to Philly this weekend. What should I know and where should I go once I get there?

Can you be more specific? It's a big city, after all. Where will you be staying? What are you likes/dislikes? Do you like museums or prefer sports? Do you want to see historical sites or more pop-entertainment-based places? What kinds of food do you like?

I want to od some shopping, take in some sights, listen to some good music maybe see a live performance or concert. I'd like to get some good food, meet some nice folks and maybe do a little dancing. I like hip hop and jazz, comedy and sports. By the way, I'm coming from Boston.

Shopping - Visit Walnut Street between Broad and 18th. That's Philadelphia's version of Newbury Street. Be sure to visit the stores off Walnut too, especailly on Sansom (one block north). Also of interest are Pine Street between Broad and 9th whcih is Antiques Row and South Street from the Delaware River to 10th which has all kinds of funky shops. Also visit Readign Terminal Market (see a map for details) which is a indoor food market. If in the burbs, visit King of Prussia Mall which is the largest mall on the East Coast and has many stores you normally will not find in malls such as Versace, Louis Vuitton, etc.

Sights - You probably know the standards like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. New is the Cosntitution Center (see a map). But I'd recommend you also see less obvious touristy stuff. Go to Society Hill (similar to Beacon Hill but not really hilly), Rittenhouse Square (one of the ebst examples of an urban square in America), the Art Museum (3rd largest in the US after the Met and the National Gallery), Chinatown, etc.

Nigthlife - go to Old City. if you're here on the first friday of a month you should check out First Fridays which is teh opening of art galleries. This tends to draw a large young person crowd. Much of this takes place in the area between Market and Vine and 2nd and 4th. The nightlife venues in Old City are south of Market between Front anf 4th but north of Walnut. If trashier nightlife is what you want, there's South Street. ALso, Rittenhouse Square and Wash West (area between Chestnut and Pien and 10th and Broad) have a fair amount of nightlife.

Dining - There are restaurants all voer Center City Philadelphia. Just wander about and take your pick.

A tip - while Center City techncially stretches from South to Vine, most of what you'd want is south of Market. Chinatown and the part of Old City north of Market are exceptions. Do not make the typical tourist mistake of thinking Philadelphia is centered around Market. Market Street west of City Hall is all business and thus pretty empty after hours and on weekends. East of City Hall, Market Street is pretty crappy until you get to Old City. *WALNUT STREET* on the other hand is the true spine of Center City. Keep that in mind since most of what you'd want to see is either on Walnut of within several blocks of Walnut.

also, old city has some shops you might like. depends on your tastes. more of funky boutiques and such than walnut which is more traditional. let us not forget the italian market on ninth st (you know, from rocky.) and the mutter's museum.

Those are all great options. For even more, consider Northern Liberties, the area bounded by 2nd, 6th, Spring Garden and Girard. It's got lots of good restaurants, a cozy jazz place (Ortlieb's), a good corner bar with great beers (Standard Tap), a lounge full of trendy hipsters (the 700 Club) and, toward the southwest corner of the neighborhood, a bigger lounge that usually has really eclectic music and sometimes live performers (Silk City). The neighborhood's a little rougher than Old City or Rittenhouse Square, FYI.

Yeah, rougher seeming if you don't hit the top of the ruler to ride the rollercoasters, perhaps. Downside to No. Libs is that it's spread out. I'd go out for drinks in Rittenhouse Square at Alma de Cuba or Rouge after shopping on Walnut Street (17-19th cross street areas)

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Resident of Fishtown, Moderator of Fish/No. Libs/Kenzo forum, Real Estate Agent-Prudential Fox & Roach

cc, your suggestions -- and your awareness of tourist pitfalls -- were spot on.

I'd like to second the nominations of Northern Liberties and the Italian Market. Also, you could check out the waterfront, but be advised there's not a whole lot going on down there, save for a historical ship or two.

If the weather's nice (are you coming this weekend?), sit outside at Jon's (3rd and South Streets) for some South Street people watching. I live on South Street, and even to me, this never gets old.

Don't flame me--but if the weather is nice, you should go to 6th and Chestnut early (like 10am) and get on the Duck Tours. They're good for tourists. Fun, silly. I recommend grabbing a mimosa or two before.

South Street is always fun. See what the song was all about...around 2 to 6th Street blocks.

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Resident of Fishtown, Moderator of Fish/No. Libs/Kenzo forum, Real Estate Agent-Prudential Fox & Roach

Here's a listing of bars, restaurants, nightlife, etc. As a Philadelphia resource, there's more quantity than quality: lots of choices, practically no info. But if you're curious about any of the places, just post a question. I'm sure someone on this board has been there and can comment.

http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/listings