Night Owl's Revenge

If you’re headed to Philly to visit Wharton, or any of the other schools in this fabulous city, please plan an additional day or two to go off campus and explore. Why? Because if you are accepted and decide to attend it will be your home for the next two years! Since I know that you will have done your research and thought of great questions for the students and staff during your tour, I’ll let them fill you in on Penn’s beautiful campus and facilities. This post is my opportunity to be a good East Coaster and shamelessly promote my hometown!

What is there to do outside of school? What’s the rest of the city like? If you want to get a good introduction to where you’ll be spending your precious free time you MUST visit some of the following places and sample the following foods:

1. Rittenhouse Square -This park in the center of the city is one of the original  squares planned by William Penn in the 17th century. More recently it’s the scene of fantastic people watching on warm sunny days, and I believe that a lot Wharton students find apartments in the area. This neighborhood is also home to some of the best cafes and restaurants in the city. 
2. Tony Luke’s Cheesesteaks - Pat’s and Geno’s are for tourists. If you are on the grand cheesesteak tour and forced me to choose between the two, however, then I’d say Pat’s. Tony Luke’s is old school South Philly with a great made to order sandwich. The service is South Philly style too, so don’t be offended if they’re less than “friendly”. Tony Luke’s is off the beaten path, so you’ll have to take a cab or drive if you’ve rented a car.
3. Reading Terminal Market - Simply amazing. This farmers market has been in existence since 1892. I don’t even know where to begin with this place. The food is legendary. You MUST try: Bassetts Ice Cream, Sang Kee Peking Duck, Carmine’s Special Italian Hoagie w/sharp provolone, Dinic’s Roast Pork Sandwich, ANYTHING made by the Amish (pretzels and other baked goods in particular).
4. Philadelphia Museum of Art - Besides being the final stop on Rocky’s famous run, this place is home to incredible works of art and hosts several traveling exhibits each year. There is always something going on at the Art Museum.  
5. Philly Sports - If you like sports and are traveling in September check to see if the Phillies are home. Citizens Bank Park is a giant party, with over 170 consecutive sell-out games. Lincoln Financial Field (The Linc), home of the Eagles, is right across the street. Football season (hopefully) runs from August to January/February. If tickets for either sport aren’t available through the team websites, they can be purchased through stubhub, with an authenticity guarantee. I am compelled to give the following warning: Wear the opposing team’s apparel at your own risk.  
6. Olde City - Independence Hall/Liberty Bell/National Constitution Center- Philadelphia is the birthplace of the nation and you can see where it all began. Tickets are required to tour Independence Hall and they can be purchased in advance ($1.50) here. Olde City is also home to many great bars and restaurants. Every first Friday of the month neighborhood art galleries open their doors to the public in the evenings for an event called “First Fridays”. It’s fun to hop from gallery to gallery with friends and then head out for drinks and dinner after.
7. King of Prussia Mall - Shop-a-holics rejoice! The King of Prussia mall is the largest on the East Coast. An added bonus - no tax on clothing (excluding formal wear and athletic gear). The mall is accessible by bus from center city (SEPTA routes 124 & 125), but it’s better to rent a car and drive. Directions can be found on the mall website.
8. Please Touch Museum - If you are traveling with young children this is a stop they will definitely enjoy. Kids are in charge here and they are free to touch and explore all of the exhibits. Older kids and budding scientists of all ages should visit the Franklin Institute. 
9. Food - I feel like I’ve devoted half this post to food! But there’s an amazing food scene in Philly. You can check out what the city has to offer here. Yelp is also a great resource for bar/restaurant reviews. 
10. There’s More - I’ve only covered a small fraction of what makes Philly such a great city for visitors. The official visitor’s site lists additional activities and resources to help plan your trip.