Will be near Philadelphia for 4 weeks... things to do/see? (Reading: real estate, townhouses)

[NSX1990]

I will be in Villanova for 4 weeks over the summer for some law program. I was told that Philadelphia is about 30 minutes away on the train, so I plan to explore the city on weekends.

What sites/activities would you all recommend? I already plan on doing the whole touristy Liberty Bell, "seat of democracy-blah-blah-blah" deal, but I'd like to see some local culture too. I'm 21, so I can do the bar scene, although that's not my only interest.

[bryson662001]

Buy a good guide book, the fattest, most up to date one you can find. It will be worth the investment. If it isn't available where you live then wait till you get here.

[Nouvelle Villa]

One of my favorite site in Philadelphia is the College of Physicians of Philadelphia's Mutter Museum (:: CCP - Mütter Museum :: (http://www.collphyphil.org/mutter.asp - broken link)). It is a museum of medical history and is very interesting. Furthermore, the University of Pennsylvania has a museum of archeology that is very cool and affordable at 33rd and Spruce.

Also, near Chinatown is the Reading Terminal Market, which is pretty cool and a good place to go for lunch. There is an ice cream / pretzel stand that has the best pretzels I've ever had. The market is on 12th street and Filbert, which is one block north of Market Street.

For a bar scene, I've always liked Northern Liberties. The area is approximately 5th to 2nd Street, between Girard and Spring Garden. There area recently has had extensive urban renewal, but there are many cool bars / taverns that are nice and low key.

I hope this is helpful.

[newmarlig]

Welcome to gophila.com -- the Official Visitor Site for Greater Philadelphia

[ainulinale]

Personally, my interest is always seeing the actual city itself. I love the old historic architecture of Philly. Go to Old City area, and just look around Center City--you're bound to come across 5 story, 180 year old Georgian/Federal Style townhouses.

[ApartmentNomad]

I would check these weeklies ahead of time for events (concerts, festivals, etc.), so you can plan around those, if you are interested:

philadelphia weekly online - philadelphia's source for dining, real estate, art, music and alternative news
25 Years of Independent Journalism :: Philadelphia City Paper :: Philadelphia Arts, Restaurants, Music, Movies, Jobs, Classifieds, Blogs

[BPP1999]

Be sure to check out The Barnes Foundation, about 15 minutes from Villanova in Merion:

The Barnes Foundation


Also, here's a link to Valley Forge National Park:

Valley Forge National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)


Here's one to the King of Prussia Mall:

King of Prussia Mall: The East Coast's Premier Shopping Destination

[john_starks]

go to the continental midtown roofdeck for some food, drinks and nice view of the city.

Continental Mid-town


also, go to citizen's bank park and catch a ballgame.


and, since you'll be here for 4 weeks, take a trip to NYC or AC for the beach

[Sassygirl18]

I like the Mutter Museum too. Something you will never forget, believe me.

Take a drive to the Jersey shore - Wildwood has a great boardwalk if you want to classic South Jersey experience - rides, etc. Cape May is great if you like Victorian architecture and charm.