Cheesesteaks and other foods
by Editcadet
Hi, Geno's and Pat's are really the tourists destination hub for cheesesteaks. Being from Philly, I would recommend Tony Luke's or Jim Steaks on South Street, both are very good. The Reading Terminal is also a great place to start if you are looking for different types of food. If you are looking for any restaurants to go to, Philadelphia Magazine just released their top 50 restaurant guide. I believe you can find it at www.phillymag.com.
Good luck!
Helpful (Official) Websites Of The City
by jltan
Philly Fun Guide:
http://www.phillyfunguide.com/calendar/home.do
This is a helpful website to visit before you leave for Philadelphia. They have a very comprehensive list of activities for the Philadelphia region.
Official Philadelphia Tourism Website:
http://www.gophila.com
Center City by Districts: Convention/Washington Sq
by ringleader
If you plan to stay in the city to sight-see, perhaps I can acquaint you with the layout of the city. There are a number of center city districts:
Adjacent to the west of Old Town/Cultural District is the Convention Center District and the Washington Square District. (The Lights of Liberty Center is just across the border in Washington Square District from the Old City District.) The Convention Center District has (voila!) the Convention Center, Chinatown, African American Museum, The Gallery (shopping), and a number of hotels including Travelodge, Hampton Inn, Marriott, and Courtyard. The Washington Square District is the home of Thomas Jefferson University, Jeweler's Row, Antique Row, Lord and Talylor (shopping), Forrest and Walnut Street Theaters, Lights of Liberty Center, and Washington Square (tomb of the unknown soldier). Hotels in this area include Holiday Inn Express, Loews, Alexander Inn, Doubletree.
The home of Betsy Ross
by Pawtuxet
This is a wonderful little house and the costumed guides are excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed talking to "Betsy" who played her role very authentically. I enjoyed the kitchen of the house because I'm still collecting tools for our restored fireplace. I felt right at home.
Ben Franklin Parkway
by acemj
The Ben Franklin Parkway connects City Hall with the Philadelphia Museum of Art and also is a conduit between Center City and Fairmount Park. Along the way, you'll find the Franklin Institute, the Free Library, the Rodin Museum, the Cathdral of S.S. Peter and Paul and other interesting sights. Originally, it was supposed to be Philly's version of the Champs Elysees, but I wouldn't go so far to draw that comparison.