Just designated the United States’ first World Heritage City, Philadelphia is savoring its moment in the spotlight. None other than the Pope dropped by this past September and the Democratic National Convention is arriving this summer, further solidifying the “it” factor.
Philly is the birthplace of our own democracy and the ghosts of Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin will tantalize history buffs. For those who prefer to focus on the present, this city is bursting with the shiny and new. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, green transportation and fashion-forward shopping are guaranteed to please city-savvy visitors.
Do: One Liberty Observation Deck
Get a view from the top at Philly’s newest (and tallest) attraction. The 57th floor observation deck gives visitors expansive views from 883 feet in the air. Huge windows provide photo-worthy images of spectacular scenery. High-tech touch screens allow you to customize the experience by zooming in on various points of interest. The skyline, bridges and iconic statues that capture this city’s spirit are all visible on a clear day. Bring the kids.
Cycle: Indego Bike Share
Pedal power has come to the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia’s miles of urban bike lanes have long attracted cyclists, but the city is finally home to a comprehensive bike share program, Indego. 600 sparkling blue bikes are available at 60 solar-powered kiosks scattered around town. Pay $4 for a 30-minute ride or purchase a 30-day membership for $15, which incudes unlimited one-hour rides.
Shop: Rittenhouse Square
The Rittenhouse Square neighborhood is brimming with boutiques selling curated collections. If you need an incentive, clothing is tax-free in Philly. The sister-team behind ellelauri design their own line of simple, sophisticated garments manufactured in the U.S. and worn by celebs like Jessica Alba and Mrs. Kanye West. They showcase talented local designers, so you’ll find an eclectic mix with the common thread of elegance, approachability and attainable price tags. Fashionistas with deep pockets flock to Joan Shepp’s exquisite store. She promotes cutting-edge designers (think Issey Miyake and Philip Lim) and features meticulously styled displays that look plucked straight out of the Met’s Costume Institute.
Stay: Sonesta Philadelphia Downtown
The Sonesta recently completed a major league enhancement. Design-forward rooms with sophisticated flair and a spacious rooftop pool are just a few of its polished perks. The Market Street location is unbeatable. This city’s appreciation for the arts runs deep, so it’s entirely fitting that the Sonesta integrates art into its aesthetic. They have partnered with the Center for Emerging Visual Artists to expose the work of up-and-coming local artists in the lobby’s rotating gallery. The Sonesta’s exterior is graced with an eye-catching 22-story mural. They’ve joined forces with the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts program to create this masterful public work that perfectly expresses the city’s dual commitment to public art and urban renewal.
Eat: Dizengoff
Israeli food takes the plate at Dizengoff. Scores of hummus variations (with ground lamb, tomato pepper salad and Sephardic slow-cooked egg) served on platters with fresh-baked pita, salads and yummy Israeli-style pickles, are drawing big crowds. The atmosphere is super casual, just right for a fast and fortifying bite.
Get Here: Amtrak, Megabus and Bolt will whisk you from NYC to Philly in two hours or less. For more information, consult our Philadelphia Transportation Guide. For additional information, head to www.visitphilly.com.
Photo credits: J. Fusco, B. Krist and M.Fischetti for VISIT PHILADELPHIA and James
Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributes travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She is fluent in Italian and Spanish and laughably adequate in French. Her background as an Early Childhood Educator gives her an added understanding of what it takes to travel with kids in tow. She firmly believes that the most important part of education takes place outside of the classroom, on the road, around the world. She never misses a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. Follow Allison at @gourmetrav.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram