Philadelphia is known as a hard city, and when driving in traffic that certainly is the case. But it’s also can be a surprisingly friendly city, and I’ve met many friends while traveling just by wearing an Eagles or Phillies shirt.
As a lifelong Eagles and Phillies fan, I’ve been lucky to be able to return for Philadelphia for some of the biggest moments. And let me tell you, there are NO sad people at a Super Bowl parade. Complete strangers become friends. I love how sports can bring people together when so much out there divides us. Oh and while Shawn isn’t a Philly fan born and raised, he’s been very supportive.
It’s also a city with tons of history, including City Hall, the Liberty Bell, Franklin Institute, and lots of art museums. And yes, try the Philly cheesesteak (I prefer provolone over cheese whiz) but the pizza is also great too. The city is home to several breweries. Here’s some restaurants and breweries I’d recommend…
- Cleavers – Cheesesteak with all kinds of options. HUGE portions
- Victory Brewery – Huge tap list of microbrews and good food
- Monk’s Cafe – focus on Belgian beers (my favorite) and food
Transportation is ok. The SEPTA subway runs all over the city, and is relatively easy to use. There’s also a commuter rail and Amtrak that leaves from 30th street station. It can get you to the airport, Baltimore, New York. Like most cities, safety is largely dependent on neighborhoods and I don’t know them all. You have to remain aware of your surroundings, but the downtown area is relatively safe and I haven’t encountered any issues. If there’s a sporting event, it tends to be crowded, and as long as you’re rooting for the Philly team – you’ll be safe.
Fun facts – Want to know if someone is from Philly. Just listen when they say water. In Philly, it’s W-A-D-E-R.
