Philadelphia Travel Guide

For Cuban "flair" near Rittenhouse Square, follow the "fashionistas" and foodies to this "swanky" tri-level extravaganza from Stephen Starr and celeb chef Douglas Rodriguez, which fuses "fabulous" Nuevo Latino food and drink with a "sexy" "old-time" Havana ambiance complete with "attentive" waiters in white jackets; in-Fidels find it "noisy" and "expensive", but most maintain it's well "worth it."

"Tapas of the heap" sums up the sentiment on Jose Garces' "sexy", "sublime" Spaniard in Old City, where armadas of amigos ("book way in advance") share small plates of "awesome", "cutting-edge" comida and "primo" sangria served by an "informative" staff; it may be "pricey", but the $45–$65 tasting menus help contain costs, and if "noise" is a concern, come early (or for lunch).

"Everything you've heard" about Stephen Starr's "theatrical" "see-and-be-seen" "scene" in Old City is "true": expect "large portions" of "fabulous" Pan-Asian cuisine to "share" ("black cod? – cod bless you"), "cool", "streamlined" surroundings, "spot-on" service "under the smiling Buddha", a "who's who" crowd – and a "noise level" befitting "a construction site"; it's Philly's Most Popular, so getting a reservation is "like scoring a date with Miss USA."

"You get what you pay for" at this "swanky", "old-school" beefery (one of the "best chain steakhouses, hands-down"), a "Grand Central Station" near City Hall where Philly's "movers and shakers" gleefully "break out the platinum card" for "prime" cuts that "cost a car payment" and "professional" service that "meets expectations"; the "always-packed" bar attracts a "suit-and-briefcase" crowd that knows to "watch out" for the many specialty drinks; N.B. a Cherry Hill branch opened post-Survey.

For "heavenly" Hellenic seafood (e.g. "Jules Verne"–size octopus) suitable for the "Greek gods", Dmitri Chimes' "bare-bones" "stalwarts" "set the standard"; the "no-rez" policies and "tight" quarters (you're practically on your neighbor's "lap") are worth it since you'll waddle out "with a full belly" – and wallet; N.B. Queen Village is BYO and doesn't take credit cards.

For "heavenly" Hellenic seafood (e.g. "Jules Verne"–size octopus) suitable for the "Greek gods", Dmitri Chimes' "bare-bones" "stalwarts" "set the standard"; the "no-rez" policies and "tight" quarters (you're practically on your neighbor's "lap") are worth it since you'll waddle out "with a full belly" – and wallet; N.B. Queen Village is BYO and doesn't take credit cards.

"Bring on the margaritas – and your earplugs" at Stephen Starr's "hip" 'n' "kitschy" Washington Square Mex, where "high-energy" servers deliver "killer" guacamole and other "delicioso" eats to a "young, jumpy crowd" "partying" amid "quirky", "deco-velvet" decor ("Elvis would love it"); while mucho aficionados find it a "fabulous" "fantasy", dissenters dub it "style over substance" (though even they'd concede "the bar crowd is worth watching").

Grown-ups "escape the Old City madness" at this "polished but not overly formal" New American "institution" that's still at "the forefront" of Philly's "dining scene", and for "good reason": "consistent" fare "refreshed with creativity" and "pleasant" servers who display a "sense of humor" as they navigate the "smallish" space; Fork: etc., the casual offshoot next door, is fine for a quick bite or takeout; N.B. noted chef Terence Feury took over the kitchen post-Survey.

"Ask and you shall receive" at this "staggeringly good" New French–Continental "splurge" (rated No. 1 for Food, Decor and Service in Philly) in the Four Seasons showcasing "exquisite" fare – now turned out by new chef Rafael Gonzalez – that "bubbles over" with "creativity"; the "sumptuous" quarters overlook the namesake fountain on Logan Square, and the "stately" though "nearly invisible" staff is "so attentive I expected a pedicure with dessert"; N.B. jacket required.

Ardent admirers find "a spot of heaven" overlooking the Square at the Rittenhouse's "handsome", "special-occasion" French, which provides "memorable" tasting menus of "micro-gastronomic" feats that "explode on your taste buds" (plus a "divine" Sunday brunch), augmented by a "great wine list" and "impeccable" service; "bring your expense-account card", "sit near a window" and experience one of Philly's "wows"; N.B. jacket suggested.

No bones about it: this "intimate" 1828 "cornerstone" of Center City's Museum Mile is one of "the best dinosaur museums anywhere", appealing to "science buffs" "young and old" who "dig" all things prehistoric; so "return to your childhood" via "entertaining shows and talks" by an "informed staff" plus a live animal center, a tropical butterfly house and two Egyptian mummies – not to mention all that "cool", "esoteric" stuff hanging from the ceilings.

Cruise Martin Luther King Jr. Drive along the west bank of the Schuylkill River for a "postcard"-perfect "drive-by" view of the Victorian Gothic "gingerbread" boathouses "spectacularly" outlined in twinkling LED lights; by day, you can "take your rollers" or a bike to the east bank to navigate the waterside path or head to the greenery of Fairmount Park for a "picnic" lunch while "watching the sculling" of the regattas and other boat races.

There's "all you need" for "an amazing introduction to Philadelphia" at this "huge" green space spanning the city east and west of the Ben Franklin Parkway; it offers "lots of ball fields" and "unmanicured grass" and is a "fantastic place to fish, bike, hike, picnic" or partake in "any other outdoor activity"; plus, there are "amazing vistas" along the "picturesque" Schuylkill River and "loads of historic houses" to boot; P.S. just note that it's "safer before dark."

"Wanna be a scientist?" – then visit this "rainy day" "treasure", set in a 1934 Fairmount building, which offers "world-class" "geeky fun" that "brings physics, astronomy and medicine to life"; so sit in the "great planetarium" or feel your pulse quicken as you walk through the "giant" replica of a "beating [human] heart" – just don't forget to "wear comfy shoes" as you'll need them to "dodge" the "busloads of children" on school days.

"No visit to Philadelphia is complete without a stop" in Old City to see "the birthplace of the Constitution and home of the Liberty Bell", where "history books come alive" and the sights and sounds are "amazing", "important" – and free; America's Founding Fathers didn't have to put up with "post-9/11 construction barriers", "horrendous" "summer lines" or timed tickets, but 21st-century citizens can "relish" a "beautifully done visitor's center", "informative guides" and "costumed characters", so "eat your heart out, Boston."

For "multiethnic" South Philly "realness", head to the nation's largest open-air marketplace, a "shopping destination" where "foodies" brave the "seedy", streetside "hustle and bustle" in search of "all the bad things you aren't supposed to eat" (including "whole pigs" from "the friendliest man covered in blood you will ever meet"); a "must" if you're "into olive oil and pasta", it's also a source for some of the "cheapest fruits and vegetables" around.

We the people agree you'll "learn more than in any history class" about "one of our country's most sacred documents" at this "clean, well-lit" museum in Old City that "doesn't shy away from controversy"; the multimedia show is a "fascinating reminder of what it means to be a citizen" (enough to "bring tears to the eyes"), and those who've always longed to run the country can even get "sworn in as president" as part of an "enthralling" interactive experience.

Legions of film fans know it for "the famous steps Rocky ran up", but this "top-notch" art museum in Center City is "even more impressive" for what it contains: a "beautiful and diverse collection" ranging from "a room of armor" to a "Japanese teahouse" to "important" modern art (including a large Marcel Duchamp collection), all in a "gorgeous" neoclassical building with "sculptures strewn" outside and a Sunday policy of pay-what-you-wish; N.B. a new art deco building across the street houses more galleries and a library.

"Nothing can beat" "cavorting" at this "compact" 42-acre animal "escape" just a few miles from Downtown in historic Fairmount Park; "pack a lunch" to avoid the "expensive, limited" concessions, then take a camel ride or board the "tethered" Zooballoon for "awesome views"; just remember that despite a "face-lift", "easy parking" and "efforts to reach out to the community", "America's first zoo" is as "long in the tooth" as its eldest residents; N.B. snow leopards, pumas and jaguars gambol in the new Big Cat Falls habitat.

A "cross between Greenwich Village and a state fair", Philly's somewhat "seedy" but always "funky shopping street" is where "all the hippies" hang out among the "odd shops" and "good restaurants"; it's favored by teens and the just-legal, particularly on the stretch below Eighth Street, so if you're unnerved by "dyed hair", "body piercings" and "weirdos who come out at night", you may want to bring "an escort."

Some of the "yummiest martinis" and "retro-modern" decor make this Old City "hot spot" a magnet for "beautiful people", who bypass the "long line" at the door and breeze into the "VIP lounge"; service is "hit-or-miss", but the DJs are consistent in their "appealing" selections.

There's "no better place to be when the Eagles win" than at this Philadelphia-area sports bar chainlet that's "mobbed every night" with a "loud", "fun-loving" "blue collar/yuppie fusion" crowd; plus, cheering on the hometown team feels even better when paired with the trio's "ice-cold beer" and signature "crab fries."

There's "no better place to be when the Eagles win" than at this Philadelphia-area sports bar chainlet that's "mobbed every night" with a "loud", "fun-loving" "blue collar/yuppie fusion" crowd; plus, cheering on the hometown team feels even better when paired with the trio's "ice-cold beer" and signature "crab fries."

There's "no better place to be when the Eagles win" than at this Philadelphia-area sports bar chainlet that's "mobbed every night" with a "loud", "fun-loving" "blue collar/yuppie fusion" crowd; plus, cheering on the hometown team feels even better when paired with the trio's "ice-cold beer" and signature "crab fries."

"After dark", this "upscale" Rittenhouse Square brasserie "turns into party central" with "frisky" "yuppies" and "master's students" "mobbing" the dance area, "playing pool" and flirting beneath the bar's "fabulous chandelier"; just beware that service can be "slow" and the newly renovated space "packed so tight, you could spill your top-shelf martini and it wouldn't even reach the floor."

"Stand in the same spot where beer was spilled 100 years ago" in Center City's allegedly "oldest watering hole", where "a festive atmosphere" still prevails and "there's always another pint to be had"; a word of warning, though: "once you've had several pitchers" of the inexpensive suds on the twice-weekly karaoke nights, "it'll be hard not to jump onstage and sing your heart out to Wham!"