Philadelphia - The Don'ts of Visiting Philadelphia
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- Опубліковано 4 чер 2024
- Hey there fellow travelers! Heading to the city of Brotherly love? Well we have the do's and don'ts of visiting Philadelphia for tourists! So if you are looking to see Center City, The University of Pennsylvania, the Rocky Statue, Independence Hall, or just the Liberty Bell, we have what tourists need to know about Philadelphia.
Filmed in Philadelphia, PA
Copyright Mark Wolters 2022
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My favorite phrase is “Pittsburgh thinks down on Philly and Philly never even thinks about Pitt.” I can’t describe our relationship any better than that.
Well, not quite, Philly thinks about Pittsburgh, but simply in the context of it being the other blue dot on the other side of the state.
But what do they both have in common?
Corruption, crime, and a very high opinion of themselves.
@@kenosabi, what other major cities does that not count for? You could have the same dumbass stereotype of Chicago, LA, Boston, NYC. Over the years, our major cities go thru their nonsense. It ain't unique to the 215 and the 412
Facts
Yeah no one here cares about Pittsburgh
If you're from the west coast or south, don't take Philly people's "rudeness" personally. It's an east coast city with blue collar roots so people tend to have that gruff "tell it like it is" vibe. But deep down, you realize how authentic and genuine the people actually are.
I had some guy at a septa station ask if I had a spare train token (this was in 2008 when they still used Tokens). I gave him one. I accidently dropped my only token and it rolled into a drain. The guy saw and handed his token back and told me "It's the thought that counts, man." I never forgot that. You'll never see that happen in LA or SF.
we were heading into Citizen's Bank Park, and the guy checking bags gruffly asked "What's this?" and I said "It's a Primo's hoagie" "What kind?" "Uh, Old Italian?" "Good thing for you, because if it was a tuna diablo, I'd have to confiscate it" He never cracked a smile. That to me summarizes Philly Attitude.
Totally agree, my first week here when I moved my fiance and I saw an older lady trip on the sidewalk and there were people a block away sprinting to make sure she was okay, she had a whole crowd. The heart is there!
I like the way you described me...lolol but you worded that very true....
@@mythics102 you’ll hear a lot about philly “rudeness” but this is so philly. We will ALWAYS protect our own. Philly is family
YOu can really describe philly as "kind but not nice"
"If you don't eat well in Philadelphia, that's on you!" You're damn right! IMO the distinction between Reading Terminal and the Italian Market is that the Italian market is more of a majority small-business grocery shopping, and Reading Terminal is going to cater more to a cafe/restaurant experience, although you can switch it up at both. Speaking of Septa, get yourself a Key card, put 20 bucks on it, and ride the buses. You can get an unofficial, unguided tour of the city for 2.50 lol. (P.S. Septa Real Time will change your LIFE!!!)
The only thing I think is missing in this video is the MURALS!! Philadelphia is THE city of murals (officially) and on nearly every block you walk by you'll see a gorgeous work of art on the wall of the most random building. Mural arts tours are also pretty inexpensive and you get to appreciate the work put into the city by young artists since 1984. I really really recommend keeping an eye out for all the incredible art all over the city.
What reading terminal is the best it where u can buy fresh groceries you're not from Philly 🤣 u would know that
Now back in the Italian market is not the same it outside
The Italian Market is a dive. It used to be a fun place to go thirty years ago, but it's a sad remnant of what it was. Don't put it anywhere high on your list of "must sees". Same goes for South Street. Both mere shadows of the enjoyable places they used to be. Oh, well, time marches on and you can't stop progress (though the Italian Market never really "progressed").
The Italian Market these days is at least half of a Mexican and Vietnamese Market. Different then what it used to be, but still as good, just different cultures.
@@mikeleone1347 I sort of have to agree with you, the inspirational Chef Cristina Martinez at her South Philly Barbacoa and the other Mexican and Vietnamese offerings, kind of makes the place a better dining destination than the "shopping for cheap produce that goes bad in a day" venue that it was. Fante's is still there, I believe, I think the only remaining place of a small chain that seemed to have folded up regionally 15 or more years ago.
Thats what surprised me about Philly. The food and also the variety is amazing.
The Egyptian museum at the University of Pennsylvania is really good.
I was born and raised in Philly.
I have never in my life heard a more fair, accurate or good natured/honest assessment of my city. Literally every single thing you've said is perfectly true, even the less-than-kind or flattering things.
Philly really doesn't care what any other city thinks of us - we are who we are and if you're with us, great. If you're not, get out of our way.
Wonderful guide. 10/10.
Favorite Cheesesteak place was always Delassandro's in Roxborough for me, up on Henry Ave. ;)
Oh no. Here I am in NC and you just made my heart break thinking that little counter, lining up close together, and seeing that massive pile of beef on the grill. I started going there regularly when I was 14 and I'm 65 now.
I totally agree.
Philly has definitely one of the most beautiful city centers of the US
Lol no it's not they showing the beautiful parts
Yes
No
Not any more. It’s really gross.
Oh, man... as a former Philly resident expatriated in Vermont, I love this.
Only nit I would pick: wtf are those PRETZELS you showed? They were more like mall kiosk soft pretzels, not Philly pretzels, which are more oblong and fatter. And you need to get those from a street vendor, with mustard on them of course, and preferably while you're stopped in traffic on the Vine Street Expressway or the Schuylkill, from a guy who's got a couple Wawa milk crates full of them and is hawking them from the island between lanes near the intersection.
Otherwise, I love this video! Thank you.
Those are the best pretzels ... from the Wawa milk crate on the street with the mustard ... absofuckinglutely!
Member when we were kids and the pretzel man would come around yelling "fresh pretzelssss". He'd have them wrapped in a milk crate with a towel and they were the best when still hot. Those were the good ones. When we still had pretzel factory's. The company the Pretzel Factory put all of our mom and pop pretzel factory's out of business.
I would love to move to Vermont. Especially with the state our city is in now. It's so dangerous living here. When was the last time you were home?
@@jennymac7938 Two years ago, before the pandemic hit, I stayed overnite at a hostel in olde city. It was fun to experience the city as a tourist, if only for a night.
I remember the pretzel guys down at Veterans' Stadium when I was a child. At the beginning of the game they would call out, "Get your hot soft pretzels here!" At the end of the game they would call out "Get your pretzels here!" Truth in advertising.
Temple grad here. One of my favorite things about Philly is the food trucks.
The food trucks are amazing. And much more affordable than the high end restaurants.
Some are quite good. Some are so-so.
My daughter went to Temple, graduated in ‘13 and never left.
Fellow Temple grad checking in. The food trucks are one of the biggest things I miss about Philly. The falafel cart outside the engineering building was a godsend on late nights.
When I was going to Temple 1965-70 the food trucks were nothing to write home about. Glad to hear it has improved.
The great thing about Philadelphia is you literally can't insult us! We take any attempt at an insult as a compliment or an offer to fight which is also a compliment here!
As a descendant of people who came to Philadelphia on the Welcome with William Penn, I liked most of this but I was HORRIFIED by the pretzel you showed! That pretzel is one of the DON'TS!!! Don't eat a pretzel that looks like that! True Philadelphia pretzels are flattened into an 8 shape, very little open space, allowing the cooks to get more pretzels into the oven at the same time and the vendors (usually food carts) to keep enough pretzels to satisfy Philadelphians' voracious appetite for PRETZELS!!!
Oh: And you're not in "the old city." It's Old City. It's the name of the area. You don't call it "The Old City" any more than you would call it "The Philadelphia."
One other thing you failed to mention: The Zoo! The oldest zoo in America! Founded in 1859! It's a small space relative to many other Zoos in the country, but they've done some amazing things to give the animals more space with the "Zoo 360" experience, things that allow the animals to move around: a bridge overhead for the big cats, another overhead tunnel for small primates, another tunnel for larger primates, an outdoor playground for the meerkats and so forth. The Zoo is a bit outside the Center City area you were talking about (and don't try to walk to it because there are some not so great neighborhoods on the way), but it's definitely worth spending a day there when you're in Philadelphia!
That is right! Like I said in my comment above, go to a cart on the street or Philly Pretzel Factory! Wolter is pretty good but those pretzels he showed were some chain Auntie Anne's tripe!
Center City Pretzel is better than Philly Pretzel Factory, I will fight anyone over this
@@yesec9 I would try one. Anything Philly including cheessteaks do not do well in NYC. Pretzels in Phila. used to be so cheap. Philly Pretzel Factory pre C0V was open for a little more than a year in Manhattan on Chambers St. Folded quickly. A branch of some Philladelphia cheeesteak place was open on that street for a few years and I did like it very much. A tiny branch of Tony Lukes is open in downtown Brooklyn near Flatbush Ave and Nevins St.
As a NYC resident who visited a few years back, and who fearlessly wore Met shirts on several days of my stay, I can say I had nothing but positive interactions with the people there. In fact we had originally planned to stay a few days and ended up staying a week. There's a ton of stuff to do and great food everywhere. I'd recommend a visit for anyone who appreciates culture, history, art, architecture, etc - but then again, we visited pre-pandemic, so I can't vouch for how it is now.
I'm from Philly and I love visiting in NYC. People there are pretty darn nice.
Nothin to worry about with a mets jersey, that gives us something to laugh about, we point and laugh.
Remember baba boeys pitch?
Wolter,
You correctly noted that Wanamaker's department store is now a Macy's BUT failed to mention that the historic Wanamaker organ therein is the largest fully-functional pipe organ in the world. It would have been nice to have five seconds of its magnificence for all the classical music buffs who may visit the city.
I do volunteer work for The Friends of the Wanamaker Organ Restoration Team and I can tell you that instrument is a treasure. The Gold Facade that is visible from the Grand Court is only a small portion of the whole instrument, which is seven stories tall. When you go to Philly take a tour of the Organ, or check out the daily noon and 5:30 pm mini-concerts (30 minutes each). And if you are there in December, the Christmas Light Show is a must!
@@donfranklin2374 Don, Fifty some years ago (!!!), I'd go down to Wanamaker's and hang out in the loft with Keith Chapman while he performed. This alone was a music education. Chief engineer and organ tender, Nelson Buchner, once gave me a private tour of the chambers (which caused my being dismayed that the 64' Gravissma was actually a resultant.) In earlier times, Dad took me down to see the 1956 debut of the now ultra low-tech Christmas Light Show accompanied by 80-year-old Mary Vogt (Rodman Wanamaker's, um...girlfriend?) playing the organ. Keith told me she set registration by taking a rolled up newspaper and would swat at the stop tabs (some of these...a little of that) and by no means was an accomplished organist, but she got the job. Ahhh, nepotism.
Ive lived in Philly since 1967 and heard that organ many times in my childhood. I wonder if it's ever played now. I know they didn't remove it .
@@jayfredrickson8632 I’m happy to report that the Wanamaker organ is alive and well. My son is part of the restoration team that keeps it running. There are two 30-minute concerts every day the store is open. Plus four special events a year.
@@jayfredrickson8632 Jay, you need to get down there for one of the two daily concerts. I believe they are at noon and 5:30. Peter Richard Conte has been the house organist since 1989 and has overseen its full restoration, much of it done by volunteers. The organ celebrated its 110th birthday last year and, calculating by its frequency of operation, it has been heard by more people than any other musical instrument in history.
Philadelphian here and you got it all right! lol. We probably don't realize you're a tourist and just think you're a local who came out not ready to function. Haha. Generally speaking, we truly don't appreciate being slowed down. One day of driving will prove that! BUT if you ask us questions and we realize you're an out-of-towner, our demeanors change and some become makeshift tour guides. We love telling you the best places to go!
Well said! Lol
Extremely true. Look at this fucking guy standing right in the middle of the sidewalk looking like a - oh wait yo where you tryin'a go man where you from?
Don’t think the city is all concrete! There are some REALLY great parks that will make you forget you’re in the city like Wissahickon Valley Park and Fairmount Park
And FDR park! HUGE and easy to get to
Don’t forget Bartram’s Garden, the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America.
I learned to fly-fish on the Wissahickon.
Yeah that’s a pretty bad description of the city. I feel like Philly is one of the better cities for green space. Not to mention there’s plenty of parks within the city like Rittenhouse square, Washington square, and the whole Ben Franklin parkway is pretty nice.
Philadelphia has the Most Urban Greenspace! Major parks all over and small hidden treasures, really lovely parks to enjoy
I was born in Philly in ‘76. I have a special birth certificate along with my regular one that commemorates being born on the 200th anniversary of the city. Also, filming for Rocky began on the day I was born, so OF COURSE I have to have a pic with the Rocky statue. Anyways, I love Philly even though I’ve been living in S. Jersey for over two decades now.
I’ve been to Pittsburg on vacation, and I’ve walked Philly quite often because I’m so close. Philly feels like home, but Pittsburgh is a fantastic city with so many amazing features and charms (and great food) as well. Pittsburgh also has great public transit, even if it is more condensed. SEPTA goes much farther than people would realize.
200th anniversary of the COUNTRY. The CITY is almost 100 years older, and the 300th anniversary was celebrated in 1982.
@@traceyrich Exactly. I was about to make a comment about this before I saw yours.
@@traceyrich That's the bicentennial anniversary when the declaration of independence was signed.
I was born 9 months after Rocky came out in theaters. Aye Yo!
I hear despite SEPTA’s extensive system… light or commuter rail… I did hear that even from a weekend tourist’s perspective that one should COUNT ON trains rarely being on time.
But I do trust it’s far more reliable than driving down the “Surekill” or Mid-County/I-476 any given moment that the sun is up? To which almost every urban/suburban highway throughout the entire state of Pennsylvania is almost equally as underbuilt and outdated; from Pittsburgh to even Allentown…
As a Philly resident for 65 years, Wolters pretty much nails it. Philly folks are a gruff lot, but with a heart of gold. Best foodie town i the USA if not the world, and as an airline executive, I can speak of experience
Class of '76? I am.
Most of Pennsylvania is the Foodie Capital of the US.
When visiting the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall: If you need a break, there's an astounding Maxfield Parrish/Louis C Tiffany glass mosaic mural in the lobby of an office building that's literally steps away from Independence Hall. The Curtis Publishing building is at the corner of 6th and Walnut, and the lobby on 6th Street is open to the public. It's a little oasis of quiet in a busy city, and one of our great hidden beauties. No cost to enter, and there might even be someone playing the piano.
The Curtis center
I worked at Jefferson for 21 years and often visited the lobby to pause at the fountain and take it all in. The mural is breathtaking. Glad you mentioned that treasure!
As someone who grew up in South Jersey and has been going to Philly my entire life, this was a great video! Dead on with all of these! I will say you can wear another teams gear however be prepared to hear about it, especially if it's a major rival of any of the Philly teams. Also I cracked up when you started laughing about Flyers fans because I'm literally sitting in a hotel room in Buffalo NY right now, and the whole reason we drove up was to see a Flyers game... We are a passionate bunch even when the team sucks like they do this year haha!!
Love it :)
Back when I was a college undergrad, I actually wore a Redskins jersey to a 'Skins-Iggles game IN THE UPPER DECK AT THE VET and did not get killed or attacked and barely was heckled. I think part of that might have been because I was wearing a John Riggins jersey, and Riggo was one of those rare opposing players whom Iggles fans respected. But yeah... we all do stupid things when we're in college...
Just don’t wear cowboys stuff.
Ha! My first year in Philly in early 2000s I wore a patriots jersey to a pats game at Cavanaughs... Eagles weren't even playing that day! Bartender refused to serve me and people booed me... So yeah I don't recommend doing that 🤣🤣🤣
Yea I can agree 😂
LOL spot on for my hometown! Ya gotta love us! 😊 PS It is definitely center city, but we say downtown sometimes; however, it’s ALWAYS “Down the shore” for the Jersey Shore and NEVER the beach!
Thank you for saying this, us honegrowns still say downtown. Transplants just started saying Center City around 1999-2000
@@RJ-yg5vl you are welcome, and I agree!
@@RJ-yg5vl agreed. Growing up the only time I heard “center city” was when I heard the people on the news talking. Definitely said “downtown” plenty of times.
@@The_C_Word shit it's not even city hall or downtown if you're actually talking about it, the parts are so distinct it's either city hall for the 10 block radius, south Street for any of downtown south, and Rittenhouse square/old city for those parts. Downtown is too vague, too spread out to really "get" what you're talking about
grew up here just saying "town."
You've not mentioned the 'other grey meat' delicacy that you can get from the reading market (It is many years since I visited...but I still remember 'scrapple' :-D )
I dont eat anything with the word CRAP in it.
@@Stanf954 lol
I grew up in the area, and I can say from experience it’s an “acquired” taste…one that I never quite managed to pick up.
Scrapple and Dippy Eggs are THE Breakfast of Champions!!!
Used to love scrapple when I was eating 'bad for you' food.😃
Don’t go to Kensington!!!
I love how accurate you are about my city. I grew up in Philly and outside the city my whole life. It’s such a unique place to live in and there’s always something interesting with the community. I been to so many other cities and there’s nothing like Philly. Philly will always be my home.
And let's not forget the South Street neighborhood. Lots of art and wonderful shops.
It is just not what it used to be.
Agree with another poster, I've lived in Philly for over 15 years and South Street has significantly changed. A lot of landmark stores have closed, not many are open at night etc, there's less shopper foot traffic, it's dirtier. I don't know if it was all of those flash mobs or what but the majority of things that have replaced (Pearl, Beadworks, Johnny Rockets, Wolf camera, music venues etc) are either STILL for rent and empty or back filled with the usual vape, cheap import junk stores. It's truly sad 😔
@@CookieDr007 yep! I'm moved down to Philly abt 20 years ago, and even then, south street was starting to change. lots of teens roaming around looking for trouble. old city became the place to go, and then THAT started to change. I haven't lived in Philly since '05, and I wouldn't step foot in the city today. for what...? to get mugged, carjacked, or murdered or maybe get harassed or run over by an illegal motorcycle brigade? no thanks, pass!
South Street is now the armpit of the city
I wana add. SEPTA regional rail might have some timing issues but for the most part, the subways, buses, and trolleys are fine.
Little tip on getting to the city. I would drive to your closest regional rail stop or patco and leave your car there. I wouldn't leave it in Camden, but some of the other stops would be fine to leave it.
THANK YOU. SEPTA is such an awesome public transportation system. When you have experienced living in other cities, you find out that every place doesn't prioritize public transportation the way that we do. It is a gift to live in a city like Philly where you actually don't have to know how to drive, but your life will just fine.
Regional rail in Philly is one for the best in the country, IMHO.
@@nonewherelistens1906, exactly! The whole metro is serviced!
@@a.taylor8294 SEPTA is a legacy system, parts of which date to the pre-WW I era. It is a miracle that the system runs as smoothly as it does, and a great credit to the SEPTA employees who keep the system maintained and running!
@@joelressner9651, all of what you're recognizing seems fine to me. And seems similar to the dynamics of other large cities in the Northeast. SEPTA's got some old stuff, as well as some new and developing. And it services a huge amt of people
Definitely hoping to a visit Philadelphia sometime this year. Lots of history there. Thanks for the tips!
You would love ot. So much for your channel too
Center City is awesome. Please enjoy yourself in my wonderful city.
@Henry Horner this is valuable advice in the 80s lol. It's safe in every direction from center city now, fairmount, callowhill, Passyunk, university City are all more than safe. Point Breeze is the only iffy direction I wouldn't recommend
@@SeanLawrenceMusic Point Breeze is getting better, but there's Graduate Hospital between Center City and Point Breeze so you got quite a few blocks of buffer regardless
@@SeanLawrenceMusic and north Philly. But I have friends that live near point breeze. I’d rather be down there then in kensington, strawberry mansion , nicetown, etc
Little Philly secret for anyone visiting: If the line outside of Jim's is really long and you don't feel like waiting, see if the restaurant Milk Boy across the street has a table or bar seats open. They serve Jim's there too and you can sit down and have a beer instead of standing in a long line.
So true. That's how it was when we went too
They add a few bucks to the cheesesteak though…
Any place in Philadelphia make cheese steak
Pats and Gino's a tourist traps
@@t123tina and they are all good :)
I grew up, just outside of Philly - when learning German in college (college was in New England) I was perplexed that 'Downtown' and 'Center City' weren't the same thing, and then after class with my new Connecticut college friends they were perplexed why I had such a conviction, even in English, that 'Downtown' and 'Center City' weren't the same thing.
Also spot on Mark! I miss home now, a little, mostly the snacks.
Like those people who call Times Square "Downtown NY". It's Midtown Manhattan.
growing up here we simply called it "town." Like "I am going into town." 50 years and living a mile from city hall and still say it.
My Italian relatives referred to “downtown” as South Philly.
@@davidr2802 Correct! That is what we said too. The Center City name is much more recent:60s.
Lived here all my life, and ALWAYS heard EVERYBODY call it downtown. Whoever told you that was a liar!
Having grown up near Philly in South Jersey it’s always interesting to hear other peoples’ perspective on the area. I travel around a decent amount for my job and people are always thrown by our accent and how we say water. (Wooder) We’ve got a lot of tough prideful people here; it’s often thought that we’re ruthless but I’d say on the whole it’s a super down to earth city as long as you’re not a Dallas fan. 😂😂😂 And on the whole we’re probably less pretentious than other northeast cities like NYC or Boston.
Speaking on SEPTA not always being the most reliable: living in West Philly, it's always 50-50 as to whether the trolley will stop during the morning rush (especially, pre-COVID). If they are too full, they will ring the bell as they approach your stop (to warn you), and just keep right on driving.
I don't care about how "reliable" SETA is. I won't ride it due to the dangerous people on it of the darker complexion.
@@JohnSmith-ct5jd ok “John smith” 😂
@@gio160he’s not wrong at all though and it’s a totally valid comment. I live a block from the Oregon ave station and I haven’t rode on the subway in over six years. It’s the only place I was ever held up a gun point. Right on the platform at spring garden. He mentioned that you should be careful going south…. It’s the exact opposite. Be careful headed north. Most of the robberies happen in center center city, Old town, Queens Village area. I wouldn’t go north of Vine if I was a tourist, as it’s basically a toxic waste dump any further north. Outside of University City, it ain’t much better in west Philly.
You don't even need to be parked illegally in Philly to get a ticket!
That's how welcoming the parking people are :) it's not a ticket... it's a welcome to philadelphia note :)
And other people can be parked in the MOST outrageous ways and get nothing lmao
Iv parked my dump truck on south st didn't pay the meter didn't get a ticket my mind was blown I think they don't wanna climb da truck to ticket my wip
Thats not true, but they will make the signs confusing lol
@@SeanLawrenceMusic It is true. I got a ticket parked on a residential street (in front of my house in Roxborough) with 9 other cars that read "no parking allowed this side of street". Absolutely ridiculous!
I remember a TV show on A&E called Parking Wars that featured Philadelphia & the PPA a lot as well as other states. The fines for tickets add up quick & if your car has been impounded, you best have all of your paperwork & money ready when it's your turn in line.
It is amazing how bad that show made the PPA look, especially given they knew they were being filmed and had the PPA's full support and cooperation.
I’m from Philly but have been living in the south for a few years. I swear, I gain 10 lbs every time I go back home for a visit; filling up on all the delicious Philly foods I can’t get down here 🥨 Oh how I miss Amoroso rolls 🥖
I actually know a woman who is a descendant of the family that founded Amoroso's bakery. Her branch of the family had moved to Delaware County which is inner ring suburbs just Southwest of the City. We met through local politics. Speaking of politics, watch out for presidential candidates and political celebrities every 4 years. Pennsylvania is a swing state.
AMEN for Amoroso rolls!!!
Move back!!
Don't miss out on a walk through the Society Hill neighborhood, IMO the most beautiful neighborhood in the US. Cobblestone streets, historic homes, and small alleyways makes you feel like you are in the 1700s.
Elfreys Ally
Absolutely! Just spent a day showing a friend from Woodstock around Society Hill and the architecture knocked her out!
This was one of my favorite walks in HS … get off @ 2nd & market and walk down to south st … at the time south street wasn’t for hippies but was still “alternative”
I drive to Philly once a week from Virginia. I’ve never had one single issue with anyone there or ever felt unsafe. Honestly, people really talk nonsense about Philly and they have never been. It’s really an awesome city with awesome people.
For real! I moved here from Virginia years ago and i love it up here
Just past the temple area is where you'll get to the trenches. If you dont go too far north you'll be fine. Ignorant teenagers are the only thing that may make you feel "unsafe" anywhere else. But they're just being kids so (Im 17 and from/live in philly)
I’m glad nothing has ever happened to you here, but you need to keep your guard up.
One great thing about Philly is the solid mix of ethnic groups who are all culturally Philadelphians. Man, I love that about my city.
I LOVE your city! Philadelphia is one of my favorite places on earth!
❤️
Me too!
That is the SO true! It’s got to be the thing I love most about Philadephia; the various ethnicities. And with those ethnicities comes affordable cuisine.
Philly was an early adopter of diversity. It was a cool place to grow up because of that.
I Love Philadelphia! I live in central NJ and I take Amtrak which is a 55 minute ride from my local train station, Metropark. I have never used public transportation within the city. I did take a cab once when I had too much to drink at a Cuban restaurant in the historic district, Cuba Libre Restaurant, a great place for great Cuban food and great music. I always pick a hotel near Logan Square. From there I can then easily walk to the major museums as well as the historic district. Philadelphia is a mini-Manhattan in that it is very walkable in a smaller sense. Where else can you walk in the steps of the brave founders of our country and also appreciate world class art in the same day? Love that city!
Don't call it a "Philly Cheesesteak", it's just a Cheesesteak when you are in Philly.
😆
I cringe every time I hear the words "Philly Cheesesteak" - there is no such thing. It's a cheesesteak.
@@customkey Everywhere else in the country they call them Philly Cheesesteaks. Not one of the knock-ffs can compete. They don't even use the right rolls. Amoroso would turn over in his grave.
Rule of thumb: if the menu lists it as a "Philly Cheesesteak," it won't be
@@nonewherelistens1906 I've been all over the US with the Marines and I can confirm, nobody knows the cut or quality of the meat and nobody understands that the cheese gets melted as it cooks. Also no idea where green peppers came from. You'd figure they'd UA-cam it at least.
As a philadelphian….OMG SPOT ON 😂😂😂😂 #1 had me on the floor 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great job! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
BUT…Real philly cheesesteaks are gotten from pizza places…provolone or american cheese. Whiz is for tourists 😉
Tattoed Mom has a great Vegan Cheesesteak!!!
Facts, we don't do any of that Whiz stuff here. provolone or american is the only way.
@@StopMarxism yesssss THANK YOU! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😂😂😂💗
I tried to pay attention to where people were from that say whiz is the stuff they use and I noticed most of them are from South Philly. Never in my life was it the default in North or West where I grew up.
@@justdrop see thats crazy to me because im in south philly and the only thing whiz is good for is cheese fries lol
I have never felt unsafe in Philly. I'm originally from Princeton NJ, but went to Philly all the time as a kid. As a high school student who liked modern, hip, clothing, Krass Brothers (937 South Street - Store of the Stars!) was a must-stop place for me every time I took the train south. I live in Virginia now, but a monthly trip north has been on my itinerary for years.
This is another MUST SEE video along with your Eats of Philly video should one want to visit! Excellent job Mark.
as a native I had several lol moments in this video. It’s all accurate. Don’t slow down the locals, either on foot or behind the wheel!
The childrens museum in Fairmount Park (close to the Philly Zoo, oldest in America) is fantastic and beautiful and worth a visit. When you’re at the art museum area, don’t forget the Rodin museum. And, visit Chinatown!
Lol 😂 so true!
For sure ... I was somewhere and I'm cmon dude take a frigging picture and get outta the way. You're blocking the sidewalk! He was rubber necking some kind of crazy incident. The rest of us were like whatever to the incident.
Omg yesss! I remember one time I was walking around center city and a group of tourists came up to me and asked me where was the art museum and how to get there and then they proceeded to try to talk to me for an hour and I was like let me give you the directions on a map so you can get going because I have places to go. Looking back on it they just were trying to be friendly. That just proves everything in this video is accurate.Even though I may be living in Columbia South Carolina now, I still have the city of Philadelphia within me and I could come off as rude sometimes but my friends down here understand it’s just the way I am because of where I came from
Don't forget the Franklin Museum.
In a way both the citizens of NYC and Philadelphia do behave like each other except for our accents. I am a New Yorker who grew up in NYC during the Mad Men era of the 1960s.
Philly also had a world champion boxer named Joe Frazier that has a statue also I believe it's located at the sports complex's in South Philly. I'm from and live in Philly and most of the folks I know will gladly help a visitor if asked especially about a good cheesesteak, and you are absolutely right about the parking authority they are EVIL. Don't forget our Casinos and beautiful parks.
Smoken Joe is cool, but the Nick Foles statue is better, 'Philly Philly'
I'm 33 from Delco / and Philly and have never driven because of all of this. Everything you said about Septa and driving is 100% spot-on. To be fair, everything you said is pretty damn accurate. Glad you enjoyed your time here.
I live in Philly, I’m sitting on the couch in Philly right now. Although I love this city as much as one can love a city, your video really got me re-psyched for the ol hometown. I love your enthusiasm and I must say you hit all the nails on the heads.
Perfect timing, I just arrived in Philly this afternoon for a visit!
definitely agree on the no driving. I sold my car when I moved here because 1: it's traumatizing to drive here with how insane and dangerous people drive on the highway and 2: it's not necessary to own a car. biking is the best way to get around
I think “New Jersey Drivers” is starting to become a thing here
Definite deal-breaker for this southern guy. I love your food and culture but I gotta have my car. It's like part of my body. It's autonomy. I've looked into moving to Philly but I think I'd go crazy without it. How do people without cars even grocery shop? Do they like buy one bag at a time?
@@scottrc5391 I’ve seen people walk around with two bags in each hand or on a bike lmao, usually people have cars tho
@@scottrc5391 I live in Philly and I have a car it’s not that bad you just gotta find a good place to put it and when driving pretend your on a go kart race track
@@scottrc5391 Neighborhoods outside of Center City have decent parking. I lived in Mt. Airy and never had a problem.
I lived in Philadelphia for 32 years. I have great memories of it. I'm retired in Southern California now; much better weather.
Other do's and don'ts.
1) Check out the Gayborhood around 12th and Spruce. Lots of fun.
2) Stay away from the ghettos. There are lots of them.
3) Enjoy the city parks, such as Rittenhouse Square, Fairmount Park, The Wissahickon, and the Art Museum area. The Morris Arboretum is great.
Sir you nailed it. I am truly impressed and really enjoyed your video. I have lived in Philly for 61 year. Thank you 😊
A must do is Wissahickon park !! It has so many hiking trails and the main trail is awesome…. It’s so beautiful you forget your in Philadelphia!!!
I learned to fly-fish there in the mid '70's.
Being an Eagles fan who lives outside of Philly, I've ventured there twice to watch them play. Never once did I need a car; SEPTA card took me everywhere I wanted to go.
And yes, don't skip out on food other than cheesesteaks. One of my recommendations? Philly has a killer Vietnamese food scene. Some of the pho is as good (if not better) than what you can find in more prominent Vietnamese communities in the US.
Thank you for this video. Currently in Philly and have lots to explore!
This is great! I am so glad that this popped up randomly on my feed because I actually plan to travel to Philly soon. All the information is so helpful and you seem really enthusiastic. Overally, great job on the video!
I parked in the white line, the white line was supposed to be okay, I got a ticket, I asked the guy why and he pulled back a whole tree revealing a no parking sign hiding inside of it. REALLY? Make sure you check the trees...
After reading through the comments, the one really important thing that wasn’t mentioned is our cultural and ethnic diversity. You will have the great pleasure of coming across people from all over the world. The cuisine is just as diverse. In Chinatown, besides Chinese, you’ll find Cambodian, Thai, and Burmese. We have Indian restaurants all over. There’s Ethiopian in West Philly. Dahlak has been there for about 40 years and is now owned by the kids. I heard we’ve got a Philippine restaurant, but haven’t tried it. Most places are reasonably priced.
I love love love your energy and how you really took time to engage in Philly and really take in her sights and richness :😊❤❤You're amazing Sir! Keep shining your light 🙂
I love this as a local! Born and raised in Philly. You will love us…hell I love us!! Just don’t mess with any of our team!!!
Thank you for showing up my city.
I moved from the south to Philly, and to be honest it is probably the closest thing to the deep south there is north of Virginia, prideful blue collar people who will show you the respect they're given. South Jersey people will claim to be from Philly, but they aren't they're something completely different, Phila is a great place.
Thank you so much for this video, I'm currently planning a trip to Philadelphia and this was really helpful
I'm 10-15 min. away over the bridge in NJ so Philly is definitely our closest/most frequented city, even though it's PA. Only on number one so far but totally laughing out loud- so true!! Spot on Mark, now back to watching the rest 😊
As a new Philly resident.. I'm SO happy I moved in across the street from my job. There have been trips I take on SEPTA that end up being 2 hours due to delays/ not updating schedules etc. When the walk would have been 1 hour...
Born and raised in Philadelphia, and now live in South Jersey! Your blog is pretty accurate. When I was a kid living in West Philly and Mt. Airy we said downtown, but that was quite some time ago. Sadly, Philly natives are impatient, but I find that’s true for most of the NE! Especially in the current pandemic climate.
However, Philly natives can be some of the friendliest, down to earth people you’ll ever meet. Philadelphia is a fantastic location for history, culture, architecture and Restaurants (as you said🥰)
We have the oldest zoo, and theater (Walnut street) in the country and the largest park as well(Fairmount)!
We also have some of the best universities and hospitals in the world (U of Penn and Jefferson) !
I agree driving in Philly is rough and Septa is not reliable. There are tourist trolleys tours you can purchase, ride and get on and off for Center City, Olde City and South Philly🥰
One last thing, those pretzels are not the traditional Philly ones, there the Amish pretzels, but they are delicious.
I love my hometown and visit often.❤️
Enjoy your blog very much!
Wolter - Im a life-long Philly local, and I have to say, your summary is spot-on! Great job!
Definitely a helpful Video! Thanks Mark!
Philly is a great walking city. Glad you mentioned this. People will be surprised how close everything actually is. Pretzels are king in this area, they were actually invented in Lititz not too far from Philly. Love this video.
Thanks!
I grew up saying "downtown" and not Center City, so it's up to the native.
@@TheeKookyWildflower lol right! I always said downtown growing up
People say downtown as well
One can say "I'm going downtown to Center City" and be correct (because 'downtown' also encompasses Old City, Chinatown, Rittenhouse Square, etc).
Very accurate list. I would also add: 1: "Don't call it Italian ice, it's "water (or "wooder") ice" 2: Don't call it a sub or grinder, it's a "hoagie" 3. If you don't see a cheese you like on the cheesesteak menu, don't even bother asking for it (Google "John Kerry Swiss cheesesteak") 4. Don't go through yellow lights in your car, they last only about 5 seconds in Center City, when you see yellow just come to a stop 5. Don't mock or diss Wawa (you can criticize the food and drink offerings, just don't mock/diss the brand). 6. When you put on local TV news on your hotel don't mock or diss the 6abc Action News theme song (yes its very old, but it's beloved and may never go away, its a Philly earworm for life) 7. If in town during the Xmas season do not miss the Christmas Market at City Hall and Love Park. 8. At Reading Terminal Market, don't pass up Beiler's Donuts. The line is worth the wait.
This upload is better than better
Oh! very beautiful I’m falling in love with your video...thanks for sharing!!!!
I just found your channel this morning. I really enjoyed this particular video. Reminded me of my visit in 2017. Looking forward to watching some more. 😎✌🏻
I live here and PPA is evil. 😁 Great review!
P.S. Pittsburgh is one of my favorite places that isn't Philly!
Same here! I lived out that way for school and I love the 'Burgh. The people are great
Yes I love Pittsburgh. It's very friendly and very peaceful. it's a nice peaceful City when you want to move find a city is quiet Pittsburgh is a city for you and friendly
@@christopherrobinson3255 I lived in Johnstown in the early 1980's. I was bored one Sunday, so I drove into Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh was closed.
If you really want a reality check and to be more grateful for what you have in life, take a ride down Kensington Ave. Particularly from Allegheny to Somerset Ave. It's a whole other world. Can be a great deterrent for your kids to show them as to why NOT to use drugs. Thank me later.
*Take a ride in a very protected car
As a born, raised, and still living in Philly I agree with your entire video.
Born and raised in Philly, lived here 37 years of my life! And yes you can say “Downtown” we call it downtown all the time. As well as center city 🤷🏾♂️
I’m from the south and driving in Philly was very hard for me, streets are very narrow and they literally have trains in the middle of the streets
FYI ... so does Atlanta.
Yes if you can drive in Philly you can drive anywhere. NY is even worse.
Yes those are trolleys and I drive those for a living lol
You mean trolleys lol.
@@dendren0 😄😅🤣
Thanks for your video about Philadelphia. I thought you may want to know why we call our downtown area Center City. It really goes back to the beginning of the city. Our city has various small green parks that were laid out when the city was founded. One of the squares is where the current city hall is located. That square was at the time the center of the city and was referred to as the center of the city. So that name came into common usage when referring to anything in our downtown area. I grew up in southwest Philadelphia and we did use both names depending on where you were going. If you were going to anything near City Hall you were going to center city however if you were going shopping to one of the many old department stores especially around 8th and Market street you were going downtown. Not to mention if you were going to somewhere near the historic area attractions you were going to old city.
Correct 💯!!
OMG, I have leaved here all my life. You are spot on! I am so impressed.
I’m a Philly native and agree with everything you said. If you’re ordering a cheesesteak, there is no need to get nervous ordering, just order like you would anywhere else, just don’t take forever doing it!
Wonderful content! As it happens, my fiancee and I are visiting Philadelphia the first week of May. Excited about it!
Don't let this scare you away from making use of SEPTA. If you have appreciated the use of public transportation in DC or NYC, you'll appreciate SEPTA too
I'm a native Philadelphian and saw this video, and kudos to you on a great video! Thanks especially for driving home (ironically) the walkability of the city. Most people who live around center city can do everything they need walking with maybe a bus/subway ride or two. It was built in the old world days before the car and you don't need one if you live in the core of the city. Like other east coast cities like NYC, Boston, DC, it's a very different lifestyle than the average American life
What about the Wissahickon? all the up to beautiful Chestnut Hill.!!
Philadelphia was founded in 1680 something by William Penn. Like Boston, it's a colonial city that was built when the transportation options were foot and horseback. A lot of cities further West developed after 1900 were built around cars or like Baltimore, bulldozed for the car, with Freeways and Interstate highways run through their downtown. (In Baltimore I think a tire or car company just bought up the streetcars and killed them.)
I'm going for my birthday sometime soon. This couldn't be better timed!
Great Review of Philly everything he said was on point I was born and raised here and you definitely did your homework sir
If he did his homework, then why didn't he show pics of REAL Philly pretzels?
Fantastic video
Great job
If you’re a history nerd like me… don’t miss out on visiting the Masonic temple at 1 N broad st. It’s full of history with the founding fathers and the lodge rooms themselves each are insanely beautiful on their own
Can you actually go in there now? I worked next door to that place at 111 N. Broad for a while in the 70s and it was closed to the public.
@@warrenhazelton8631 they give tours and everything
As a Philadelphian who’s IN LOVE with center city, i approve of this message! 💖
We park at the visitor center and walk the whole day. My fav restaurant is Ben Franklin Tavern. Chinatown is right near the visitor center, we walk through there before going back to the car at the end of the day.
Born and raised in Philly! I would definitely recommend Oh Brother, Carmen's, or Tony Luke's for a cheesesteak - hands down the BEST cheesesteaks ever, you won't be disappointed :)
GREAT VIDEO!!! I have been a Philadelphian my entire life. Just so you know we don’t order Cheesesteaks with wiz cheese. I live in Uptown and we sometimes call it downtown. Walking to upenn from rittenhouse square is a little over a mile. You can depend on the bus to take you there. For the traffic DO NOT TAKE 76, 676 or any highway. Pats and Genos are tourist traps don’t go. South street in the day time is much better than south street at night time and much safer.
When you are at the rocky statue do not let someone hold your camera and take the picture for you. Some people will charge you to get your camera back.
There is a lot to do in Chinatown please check that out.
Check out Northern Liberties and Manayunk too.
For some upscale shopping visit King of Prussia Mall. You can take a bus there but it will take forever.
Also check out West Mt Airy and Chestnut Hill. They are nice neighborhoods with a small town vibe with HUGE Multi Million dollar homes. Looks like something from a hallmark movie.
Another thing to do if you have the time but book in advance. Take a trip to 30th street station and book a train ride to Lancaster, PA it’s about 1.5 hour ride and it’s usually around $20 one way. It’s a lot to do their too. And a perfect day trip.
Provolone only 👌🤣
Nailed it! Drexel alumni and lived in Philly for 35 years. Great city!
I have a soft spot in my heart for Philly. I lived there for 7 years. I loved old city, the farm market. I used to have breakfast every weekend at cozy. It was so nice. A lot of nice people around. Good old memories.
I lived here in Philly all my life and it's a soft spot in my heart. I can't see myself living anywhere else.
The city of Brotherly Love was exactly what I experienced when visiting ...(strangers saying Hello)... WONDERFUL CITY.
Yup! .... dont be afraid to 'smile' and look someone in the eye when walking in Phila. - as, usually, you'll get an equal reply.
If you're visiting the Italian Market, be sure to check out Little Saigon, the Vietnamese neighborhood that's next door! Lots of great spots to get a banh mi and a Vietnamese iced coffee
Two thumbs up. If you're into it, walking around the Philadelphia navy yard can be fascinating too...
as a Philadelphia native from Manayunk. you did a great job describing my home. but we do describe center city as downtown along with another dozen places in Philly. lol great job. i subscribed
In reference to pretzels, auntie Anne's is a national chain and is not a Philadelphia pretzel. You want to seek out a local chain called Philadelphia (Philly) pretzel factory, that will be a Philadelphia pretzel.
Also it's very important to realize that when the street signs and your GPS disagree please for the love of God believe the street signs. North south east and west work the same in Philadelphia as they do back home!
If you do choose to drive around please keep in mind that the quick easy convenient parking space you just found is probably illegal meaning it is a fire hydrant, driveway, or bus stop!
And please keep in mind that flashers mean nothing!!
No thanks
Center City pretzel at 9th and Washington is the only real deal.
Phila pretzel is a door stop in comparison.
Miller's at RTM....🤤....(side note... you can free pretzel when you buy a milkshake)
@@SalMichaelI have no doubt that it is preferably different, but Philly Pretzel Factory is just easier to find.
Great. Now I want to visit Philadelphia even more than I already did.
I loved Philadelphoa
Welcome.
Browsing your video is like reading a good book! I have benefited a lot! You are our teacher! Thank you for your hard work! We love you! We look forward to your next works! Your channel is great! We have learned a lot from you! thank you for your sharing! Good luck every day!
As someone who has always lived in Philly, these are great tips
Great video! As a Philadelphian who has lived in London for the past 11 years, I am amazed at how few British and Europeans who have been to the US have never been to Philly. They go to NYC, Vegas, Disney World, and Miami (Miami???). I tell them the two most American cities I know are Chicago and Philadelphia.
A word in defence of Pat’s and Geno’s: yeah they are not the best, but they are not horrible. I used to live about a 20 minute walk from them, and had to pass by them whenever I had to go to the Post Office to pick up a package. I’d stop by one or the other (I prefer Pat’s because they have great hot sauce - once I even got a Geno’s steak and surreptitiously went over to Pat’s to put some hot sauce on it, risking life and limb) and it was a decent enough lunch on a Saturday afternoon.
Funnily enough, I'm a Brit in the US and my husband and I are planning on moving to Philly within a month. I'd never even heard of Philly before moving to America!
@@lauracartmell4610 You'll love it.
@@lauracartmell4610 Never heard of Philly as a Brit. I guess they don't teach much about the War of Independence in schools over there. Quick tip from a Philadelphian if you have to move to India. Its also not a colony anymore.
@@davidr2802 Boomed 'em!
@@davidr2802 Philadelphia is treated by the New York media the way San Diego is treated by the Los Angeles media. It's there but it isn't really there. Philadelphia is not a city that can just be blown off, even by New York, but it really is a different culture than New York.
The Constitution Center is an amazing experience. Not to be missed.
You're awesome Dr. Wolters!
This pretty good. I live in Philly. You covered quite a lot. Great job
Reading Terminal Market is amazing! But, if I may make a suggestion, don’t expect all of the vendors in the Market to be open on Sundays. I highly recommend the Dutch Eating Place for breakfast! But, they are closed on Sundays. Other than that, Philly is awesome! 👍
A corollary to that point is, since the Pennsylvania Dutch bakeries are closed Sundays to Tuesdays, at around 4:00 pm on Saturdays, they have to sell as much of it as they can, so the prices go WAY down (although the lines get WAY long).
Agreed if you want to go to ALL of the RTM your best bet is midweek and before 4pm. Visiting on a Saturday is quite lackluster IMHO