Ed Rendell’s Inside Guide to Philadelphia

Philadelphia is one of America’s great cities — rich in history, art, food and culture. No matter what you’re passionate about, you’re sure to find it here, whether you’re seeing a show on the Avenue of the Arts, taking a selfie in front of the Liberty Bell or sampling a Philly cheesesteak. While you’re here for the 2016 DNC, put the diet on hold and set aside some time in your schedule to really explore Philadelphia. To help you navigate the ins and outs like a local, I’ve put together a list of things to do, see and eat during your trip.

Things to see:

The Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA 19130
philamuseum.org

At the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway sits the Philadelphia Museum of Art, open in 1876 during the first centennial. It holds impressive collections from artists like Thomas Eakins, Cezanne and Degas.

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Serving up ice cream the old-fashioned way at The Franklin Fountain.

The Barnes Foundation
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA 19130
barnesfoundation.org

A trip to Philadelphia would not be complete without a visit to the Barnes Foundation. Founded in 1922 by Albert C. Barnes, it is one of the largest private collections of postimpressionist and early modern works, featuring artists like Renoir, Picasso, Matisse and Soutine.

Philly is the birthplace of America and there’s so much to see from a historical perspective. Independence National Historic Park is home to the Liberty Bell, which has become an iconic
symbol of the United States with its infamous crack, as well as Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed.

Independence National Park
143 S. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
nps.gov/inde

Fan of the opera? How about the orchestra or the theater? Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts has something for every art aficionado. From the longestablished Academy of Music, built in 1857, to the modern and sleek Kimmel Center, opened in 2001, you have ample opportunity to take in a show before you go.

Avenue of the Arts
South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
avenueofthearts.org

My favorite kind of restaurant serves steak and my favorite steakhouse in the city is Barclay Prime. Try the 50 oz baer country farm, pa tomahawk ribeye.

This oldfashioned soda parlour makes out of this world ice cream. My personal favorite is the Peach but the Hydrox Cookie and Franklin Mint Chip are great as well.

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Donuts

Federal Donuts
1632 Sansom St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
federaldonuts.com

This Phillystaple has gained national attention for their delicious, homemade donuts. Everything on the menu is good but if you’re a chocolate fan, try the Chocolate Eclair.

My favorite Italian place is called Giorgio’s. You can say that you can’t go wrong with any Italian restaurant in Philadelphia but Giorgio’s is an undiscovered gem.