<p>I’m going on Friday, not sure if I’ve ever been there, except for the airport. Any suggestions for good activities? I love museums.</p>
<p>Oxymoron. (only kidding)</p>
<p>Franklin Institute is an awesome museum.
If you have a car and the weather is nice, I love Valley Forge National Park. Lots of history.
Independence Hall/Betsy Ross House/Liberty Bell- always worth a visit. Maybe do the double decker bus tour.</p>
<p>You should go to Constitution Hall, and see where the Declaration of Independence was signed. And see the Liberty Bell, which is nearby.</p>
<p>They have a pretty good Chinatown.</p>
<p>And the Franklin Institute, a good science museum.</p>
<p>It is a good walking city. Go to Rittenhouse Square, which is the area where the young professionals hang out.</p>
<p>Also, go to the top of city hall (the building with the William Penn statue at the top)</p>
<p>You can probably get REALLY good deals on Phillies World Series shirts.</p>
<p>Oh yeah. You should find out which place is famous for cheesesteaks. You have to go there while in Philly. Not doing this would be like going to New York and not ordering pizza. I think there are two famous places, which are like cultural institutions that have attained cult like status.</p>
<p>We used to live near Philly, went back in the fall for a Phillies game. (ouch, MOWC–low blow).</p>
<p>Anyway, Must-dos…Constitution Hall, The Constitution Center, the Liberty Bell, go to Reading Terminal Market for the atmosphere (and get Amish baked goods and Philly cheesesteak there), go do the Rocky-running-up-the-stairs at the Philadelphia Art Institute, and take in the Franklin Institute if you have time for a science museum. The Rodin Museum is close to the Art institute and Franklin and is a hidden gem, as well. The tours are a good way to get an overview, an appreciation for the history, and then you can focus on the big things. I love Philadelphia.</p>
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<p>Those would be Pat’s and Geno’s, but astrophysicsmom’s suggestion of the Reading Terminal market is much better: go to DiNic’s and get the roast pork, provolone and broccoli rabe sandwich instead of a cheesesteak. Followed by some Bassett’s ice cream. You won’t be sorry.</p>
<p>The Constitution Center leaves me cold, but Independence Hall and surroundings are must-see American history: [Independence</a> National Historical Park](<a href=“http://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm]Independence”>Independence National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service))</p>
<p>The Art Museum and the Rodin Museum are both excellent, as is the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.</p>
<p>I’m just still so sad about my Phillies!</p>
<p>Famous 4th Street Deli.</p>
<p>Get the pastrami sandwich. Or the challa french toast, which is, according to my DD, the best french toast in the history of the world.</p>
<p>Wow–these sound like great suggestions–thanks!</p>
<p>gotta get a cheesesteak. pats or ginos or tony lukes</p>
<p>We have been to the Constitution Center twice and loved it.</p>
<p>I even love the cheesesteaks we’ve gotten at the airport, so I’m really taking note of those suggestions!</p>
<p>I don’t live in Philadelphia, but my D went to college in the area and is now living and working in the city. If you want to do something a little different and the weather is good, I’d recommend visiting one of the local botanic gardens. If you like this type of thing, the Philadelphia area has some gems. A few of my favorites: Longwood Gardens (this is the big kahouna in the area–about 30-some miles from the city); Chanticleer (smaller, but absolutely stunning–in Wayne, PA, which is on the Main Line); Bartram’s Garden–in the city and the oldest botanic garden in the United States.</p>
<p>I do love botanic gardens, thanks!</p>
<p>Are you staying for the weekend,or just passing thru?..weather looks miserable on saturday,rainy,cold, maybe a nor’easter…</p>
<p>Staying for the weekend. The weather is supposed to be bad in VT too, so I’ll make the best of whatever happens. Museums are good in any weather.</p>
<p>Yes, where are you staying? That could help us in making suggestions</p>
<p>How about if the weather is not so good? We had a trip planned for this weekend: tailgating Saturday, then a football game and a tour of campus with the grandparents. With highs in the mid-40s and chance of rain/wet snow, we will either cancel this weekend’s trip or find in-door activities (most of which, will not thrill the college student). Any suggestions??</p>
<p>Living close enough, I would say get out of town and visit Longwood gardens, Brandywine Valley or even Lancaster . So many nice surrounding areas , but to me Philly is a city with no charm or soul</p>