Where To Stay In Philadelphia When You Visit - Time Out

Get your fancy pants on, because Philly’s oldest neighborhood goes big when it comes to fine dining—though always with that unpretentious chill that this city knows so well. You can treat yourself to modern Israeli cuisine at Zahav (widely accepted to be the best ;restaurant in the city) or rustic Spanish tapas at Amada. Morimoto does the most elegant sushi in the city and Buddakan’s Chinese small plates win for most playful. But, of course, Old City is also home to the oldest and most impressive historical landmarks in the country. The Liberty Bell, Independence National Historical Park ;and the Betsy Ross House make the quaint neighborhood a favorite among tourists, though you’ll find locals at shops like indie-designer mecca Meadowsweet Mercantile ;and home bar supply shop Art in the Age, which also has a line of excellent house-made spirits.

Eat

Fork

While it hasn’t been around quite as long as the Free Quaker Meeting House, Fork is a fine-dining vestige from the 90s that remains as relevant today as it did ;20 years ago. Owners Ellen Yin and Chef Eli Kulp work with local growers and producers to continually innovate their new-American inspired offerings, though the menu mainstay, a dry-aged steak for two, is practically required eating. Vegetarians get their own version of steak, with a piece of charred cauliflower that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Don’t be shy about dressing up for your reservation, since this sophisticated, sexy spot is all about presentation.

Drink

Panorama

Wine is the word at this Old City hotel bar, and Panorama has a lot to say—starting with 150 wines by the glass and a Guiness Book of World Records accolade for having the world's largest winekeeper/cruvinet in its wine bar. Its cheeky, whimsical wine flights give you the chance to taste five at a time or you can splurge on a special glass of something weird, like a biodynamic Austrian Zweigelt.

Do

Gallery hop

South 2nd ;Street is home to a hot contemporary art scene that runs straight through Old City’s cobblestone streets, with galleries such as Larry Becker, Snyderman-Works Galleries, and Pentimenti Gallery showcasing locally, regionally and nationally recognized artists in both solo and group shows. First ;Friday in Old City ;is particularly festive, with galleries, shops and bars open late to host art openings, special events and live music. Just be sure to check the hours before you head out, as galleries ;can be notoriously fickle with their availabilities.

Stay

Hotel Monaco

It’s hard to go wrong with a Kimpton hotel no matter where you are, though this Old City gem is particularly shiny. Interminably sophisticated, centrally located and with the friendliest front-of-house staff in the city, Philly’s Hotel Monaco puts you in the middle of the Revolutionary action equipped with 1,000 thread count sheets. After exploring the nation’s most historic neighborhood, you can hit the fitness center if you’re truly responsible. Or upgrade to a corner room, which ;comes with a freestanding tub that’s set in front of a window with a view (and inside a large glass-door shower). Top it off with a glass of sparkling rosé from the Red Owl Tavern downstairs.

If you do just one thing…

Stroll down Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest residential street.

Photograph: Courtesy Visit Philly/A. Ricketts