8 essential insider tips for your Philadelphia visit

The city of Philadelphia serves as a vibrant playground for the young and a stronghold of time-honored traditions.

Famous for its rich American history, the Rocky steps, and being the city of cheesesteaks, Philadelphia is undeniably a hub of old-school customs and genuine hitching posts, while also being a contemporary metropolis with prestigious universities, upscale suburbs, and a thriving biotech sector. Its character goes deeper than its motto, “The City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love.” Philadelphians wear their “gritty and proud” reputation with pride, and even New Yorkers, its northern rivals, can't rival the loyalty and pride found in this city.

Prepare for your trip to Philly with these insider insights on what to expect, covering health, safety, and etiquette.

1. Discover Philly's tapestry of neighborhoods one by one

The areas of Philadelphia that draw travelers are relatively compact, and they feel even smaller when you realize it’s a city of neighborhoods, each boasting its own unique character.

Stroll through neighborhoods like Queen Village, Graduate Hospital, Society Hill, and Fitler Square, where you’ll find enchanting cobblestone alleys flanked by beautiful 18th- and 19th-century brick brownstones alongside modern, eclectic designs. Children play outside, and traffic cones are occasionally placed to redirect cars. It’s common to stumble upon spontaneous block parties, with parents enjoying a drink while catching up with neighbors.

2. Bring your casual attire for evenings out

Philly tends to have a laid-back vibe, so you don’t need to stress about bringing formal attire. However, in areas like Rittenhouse Square and at upscale restaurants and bars in Center City, you might spot folks in suits and high heels.

This city isn’t one that stays awake all night; everything closes by 2am, including public transportation. It’s wise to carry some cash, as many food trucks and bars operate on a cash-only basis. There are over a hundred BYOB restaurants—perfect for saving money—and during warmer months, pop-up beer gardens provide a fantastic way to enjoy the local scene.

3. Manage your time well, as there’s plenty to explore

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and the Constitution Center are must-see attractions for most visitors. Additionally, Philadelphia’s numerous historical sites, best appreciated through walking tours, form a core part of the city’s tourism appeal. Be sure to allocate time to visit a few of the lesser-known, unique attractions as well.

The Mutter Museum is essential for anyone with even a slight interest in the macabre. The Mummer’s Parade, a distinctively boisterous South Philly tradition and the oldest folk parade in the country, occurs on January 1. Additionally, the Italian Market Festival, another uniquely South Philly celebration of food and drink, takes place in early September—make sure to catch the competitive greased pole climbing.

4. The ongoing debate about the best cheesesteak continues

If you ask a group where to find the best cheesesteak, prepare for a lively discussion on the relative merits of Shank’s versus Campo’s, or whether adding aioli sauce compromises the sandwich’s authenticity. At its core, a cheesesteak is a delightful mix of griddle-fried beef and gooey cheese in a roll, but opinions are strong and loyalty runs deep.

Pat’s Kings of Steaks and Geno’s sit right next to each other on East Passyunk in South Philly, while Jim’s on South St (set to reopen soon after a fire in 2022) is also a favorite. Other well-loved spots, like Dallesandro's in Manayunk and Chubby’s in Roxborough, are definitely worth the journey.

5. Master the local lingo to better connect with Philadelphians

While geographically part of the Mid-Atlantic, Philadelphia boasts a unique old-school accent. For example, water ice, the city’s version of Italian ice, is pronounced 'wooder ice.' Instead of grandma and grandpa, locals say 'MomMom' and 'PopPop.' The popular East Passyunk restaurant corridor is said as 'PASH-unk.'

Wawa, a favorite convenience store chain, is cherished by locals. If you order a Yuengling (the local beer from America’s oldest brewery), it’s a sure sign you’re a visitor—locals simply request a “lager.” Philadelphians often use 'jawn' to refer to anything, saying things like “Add some onions on that jawn.” When ordering cheesesteaks, it’s 'wit' or 'widdout' fried onions, and come summer, everyone heads “down the shore.” They also say the numbered street before the name, so it's 9th and Spruce, not Spruce and 9th.

6. Local sports teams inspire immense pride

The mood in Philly swings dramatically—either sinking into deep despair or erupting with volcanic joy—based on the fortunes of the Philadelphia Eagles (football), Philadelphia Phillies (baseball), and Philadelphia 76ers (basketball). Philly fans are some of the most passionate in the country, known for their inability to forgive or forget, with a legendary tale of Eagles fans pelting a costumed Santa with snowballs during a disappointing game.

On game days, the city transforms into a sea of green, red, or blue, depending on the sport, and nearly comes to a halt during playoff seasons. On fall Sundays, entire blocks morph into vibrant sports bars, with traffic cones marking off streets, drinks flowing, and large projector screens broadcasting the game to jersey-clad fans of all ages. If a championship is won, Broad St becomes a carnival-like celebration, reminiscent of Mardi Gras. Tune into 97.5 the Fanatic for a glimpse into the unique psyche of Philly sports fans.

7. A city that’s both pedestrian-friendly and challenging...

Few major American cities can match the walkability of central Philadelphia. Stretching from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River, and from South Philly (defined by various locals as either South St, Christian St, or Washington St) to Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the north, Philadelphia is undeniably one of the most picturesque urban landscapes in the US, akin to walking through an expansive version of New York’s Greenwich Village. However, beware of the city’s sidewalks, which can be treacherous with their uneven, cracked pavements and cobblestones. Stay alert and watch your step!

One of the more alarming aspects of Philly life is the casual disregard many drivers have for stop signs, which can be particularly hazardous on the city's narrow, one-way streets. The infamous 'Philly rolling stop' is common; drivers often barely tap their brakes and proceed through intersections. To stay safe, always establish eye contact with drivers before crossing.

8. Heed warnings, but maintain perspective

City centers across the nation faced significant challenges during and after COVID-19, but fears of their decline, particularly in Philadelphia, are countered by a noticeable resurgence in activity. That said, if you ask some locals about safety, you might be deterred from venturing out after dark. Similarly, certain apps might give you the impression that package theft is rampant.

Indeed, there are valid concerns regarding certain neighborhoods with elevated crime and violence rates, so remain vigilant as you would in any urban area. Given Philly's compact size, a short drive or bus ride can take you from an attractive, upscale district to a struggling area, economically and socially.

Some neighborhoods are likely best to avoid. Areas around Temple University in North Philly, as well as far South and West Philly, aren't ideal for exploration, especially after dark. Kensington, which lies just north of the trendy Northern Liberties and Fishtown, is currently grappling with rising drug-related issues and crime.