Philly!!! It pains me a little to think that I would write about Philadelphia as a part of my travels. I still hold onto it as a place to live, not travel to. The hubby and I lived here from 2007 to 2011 and it remains as one of the best parts of our lives. Hello young and in love! Probably a main reason for our deep fondness is we welcomed our first little baby into the world during our time in the city of brotherly love.
Without a doubt we fell in love with Philadelphia and find our way back here at least once a year. Our favorite part of the city is our old ‘hood, Southwest Center City. Here I share a sample itinerary of how to spend the perfect day feeling like a local within one of the coolest cities we have.
As a traveling party of 5 we typically rent an Airbnb. Here’s one we’ve stayed in twice!
Every morning we get started at Café Lutecia. This French café is one of our favorite spots in the entire city. Grab a seat outside and enjoy some coffee, baguettes with brie and croissants. Oh! And if you’re feeling adventurous take after us and enjoy one of their delicious soups for breakfast. You can’t go wrong with the tomato bisque.
One block away from the café is Fitler Square. This charming little square is a great place for the kids to stretch their legs and you to sit on a park bench and watch them play. It’s a hot spot for young couples with toddlers and/or dogs.
When you’re ready, meander down one of our favorite streets in Philadelphia: Panama Street. Located on the north west corner of Fitler Square is this super cute, very tiny street lined with charming row houses.
Your stroll down Panama Street will lead you right to Schuylkill River Park. Stop & play at the playgrounds before you head north toward the dog park. You can get a great view of the pooches, the river and Philly skyline if you go up on the Schuylkill River Parks Connector Bridge. If you’re lucky some trains will pass underneath you while you cross the bridge.
This bridge will take you to Schuykill Banks which is an (ever expanding) path along the river for walking, jogging, biking, etc. We did a short stroll along the path and then ascended the steps to Walnut street. Turn east on Walnut and head toward the heart of Center City.
Down a few blocks between 18th and 19th on Walnut you will find the iconic Rittenhouse Square. Stop into La Columbe (on 19th) and grab coffee and then find a cozy bench to enjoy the square. You will most likely encounter street performers, running children, adored dogs, colorful city folk and people watchers like yourself.
By now the walking and fresh air has made you hungry. You will not have trouble finding a nearby lunch spot. Some of our favorites are Mama’s Vegetarian or picnic food from DiBruno Brothers. This visit we tried a new place that did.not.disappoint. Please check out Goldie. Have falafel and tehina shake and enjoy the glorious tastes of this 100% vegan spot.
An easy walk down east on Sansom out of Goldie and you will hit Broad street. Look left (north) and say hi to Philadelphia city founder, William Penn, who stands atop the tower. Anyone who visits Philly will gain an appreciation for William Penn. Penn organized the rectangular grid pattern of the city with numbered streets running east/west which makes it super easy to find your way around the town.
At this point, we are usually are ready to head back to our airbnb for a rest. Pick up a coffee at elixir or good karma. When you’re ready later, head out for dinner. Due to some old-school booze laws and difficulty obtaining a liquor license, Philly has a great BYO restaurant scene. Grab your wine at a designated wine/spirits store (those old school laws also make it so you won’t be buying these at a grocery store) and head out. Some of our favorites are Pumpkin, Audrey Clare & Bistro La Viola but there are always new places to try.
If you go to Philly (or live there) and have suggestions or experiences to share, please let me know!! We are always looking to try new places!
