Philadelphia Visitor Guide

In the summer of 2021, the Academy of Management Annual Meeting was supposed to take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, due to the global pandemic, the offline conference was canceled and I wasn't allowed the chance to introduce my dear neighborhood to the fellow AoM visitors. However, the annual meeting is scheduled to take place again in Philadelphia in 2026 (July 31-August 4). Inspired by the Vancouver Visitor Guide by David Clough (UBC) and the Seattle Visitor Guide by Eunice Rhee (Seattle U.), I have created a guide for those visiting Philadelphia. I'm not so sure whether the places I mention would last through 2026, but I'd like to offer a list of my favorite places in Philly (at least in case I lose them from my memory).

Where to visit in Philadelphia

The weather in Philly is typically hot and humid in August, but if you feel like sightseeing here are some places to visit (from the west side to the east side of the city):

• UPenn
  The school where I spent more time than my undergrad and master's years combined. Most, if not all, facilities prohibit public access, but you'd be just fine to take photos outside.

• Philadelphia Zoo
  I hear that this was the first "true" zoo in the United States. 

• The Museum District
  This neighborhood is the cultural heart of Philadelphia, encompassing the Philadelphia Museum of Art (& the Rocky Statue and Steps), Rodin Museum, Barnes Foundation, ...

• Logan Square
  You've probably seen the LOVE sculpture, maybe you want AMOR?

• Rittenhouse Square

• Italian Market

• Chinatown

• Fishtown
  A neighborhood filled with quality restaurants (e.g., Suraya, Cheu, Fette Sau, etc.) and interesting shops (e.g., Jinxed).

• Elfreth's Alley
  A historic street in Philly that might be a good photo spot. 

• Penn's Landing
  It may sound like King's Landing from the Game of Thrones, but it's basically a riverfront where William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, landed in 1682...

Note: Here are some useful maps of Philly.

Where to eat and drink in Philadelphia

• Angelo's Pizzeria [736 S. 9th St.]***
  You may have tried pizzas, hoagies, and cheesesteaks, but you may not have tried the Angelo's. 

• Pho 75 [1122 Washington Ave]***
  They say it's the best cure for hangover in Philly.

• Kalaya Kitchen [4 W Palmer St]***
  I dare say that this restaurant offers the most authentic Thai food in Philadelphia.

• Suraya [1528 Frankford Ave.]***
  Located in the Fishtown neighborhood, this restaurant offers stunning Lebanese dishes. 

• Wm. Mulherin's Sons [1355 N. Front St.] **
  Quite not sure how to pronounce the name of this restaurant, but they offer amazing Italian dishes. 

• Thanal Indian Tavern [1939 Arch St.]**
  This is my pick for Indian food in Philly.

• Han Dynasty [3711 Market Street & 123 Chestnut St]*
  If you find a Wharton alumn who hasn't been to this Chinese restaurant, suspect that person never lived in West Philly and tried Chinese food.

• Double Knot [120 South 13th St.]**
  Maybe you're looking for a cool place to hang out, try this Japanese-inspired bar/restaurant. FYI, there's a secret izakaya in the basement.

• Elixr Coffee [315 N. 12th St & various other locations]
  My go-to bean dealer in Philly. 

• La Colombe Coffee Roasters [1335 Frankford Ave.]
  There are many branches of this coffee chain throughout Philly, but the roastery cafe located in Fishtown offers a nice space to work, talk, and eat.

• Gran Caffe L'Aquila [1716 Chestnut St.]
  A one-stop shop for Italian food and dessert. Most importantly, try the pistachio gelato. 

• Reading Terminal Market [51 N 12th St]

• Abe Fisher, Zahav, Vernick Fish, Talula's Garden, Friday Saturday Sunday, ...

Note: The number of asterisks (*) represent how much I like the restaurants.

[Last updated: Sep 4, 2022]