We welcome new Philadelphians with open arms! One of the biggest challenges when relocating is finding which of the 150 distinct neighborhoods you want to live in. If able, we recommend booking yourself at least one weekend here to do some exploring. This will help you get a sense of where to focus your home search. PHG agent Kate McCann put together a jam-packed “Philly in 36 hours” itinerary that guides you through neighborhoods (and small businesses) across the city! Packaging a tour is one of the ways we can help navigate your move. Let us know your schedule and we’ll also send you a list of open houses in the areas you’ll visit.
Philadelphia in 36 Hours
There really are 1,000 ways to spend a perfect weekend in Philadelphia. But let's assume it's early fall. You’re ready to see if this city is the place for you. You roll into town just before the workday ends, ready to explore Philly’s nooks and crannies.
FRIDAY
5 pm - Happiest Hours
Spending Friday night in Fishtown is the right choice. You could walk up and down the main strip, Frankford Ave, for hours just wandering in and out of restaurants, bars, and shops. But if you like to have a plan, here's what I'd do...
Grab a cocktail at R&D Cocktail Bar. I'd go with the Baby Jazz Musician, but do what feels right. Not only are the names fun, they won best cocktail bar in the city. After you devour that delicious drink, head north up Frankford Ave - pop into Jinxed and Philadelphia Record Exchange. Grab yourself a souvenir early.
7 pm - Salatim Time
Make sure to snag a reservation at Michael Solomonov's Fishtown haunt, Laser Wolf. This Israeli market-inspired restaurant is energetic, tasty, and a tough table to get. Your foodie friends will be impressed you got in!
9 pm - Dive Bar Hop
It's not a weekend in Philly without at least one Citywide Special. That is, a tall boy PBR and a shot of well whiskey. The El Bar or Fishtown Tavern are equally fun - but if it's a really nice night, choose the former for their eccentric backyard.
SATURDAY
9:30 am - Italian Market
Start your day wandering around the Italian Market. After you grab a coffee and pastry from Function Coffee Labs, it's time to shop this historic area of Philadelphia. Pop into Claudio's for the best fresh ricotta and olive selection in the area, DiBruno's on 9th St for the largest meat and cheese selection, and then wander the outdoor vendors for some fresh fruits and veggies. You'll want to have a picnic lunch after this haul!
12pm - A Picnic Lunch
Head north to Washington Square Park. Stop by Talula's Daily for a baguette and one of their grab-and-go snacks (the curry chicken salad is my jam!). Pick your favorite corner of this lovely park and feast on all the Italian Market goodies you picked up. Say hi to all the puppies.
1pm - Old City, without the Liberty Bell
You probably didn't come here to see the Liberty Bell, but you should at least see some cobblestones! Old City is the perfect neighborhood to get lost in. Stroll the charming alleys, sip an afternoon coffee at Menagerie, and pop into United By Blue for some shopping.
Make sure you end up at Art in the Age, an at-home bar shop with a lovely bar to sit at in the back. If you aren't feeling an afternoon drink, grab a bottle of Philly-made Kinsey Rye to take home.
3pm - A Not-Cheesy Tour of Something Old
So you can say you did more than eat all weekend (which is also fine by me!), stop by the Hill-Physick House. A lovely (and quick) tour of this 1786 Federal-style home will give you just the right amount of architecture, medical, and Philadelphia history.
7pm - Dinner by the Parks
If Friday night is about dive bars and Fishtown, let's pull out your fancier shirt for Saturday night. Walk through Rittenhouse Square on the way to dinner. Then indulge in the tasting menu at Friday Saturday Sunday. It's a small, special place on a quintessential Philadelphia street.
Wander over to Pub & Kitchen for a nightcap. Maybe a 76ers game is on and you can watch regular adults turn into Philly sports fans until the clock strikes midnight. Walk off that last drink while stopping through Fitler Square. This quaint park is so peaceful at night, surrounded by gorgeous 19th-century homes.
SUNDAY
10 am - Sleep in, Get Brunch
Sunday mornings are sleepy in Philadelphia. On the days where I'm dressed and ready for adventure by 8 am, it's like I have the City to myself. So sleep in, you're on vacation, and wander to 10... or 11 am brunch. I'd head down to East Passyunk and visit The Dutch. This corner spot faces out on one of the greatest corners of the City.
Take one last stroll through this neighborhood - stopping at South Fellini for Philly memorabilia, and Essen Bakery to bring their chocolate babka home with you. There's plenty more on this bustling. commercial strip - but that will be for your next visit!
STAY
Skip the Marriott & stay at one of Philly's charming boutique hotels. The Guild House in Center City, if you're intrigued by old architecture and rights history (the rooms are named after amazing women in history). Or if you're interested in being in the heart of Philly's fabulous dining scene, stay in Fishtown at Archway for something much more modern or Snuggle in style at one of the boutique Lokal Hotels in Old City or Fishtown.
When you head home, don’t fret… we still got you. Good thing our agents are pros at giving facetime tours. They’ll test those soft close drawers, and crawl in the basement utility closets to check out the mechanics all while you’re comfy on your couch.
This 36-hour tour only scratches the surface of exploring Philly. We’d love to come up with a 36-hour plan specifically for you! To see what else you’re missing, our blogs are at your fingertips 24/7. To get a head start on exploring this city, check out our walking tours including Society Hill, Media, and Graduate Hospital, and Point Breeze, or read up on our neighborhood pages, all personally written for you!
With its current moniker of Philadelphia’s “Little Italy”, Bella Vista prides itself on celebrating the best of Italian history and culture. In recent years, the neighborhood has become even more diverse, with growing Vietnamese and Mexican immigrant populations. The history of Bella Vista is vast, and one of the neighborhood’s modern highlights is the availability of different cuisine options.