Introduction. During our last visit to Philadelphia, the city, like the rest of the world, was starting to reopen; the prior trip, characterized by near-total desolation as the COVID pandemic first took hold.
Now, the City of Brotherly Love is back. Certain public safety measures are still in place, but many aspects of daily life have returned to normal. Restaurants are open and offer redesigned outdoor seating; museums have new exhibitions; and pubs have introduced new menus and cocktail recipes.
“In Boston they ask, how much does he know? In New York, how much is he worth? In Philadelphia, who were his parents?” ― Mark Twain
Let us show you how to enjoy this great American city over a long weekend.
30th Street Station. The city’s main station is a throwback to another era when train travel was the primary mode of transportation along the Eastern seaboard.
Aloft Hotel is a short walk from her sister property, Le Meridien, and features stylish rooms with great views and more importantly, even greater prices.
Photo Gallery | Aloft Hotel :
The city is rightfully proud of her Ben Franklin Parkway, a grand boulevard originating at City Hall―a glorious tribute to masonry architecture and a National Historic Landmark―that leads to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of North America’s greatest cultural institutions.
Photo Gallery | Ben Franklin Parkway :
Located at 16th Street in Cret Park, Capriccio Cafe & Bar’s large outdoor patio offers great views of the Ben Franklin, City Hall and Love Park. The cafe features breakfast pastries and sandwiches; beer and wine; cold and hot coffee beverages; cold drinks and juices; grilled panini sandwiches to go; homemade pound cake; salads; snacks; and sweets.
When it completed its acquisition of NBCUniversal, Comcast became one of the biggest media companies in the world. Its signature tower and adjacent technology center redefined Philadelphia’s skyline, making it one of the most recognizable on the global stage.
Continental Mid-Town is a must. Located at the corner of Chestnut and 18th Streets, the upscale diner serves great pub food and signature cocktails in a show-stopping dining space.
We recommend their signature martini, The Northern Lights, made with gin, rosemary infused sake and combier mûre. After a couple of those, share:
― BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
― Cheesesteak Eggrolls
― Chicken Lettuce Wraps
― Lobster Mac & Cheese
If you still have an appetite, we recommend the Turkey Club. Ask for it to be topped off with extra avocado and bacon. And then enjoy the inevitable late-day nap that will follow.
Photo Gallery | Continental :
Since it was founded in the 1930’s, Philadelphia’s famous Di Bruno Brothers market has featured an incredible selection of imported cheeses, meats, sweets and Italian delicacies. Upstairs is a cafe serving daily specials, pizza, freshly made salads, sandwiches and soups.
Photo Gallery | Downtown :
One of the largest library systems in the country, the Free Library features dramatic architecture, a large collection of books, journals, maps and multimedia.
“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” ― Jorge Luis Borges
Located nearby is their Friends of the Free Library, offering used books, affordable large format photography series and television programs on DVD from the United Kingdom and United States.
Its entrance is very well-guarded. There is no fee to enter but in order to pass, you must gently play with the Book Corner’s guard.
What was once a multi-level, Georgian-style historic building at 14th and Arch Streets, is now home to Le Meridien Philadelphia. Its location is ideal, i.e., Capriccio Cafe & Bar, the Ben Franklin Parkway, City Hall and Love Park are all within very short walks.
Architectural details, beautiful woodwork, a grand lobby and a light-filled atrium characterize the public spaces.
“Whenever you go on a trip to visit foreign lands or distant places, remember they are all someone’s home and backyard.” ― Vera Nazarian
Le Meridien’s clean and contemporary style typify the guest rooms which feature the brand’s well-known Heavenly Series of bath and bed linens. The room was spacious, included ample storage for clothing and luggage, and a noticeably large bathroom. We secured an excellent rate via their website and a complimentary upgrade when we arrived.
Photo Gallery | Le Meridien’s Public Spaces :
Photo Gallery | Guest Rooms :
Located in the Center City on the block between Chestnut and Market Streets, is the striking Liberty Place Towers, a shopping mall with a gorgeous architectural dome, and the Westin Philadelphia on 17th Street.
The site has undergone a renovation with a large variety of stores present. Check out Style of Man, for example, for a great shave and haircut and then grab an espresso from Saxbys Coffee before buying a ticket to the Observation Deck for incredible views of the city.
Photo Gallery | Liberty Place :
The City of Brotherly Love has bragging rights to one of the world’s greatest art museums, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. With one of the largest collections of art in the United States, the museum is frequently the only place on the East coast for once-in-a-lifetime exhibitions.
With close to a quarter million objects, the museum showcases American art; glasswork; ceramics and sculpture from China, India, Japan and Korea; costumes and textiles; drawings; Egyptian and Roman art; furniture; Modern artwork; paintings; photographs; prints; Renaissance art; sculpture; and original works by Brâncuși, Dalí, Duchamp, Jasper Johns, Picasso and more. The museum has completed a 10-year expansion project, overseen by none other than Frank Gehry himself. The renovation expanded the museum’s space and features a tremendous underground construction project.
The famed architect created a series of exhibition halls lit by natural light.
Photo Gallery | Philadelphia Museum of Art :
Located on the 1700 block of Walnut Street is a gem of an Italian restaurant, Pietro’s Coal Oven Pizza. The menu is extensive with generous portions and the food is served family-style.
The entrée portions are so generous it’s not a bad idea to consider sharing them. Highly recommended is the fried calamari, perfectly seasoned and crispy. The pasta puttanesca dishes are a knockout and the garlic bread is freshly made. The restaurant becomes very busy for dinner service so visit just before 07:00pm on the weekends.
“I hate people who are not serious about meals. It is so shallow of them.” ― Oscar Wilde
Planned by William Penn himself, Rittenhouse Square is a fantastic park in the heart of downtown.
Surrounded by apartments, hotels, restaurants and shops, the green space is a great respite and more often than not, features a musician or two near its entrances.
“Cities have always offered anonymity, variety, and conjunction, qualities best basked in by walking…a great city always makes the unknown and the possible spurs to the imagination.” ― Rebecca Solnit
Photo Gallery | In and Around Rittenhouse :
The city’s Rodin Museum, after being closed for renovation while simultaneously cleaning the stone exterior, has never looked better. A source of great pride for Philadelphia, the museum is home to one of the largest collections of Auguste Rodin’s works outside Paris. His iconic piece, “The Thinker,” sits stoically at the museum’s entrance.
To debate bagels in Philadelphia is like knocking the Phillies―you’re risking warfare. The place to go is Spread Bagelry on 20th Street. Get there early as the lines on the weekends are long.
We cannot recommend Square1682 enough. Located on 17th Street next to the Palomar Hotel at Rittenhouse Square, the self-described modern American kitchen has a contemporary but warm atmosphere and an incredibly friendly staff. We enjoyed the food so much, we returned the next day for breakfast again. The french toast with mascarpone is fantastic.
Located near Rittenhouse Square, Tria Cafe serves locally made cheeses and features a noteworthy list of beers and wines.
The cafe is small, intimate and the crowd is lively. The staff is knowledgeable, gladly recommending cheeses to be paired with their wines and beers. They also allow you to sample.
The Westin Hotel Philadelphia on 17th Street in the heart of downtown at Liberty Place, has undergone yet another facelift. The public areas are brighter, more open and now have a more contemporary decor.
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” ― Anonymous
The rooms have been updated, too, and feature Westin’s Heavenly Series of amenities, bath linens, bedding and mattresses.
Photo Gallery | Westin Philadelphia :
Westin Philadelphia’s Public Spaces | Photo Gallery :
Their signature restaurant, Winthorpe & Valentine, has been transformed into Lea and the entrance is now more prominent and clearly visible as one walks from Reception to the elevators.
The restaurant serves very good food and their Sunday brunch, in particular, is highly recommended. Our personal favorite is the pancakes with blueberries and the portion is generous enough to be shared by 2 people.
Photo Gallery | Lea Restaurant :
Their greatest asset is the staff, all of whom are the epitome of friendliness and exemplary customer service. Its location can’t be beat either. Within walking distance is the Comcast Center, Di Bruno Brothers, Rittenhouse Square and Walnut Street. The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum are less than 5 minutes away by car.
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