7:30pm : Arrive at Canopy Hotel, drop off bags
Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City is the first Pennsylvania location of Hilton’s luxury and lifestyle hotel brand. The 236-room property, located at the East Market development in Center City, offers a boutique lifestyle hotel experience in the historic Stephen Girard building at 12th and Ludlow streets. The hotel’s robust art program is heavily inspired by Philadelphia’s modern street art with an emphasis on creating a truly local experience. 1180 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107.
8:00pm : Head to Harper’s Garden
8:30pm : Dinner at Harper’s Garden
A contemporary bar and restaurant in Rittenhouse Square, Harper’s Garden offers visitors a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This eatery offers outdoor dining in an open-air veranda and vibrant garden with a seasonal menu, featuring simple dishes made using local ingredients. The menu offers multiple vegetarian dishes. 31 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
After dinner – on own – for suggestions on live music venues near Rittenhouse Square, see the last page of the itinerary.
8:00am : Depart to Frieda
8:20am : Breakfast at Frieda
An open and unifying space, Frieda aims to connect people from different generations and backgrounds. The welcoming café offers breakfast, brunch, and lunch, as well as a variety of enriching workshops and events to invite guests to become a part of its community. Led by a Paris-trained chef, the multigenerational kitchen and baking team is made up of talented members from various Philadelphia neighborhoods. 320 Walnut Street.
9:40am : Independence Visitor Center
599 Market Street Gather information, souvenirs, use restrooms if need be
10:00am : Walking Tour of the Historic District – History in HD
Explore America’s most historic square mile and view iconic historical sites of Independence National Historical Park.
12:00pm : Lunch at Campo’s
Enjoy a famous Philly cheesesteak or specialty hoagie, roast pork, and other favorites. Campo’s has been serving Philly specialties since 1947. 215 Market Street, Philadelphia. Campo’s offers many vegetarian options.
1:00pm : Explore Shane Confectionery
Found along Market Street in Old City, Shane Confectionery is the nation’s oldest continuously operating candy store, specializing in sweet treats made using traditional recipes and equipment. Shane Confectionery also presents its storefront and products in an authentic, turn-of-the-century fashion, with vintage cash registers, display cases, signage, and other antique elements throughout the space. 110 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
1:45pm : Franklin Fountain for Ice Cream
Franklin Fountain is a turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor and soda fountain offering old school scoops of handmade ice cream and flavorful sips of bubbly in Old City, Philadelphia. Franklin Fountain uses natural dyes and flavors wherever possible. The shop uses milk and cream from a 1920s family dairy, and all fruit is grown locally (when in season). 116 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106
3:00pm : Harry Potter exhibit at The Franklin Institute
With its world premiere underway at The Franklin Institute, Harry Potter: The Exhibition invites guests to explore a collection of authentic film props and costumes from the Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and expanded Wizarding World franchises. The groundbreaking expedition spans thousands of square feet of space, featuring ten distinct, magical, and immersive environments, including Hogwarts Castle and Hagrid’s Hut. 222 North 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
4:30pm : Free time/Back to hotel
6:30pm : Jaime to meet group in hotel lobby
Explore the quaint streets of the Gayborhood/Midtown Village and stroll Quince Street, Camac Street, 13th Street. Option to stop into a bar for drinks.
7:30pm : Dinner at Vedge
Owned and operated by James Beard-nominated Chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby, Vedge recently ranked as one of Thrillist’s 34 Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in America. Vedge’s menu changes with the seasons and consists of items made with fresh, locally sourced vegetables. Dinner at Vedge. Meet & greet with Rich Landau &/or Kate Jacoby, husband/wife owners. 1221 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
8:00am : Depart for Reading Terminal Market
8:15am : Breakfast at Reading Terminal Market
The historic Reading Terminal Market is home to 80 renowned merchants who offer the best of Philadelphia’s famous specialties. Made with the finest and freshest ingredients, visitors to the Terminal have access to an unparalleled variety of international and local cuisine, including Pennsylvania Dutch specialties; mozzarella cheese made on site at the Valley Shepherd Creamery; and winner of Travel Channel’s Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America, Tommy DiNic’s roast pork sandwich. After grabbing a bite to eat, visitors to the Terminal can take home a myriad of items to further their experience including fresh, local groceries; unique regionally themed souvenirs; and Philadelphia-based cookbooks. 51 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
9:30am : Mural Arts Tour – Mural Mile Walking Tour
Experience firsthand how art ignites change. Explore the world’s largest outdoor art gallery and get to know Philadelphia’s stunning mural collection on a guided tour. Weave through neighborhood streets on foot and get inspired by the incredible public art that makes Philadelphia the Mural Capital of the World. Professionally trained guides offer a behind-the-scenes look and share the in-depth stories about the people and communities that inspired and shaped each Mural Arts Philadelphia project. Visitors also learn about the mural-making processes and how the work of the organization has evolved over its nearly 40-year history.
11:00am : Museum of Illusions
You won’t believe your eyes at Museum of Illusions Philadelphia in Old City. Guests are immersed in a world where nothing is quite as it seems. Combining entertainment with education, the museum allows guests to explore and interact with the exhibits while learning the mechanics behind each illusion. Photo spots are also stationed throughout the museum guiding guests to snap the perfect mind-bending shot. 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106
12:30pm : Lunch at Bar Bombon
Bar Bombon brings new Latin flavors to Philadelphia by offering authentic Puerto Rican recipes, but with a twist. All of the made-to-order dishes at Bar Bombon are made with fresh, plant-based ingredients. 133 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
1:45pm : Tour Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Bask in the reflections of Philadelphia’s living mosaic. Half indoor, half outdoor, fully out of the ordinary, this mesmerizing labyrinth is the largest work to date by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. Comped and names will be on the list. Confirmation # 12447215
2:50pm : Guided Tour of Eastern State Penitentiary
America’s most historic prison, Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world. See the crumbling cellblocks, once home to infamous convicts such as Al Capone and Slick Willie Sutton. The building is kept in a state of “preserved ruin” and is consistently ranked as one of the most Instagrammable spots/best photo spots in Philadelphia. Indoor/outdoor experience.
Upon arrival, pick up an audio guide and headphones on your way into the penitentiary. ESP is open rain or shine. Since most of the historic site is not climate controlled and has limited running water, we recommend checking the forecast on the day of your visit to prepare appropriately for your visit. This includes dressing for comfort and bringing or purchasing bottled water.
2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
4:30pm : Return to hotel to freshen up
5:30pm : Depart for Fishtown
This neighborhood, named for its history as an epicenter for the commercial shad fishing industry, offers an exception to Philadelphia’s urban grid system with its collection of narrow streets with modest row homes and independently owned businesses. Fishtown is filled with new bars, restaurants, studios, and galleries, indoor and out.
6:00pm : Dinner at Front Street Café
Front Street Café offers healthy, farm-to-table options made with locally sourced, organic ingredients. This eatery also offers a garden patio – which seats over 100 people – with it’s a private bar, perfect for special events. 1253 N Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
8:00pm : Concert at Johnny Brenda’s
Johnny Brenda’s is a popular nighttime spot in the heart of Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. This bar, restaurant, and venue offers local beer, food, and music. You can also discover up-and-coming indie artists and local musicians at Johnny Brenda’s. 1201 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19125. Doors open at 7pm, show at 8pm. Tora performing with Rubber opening.
8:00am : Depart for breakfast
8:15am : Breakfast at Winkel
Winkel is a BYOB brunch spot in Philadelphia’s Washington Square West neighborhood serving up omelets, classic breakfast dishes, and savory sandwiches. Brunch is served Thursdays through Sundays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Mondays. 1119 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
10:00am : Guided Tour of the Barnes Foundation
Explore one of the world’s most impressive collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modern Art, celebrating its centennial in 2022. Between 1912 and 1951, Dr. Albert Barnes acquired works of art from some of the most daring artists of the time including Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse, and Van Gogh. The collection features more pieces by Renoir (181) than anywhere else in the world. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19130.
11:45am : Run (or walk) the Rocky Steps
The site of the famous running of the stairs by Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, in the “Rocky” film series. Walk or run up to the top step to enjoy the amazing view of Philadelphia as seen from this iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art entrance. Stand in Rocky’s “footprints” at the top and take a picture with the famous sculpture at the foot of the museum.
12:30pm : Explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art with private guide
Located at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the museum holds a world-renowned collection of more than 2,000 years of paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, and architectural settings from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, including the largest collection of Duchamp’s work outside of Europe. In early May 2021, the museum unveiled to the public the Core Project, the culmination of four years of construction that focused on the renewal of the museum’s infrastructure. Designed by world renowned architect, Frank Gehry, the scope of the Core Project comprised nearly 90,000 square feet of reimagined and newly created space within the main building of the museum. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130.
2:00pm : Lunch at a.kitchen
Located in the heart of Center City, a.kitchen and a.bar occupy the first floor of the AKA Rittenhouse Square hotel at the corner of 18th and Walnut Streets. a.kitchen offers a menu of seasonally-inspired American bistro dishes complemented by an innovative wine and spirits program. a.bar also offers an innovative and constantly evolving cocktail menu. 135 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103. Owner Ellen Yin will stop by if she is available.
3:30pm : Explore on their own
Evening After Dinner Suggestions near the Canopy Hotel
- Chris’ Jazz Café – Kick back and relax at Chris’ Jazz Café. Enjoy soulful Southern-style dishes – the New Orleans Style Jambalaya is the most popular – while listening to live jazz music. You won’t find typical bar food here. The kitchen prides itself on its seasonal menu with everything on it made from scratch. Closed Sundays and Mondays. 1421 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
- Time – If you’re looking for a stylish whiskey bar and posh restaurant that offers live music, Time is the place for you. Open every night from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. for dinner and drinks (and dancing on the weekends), Time also offers a Happy Hour from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Open daily from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. 1315 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Milkboy – MilkBoy Philadelphia offers a restaurant, bar, café, and live music venue all in one spot. Guaranteed to be an enjoyable time no matter what time of the day it is, MilkBoy offers craft beers and cocktails, along with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks. Open daily until 2 a.m. 1100 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.