Philadelphia

Benjamin Franklin Bridge from Philadelphia to New Jersey

Philadelphia: City of Brotherly Love

It’s been a couple of days since I’ve been back from our Holiday/Family Philadelphia and Washington D.C. trip and I’m already itching to go back! After a hectic and busy December of shooting I finally had some time to relax and put my camera away to go explore two new cities that had been on my bucket list to visit for a while. As soon as I got to D.C. I highly regretted leaving my camera at home and now I cannot wait to go back either in the Spring or Fall (definitely not the winter, it was too cold for me) and shoot the heck out of that city.

I’m going to start off by writing this post on Philadelphia though and all the corners of it that I got to explore and fall in love with.

Accommodations

We stayed at the Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District Hotel which was centrally located. It wasn’t until our third and final day in Philly that we realized how close we were to literally everything. The Wyndham is located on Arch Street and 4th street which is exactly 5 minutes away (walking distance) from the Betsy Ross House, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and National Constitution Center.

andrea-arostegui-destination-wedding-photographer-philadelphia_0036

Transportation

We flew into Philly using Spirit Airlines, I know I know, most people hate that airline but sometimes the deals are just to great to pass up for quick and spontaneous trips. We honestly have never had a bad experience with them so we’ll probably continue to fly with them for these types of trips. We took an Uber from the airport to the hotel which was around $20 and the first day in Philly we realized we could walk almost everywhere. The second day we decided to do the Hop On Hop Off Big Bus tour and we absolutely loved it because it took us all around the city and showed us the places we actually really wanted to visit and that were within walking distance.

To get to the City Hall from the Wyndham Hotel we had to take an Uber because it was a little far but the most we paid was $8.00.

Food

If you know me, you know I’m a major foodie, and I will always try new places to eat at when I travel. You won’t catch me at a McDonalds, Subways, or Starbucks cause I can always get that in Miami. Jims Steak was apparently, the local’s favorite for Philly Cheesesteaks (I asked a few of our Uber drivers where the best place was) and I am so glad we made it out to try them. The first day, when we got to the restaurant the line was so long it went around the corner outside. We decided to skip that and go back the following night, the line was a little shorter but moved quickly.

Jims Steak Philly Cheesesteak SubsJim's Steak Philly Cheesesteak Philadelphia

For breakfast the second day we went to Green Eggs Cafe and let me tell you, their plates are ginormous but so worth it. If you have a small appetite make sure to share or not eat all of your potatoes to make room for their Creme Brulee French Toast. We each ordered a plate and shared the French Toast and they were honestly the best part of the meal.

Green Eggs Cafe Creme Brulee French Toast Philadelphia

The Hop On Hop Off Bus took us by the Reading Terminal Market where we decided to get off and check it out. While we were there we made our way through to Beilers Hand Rolled Doughnuts where we ate Glazed, Boston Creme, and my now favorite, MAPLE BACON DOUGHNUTS! Those doughnuts were amazing and I seriously would fly out to Philly just to eat a dozen of them. In this line, which was also a bit long, but worth the wait, I met an older couple from Athens, Georgia, that also pointed me out to apple fritters which were beyond delicious and practically make my mouth water when I think about them now.

Maple Bacon Glazed Doughnuts Beilers Philadelphia Reading Terminal Market

I absolutely love that the people in Philadelphia were so friendly unlike the ones in Miami. Most of the people will just stand around and talk to you while you’re waiting in line.

Sightseeing

For sightseeing I highly recommend the Observation Deck, the view from up there is beautiful on a clear day. You can see the Ben Franklin Bridge and William Penn on the top of the City Hall Tower from the picture below.

Observation Deck in Philadelphia

The Independence Hall and City Hall was beautiful but unfortunately the line to see the Liberty Bell and take pictures with it was way too long and I just don’t have the patience to stand in line for that, I saw it through the glass and it was enough for me.

Independence Hall PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia City Hall

The Love Sculpture is right by City Hall so if you’re looking for a photo op with it, that’s where you need to go.

Philadelphia Love Sculpture

Betsy Ross’ house was a little small but it was worth the $5/person we paid to go in and see where the first flag was put together.

Betsy Ross House Philadelphia

I absolutely love Philadelphia’s architecture. My favorite location, of course, was the oldest residential street in the United States: Elfreths Alley which was a few blocks away from the hotel and the Betsy Ross House. Since I’m a magnet for weddings, I ran into a couple that was getting married there right when we were walking by. At the end of this street and turning the corner you’ll also be able to see the bridge that connects Philadelphia to New Jersey.

Elfreths Alley PhiladelphiaBenjamin Franklin Bridge from Philadelphia to New Jersey

During your stay you can also go visit some of the Museums and the Rocky statue and stairs where the movie was filmed. We didn’t have enough time to do all of that but if that’s what you’re looking for you know it’s there. On our last day, I walked from the hotel to the Oldest and First Post Office. I bought a postcard at a souvenir shop on our way and I made sure to mail it back to myself. They stamp it with the authentic and first seal they used back in the day.

We took a Greyhound from Philly to DC but I definitely hope to go back to Philadelphia sometime soon for another round of doughnuts and Green Eggs Cafe.

XOXO,

Andrea

XOXO Love Sculpture Philadelphia

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