For a distinctive and decidedly authentic Philly experience, try one of these unique, morning-to-midnight itineraries. And for even more customized excursions, check visitphilly.com/itineraries.
ITINERARY #1
ROCKY’S ROUNDUP
Fictional boxer (and Philadelphia icon) Rocky Balboa was played by Sylvester Stallone in six films—the most recent being “Rocky Balboa” in 2006. Explore the legendary fighter’s favorite spots around town. Start your day with a morning stroll along the waterfront at Penn’s Landing, which was on the route of Rocky’s training runs. When it’s time for breakfast, head west on South Street and turn south onto Ninth Street to arrive at the famous Italian Market (believed to be the nation’s oldest and largest working outdoor market). The family-owned shops here are known for homemade pastas and pastries, flavorful cheeses and fresh produce (one vendor throws Rocky an apple in the first film). Be sure to visit Sabrina’s Cafe for hearty brunch fare before browsing in the neighborhood shops. Don’t miss Di Bruno Bros. for a world-class assortment of cheese and gourmet goods, Isgro for fresh cannolis and Fante’s for kitchen gadgets and cookbooks with Italian Market recipes. Then, hop a cab to swing by the scene of Rocky and Adrian’s engagement in “Rocky II”: the Philadelphia Zoo, where you can glimpse exotic animals and soar high above the city in the Zooballoon. Take the purple Phlash trolley to the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s famous front steps. Before making your dash to the top, get a photo taken with the 10-foot bronze Rocky statue to the right of the steps. Spend some time viewing the masterpieces inside the world-class museum, currently featuring the gorgeous “Late Renoir” exhibition. Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time for your reward. Rocky couldn’t resist a trip to Pat’s King of Steaks for an authentic Philly cheesesteak during his training, and neither should you.
ITINERARY #2
TASTES OF PHILLY
Philadelphia is bursting with local flavors—lively farmers’ markets, acclaimed breweries and top-notch restaurants sourcing their ingredients from area farms. Reading Terminal Market is Philly’s hub of local eats. Start with coffee and a pastry at area favorites Old City Coffee or Metropolitan Bakery, or sample Pennsylvania Dutch shoofly pie and apple fritters at the Dutch Eating Place or Beiler’s Bakery; then scoop up made-in-Philly treats at the Pennsylvania General Store, or artisan chocolates, jams and breads at Fair Food Farmstand. After you’ve filled your bags (and your stomach), walk east on Market Street toward Old City to take in historic sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall; spend the rest of the morning browsing at Old City’s indie boutiques along Third Street. Stop for a casual lunch at Fork, which relies on area farms for their fresh, gourmet fare. For a sweet treat, walk a few blocks to the Franklin Fountain for a scoop of homemade ice cream. Then hop a cab, the elevated train line (“the El”) or the #5 bus to tour Yards Brewing Company, Pennsylvania’s first wind-powered brewery.
ITINERARY #3
“SUNNY” DAY
Discover where “The Gang” (Charlie, Sweet Dee, Dennis, Mac and Frank) hangs out on the show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Rise and shine with coffee and a bagel at Philadelphia Java Company, where Charlie sits to admire The Waitress; then explore eclectic, edgy South Street nearby. Next, head by foot or cab to City Hall, where Philly sports icon Green Man puts Dennis in a world of pain; on weekdays, you can tour the City Hall building and tower. Walk just north to Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE statue in LOVE Park, where Charlie gets heated at an anti-smoking rally. Hop in a cab to arrive at the famed Italian Market, where the Gang often eats and argues. Grab a classic Italian hoagie at Sarcone’s Deli; then treat yourself to homemade gelato from Anthony’s Italian Coffee House. Head to Penn’s Landing to play your way through the arcade at Dave & Buster’s; most games award points that add up to prizes at the end, which inspired Dennis and Mac to create “Paddy’s Dollars.” From there, walk to Old City for a beer and a bite at Mac’s Tavern—co-owned by McElhenney and wife, Kaitlin Olson (who plays Sweet Dee). End the day with some comedy at Laff House, where Sweet Dee attempted a stand-up act.
