Passport to Philadelphia
Eat, drink, shop, sip, do, relax. We're obsessed with everything there is to do in this city, and we think you will too.
Welcome to Philadelphia
We’ve rounded up our favorite spots to shop, eat, explore, and grab a drink across the City of Brotherly Love. From the historic streets of Old City to the trendy vibes of Fishtown and the hidden gems tucked throughout South Philly—our city has something for everyone, and we love showing it off. The JFKLiving Team is made up of real estate pros who live, work, and play right here in Philadelphia, helping our neighbors find their place in this incredible city we call home.
Eat 🍴
Alpen Rose
Alpen Rose is an intimate, 50-seat steakhouse blending old-school charm with modern flair. Leather booths, dry-aged perfection, and tableside-carved beef Wellington.
116 S 13th St, Philadelphia
Parc
Parc captures Parisian charm in the heart of Philly—fresh croissants, steak frites, and seafood towers served in a sunlit bistro that feels straight out of the City of Light.
227 S 18th St, Philadelphia
Friday Saturday Sunday
A James Beard Award–winning gem near Rittenhouse Square redefines fine dining with a daring tasting menu—where nostalgic comfort meets bold creativity in every bite.
261 S 21st St, Philadelphia
Khyber Pass Pub
Serving up Southern, Cajun, and Creole comfort with Philly flair—plus 22 rotating craft drafts, historic charm, and a lively upstairs for music, art, and late-night fun.
56 S 2nd St, Philadelphia
Stargazy
Stargazy is a cozy South Philly gem serving British comfort food—savory pies, sausage rolls, and the “clanger,” a pastry combining dinner and dessert. Expect hearty flavors, humble vibes, and rugby on TV.
1838 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia
Zahav
Since 2008, Zahav has celebrated Israel’s vibrant flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Philly—offering modern Israeli cuisine, intimate dining, and a coveted reservation list worth the wait.
237 St James Pl, Philadelphia
Middle Child
Blending retro cool with Philly grit—think neon signs, piña coladas, and genius spins on American comfort food that keep crowds lingering from brunch to last call.
248 S 11th St, Philadelphia
Drink 🍻
McGillin's Olde Ale House
Pouring pints since 1860, McGillin’s Olde Ale House is Philly’s oldest tavern—surviving wars, Prohibition, and time itself. Historic charm, hearty brews, and good cheer still fill every corner.
1310 Drury St, Philadelphia
Bob and Barbara's Lounge
Since 1969, Bob & Barbara’s Lounge has kept South Street swinging with live music, Philly’s longest-running drag show, and its iconic “Special”—a shot-and-beer combo done right.
1509 South St, Philadelphia
Fabrika
Philly’s answer to Vegas—an electrifying dinner show featuring burlesque, drag, aerials, and acrobatics. With dazzling performances and great food, every night feels unforgettable.
1108 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia
Charlie was a sinner
A sultry Midtown Village cocktail bar serving vegan small plates and daring drinks—bourbon, absinthe, and intrigue beneath flickering Marilyn Monroe projections. Sin never tasted so good.
131 S 13th St, Philadelphia
Dirty Frank's
A Philly legend since 1933, Dirty Frank's is the city’s beloved dive—equal parts grit, history, and heart. With decades of regulars, it’s pure, unpolished Philadelphia charm.
347 S 13th St, Philadelphia
Yards Brewing Company
Born from a college homebrew experiment, Yards has been crafting Philly’s beer since 1994—rooted in hard work, community spirit, and a “Brew Unto Others” ethos that defines the city itself.
500 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia
Shop 🛍️
Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market, a Philly icon since 1893, buzzes with over 75 local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, and global eats—an indoor feast of flavor, history, and community.
1136 Arch St, Philadelphia
Occasionette
Occasionette is a Philly favorite for charming, joy-filled gifts. With three colorful shops and a line of locally designed exclusives, it celebrates community, creativity, and the art of thoughtful giving.
1704 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia
A Novel Idea on Passyunk
A cozy, community-driven bookstore and event space in East Passyunk. Owned by Alexander and Christina Rosso-Schneider, it champions Philly authors, small presses, and inclusivity through books and local events.
1726 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia
CORK
Philly’s ultimate bar emporium—stocked with global wines, zero-proof spirits, and chic barware. From cocktail mixers to charcuterie essentials, it’s your one-stop shop for entertaining in style.
253 S 20th St, Philadelphia
The Silk Tent
Founded by artist Rashida Watson, this been a Lancaster Ave staple for nearly six years. Showcasing folk art, jewelry, and accessories, it reflects Rashida’s lifelong dedication to Philadelphia’s vibrant creative scene.
3859 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia
Philly AIDS Thrift
Philadelphia AIDS Thrift is a beloved Queen Village nonprofit and 501(c)(3) organization, selling donated treasures to fund local HIV/AIDS support groups. Two stories of quirky finds, good vibes, and community impact.
710 S 5th St, Philadelphia
Sip 🍻
Herman's Coffee
Named for its founder’s grandfather, this place celebrates life’s simple joys—great coffee, good company, and community. Once a small roaster, it’s now a lively hub for pop-ups, local chefs, and weekend food trucks.
1313 S 3rd St, Philadelphia
Persimmon Coffee
An independent Philly roaster rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and connection. Like its namesake fruit, it values patience, warmth, and authenticity—welcoming everyone to simply come as they are.
11 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia
Elixr Coffee
Founded in 2010, this acclaimed Philly roaster perfects light, complex coffees sourced with care. With multiple cafés, national awards, and wide wholesale reach, it’s a benchmark for specialty coffee excellence.
207 S Sydenham St, Philadelphia
Càphê Roasters
Philly’s first Vietnamese specialty coffee roastery. Celebrates community and culture through expertly roasted beans from Vietnam and beyond—inviting everyone to “đi uống cà phê,” or “let’s get coffee.”
3400 J St G1, Philadelphia
Thank You Thank You
A minimalist Washington Square West café turning coffee into an art form. With globally sourced beans and personalized brews, it’s a serene, elevated take on the daily ritual.
700 Sansom St, Philadelphia
Menagerie Coffee
Founded in 2013, this cozy Philly café serves Dogwood and Elixr Coffee alongside small bites in Old City and Northern Liberties—a lively local spot buzzing with students and creatives.
18 S 3rd St, Philadelphia
Do 🎤
Parks & Trails
Philly’s packed with green escapes, from riverside strolls to tucked-away trails that make you forget you’re in a city. Start with the iconic Fairmount Park and the Schuylkill River Trail, then wander through Rittenhouse Square or unwind in Clark Park out west. Head to Wissahickon Valley Park for hiking, biking, or a creekside picnic that feels worlds away from Center City bustle. Don’t skip the hidden gems either—Penn Treaty Park, Bartram’s Garden, and FDR Park are proof that nature’s got deep roots in the City of Brotherly Love.
Events
Philly knows how to throw a party—no matter the season. From the Made in America music festival on the Parkway to Philadelphia Pride, ODUNDE, and the Mummers Parade, the city’s calendar is packed with iconic celebrations. Summer brings Parks on Tap pop-ups and Night Market food festivals, while fall means FringeArts Festival and spooky Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State. Come winter, Christmas Village and Dilworth Park’s ice rink keep things merry.
Markets
If strolling through markets is your happy place, Philly delivers in spades. From the legendary Reading Terminal Market to the open-air charm of Headhouse Farmers Market, Clark Park Farmers Market, and countless neighborhood pop-ups, there’s always something fresh, local, and delicious to discover.
Museums
Philly’s museum scene is stacked—start big at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where masterpieces share space with Rocky’s famous steps, then head to the Barnes Foundation for one of the world’s most impressive private art collections. The Franklin Institute keeps things hands-on (and kid-approved) with science exhibits, while The Museum of the American Revolution tells the nation’s origin story right where it all began. And local favorite Mütter Museum is full of medical oddities will both fascinate and mildly haunt you.
Music & Theater
Philly’s live scene hits every note. Catch big-name concerts at The Met, The Fillmore, or Wells Fargo Center, or keep it intimate at Union Transfer and World Cafe Live. For theater lovers, The Kimmel Cultural Campus and Walnut Street Theatre deliver everything from Broadway hits to homegrown productions. Whether it’s rock, rap, or Romeo and Juliet, Philly’s stages are always buzzing.
Hidden Gems
Wander down South Street to find the kaleidoscopic wonder of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, or hunt for speakeasies tucked behind unmarked doors like Ranstead Room or Hop Sing Laundromat. Stumble upon Shofuso Japanese House and Garden for a peaceful escape, or take a Mural Arts Tour to see why Philly’s the world’s largest outdoor art gallery.
Relax 💆♂️
Beauty Treatments & Massage
Philly knows how to pamper. Whether you’re craving a deep-tissue reset or just want to feel that main-character glow, the city’s beauty and wellness scene delivers. Mi Cumbia is a sustainable, Colombian-inspired spa on Rittenhouse Square known for its luxe manicures, soothing massages, and signature sugar scrubs. Just around the corner, Rescue Spa sets the gold standard for self-care—think Biologique Recherche facials and high-end skincare. For sleek cuts and effortless style, Salon OKO in Old City keeps things modern, minimalist, and impeccably chic. Terme Di Aroma is an Old City sanctuary offering aromatherapy massages and holistic facials, and The Lab by Alchemy in Fishtown = clean beauty meets cool-girl edge.
Strength & Stretch
There are tons of studios across the city, including Mysore Philadelphia, where traditional Ashtanga practice meets a warm, focused community vibe. Over in Fairmount, Yoga Habit brings the heat—literally—with energizing power flows and an upbeat playlist. Thrive Pilates & Movement Studio in Center City blends reformer work, barre, and mat classes to tone, strengthen, and lengthen in all the right places. Tula Yoga + Wellness in South Philly offers holistic classes that mix mindfulness with movement, and Lumos Yoga & Barre in Northern Liberties has a bright, welcoming space that feels like a deep breath in studio form.
Acupuncture
When you need to hit pause and reset, visit Rittenhouse Acupuncture, where customized treatments balance stress, pain, and energy in a calm, restorative setting. Over in Graduate Hospital, South Philly Community Acupuncture makes wellness accessible with a sliding-scale model and group-style sessions that are as relaxing as they are affordable. Red Sage Acupuncture in Northern Liberties takes a holistic approach—combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping to treat everything from migraines to burnout.
Sensory Deprivation
Need a true mind reset? Halcyon Floats in Fishtown and Roxborough offers serene sensory-deprivation tanks where you can drift weightlessly in saltwater silence—pure calm, zero distractions. Or head to Phloat in Center City for the same blissed-out experience, no trip to the Shore required. It’s meditation, minus the effort.