I often complain about my 20-minute commute to work but it takes my parents OVER AN HOUR each day to get from Jersey to Philly. Their commute absolutely stresses me out! It can be difficult and expensive driving in Philly, so most people depend on the speed line or train for transportation. Monday morning, I accompanied my mom on her ride into the city. When I lived up North, I used to take the subway in on my free weekends and explore the crowded streets. I guess it’s true what they say, you can take the girl out of the city but can’t take the city out of the girl ?
Liberty place used to be the tallest building in Philadelphia (the Comcast center took that title), towering at 61 floors. Recently, Liberty Place added an observation deck so you can see Philly from the top! It’s a beautiful view and you should check it out if you get a chance… unless you’re afraid of heights. Plus Liberty Place is filled with tons of great shops and restaurants. Making it a popular destination for Philadelphians!
I went to Liberty Place for lunch and almost got ran over BY PEOPLE numerous times. Philadelphia may be called the city of brotherly love but you have to have some tough skin if you don’t want to get crushed here! Streets are jam-packed with people who are constantly rushing.
[ctt template=”3″ link=”CU96r” via=”no” ]I just LOVE the city of brotherly love! Dont you? http://bit.ly/2ri8PvN[/ctt]
There are plenty of interesting places to try and to explore in Philadelphia. Fortunately, most things are within walking distance. As an angsty teenager, I spent most of my time either at the Philadelphia Art Museum or somewhere on South Street.
The Philadelphia Art Museum is the most amazing museum I’ve ever been to and a must-visit. The Philadelphia Art Museum has three floors, is filled with some of the world’s most famous artwork, and is mesmerizing. My favorite feature is their themed culture rooms that transport you to a foreign place.
South Street is one of Philadelphia’s most notorious streets. I’ve lost whole days walking South Street’s sidewalks. You can find various vintage shops, cute coffee cafes, and the country’s largest Condom Kingdom. (Yep…) You’ll also stumble across the Magic Garden and hopefully, grab an authentic Philly cheesesteak on the way.
Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking in Philadelphia, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Too many times I’ve picked fashion over function and was cursing when my feet would be covered in blisters! Also, bring a functional and realistic purse for your travels.
Street vendors are like food trucks —just a little less friendly and sanitary. They are a quick and easy lunch in Philly! Now, and don’t fight me on this, there is NOTHING better than a Philadelphia street vendor soft pretzel. I crave Philly soft pretzels 24/7.
Currently, I live in Raleigh, NC which is considered a large city down south. Yet, I can’t help but laugh when people try to compare North Carolina cities to Philadelphia. Are you kidding me southerners??? The size and population don’t even come close! Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, has a population of 809,958 people while Philadelphia’s population surpasses 1.5 million.
What was the largest city you ever been to?
Have you been to Philadelphia?
We lived in Delaware for a few years and went to Philly frequently. Miss those pretzels and cheesesteaks! 😉
An hour long drive to work sounds awful, but it all depends on what you get to see around you. Here in Ireland for example you can drive an hour to work but drive through mountains, past castles and so on and never be stuck in any traffic jams.
I’ve never been to Philly (or the US in general) but South Street and the food trucks really sound like my kinda thing and I’d love to one day try a real Philly cheesesteak!
I live in Chicago so I can relate to the stressful commute luckily public transportation is the best so even though I had to go kind fo far to work I got there super fast because of transportation. I’ve always wanted to visit Philly!!
I’ve never been to Philadelphia, but now I’ve seen your post I definitely want to go now! I’ve never been to the States, but when I do make it there I’m going to put Philadelphia on the list 🙂
http://www.notesoflife.uk
I went to Philly many years ago. I basically only had one day to explore the city, but I hope to go back one day.
Ahh this brings back such wonderful memories! I was born and raised in the Philly suburbs and went to college in Philly. It’s a really fun place to be! And the food trucks are absolutely ‘da bomb, especially the ones around the university campuses!
I always hear great things about Philadelphia, and reading this post definitely makes me want to travel there some day! Thanks for sharing! Keep it up!
@ressamazing
I have only been to Philly once so far for business travel and loved it! I am definitely getting a street vendor soft pretzel next time based on your recommendation, YUM. And I will also be visiting the art museum!
we’ll be moving to DC next month and I know that philly is a few hours away. my husband and i talked about a weekend trip to philly!
i know theres a ton of food but what about places for kids? i’m from chicago so i agree with the comfortable shoes!!
I’d love to visit Philadelphia! I’m interested in seeing history come alive here. Maybe next time I’m in the DC area, I’ll make a drive to Philly!
What a great trip! I haven’t yet been to Philadelphia, but it’s on my list. I’ve been to various big cities from New York to London and I love them all.
We visited Philly last year and loved it! I wish I lived there!
We lived near Baltimore for a while and would regularly drive to Philadelphia on the weekends to shop and just stroll the streets and of course see the sites.
I can relate to the drive to work. I am originally from Dallas (before they installed all the fast trains) and it would literally take me 1.5-2 hours to get to work every morning and that was only traveling 15 miles! If I had to go into downtown during my morning commute it could easily take 2.5 hours! Oddly enough since I grew up with that, I thought that was how it was everywhere lol.
I’ve been to Philadelphia for a few hours for a client meeting but didn’t had the chance to explore. Love reading your post and looking through your photos!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
I’ve got a close friend in Philadelphia and have been thinking about visiting soon. South Street sounds like my kind of place…Iove to just get lost wandering the streets of a new city. Definitely intrigued at the thought of a Condom Kingdom? lol
erin | sandsunandmessybuns.com
I haven’t been to Philadelphia in so long, but I did enjoy my visit there. I live in Portland, OR and travel quite a bit for work, so I love big cities likes NY, Paris, and Zurich. But, I also love not having to commute anywhere since I work from home! 🙂 Otherwise, the commute into downtown from where we live is about 45 minutes each way, on average.
Looks like a fun city to visit! I’ll have to take the fam there someday!! Thanks for sharing!
When we lived in DC, we used to go to Philly on the weekends for a quick getaway or for a festival. We always had such a good time and the people are always so nice!
What a great trip! I’d love to visit Philadelphia!
I hate long commutes too! Philly is such a fun city though! I love all of the historical stuff, and of course, the Philly cheesesteaks!
I love Philly and I’m from there! Don’t sleep on venturing into the neighborhood cornerstores for some good hoagies and cheesesteaks!
http://www.totallymommedit.com
Hey now – that’s my city! I lovelovelove Philly. A total Philly girl at heart. All of the street vendors/food trucks are so fun!
Coming Up Roses
I live in the northern burbs and used to commute to commute into Philly 2-3 times a week for work post college. I don’t miss the commute but I do miss popping into Reading Terminal Market for lunch and I agree totally on the art museum! A must do!