# What should I see/do in Philadelphia? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 8, 2006, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632 "2006-07-08T14:48:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![burundi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3ec8ea/32.png) [@burundi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burundi)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/1 "2006-07-08T14:48:45Z")
Next week I’m headed up to Philadelphia to visit my brother. We’re definitely going to the Mutter Museum. Other than that, what I should I make sure to see and do while up there? Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Neptunian\_Slug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce7236/32.png) [@Neptunian\_Slug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neptunian_Slug)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/2 "2006-07-08T15:07:13Z")
> [@burundi](#): > > Next week I’m headed up to Philadelphia to visit my brother. We’re definitely going to the Mutter Museum. Other than that, what I should I make sure to see and do while up there? > > Thanks! What do you want to see? Since you’ll be downtown, run up to the Parkway museums; the Franklin Institute, Academy of Sciences, Rodin Museum, the Art Museum. The Free Library is very interesting. A lof of folks like the Constitution Center. I went there myself and was a bit underwhelmed. I thought there were be more historical items on display its more or less stuff for the kiddies to play with. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/3 "2006-07-08T15:07:57Z")
Some possibilities: [ul][li]Art Museum (the Wyeth exhibit goes through 7/16)[/li][li]The Franklin Institute[/li][li]Walk along the River Drives[/li][li]Stroll back Valley Green in Fairmount Park, and feed the ducks on the Creek[/li][li]Get a cheesesteak at D’Allesandro’s (Henry Avenue)[/li][li]Eat at the Imperial Inn in Chinatown (go for the dim sum on Sunday morning)[/li][li]Go clubbing down on Delaware Avenue on the waterfront[/li]Watch _Jaws_ at Penn’s Landing on Thursday (or see the “Sounds of R&B” on Friday)[/ul] ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/4 "2006-07-08T15:09:00Z")
> [@E-Diddy](#): > > A lof of folks like the Constitution Center. I went there myself and was a bit underwhelmed. I thought there were be more historical items on display its more or less stuff for the kiddies to play with. I loved the Constitution Center. To each his own, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Rodgers01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b19c9b/32.png) [@Rodgers01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodgers01)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/5 "2006-07-08T15:15:41Z")
Pat’s and Gino’s are the classic places to eat cheese steaks for visitors. The Art Museum is a must. Even if you don’t know much about art, it’s still very worthwhile to visit. Walk around the Italian Market and get some cannoli. Last time I went to Philly, I stumbled across the mother church of the African Methodist Episcopal church. Turns out it’s the oldest piece of property continuously owned by African-Americans in this country. I got a free private guided tour of the place by an extremely nice and knowledgable woman. The church is very beautiful and has an interesting history. Try to see it if you can. Philly’s a great city with a good feel to it. You’ll find a lot to do; have a good time. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/6 "2006-07-08T15:17:22Z")
Just stroll through the Old City District. It’s very cool to explore. ---
**Author:** ![Neptunian\_Slug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce7236/32.png) [@Neptunian\_Slug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neptunian_Slug)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/7 "2006-07-08T15:39:10Z")
> [@Stratocaster](#): > > I loved the Constitution Center. To each his own, I guess. A lot of folks do. Nothing wrong with that. I just thought there would be exhibits of historical information on the writing the Constitution. The show and the interactive exhibits are fun for a lot of folks. Its certainly good if you have kids, because it keeps them interested what could be potentially very dry stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Beware\_of\_Doug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/278dde/32.png) [@Beware\_of\_Doug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beware_of_Doug)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/8 "2006-07-08T15:49:47Z")
> [@burundi](#): > > We’re definitely going to the Mutter Museum. What’s there? The world’s largest collection of mumbles, ramblings, asides, and _sotto-voces_? Renting the little headsets is included in your admission. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/9 "2006-07-08T19:32:33Z")
> [@E-Diddy](#): > > A lot of folks do. Nothing wrong with that. > > I just thought there would be exhibits of historical information on the writing the Constitution. The show and the interactive exhibits are fun for a lot of folks. Its certainly good if you have kids, because it keeps them interested what could be potentially very dry stuff. You have a point. I visited the place with our Boy Scout troop. There was enough “dry” stuff for me, enough “flashy” stuff for them. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/10 "2006-07-08T20:15:40Z")
While you’re running around Old City, make sure you check out Ben Franklin’s house, on Market between 3rd and 4th. I’d offer to organize a Doper dinner, but I’m going to be in Wyoming next week. If you’re still around next weekend, Gettysdope (huge annual picnic out in Gettysburg) will be on Saturday the 15th. ---
**Author:** ![Queen\_Tonya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/4491bb/32.png) [@Queen\_Tonya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Tonya)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/11 "2006-07-08T20:31:33Z")
We just returned from a wonderful five days there, hi **Twix**! From my experience, you’ll never run out of interesting things to do and see. Stroll South street and check out all the cool murals and mosaics, they photograph better in daylight if you don’t mind looking all touristy with the camera. Plenty of people watching and tons of funky shops to browse through. Cross the Ben Franklin bridge and hit the [Battleship NJ](http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/) , do the [old city](http://www.oldcitydistrict.org/indexFlash.php) historic tour, eat fabulous italian food at Amici’s on Erie street, take a drive and see [Brandywine Valley](http://www.thebrandywine.com/), there’s a metric assload of interesting stuff to do in and around Philly. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/12 "2006-07-08T21:53:19Z")
If you can’t decide on a place to eat, try Main Street in Manayunk. Lots of good restaurants (and shops). ---
**Author:** ![Corporate\_Hippie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/65b543/32.png) [@Corporate\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corporate_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/13 "2006-07-08T22:15:28Z")
If the weather is nice, a bike ride or a walk through Fairmount Park can be very pleasant. ---
**Author:** ![Malienation](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4af34b/32.png) [@Malienation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malienation)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2006, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/14 "2006-07-08T22:38:30Z")
As a prelude to the Franklin Institute, you might wanna read Walter Isaacson’s biography of Ben Franklin. The man was _awesome_. (Franklin, not Isaacson) ---
**Author:** ![11811](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/9d8465/32.png) [@11811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/11811)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2006, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/15 "2006-07-09T00:24:07Z")
> [@burundi](#): > > Next week I’m headed up to Philadelphia to visit my brother. We’re definitely going to the Mutter Museum. Other than that, what I should I make sure to see and do while up there? > > Thanks! Be sure to see Eastern State Pennitentiary, classified as an “historical ruin.” It’s not quite as kept-up as an historical monument, but it demonstrates some of the ideals and problems with modern penal theory. Plus it’s Steve Buscemi’s voice on the headseet tour. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2006, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/16 "2006-07-09T05:51:46Z")
The Rodin Museum Giovanni’s Room (long-lived gay bookstore) Out of town a little way: Longwood Gardens Brandywine River Museum Definitely eat at least one cheesesteak. ---
**Author:** ![burundi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3ec8ea/32.png) [@burundi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burundi)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2006, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/17 "2006-07-09T20:48:20Z")
Thanks, guys! I appreciate all the great tips. I will definitely check out the art museum. Fairmount Park also sounds good. **Beware of Doug** , the Mutter Museum is also known as the museum of medical oddities. Two-headed babies in jars, etc. Or so I hear. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2006, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/18 "2006-07-09T21:54:18Z")
Sadly, the Mutter museum is no longer free. ☹ But even with the fee it is still worth it. Go get a cheesesteak. Don’t bother with the Pat vs. Ginos nonsense, you can get a better one from the pizza places on every corner. Olde City is really hip and has loads of neat restaraunts. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2006, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/19 "2006-07-10T00:26:18Z")
the u of p archeo. musuem is rather good. just across the river from mutter. if you head in to centre city, reading terminal is an interesting place to eat. amish are there from thurs. - sat… there is an old fire station at juniper and race that has nifty firefighter gargoyles. they are gonna tear down the station for the convention centre expansion. so see them while you can. elfreth’s alley is nifty and the tour of the house there is quite interesting. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2006, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632/20 "2006-07-10T01:26:00Z")
> [@Mr. Miskatonic](#): > > Go get a cheesesteak. Don’t bother with the Pat vs. Ginos nonsense, you can get a better one from the pizza places on every corner. Agree with this completely. They’re for the tourists. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-see-do-in-philadelphia/363632.md?page=2)