Having just returned from an unforgettable trip to Philadelphia I thought I would share with you my list of top picks in Philly! This is a city I enjoyed so much, it really exceeded my expectations....be sure to arrive hungry, the food is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
1. Philadelphia City Hall. You must take a tour of the observation deck of this iconic building. I think Philly has some breathtaking architecture and this building was a favourite. The statue of William Penn on top of the tower is so dramatic and makes a beautiful backdrop for the city. Under the impressive statue is an observation deck which only costs a few dollars to take a trip to. For that small fee you get 15 minutes at the top to soak in the incredible views. What's even better is that they only allow 4 people up at a time so it gives you a pretty much private experience. At city hall there is a small gift shop where you can book a place (we just did this on the day).
2. Beiler's Donuts. Philly has some of the most delicious food on offer, two of which have made this list and both of which are in the Reading Terminal Market. I'm sure you can eat anywhere in there and not be disappointed. After eating my first donut at Beiler's I promised myself that I would eat one every day I was there! I love donuts and Beiler's did not disappoint. Whilst you wait in line you can watch them make up a fresh batch and admire the art of donut making mmmmmm. I would love to know how many donuts they sell in a day, there is a constant line but there are always trays filled with donuts as they are constantly being restocked with the fresh batches made on site. Not sure what to get? Well it's my belief that you can never go wrong with a simple glazed donut!
3. Rent a bike. I was probably very surprised at what a bike friendly city Philadelphia was. There are bike rental stations all over the place (Indego bike share program) that you can pick up a bike from and return them to any location across the city. It only costs a couple of dollars per 30 minutes which is excellent value for money. We spent a Sunday morning cycling along the beautiful Schuylkill River Trail and it was a highlight of the trip. The trail is a lovely escape in a busy city and it is certainly well loved by the locals. Even if you don't fancy getting bikes you really should check out this trail for a walk or run.
4. Independence Hall. The name says it all really - the place where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and written. I'm sure all tourists in Philadelphia have visiting here at the top of their list and quite rightly. You can take a free tour that lasts less than an hour - the guides are very interesting and knowledgeable. While you are there be sure to take the short tour of Congress Hall.
5. South Street. We stayed on South Street while we were in town which was such an incredible experience and gave a totally different perspective on the city than if we had stayed elsewhere. I was so thrilled with this area, it doesn't matter what time of day it is there is always something going on. Walk the length of the street and you will find the most interesting little shops and eatery's - really something for everyone. Of course, we were blessed with some beautiful spring weather and my heart sang at the sight of cherry blossom lined streets. Even if you can't stay in this area be sure to visit and see what's on offer or even just grab some delicious ice cream and enjoy sitting outside and soak up the atmosphere!
6. Dutch Eating Place. My last pick of course had to be food related! Again head to Reading Terminal Market for the best feed of your life at this Pennsylvania Dutch homestyle cooking joint. I had the best breakfast ever here, I would go back to Philly just to get that breakfast again! I had the apple cinnamon french toast with turkey bacon - I don't even usually like french toast but it sounded too good to pass up. Seriously there are no words to describe how tasty it was. My plate was clear and i'm still dreaming of it now. Everything I saw come out of the kitchen looked incredible, so no matter what you order you probably won't be disappointed! Hubby had a western omelette and blueberry pancakes - equally as delicious.
So there you have it....my Philly top picks! If you're planning a trip there I hope this was at least a little helpful! Philadelphia is such a fabulous city to visit, this list could be pages long and still not even cut it. See for yourself and put Philly on your list!
3. Rent a bike. I was probably very surprised at what a bike friendly city Philadelphia was. There are bike rental stations all over the place (Indego bike share program) that you can pick up a bike from and return them to any location across the city. It only costs a couple of dollars per 30 minutes which is excellent value for money. We spent a Sunday morning cycling along the beautiful Schuylkill River Trail and it was a highlight of the trip. The trail is a lovely escape in a busy city and it is certainly well loved by the locals. Even if you don't fancy getting bikes you really should check out this trail for a walk or run. 
5. South Street. We stayed on South Street while we were in town which was such an incredible experience and gave a totally different perspective on the city than if we had stayed elsewhere. I was so thrilled with this area, it doesn't matter what time of day it is there is always something going on. Walk the length of the street and you will find the most interesting little shops and eatery's - really something for everyone. Of course, we were blessed with some beautiful spring weather and my heart sang at the sight of cherry blossom lined streets. Even if you can't stay in this area be sure to visit and see what's on offer or even just grab some delicious ice cream and enjoy sitting outside and soak up the atmosphere!
6. Dutch Eating Place. My last pick of course had to be food related! Again head to Reading Terminal Market for the best feed of your life at this Pennsylvania Dutch homestyle cooking joint. I had the best breakfast ever here, I would go back to Philly just to get that breakfast again! I had the apple cinnamon french toast with turkey bacon - I don't even usually like french toast but it sounded too good to pass up. Seriously there are no words to describe how tasty it was. My plate was clear and i'm still dreaming of it now. Everything I saw come out of the kitchen looked incredible, so no matter what you order you probably won't be disappointed! Hubby had a western omelette and blueberry pancakes - equally as delicious.
