48 hours in Philadelphia

[Anonymous]

Considering a quick family trip to Philly right before Christmas. Just for the heck of it, never been, and don't have time to go anywhere too far. We have two teens, one loves art museums and the other loves to eat. Anything we should definitely plan on doing/seeing/eating?

Is the Christmas market worth it, or just a swamped tourist trap?

[Anonymous]

Here's a gift link to 36 hours in Philly from the NYT.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/04/27/travel/things-to-do-philadelphia.html?unlocked_article_code=1.6U8.Ctce.SIRRvMnif0Il&smid=url-share

[Anonymous]

The Reading Terminal Market is fun because you can try so many different things, and everyone in your family can pick their own thing. Also, lots of stuff can be packed up to take home. We like By George, DiNic's, Uncle Gus, and Sang Kee. The Amish bakeries are great, but beware they're closed on Sundays. Love the cheese shop too, can't remember the name.

[Anonymous]

Make reservations- restaurants book up very quickly.

[Anonymous]

Christmas Market is great and super centrally located. Very easy to just make a quick stop, and if it's not for you, you can leave. Weekdays aren't that crowded, if you're able to go on a weekday.

What kind of cuisines does your family like? Philly has an incredible food scene.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Make reservations- restaurants book up very quickly.

This is no joke. I was shocked even looking a few weeks out.

[Anonymous]

Jim’s on South street for the eater

[Anonymous]

My teens loved thrift/vintage shopping on South Street. They also really liked the Eastern State Penitentiary. The Christmas Village is supposed to be nice but I haven't been.
Make sure to book in advance but we really enjoyed Independence Hall. It doesn't sound exciting but our guide was really good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Reading Terminal Market is fun because you can try so many different things, and everyone in your family can pick their own thing. Also, lots of stuff can be packed up to take home. We like By George, DiNic's, Uncle Gus, and Sang Kee. The Amish bakeries are great, but beware they're closed on Sundays. Love the cheese shop too, can't remember the name.

I thought it would be diBruno brothers in the terminal but I guess not. I have been to their shop and everything is good.

https://dibruno.com/pages/store-locator

[Anonymous]

The Barnes Foundation! It's fantastic.

https://www.barnesfoundation.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=collectionvisitationSAD&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20125069632&gbraid=0AAAAACP5DbJR4QSt4xaM8Fn7dkIWa7-Oi&gclid=Cj0KCQiAosrJBhD0ARIsAHebCNr7XlSxVEU7nr7KstGdRGQk7zApqYdhjGaSQJBB7elT9bZZxYTrTbcaArO9EALw_wcB

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Considering a quick family trip to Philly right before Christmas. Just for the heck of it, never been, and don't have time to go anywhere too far. We have two teens, one loves art museums and the other loves to eat. Anything we should definitely plan on doing/seeing/eating?

Is the Christmas market worth it, or just a swamped tourist trap?

It's not that bas compared to similar markets in NYC. It's right around City Hall, so central enough that you can work a walk-through into other plans.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Barnes Foundation! It's fantastic.

https://www.barnesfoundation.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=collectionvisitationSAD&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20125069632&gbraid=0AAAAACP5DbJR4QSt4xaM8Fn7dkIWa7-Oi&gclid=Cj0KCQiAosrJBhD0ARIsAHebCNr7XlSxVEU7nr7KstGdRGQk7zApqYdhjGaSQJBB7elT9bZZxYTrTbcaArO9EALw_wcB

Yes, and the Art Museum is very good as well.

[Anonymous]

My boys love Angelo’s pizza in Italian market. Try to go on an off-time, though. The line can be crazy. Walking around the Italian market neighborhood is fun in general.

My teens (and I) still love Franklin inst science museum.

[Anonymous]

Rodin Museum is great as well, in addition to the art museum and the Barnes.

Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are wonderful.

There are many delicious restaurants, such as Vernick Food and Drink, Talula's Garden, Barbuzzo. The BYOBs are fun too such as Melograno and Little Fish.

[Anonymous]

Mutter museum
Eastern State Penitentiary
Reading Terminal
Rocky steps
Hockey or basketball game (if in town)