Road Trip to Philadelphia: What to do and see

Philly, Philly, Philly!

You know the beauty of living in NYC (apart from the rooftops and the four-season weather) is that everything is fairly close to you. When I lived in Miami, just leaving the state is a 6-hour drive. Queens to Philly was a quick and easy 2 hours and 15 min drive.

I love road trips, it’s an easy and affordable way to travel and I highly recommend it. An open road, jamming to music, signing on the top of my lungs (I already do that on my way to work – lol)

Ryan and I decided to take a Friday off work and just enjoy a weekend getaway and honestly, I feel like a three day weekend in Philly is enough time to explore the city.

Downtown Philadelphia

We actually got to Philadelphia fairly late Friday. We left Queens a little past 3:00 pm and due to some complications, (Waze was programmed to avoiding tolls) we took almost 4 hours to get there (Rush hour on a Friday sucks! -LOL) we checked in and I was not disappointed with our Air B&B. Onward, we went to hang out by a local Jazz bar called Time which gave me New Orleans vibes. Our Friday didn’t consist of much exploring just enjoying some nice New Orleans vibes.

Exploring Philly

Below is a list of locations we visited while exploring. Places you should visit while there. Very touristy but since it’s my first time there, why not. We didn’t do too much planning, we just went with the flow.

CheeseSteaks;

We started our day skipping breakfast and straight to Philly cheesesteak. We didn’t try different places but overall, this was a first good introduction to Philly cheesesteaks. On your next visit try the following;

Geno’s Cheesesteak

Pat’s Cheesesteak

Jim’s South St – Recommended by a local Philly Fan

Overall, there are so many different places to choose from and everyone I have researched so far has different views on which Cheesesteak is the best in Philly. I guess you’ll have to go and find out for yourself!

Love Park

Also known as the JFK Plaza, Love Park is home to the iconic LOVE sculpture. This park is a gathering and socializing location for locals and tourists. Many outdoor activities, also countless photos are taken each year under Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture by visitors from across the country and around the world, making the park a top destination in the city.

Swann Memorial Fountain

Also known as the Fountain of the Three Rivers, an art deco fountain sculpture. During warm months, swimming in the fountain is a long-standing Philadelphia tradition.

Assembly Rooftop

We decided to stop and grab a quick bite and came across this rooftop right by the Swann fountain, located nine floors up, which has breathtaking panoramic views from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. #Cheers

Rittenhouse Square Park

The heart of Center City’s most expensive and exclusive neighborhood. a bevy of high-rise residences filled with top-end luxury apartments and some of the best fine dining experiences in the city, residents can marvel at their options, while also enjoying the luxury retail shopping in the area, all of which surrounds the handsome tree-filled park. It reminds me of Central Park in NYC.

The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts

A dazzling regional performing arts center whose discreet brick exterior rises to a bold 150-foot glass vaulted rooftop for startling views of the city. Visitors can also come relax and browse the Intermission Shop’s out-of-the-ordinary arts.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

This was my favorite thing during our trip. the Magic Garden is an immersive mixed media art environment that is completely covered with mosaics. The creator, Isaiah Zagar, used handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirrors, and international folk art to chronicle his life and influence. Space is made up of two indoor galleries and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden. General admission is $10

Reading Terminal Market

As seen on the Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel, and HGTV, Reading Terminal Market is Philadelphia’s original source for fresh food,  home to 80 independently-owned local merchants offering a wide array of prepared foods including Philly cheesesteaks, Italian hoagies, Pennsylvania Dutch fare, and the city’s widest variety of ethnic foods under one roof.

One Liberty Observation Deck

Panoramic bird’s-eye views of the city from the 57th floor of One Liberty Place in downtown Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Museum of Art / Rocky Steps

We all know about the Rocky steps from the original Rocky movie so we left the best for last before heading back home. 72 stone steps before the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We didn’t actually go into the museum and we also didn’t take a picture with the rocky statue (the line to take a picture was too long) but we got to see it. I am sure we will be back soon.

Overall, Philly felt like a mini New York. Lot’s to see and do and not expensive at all. If you have the time and you love history/museums. It’s a great place to visit.

I also want to take the time and mention if you need a place to stay, the Lyrics downtown AirB&B is amazing. Affordable, stylish and great views. (They book fast) – Check it out on my Instagram “Philly” Highlight.

Once Again, Thank you for reading!