Looking for the top things to see and do in Philly? Visitors and Locals should look no further than our very own PACA President, Fran Nachman, who was just honored as the Sonesta Celebrity!! Check out her amazing insider tips for the best attractions, guided tours and nightlife to make the most of your Philly experience.
Sonesta Celebrity
*Content provided from the Sonesta Blog.
Located in downtown Philly, guests of the Sonesta Philadelphia have a myriad of things to do – places to see and restaurants to dine in. Weary travelers can rest assured that our very own gold key award winning Concierge, Fran Nachman – as seen on philly.com knows the best places to recommend and whether you are returning to Philadelphia for the 100th time, or brand to new to the city, she will be able to recommend an itinerary that is sure to please.
Fran’s Top 6 Things to See in Philly:
The Oval (Wednesday-Sunday)
Food trucks
Beer Garden
Daily Theme (fitness/art & culture/movies/game day)
Art After 5 (Fridays- museum is open until 8:45pm)
Music/food
The Barnes Foundation
Largest private collection of post-impressionist and early modern art
Advance reservations strongly suggested
Mural Arts Tours
Over 2500 murals located throughout the city
Self-walking tours as well as guided trolley tours
Reading Terminal Market
Over 100 year-old farmer’s market. Open 7 days (No Amish stands Sunday-Tuesday)
DiNic’s Roast Pork –Winner of Travel Channel’s Best Sandwich in the Country
Historic District
Liberty Bell (No tickets needed)
Independence Hall (Tickets required from Independence Visitor Center) No tickets needed seasonally 5pm-7pm
Elfreth’s Alley
National Museum of American Jewish History
African-American Museum
Franklin Court
Betsy Ross House
Christ Church
U.S. Mint
National Constitution Center
City Hall Tours
Self-guided tours to tower & observation deck 9:30am-4:15pm Monday-Friday (fee)
Guided tour (2 hours) including interior and building history 12:30pm Monday-Friday (fee)
Now after hopping around Philadelphia visiting all of Fran’s favorite spots, we are sure you have worked up an appetite. No matter what you are craving or who you are traveling with, Fran has just the place in mind for you!
If it’s a beautiful day in Philadelphia and you want to dine with a view, Fran recommends trying out one of these restaurants: Butcher & Singer, D’Angelo’s, Davio’s, Devon Seafood Grill, Gran Caffee L’Aquilla, Oyster House or R2L. Another one of her favorite spots on a sunny day is Talula’s Garden, particularly in late spring, summer or early fall to take advantage of their garden seating!
If you are traveling with family and need a restaurant where there will be something on the menu for everyone, Fran recommends Capofitto and Jones which are convenient for lunch or dinner.
Just going out for cocktails and want a fun spot? Fran recommends checking out 1 Tippling Place or Bar Volver on Jazz Nights. If you are looking for amazing service, she says you will never be disappointed at The Industry. Other recommended bars include Independence Beer Garden, Charlie was a Sinner and The Franklin Bar.
Tired after a long day of working in Philadelphia or touring the City of Brotherly Love and need a snack. Fran recommends Devon & Blakely, Di Bruno’s, Good Stuff Eatery, Hai Street Kitchen, HipCityVeg, and the Reading Terminal Market as perfect spots to grab a quick bite.
