If variety appeals to you, head north to Pennsylvania. The Keystone State, from its bustling cities to its rural farmland, is rich with enough American history, celebrated art, family festivities, award-winning dining, and nature excursions to suit any visitor’s tastes. In our September issue, we tell you where to go and what to do in some of our favorite PA destinations. We’ll be sharing those stories online over the course of the month, so check back for more.
From history and art to dining and sports, Philadelphia is the opposite of a one-note city. And it couldn’t be more convenient; grab the Amtrak from Alexandria or Washington, DC, and you’re there in about two hours. Once there, no car is needed. In fact, you can saunter straight from 30th Street Station to many of Philly’s top attractions. The European-style walkability means you can pack a lot into a weekend while leaving room for the unplanned moments that make for the best travel stories. Remember, Richard Linklater wrote his iconic film Before Sunrise after a night spent walking Philadelphia with a stranger. Philly — its streets and its people — will stay with you.
Drive time from Dulles: 3 hours
Revolutionary History
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of America, and Philly is going all-out to celebrate, reminding folks that it was the capital of the country before DC took the honor. Head to the Independence Hall area to visit the buildings and streets where the founders of the country spent their time. If you don’t want to stand in line to see the Liberty Bell, there are numerous other historic attractions nearby. Among the options: Take a tour of Independence Hall and Congress Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and where Congress convened from 1790 to 1800, respectively.
See Betsy Ross House, where America’s famous seamstress lived, and amble down Elfreth’s Alley, a postcard-perfect spot that’s recognized as one of America’s oldest residential streets. Visit the still-operating Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, founded in 1794. At the Museum of the American Revolution, view thousands of objects from the Revolutionary War period, including George Washington’s war tent and hundreds of related artifacts. Get wonky at the National Constitution Center, which breaks down the document in great detail.
Get Artsy
Fans of Philly’s most famous fictional hero, Rocky Balboa, will want to get a photo with his statue and run up the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, also a must for its collections of South and East Asian, Renaissance, American, and contemporary works. (Rocky fans may also want to dine at The Victor Café, the site of Adrian’s Restaurant, for Italian food and opera singing). Nearby is the Rodin Museum, which hosts one of the largest collections of sculptor Auguste Rodin’s work outside France.
The Barnes Foundation (if you can only fit in one art museum, go to The Barnes) is stacked with the works of impressionists and post-impressionists including Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and van Gogh — and its lovely Garden Restaurant partners with local chefs for First Friday suppers. Don’t miss the public and street art in the city; Philly’s often called the “city of murals” and has more than 4,000. Take a Mural Arts tour for the history and meaning behind them.
Foodie Paradise
Tours and classes are also a great way to introduce yourself to the city’s rich food scene. Tiny Table Tours run by a local food writer will take you on a walking tour of some of the city’s best restaurants, bakeries, and shops; try its signature Beyond the Italian Market tour. If visiting the Italian Market on your own, make sure to go to Isgro Pastries for cannoli and cake, Blue Corn Mexican Restaurant & Bar for margaritas and tacos, and Alma del Mar for eggs Benedict and mango salad.
Learn about wine with themed wine region dinners at Bloomsday and cheese at the fun Philly Cheese School. One of the country’s largest public markets, with more than 75 vendors, Reading Terminal Market is crowded but worth it; go to Beiler’s Doughnuts for Amish treats, Ma Lessie’s Chicken & Waffles for soul food, Tommy DiNic’s for roast pork sandwiches, and Miller’s Twist for soft pretzels.
Also check out the seasonal Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park, which runs through October 27. Continue walking the city’s piers and parks along the Delaware River waterfront; go to Cherry Street Pier for art exhibitions and weekend flea markets, Race Street Pier for a scenic stroll with city views, and Spruce Street Harbor Park for family-friendly games, hammocks, and craft beer. The good news is, if you don’t fit everything in on your first visit, Philly is close and easy enough to return to again and again.
Between the Bread
Thinly sliced or finely chopped rib-eye, a healthy serving of cheese (American, melty Whiz, or provolone), and sautéed onions if you please, served on a soft, warm, locally made long roll: That’s the simple makeup of Philly’s most famous sandwich. Order it “wit” (with onions) or “witout.” Other acceptable toppings include sweet peppers or long hots. Every local has a favorite classic cheesesteak joint, but these roll off a lot of tongues: Angelo’s Pizzeria, Ishkabibble’s, Jim’s Steaks, Cafe Carmela, and Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies. Go to Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop for a mouthwatering steak with housemade truffle-infused Whiz, or to the steakhouse Barclay Prime, where cheesesteak ingredients include hand-cut wagyu beef, black truffle, and foie gras (the $140 entrée comes with a half bottle of Champagne).
Some argue that a roast pork sandwich like that from John’s Roast Pork (which also has great cheesesteaks) is the superior Philly sandwich, with its slow-roasted pork loin, spinach, and provolone, but why not suss that out for yourself by trying both? And while you’re at it, grab a hoagie — sliced deli meats, provolone, antipasto or peperoncino peppers, doused in olive oil or Italian dressing on a seeded roll — from an Italian deli like Lil’ Nick’s or Pastificio.
Top-Notch Dining
Philly is one of the best food cities in the U.S., and it just keeps getting better — so if you only eat cheesesteaks here, you’ll be missing out. Great eats can be found at any style and price point, from counter service deals to white tablecloth splurges. For the latter, you’ll want to make a reservation weeks, if not months, in advance. Some of the best and most buzzworthy restaurants include Italian institution Vetri Cucina, stylish steakhouse Alpen Rose, family-style French spot Her Place Supper Club, Cambodian restaurant Mawn, Japanese pub Royal Sushi & Izakaya, James Beard winner Zahav, and New American eateries A. Kitchen + Bar and Friday Saturday Sunday. If you waited too long, you may still have a chance: Try a lunchtime reservation, set an alert for openings, or in some cases, you can grab a seat to dine at the bar.
Explore East Passyunk
You could easily spend a day enjoying this vibrant South Philly neighborhood with more than 160 independently owned businesses, including many of the city’s best shops and restaurants. Start your day with a hearty Southern-inspired brunch at Flannel (don’t skip the biscuits), sweet or savory baked pancakes at The Dutch, small plates and wine in the courtyard at Barcelona Wine Bar, or a full English breakfast on weekends at Stargazy.
Buy ornaments, cards, jewelry, and more at Occasionette and Nice Things Handmade, treats for the kids at Tildie’s Toy Box, something for the pups at Amelie’s Bark Shop, flattering boho fashions at August Moon Co., new books at A Novel Idea, vintage clothing and accessories at Mesh Vintage and N.R.S. Boutique, artisan chocolate at Mecha Chocolate, ’80s and ’90s music and memorabilia at Latchkey, and more. See a rare typewriter donated by Tom Hanks at the quirky shop Philly Typewriter. For lunch, how about a cemita at El Chingon, a soppressata pizza at Stogie Joe’s Tavern, or tacos and crab guac at Pistolas Del Sur?
Take a break to sit by the East Passyunk Singing Fountain with a cup of Rival Bros. Coffee, a hoagie from L. Mancuso & Son, or a pastry from Essen Bakery and people watch. Sip a craft cocktail at Manatawny Still Works or Stateside before heading to dinner. Among many options: Gabriella’s Vietnam, Perla, Laurel, River Twice, and Le Virtù. For dessert, it’s ice cream or gelato from D’Emilio’s Old World Ice Treats or Milk Jawn. If time and energy permits, walk over to Bok Bar for rooftop views in season.
Where to Stay
The location can’t be beat at the lively W Philadelphia (rooms from $329 per night) in Center City, just steps from attractions. The sexy W brand has added wellness elements including a heated outdoor pool open year-round, cold-plunge cabanas, and a wet deck with juices and low-ABV beverages. Want to really treat yourself? Book the Four Seasons Philadelphia (rooms from $850 a night), a sleek five-star gem located in the top levels of the 60-story Comcast Technology Center, the city’s tallest building. It boasts some of the city’s best skyline views, a relaxing spa, a stylish bar and restaurant on the 59th floor, a seafood restaurant that’s one of the best in the city (Vernick Fish), Sunday jazz brunch, and programming for guests like an Éclat hot chocolate pop-up bar in December.
Boutique hotels more your vibe? A former fashion designer opened Yowie (rooms from $195 per night) in the eclectic South Street neighborhood. The hotel’s punchy, thoughtful décor reflects her personality, plus there’s a charming onsite store and café. The Guild House Hotel (rooms from $259 per night) is located inside a former hub for women activists, with each beautifully designed room in the historic building named after one of the women.
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Feature image by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
This story originally ran in our September issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
