3 days in Philadelphia (Reading, Franklin: hotel, buy, bus)

[movin2Reston]

Thanks, we will be sure to check it out. Sounds like they are open Sundays?

Noticed on Saturdays they have Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours. Are these worth it?

Originally Posted by Tone509

It's sort of like Eastern Market in DC...but "better" with an emphasis on local goods from Philadelphia and the state in general.

http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/

[john_starks]

morimoto upstairs for a great sushi and a cocktails without the "dinner" vibe.
small unassuming space but you can get whatever's on the menu

[Clark Park]

Obviously, you can't see and do everything that was suggested here in just 3 days, so I might suggest that the Franklin Institute is actually better than the Academy of Natural Sciences and the National Constitution Center you could postpone for your next trip.

Some really good suggestions here. Our Art Museum is one of the tops in North America ... if you are interested in Art, it is a "must." The Penn Museum - the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Anthropology and Archeology is the full name - is also fantastic if you have an interest in those fields.

Since it's your first trip, by all means go to the Independence Visitor Center first, then visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, etc. I always tell people to also visit Carpenter's Hall, and don't forget nearby Elfreth's Alley - the oldest residential street in the US. The Betsy Ross house is nice to walk by, but you can skip the tour - it is not that interesting. If you like old houses get a free ticket to the Bishop White house at the Visitor's Center instead (just walk up to the National Parks Service desk).

Absolutely visit Reading Terminal Market, but go on Fri. or Sat. because that's when the "Pennsylvania Dutch" (Amish, Mennonite, etc) people are there. Have lunch there. A couple of blocks away is Chinatown, also worth visiting.

If the weather is fine, I also think taking a stroll through some of the narrow cobblestone streets of Washington Square West (the "Gayborhood") like Quince, Panama, and Camac Streets ... beats out NYC's Greenwich Village for charm and quaintness.

Enjoy!

[Angus215]

Originally Posted by movin2Reston

Can you elaborate on Reading Terminal Market?

It's the largest indoor farmers market in the country. in addition to butchers, seafood markets, produce stands, etc, there are tons of food vendors. There are smaller versions in other cities, but nothing on this scale. it gets pretty crowded, but definitely worth going for an hour to walk around and have for lunch.

when i lived in center city, i went there frequently to do food shopping. you can get quality and selection there that you'll never see in a supermarket.

Reading Terminal Market › Home

[kidphilly]

Insider's Guide to Philadelphia |Journal Concierge - WSJ.com

[steelcap77]

Mütter Museum mutter museum is worthwhile as an oddity.

Both Yards and Philadelphia Brewing Company give free tours on Saturday around noon. And you get free beer.
Yards Brewing Company - Tours
http://www.philadelphiabrewing.com/i...ndar&Itemid=28

And check out 2nd St, between Spring Garden and Girard Ave (The Piazza in Norther Liberties) for lots of great restaurants. Good for lunch or Dinner. Lots of places on the side streets as well. (Abbaye, Kraftwork, Johnny Brenda's...)

[movin2Reston]

Planning Reading Terminal Market for Saturday

Originally Posted by Clark Park

Obviously, you can't see and do everything that was suggested here in just 3 days, so I might suggest that the Franklin Institute is actually better than the Academy of Natural Sciences and the National Constitution Center you could postpone for your next trip.

Some really good suggestions here. Our Art Museum is one of the tops in North America ... if you are interested in Art, it is a "must." The Penn Museum - the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Anthropology and Archeology is the full name - is also fantastic if you have an interest in those fields.

Since it's your first trip, by all means go to the Independence Visitor Center first, then visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, etc. I always tell people to also visit Carpenter's Hall, and don't forget nearby Elfreth's Alley - the oldest residential street in the US. The Betsy Ross house is nice to walk by, but you can skip the tour - it is not that interesting. If you like old houses get a free ticket to the Bishop White house at the Visitor's Center instead (just walk up to the National Parks Service desk).

Absolutely visit Reading Terminal Market, but go on Fri. or Sat. because that's when the "Pennsylvania Dutch" (Amish, Mennonite, etc) people are there. Have lunch there. A couple of blocks away is Chinatown, also worth visiting.

If the weather is fine, I also think taking a stroll through some of the narrow cobblestone streets of Washington Square West (the "Gayborhood") like Quince, Panama, and Camac Streets ... beats out NYC's Greenwich Village for charm and quaintness.

Enjoy!

[movin2Reston]

What route do the trolley's go? Is it recommended for general overview of things?

Would appreciate any other suggestions.

[FrankInPhilly]

A block away from Independence Hall is the Dream Garden mural by Louis Tiffany (yes, that Tiffany). It's in the Curtis Building (Chestnut & 6th). Be sure to visit during working hours.
http://atlasobscura.com/place/tiffan...e-dream-garden

[RightonWalnut]

Originally Posted by movin2Reston

What route do the trolley's go? Is it recommended for general overview of things?

Would appreciate any other suggestions.

You won't need to take any public transportation if you will just be staying around Center City. You can walk most of Center City.