Discover Philadelphia Beyond Historic Sites: Vibrant Markets, Isaiah Zagar's Mosaics, Murals, and Craft Brews
During our two-hour Megabus ride from New York City to Philadelphia, we compiled a list of what we knew about the City of Brotherly Love: the Liberty Bell, hoagies, Philly cheesesteaks, Independence Hall, the Constitutional Convention, the iconic red LOVE sculpture, and the film Philadelphia. These landmarks cluster within a two-mile radius, drawing tour buses. On our action-packed two-day trip, however, we ventured beyond them to uncover Philadelphia's hidden gems.
We're not suggesting you skip the historic attractions—they're essential. But Philadelphia offers far more than its 'birthplace of America' legacy. Extend your visit to explore neighborhoods rich in culture, art, and cuisine.
Explore Philadelphia Beyond the Historic Core
9th Street Italian Market
Thanks to insights from our reader, former Philly resident Don Faust, and his wife, travel blogger Chris Grey Faust (creator of the Philly Essential Guide app), we prioritized the 9th Street Italian Market—the nation's oldest and largest outdoor market. We passed through Chinatown, arriving near closing at 5 p.m.
Though vendors were packing up, the aromas of salty sausages, fresh pizzas, herbs, and DiBruno Bros. House of Cheese lingered. Heading south, Italian flavors transitioned to Mexican influences—salsa, tortillas, and plantains—in the South of South neighborhood (south of South Street).
Isaiah Zagar's Mosaics
Meandering through the area, we discovered a back alley adorned with works by local artist Isaiah Zagar, creator of over 100 mosaics citywide, including the famed Magic Gardens. His intricate pieces, built from tiles, mirrors, plates, bottles, and ceramics, cover entire walls. Art lovers—and families with kids—must visit the Magic Gardens. (See more mosaics here.)
Craft Beer Boutiques
Reinvigorated by these finds—which reward our love of aimless urban exploration—we spotted Hawthorne's Beer Boutique and Gourmet Eatery. Outdoor tables and fridges stocked with top microbrews awaited. Crispy shoestring fries and craft beer erased our disappointment over the late market arrival. Beer enthusiasts: Philly shines here. Frommer's ranks it among the world's top 14 beer cities. (See below for recommendations.)
Rittenhouse Square
Next, we visited Rittenhouse Square, one of William Penn's original five public squares, named for astronomer David Rittenhouse. Surrounded by luxury hotels, residences, shops, and Rittenhouse Row eateries, it's near cultural gems like the Kimmel Center and Wilma Theater.
Mural Arts Project
Throughout Philly, we hunted murals from the Mural Arts Project, launched in the 1980s as an anti-graffiti initiative. Now uniting diverse communities, it's transformed the city into the self-proclaimed 'Mural Capital of the World.' 
Spot them easily, or join a guided Mural Arts Tour for deeper stories.
Independent street art abounds too, like this altered Shepard Fairey piece near the Italian Market.
Reading Terminal Market
The next morning, after historic sites, we lunched at Reading Terminal Market near the Convention Center. This bustling hub offers Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish specialties, creative eats (chocolate-covered onions?), and quick lines. We grabbed Miller's soft pretzels, baked goods, and sandwiches for the bus—skipping cheesesteaks amid hundreds of superb options. (See restaurant list below.)
Philadelphia Travel Essentials
Top Eats in Philly
- City Center Pretzel Co. – Authentic soft pretzels (816 Washington Ave)
- Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop – Classic cheesesteaks (multiple locations)
- Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies – Cheesesteaks (600 Wendover St)
- Bud & Marilyn's – Retro American diner (1234 Locust St)
- 4th Street Cookie Company – Giant cookies (Reading Terminal Market)
- Dutch Eating Place – Diner breakfasts (Reading Terminal Market)
- Termini Brothers Bakery – Cannoli (multiple locations)
- The Franklin Fountain – Ice cream sodas (116 Market St)
- Wawa – Hoagies (citywide)
- Honey's Sit & Eat – Brunch/comfort food (2101 South St & 800 N 4th St)
- Bar Hygge – Brewpub grub (1720 Fairmount Ave)
- Urban Village Brewing Company – Pizza/pub fare (1001 N 2nd St)
Pizza fans: Philly boasts five spots on America's 101 best pizzerias list:
- Beddia (1313 N Lee St)
- Pizza Brain (2313 Frankford Ave)
- Tacconelli’s Pizzeria (2604 E Somerset St)
- Pizza Shackamaxon (115 E Girard Ave #3907)
- Pizzeria Vetri (1939 Callowhill St & 1615 Chancellor St)
Best Craft Beer Spots
Ten top breweries for your Philly trip:
- Evil Genius Beer Company (1727 N Front St)
- Second District Brewing (1939 S Bancroft St)
- Wissahickon Brewing (3705 W School House Ln)
- Love City Brewing (1023 Hamilton St)
- Fermentery Form (1700 Palethorp St)
- Crime & Punishment Brewing (2711 W Girard Ave)
- Human Robot (1710 N 5th St)
- Separatist (1646 S 12th St)
- Brewery ARS (1927-29 W Passyunk Ave)
- Sacred Vice Brewing (3233 Amber St)
Where to Stay in Philly
Airbnbs offer the best value; cheaper options lie outside the center. Factor in walking/Uber and parking if driving. (Tip: New to Airbnb? Use my referral for up to $40 off.)
Budget Hostels
- Apple Hostels: Old City spot with kitchen, lounge, games. Dorms from $36; privates $94.
- City House Hostels: Central, kitchen/lounge. Dorms $22–$38.
Bed & Breakfast
- La Reserve: Historic near Rittenhouse Square; 1800s vibe, breakfast included. From $120/night.
Boutique Hotels
- The DWIGHT D: Stylish near Rittenhouse. Doubles from $234.
- Rittenhouse 1715: Charming historic; wine/cheese hourly. Doubles from $234.
- Lokal Hotel: Hip Old City studios with kitchens. From $357.
