Philadelphia

[glassslipper2004]

We will be spending a few nights in Philly at the end of April. Can anyone suggest a good hotel within easy walking distance to the main sights -- the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc? If you have taken the ABD there, did you like the hotel Disney used?

Along the same lines... any must see's while there? Good places to eat?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Icemann]

The hotels were outstanding and the food was good two years ago.We stayed at the Hyatt but we were were taken on a tolley to see the sights.Must do's Betsy Ross's place any thing Franklin what do you guys like.Their is an aquaraium across the river from the Hyatt plus the battle ship New Jersey.Have fun

 

[TinkerBrie]

We will be spending a few nights in Philly at the end of April. Can anyone suggest a good hotel within easy walking distance to the main sights -- the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc? If you have taken the ABD there, did you like the hotel Disney used?

Along the same lines... any must see's while there? Good places to eat?

Thanks for your thoughts.

If you are looking for casual, and like Italian, Ralph's and Villa De Roma are both on 9th Street in the Italian Market section!! It's a Philly must~do in my opinion!!!
Chickie’s & Pete’s is another casual local winner!! Don't forget a trip to Geno's or Pat's Steaks!!!!!

The Reading Terminal Market is just a cool place to check out and grab a quick bite. Check out the Continental on Market Street for a great martini or a great meal! Ohhhh and Buddakan!!! Yum!! Any Stephen Starr restaurant in Philly is a winner

http://www.visitphilly.com/

Great website...I hope I am allowed to post it! It really has some true local gems!

Let me know if you have any other questions!!!!

 

[lb4747694]

Don't forget a trip to Geno's or Pat's Steaks!!!!!

You should do both

Also, a block or 2 away from here is a Rita's Water Ice. Give it a try, when you're done with the cheesesteaks.

 

[wdwthreethiels]

We will be spending a few nights in Philly at the end of April. Can anyone suggest a good hotel within easy walking distance to the main sights -- the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc? If you have taken the ABD there, did you like the hotel Disney used?

Along the same lines... any must see's while there? Good places to eat?

Thanks for your thoughts.

The Westin or The Sofitel in the Rittenhouse Square section are amazing, you did not mention your price point, The Four Points by Sheraton in the City Center (one block from Reading Terminal Market), is very nice too.
We are New Yorkers that spend many weekends in Philly, I could not believe that we were so close for so long and had not experienced this place! It is awesome with so very much to see and do, we always walk and believe me you can clock miles......
There are far too many restaurants to name just a few....Marathon Grill (several around town), there is the Jose Garces group - check it out online, he has 6 now, all amazing, then there are all the standards, like Hard Rock,
Maggianos, etc. We tend to stick to the smaller ones, we LOVE the Continental, there a two locations in town, we also LOVE Devils Alley(Rittenhouse area) and the Copabanana (on South St area).
Ohhh, I could gon on and on, sorry....
Michelle in NY

 

[lb4747694]

Can't believe I forgot this. I'm a big fan of Peking Duck and this place is my favorite (better than most places I get it in China!). When I used to commute to Philly for work, I'd eat here twice a week. Probably not the smartest thing, considering the fat content in this. Everyone I've ever brought here has loved it (incl people that aren't that adventurous with food)

http://www.sangkeephiladelphia.com/indexb.htm

 

[glassslipper2004]

Thank you all for your comments. As far as price point on hotels, something moderate would probably be best. We'd rather spend more on food!

Has anyone ever been to a restaurant there called Marrakesh? I was there probably 20 years ago, and was thinking of tracking it down again - not sure if it still exists.

 

[lb4747694]

Thank you all for your comments. As far as price point on hotels, something moderate would probably be best. We'd rather spend more on food!

Last time, I visited, we stayed at the Marriott Courtyard next to City Hall. Reading Terminal was only a few minutes away and it was super easy to get taxis there. Very nice hotel. Had the feel of a nicer place. Not sure what the cost is, as we used points.

 

[TinkerBrie]

Thank you all for your comments. As far as price point on hotels, something moderate would probably be best. We'd rather spend more on food!

Has anyone ever been to a restaurant there called Marrakesh? I was there probably 20 years ago, and was thinking of tracking it down again - not sure if it still exists.

Yes. Right off of South Street! Another fun place to check out!!!

 

[glassslipper2004]

Thanks everyone! I'm so excited about this trip (and after Philly we're going to Williamsburg). It seems crazy after our all overseas travel how much I'm looking forward to just seeing things right in my own country. Not to mention that we don't have to fly there, I don't have to change money, and I don't have to worry about getting lost because I can't read the signs!

 

[sayhello]

Thanks everyone! I'm so excited about this trip (and after Philly we're going to Williamsburg). It seems crazy after our all overseas travel how much I'm looking forward to just seeing things right in my own country. Not to mention that we don't have to fly there, I don't have to change money, and I don't have to worry about getting lost because I can't read the signs!

Sayhello

 

[akluss]

We were just in Philly 2 weeks ago and we had ice cream sundaes at an old fashioned ice cream parlor called Franklin Fountain on Market Street. We also had great cheesesteaks at a place on Market Street called Sonnys and great pork sandwiches at Tony Luke's. I can't wait to go back the food is great - enjoy, Karyn

 

[minniebeth]

Last time, I visited, we stayed at the Marriott Courtyard next to City Hall. Reading Terminal was only a few minutes away and it was super easy to get taxis there. Very nice hotel. Had the feel of a nicer place. Not sure what the cost is, as we used points.

This is where we stayed the last time we were in Philadelphia this past summer. It was nice, and would be considered "moderate" for the city. (We used points as well.) The views from the higher floors, especially at night are beautiful. Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, etc. are within walking distance. It's not a "short" walk, but doable. Once you walk to the historical district, there is a lot there in close proximity. Loved Betsy Ross' house and the historical presentations they do there with the people in dress and character.
Definitely do Pat's AND Geno's like a pp said (not close, would need a car or taxi), they are right across the street from each other. Do a taste test contest and see who wins!

We have also stayed in Hilton's Doubletree City Center, located in the Avenue of the Arts area, not too far from where the Courtyard Marriott is by City Hall. We also used points for this, but the rooms were VERY nice and the views were beautiful, especially at night, here as well. They have a buffet breakfast that is very good.

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

We were just in Philly 2 weeks ago and we had ice cream sundaes at an old fashioned ice cream parlor called Franklin Fountain on Market Street. We also had great cheesesteaks at a place on Market Street called Sonnys and great pork sandwiches at Tony Luke's. I can't wait to go back the food is great - enjoy, Karyn

Tony Luke's has two locations across the street from each other. One is a carry-out/QS and the other is a very casual sit-down with bar. Having eaten at Genos and Pats, we prefer TL so much more.

As for Williamsburg, I would love to rec. Food for Thought. We always go there when visiting the area and have never had a bad meal. The bread pudding is fabulous--even for my non-dessert eating H.

 

[lb4747694]

Definitely do Pat's AND Geno's like a pp said (not close, would need a car or taxi), they are right across the street from each other. Do a taste test contest and see who wins!

Yeah, you definitely have to do both to compare. As much as you might think they're the same, they really aren't. My daughter ended up liking the one that my wife and I didn't. Guess there's no accounting for taste ;-)

 

[glassslipper2004]

These suggestions are great - thank you! We only have two days in Philly and we're going to Marrakesh for dinner the first night, we'll do something more regional the second night - maybe go to Pat's or Gino's. Are either of these sit-down places or more like counter service? The second day we'll be touring near the Liberty Bell area but could take a taxi to find great cheesesteaks for dinner

 

[minniebeth]

These suggestions are great - thank you! We only have two days in Philly and we're going to Marrakesh for dinner the first night, we'll do something more regional the second night - maybe go to Pat's or Gino's. Are either of these sit-down places or more like counter service? The second day we'll be touring near the Liberty Bell area but could take a taxi to find great cheesesteaks for dinner

Lol, Pat and Geno's are take out places, literally on a (busy) street corner in South Philly across the street from each other. There are some tables that you can sit and eat at, but if you are going at dinner time, be prepared for a wait (depending on the night/weeknight/weeked) and don't get hopes up for a table. We went around 10am on a Saturday morning for an early lunch and were able to have no line, and get a table A TRUE city experience, not fine dining

http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/
http://www.genosteaks.com/index.html

 

[CandyHead09]

We will be spending a few nights in Philly at the end of April. Can anyone suggest a good hotel within easy walking distance to the main sights -- the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc? If you have taken the ABD there, did you like the hotel Disney used?

Along the same lines... any must see's while there? Good places to eat?

Thanks for your thoughts.

The Magic Garden on South Street (which has the best Morrocan food ever) in Philly is AMAZING! It was built by Isaiah Zagar, a mosaic artist. The whole thing is made from cement and tile, mirrors, bottles, china plates and cups, figurines, bicycle tires, and it's got all kinds of little sitting areas and stuff in it. It's really, really, beautiful and impressive. Only a $5 donation to get in!


Here's a picture from my last visit there:

and then of course the Art Museum is free on Sundays and it has some really beautiful things. Some advice: never eat in museums the food is gross and overpriced.

 

[knewton64]

Lol, Pat and Geno's are take out places, literally on a (busy) street corner in South Philly across the street from each other. There are some tables that you can sit and eat at, but if you are going at dinner time, be prepared for a wait (depending on the night/weeknight/weeked) and don't get hopes up for a table. We went around 10am on a Saturday morning for an early lunch and were able to have no line, and get a table A TRUE city experience, not fine dining

http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/
http://www.genosteaks.com/index.html

....it's on the corner of 9th and Passyunk.


Wonderful cheesesteaks.



T.T.F.N.

 

[NauroraJbelle]

I also recommend Rita's open in the summer typically and Franklin Fountain. Looked at your time frame again Rita's will be open in April.
Jeanne