My friend’s wedding took me to Philly last weekend, and I had a blast. I can finally say I have walked the Rocky steps! Don’t roll your eyes at me, I’m from Los Angeles. Two days in downtown Philadelphia were not enough, but it’s always best to leave something for the next visit.

I knew I would love Philly because everything in LA is new, and there is so much historical architecture in Philadelphia. Other than that I didn’t really know what else to expect. I was surprised by how bike-able and walkable the city is and, most of all, how eclectic the food scene is.

My Favorites:

The Food Scene
Reading Terminal Market
So much delicious food, and Termini Brothers. I don’t need to say any more.

So much delicious Amish food.

Termini Brothers. That is all!

Diverse Eateries Galore
I didn’t see this coming. I’m a huge fan of finding restaurants on Google Maps, and these finds did not disappoint. There was, of course, the obligatory Philly cheesesteak tasting. We also enjoyed authentic Moroccan food at Marrakesh.

Marrakesh offers an immersive experience and equally impressive flavors of Morocco.

The Art Scene
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Sensory overload in the greatest sense of the term. The use of different materials to create mosaics was so impressive. I was so happy to see installations throughout the Queen’s Village area.

Beautiful mosaic created by Isaiah Zagar.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
The museum itself is a beauty from the exterior. Once inside, art lovers will find a collection of everything from early Christian European art to some of the most impressive installations I’ve ever seen. You’ll walk into the East and South Asian collections and feel like you’ve been transported to that region. That was my favorite. Tip: Visit the first Sunday of the month for pay-what-you-wish admission.

Rodin Museum
What a blissful experience. Found just the right amount of Rodin and garden, lounging area. Tip: Go here first and get free entry to Philadelphia Museum of Art, just down the road.

Obligatory visit to Rocky steps in front of Philadelphia Museum of Art.

— Maria Angeles, account executive