentic Thai Food. Consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in America. Reservations may be hard to come by, so plan ahead! 4 West Palmer St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
The BEST Restaurants & Eateries
Philadelphia is a “food city” home to some of the best eateries in the world. In fact, Philly’s food scene has recently been featured on Phil Rosenthal’s hit Netflix show, “Somebody Feed Phil” – Season 6, Episode 1.
(Review Phil’s top food recommendations here!)
Literally thousands of high quality restaurants offer any style of cuisine you could desire. Below are just a few of these incredible places:
Barclay Prime – Deluxe high-end steakhouse and lounge from chef Stephen Starr in a contemporary library setting. 237 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Brauhaus Schmitz – German beer hall serving schnitzel, brats, and brews via dirndl-wearing waitresses. A bit far from Center City, but located on Philly’s famous and hip “South Street.” 718 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Buddakan – Hot spot for upscale Asian fusion dishes in a swanky setting with a giant Buddha and techno tunes. 325 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Caribou Cafe – Bistro fare and wines from all regions of France served in an art deco space with a polished wooden bar. 1126 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Cuba Libre – Cuban cuisine and a vast rum bar accented by Caribbean decor and late-night salsa dancing. Located in Old City. Excellent mojitos! 10 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Dandelion – A restaurant modeled after the cozy contemporary gastropubs of Britain. 124 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Del Friscos Double Eagle Steakhouse – An upscale steakhouse set in a historic bank building. 1428-1432 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 – CAN HOLD LARGE GROUPS
El Vez – Inventive guacamole, tuna tostadas, tacos and specialty margaritas are highlights at this buzzing Mexican spot. 121 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Estia – A homey Mediterranean restaurant specializing in Greek cuisine. 1405-07 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 – CAN HOLD LARGE GROUPS
Fette Sau – Dry-rubbed meat smoked in-house, beer, and whiskey served in industrial-rustic digs. Far from Center City, but located in the hip Fishtown neighborhood. 1208 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Fiorella Pasta – Located in a historic 125 year old building, Chef Marc Vetri serves some of the best pasta in the city. Featured in Somebody Feed Phil! 817 Christian St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Fogo de Chao – Brazilian steakhouse featuring all-you-can-eat premium meat, located in a historic building. 1337 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 – CAN HOLD LARGE GROUPS
Fork – Sophisticated New American cuisine that includes a popular brunch served amid sleek modern decor. Finalist in the James Beard Awards! 306 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Franklin Fountain – Bow-tie-wearing staff dispense classic ice cream parlor/soda fountain treats in an old-timey space in Old City. 116 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Friday Saturday Sunday – In an intimate upstairs dining room, Chef Chad Williams presents an indulgent eight course tasting menu. Also a purveyor of expertly-crafted cocktails. Finalist in the James Beard Awards. 261 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Jean-Georges – Artful New American fare & sweeping views offered in a luxe space on the Four Season’s 59th and 60th floors. 1 N 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Kalaya – Authentic Thai Food. Rated one of the best restaurants in America and featured on Somebody Feed Phil! Finalist in the James Beard Awards. 4 West Palmer St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
La Chinesca – A retro-chic eatery featuring local fare with global influences from Northern Mexico’s Baja region alongside Chinese American flavors evolving seasonally. 1036 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Laser Wolf – Stunning Israeli cuisine served at one of the New York Times’ 50 best restaurants in America. Featured on Somebody Feed Phil! Finalist in the James Beard Awards. 1301 N Howard St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Liberty Point – Set on the Delaware River Waterfront, this is Philadelphia’s largest outdoor restaurant. 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106 – CAN HOLD LARGE GROUPS
Little Nonnas – A cozy Italian-themed restaurant with innovative and delicious cuisine, right downtown. 1234 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Marrakesh – A famous, small Moroccan spot where diners enjoy multicourse meals on shared dishes that are eaten with the hands. A delicious cultural experience but a bit far from Center City, located near Philly’s “South Street.” 517 S Leithgow St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Monster Vegan – Hip venture dispensing vegan comfort food and cocktails in a chill locale with neon lights. 1229 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Parc – An authentic French bistro experience overlooking Rittenhouse Square. 227 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Pietro’s Italian – Coal-fired pizzas, Italian eats & wine feature at this outpost of a local chain with a relaxed vibe. 1714 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
*Reading Terminal Market – One of the nation’s oldest and largest public markets. MUST SEE! 51 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Sampan – Modern Asian cuisine, primarily small plates, served in an artful atmosphere. 124 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Talula’s Garden – Mid-Atlantic cuisine with a light and modern touch. 210 W Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tradesman’s – Roomy, rustic-industrial tavern in Center City featuring hearty BBQ meals, plus craft whiskey and beer on tap. 1322 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Urban Farmer – Colorful farm-to-table steakhouse featuring local ingredients, heritage beef and craft spirits. Located in The Logan Hotel. 1850 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Vernick Fish – An inventive menu of fish and shellfish dishes with a range of vegetable preparations. 1 N. 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Vernick Food & Drink – New American eatery in a Rittenhouse brownstone serving upscale large and small plates plus cocktails. Semifinalist in the James Beard Awards. 2031 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Vetri Cucina – Chef Marc Vetri offers a gourmet prix fixe dinner in an intimate townhouse setting. 1312 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Zahav – The flavors of Israel’s cultural crossroads. Rated one of America’s best restaurants and featured on Somebody Feed Phil! 237 St. James Pl., Philadelphia, PA 19106
You want a CHEESESTEAK? Below are the best spots to find this Philly Classic:
Campo’s – A popular family-run cheesesteak spot right on Market Street in Old City. 214 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Chickie’s and Pete’s – Local sports-bar and restaurant chain featuring cheesesteaks and signature “Crabfries.” 1526 Packer Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Dalessandro’s Steaks – Mom and pop shop in Roxborough serving NW Philly’s favorites. Featured in Somebody Feed Phil! 600 Wendover St & Henry Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
John’s Roast Pork – Excellent cheesesteaks… also recommend the titular famous roast pork sandwich. Featured on Somebody Feed Phil! 14 E Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Pat’s and Geno’s – South Philly’s best known rival neighbors offer classic Philly Cheesesteaks–why not try both? Pats: 1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147 ; Genos: 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
*Reading Terminal Market – You can find cheesesteaks here, too! Convenient to the Convention Center. Again, 51 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Sonny’s Famous Steaks – No-frills cheesesteak shop using fresh rib-eye, located on Market Street in Old City. 228 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tony & Nick’s – Incredible Philly cheesesteaks & other subs, plus burgers & fries. 39 E Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
The BEST Bars & Breweries
Assembly Rooftop Lounge – Elegant bar with classy cocktails, sweeping city views & outdoor seating with fire pits. Located above the Logan Hotel. 1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Barcade – Vintage video games like Pac Man and Donkey Kong plus craft beers lure players to this hip Fishtown bar, far from Center City. – 1114 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Brü Craft & Wurst – Rustic-chic alehouse in Center City with a garage-door wall and ample options on tap, self-serve brews, and German eats. 1318 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Frankford Hall – A modernized German beer garden set in an industrial structure in Fishtown, far from Center City. 1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125 – CAN HOLD LARGE GROUPS
Harp & Crown – A beautiful, bi-level space joining a pair of bars, New American eats, and a basement bowling alley. 1525 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 – CAN HOLD LARGE GROUPS
Le Caveau – Wine bar above the Good King Tavern, illuminated by tea candles, Christmas lights, and glowing service. A bit far from most Center City attractions, but worth a visit if in South Philly. Semifinalist in the James Beard Awards. 614 S 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
McGillin’s Olde Ale House – Philadelphia’s oldest continuously-operating pub (est. 1860) survived the Civil War and prohibition, and continues as a local favorite. 1310 Drury St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Monk’s Cafe – With 25 Belgian brews on tap and over 200 bottled beers — often rare — this is frequently recognized as one of the best beer bars nationwide. Semifinalist in the James Beard Awards. 264 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Ranstead Room – An intimate speakeasy hidden in an alley behind “El Rey” serving incredible cocktails. 2013 Ranstead St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Stateside Vodka – Trendy vodka distillery & hip cocktail lounge with upmarket drinks & swanky decor. A bit farther from Center City, but worth a visit if in Fishtown. 1700 N Hancock St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Time – A stalwart just off of 13th Street in Center City, featuring live local musicians every night it’s open. 1315 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Uptown Beer Garden – Pulled pork sandwiches and other bar food staples, plus beer and cocktails right next to Love Park. 1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Xfinity Live! South Philadelphia – Enormous sports bar “fan experience” in the South Philly Sports Complex with over a dozen dining & entertainment options. Far from Center City but worth a visit if in the Sports Complex. 1100 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Philly has nearly 100 craft breweries located in the city and neighboring counties, plus numerous taprooms for local and semi-local brands. Here are some of the best located near Center City:
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant – Regional brewpub chain dispensing housemade beers & elevated comfort food staples, extremely centrally located. 1150 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 – CAN HOLD LARGE GROUPS
Liquid Art Barrel House – A taproom designed to reflect and showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of the brand’s product. Famous for the Best Blonde. 990 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Love City Brewing – Spacious brewery & tasting room with visiting food trucks in a former rail-parts factory. Famous for the Love City Lager. 1023 Hamilton St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Triple Bottom Brewing – This craft microbrewery “with a mission” has a triple bottom line: beer, people, and planet. 915 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Victory Brewing Company – Craft beer in an industrial-chic tavern with rooftop seats. Famous for the Golden Monkey. Conveniently located downtown. 1776 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103 – CAN HOLD LARGE GROUPS
Yards Brewing – Expansive local brewery, restaurant & bar. Famous for the Yards Brawler and Philadelphia Pale Ale. 500 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123 – CAN HOLD LARGE GROUPS
Evil Genius Brewery – Brewpub with popular beers and small bites in an industrial-chic hangout. A bit farther from Center City, but worth a visit if in Fishtown. 1727 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
The BEST Historic Sites & Museums
The Academy of Natural Sciences – Research institution’s natural history museum featuring dinosaur bones, a butterfly house, and more. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Barnes Foundation – World-class exhibit including work by artists Picasso and Renoir, African sculpture, Native American textiles, and more. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Benjamin Franklin Museum – Artifacts and exhibits detailing the life of the historic figure, including a steel “ghost house” on the site of Franklin’s home. 317 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Christ Church – A national historic site where many of the founding fathers, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, worshipped. Still an active Episcopal parish. 20 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Eastern State Penitentiary – Gothic-style prison-turned-attraction with tours of Al Capone’s cell, exhibits, and a seasonal haunted house. 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Elfreth’s Alley – This picturesque cobblestone street is known as the oldest continuously inhabited road in America. 126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Fairmount Water Works – Once the home to the engine room for Philadelphia’s cutting-edge water department, this site is now a National Historic Landmark with breathtaking waterfront views. 640 Waterworks Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19130
The Franklin Institute – Lively, family-friendly science museum with interactive exhibits and displays, plus a planetarium. Also features the colossal Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
*Independence Hall – At this site, the United States Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted by America’s Founding Fathers. Tours available–book in advance. MUST SEE! 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Independence Visitors Center – Start your tour of Old City’s historical sites here. 599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
*Liberty Bell – An iconic symbol of American independence. Can be viewed in person at no charge. MUST SEE! 526 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Magic Gardens – Funky folk art venue provides mosaicked galleries, a sculpture garden maze, and educational programs. 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
The Masonic Temple of Philadelphia – A National Historic Landmark, this building (which predates City Hall) features incredible architecture and decorated interiors. Tours are available during the day, with Lodge Meetings held here most weeknights. 1 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Museum of the American Revolution – Spacious and modern history museum presenting interactive exhibits on the American Revolution. A beautiful new museum worth a visit. 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Mütter Museum – Not for the faint of heart. Collection of over 20,000 unusual, unique anatomical specimens in a museum of medical history. 19 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
National Constitution Center – Interactive all-ages museum devoted to the U.S. Constitution featuring rare artifacts and a theater. 525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
*Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky Steps – An incredible museum with more than 240,000 works spanning 2,000 years. Sylvester Stallone famously ran up the museum’s southeastern steps in “Rocky.” MUST SEE! 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Rodin Museum – An art museum containing one of the largest collections of sculptor Auguste Rodin’s works outside Paris. 2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
The BEST Entertainment & Other Attractions
Buffalo Billiards – Patrons can shoot pool, play shuffleboard & throw darts at this big bi-level pub with 2 full bars. 118 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Lucky Strike Bowling – Mod bowling spot in Center City offering many lanes, a lounge, dancing, and regular DJs with a 21+ policy at night. 1336 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Fashion District Mall – A large Center City mall with shopping, food, and entertainment options. 901 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Kimmel Cultural Campus – This glass & steel space is home to the city’s orchestra, plus ballet, opera, drama & student works. Several nearby theaters, including the Academy of Music, are administered by the Kimmel Cultural Campus. 300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Philadelphia Zoo – America’s oldest zoo! Contains nearly 1,300 animals, including rare and endangered species, plus an education center. 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Walnut Street Theatre – Founded in 1809, this National Historic Landmark theater is the nation’s oldest playhouse. Theatrical home of the Barrymore family. 825 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
The BEST Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Boathouse Row – A historic row of 15 boathouses along the Schuylkill River Trail just north of the Fairmount Water Works. 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Cherry Street Pier – Exhibition spaces on an early 20th-century pier, plus art studios, flea market & riverside beer pub. 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Dilworth Park – A public park along the western side of City Hall in Center City. Hosts seasonal events and a roller/ice skating rink. 1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Fairmount Park – An enormous urban park with more than 2,000 acres of rolling hills, gentle trails, waterfronts, and shaded woodlands on both sides of the Schuylkill River. Northwest of the Art Museum and Philadelphia Zoo.
FDR Park – Large urban park in South Philly offering sports fields, fishing lakes, and the American Swedish Museum. 1500 Pattison Avenue &, S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Franklin Square – This park boasts several family-friendly attractions including mini-golf and a carousel. 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Independence National Historical Park – A federally-protected historic district preserving several sites associated with the American Revolution. Located around Independence Hall and throughout Old City.
Logan Circle – A public space on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway containing the Swann Memorial Fountain by famous Philadelphia-born sculptor Alexander Calder. Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
LOVE Park – A public park in Center City nicknamed for its reproduction of Robert Indiana’s 1970 LOVE sculpture overlooking the plaza. 16th St and JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Race Street Pier – Waterfront promenade with a lawn and soaring bridge views drawing joggers, sunbathers, and picnickers. Race St and N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Rittenhouse Square – One of five original squares planned by William Penn, this park is in the heart of Center City’s most exclusive neighborhood. 18th and Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Schuylkill River Trail – This 30+ mile recreational path runs along the Schuylkill River from Center City, through Valley Forge National Historical Park in Montgomery County, to Parker Ford, PA. East side of the Schuylkill River.
Washington Square – A public park with tree-lined pathways, the clone of Philadelphia’s only Moon Tree, and a memorial to Washington and unknown soldiers of the American Revolution. 210 W. Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Wissahickon Valley Park – 2,042 acres of woodland surrounding the Wissahickon Creek between the Montgomery County border and Schuylkill River. Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Convenient Places of Worship
Assemblies of God
Philadelphia Tabernacle – 1801 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Baptist
First Baptist Church of Philadelphia – 123 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Buddhist
Fo Shou Temple – 1015 Cherry St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Shambhala Meditation – 2030 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Episcopalian
Christ Church – 20 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Church of the Holy Trinity – 1904 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Gloria Dei Old Swedes Church – 916 S Swanson St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Saint Clement’s Church – 2013 Appletree St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Saint Peter’s Church – Third and, Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church – 1625 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses – South Philadelphia – 2033 Ellsworth St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Judaism
Mekor Habracha (Orthodox) – 1500 Walnut St #206, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel (Conservative) – 300 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Leyv Ha-Ir (Reconstructionist) – 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Kahal Kadosh Mikveh Israel – 44 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Latter Day Saints (LDS/Mormon)
Philadelphia LDS Church – 1682 Wood St, Philadelphia, PA 19025
Philadelphia Temple – 1739 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Lutheran
Logos Lutheran Church – 628 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
The Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion – 2110 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Muslim
Center City Masjid in Connelly House – 1215 Clover St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Orthodox Christianity
Saint John Chrystostom Albanian Orthodox Church – 237 N 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral – 256 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Church of Our Lady Russian Orthodox Church – 560 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Presbyterian
Arch Street Presbyterian Church – 1724 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Olivet Covenant Presbyterian Church – 22nd Mt Vernon St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Reformed Church of America
Resurrection Philadelphia – 123 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Religious Society of Friends (Quaker)
Arch Street Meeting House – 320 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Race Street Friends Meetinghouse – 1520 Cherry St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Roman Catholic
Cathedral-Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul – 1723 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia – 1166 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Old Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church – 321 Willings Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106
St. Augustine’s RCC – 243 N Lawrence St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
St. Francis Xavier Church – 2319 Green St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
St. John the Evangelist RCC – 21 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
St. Patrick RCC – 242 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Unitarian Universalist
First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia – 2125 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
United Methodist
Arch Street UMC – 55 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Historic St. George’s UMC – 235 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(Check back again soon for more resources related to NECA’s 2023 Convention in Philadelphia!)
