There’s never a shortage of things to do and places to explore in the city of Brotherly Love. However, knowing where to start on your Philly adventure can be a daunting task, enter Philly Passport! The Passport provides a checklist of places to go that you can turn into your personal itinerary filled with things to do around the city. Instead of giving you the stereotypical Philly guide, we focused on visiting neighborhoods that contribute Philly’s diverse scene.
So, teaming up with my fellow intern, Haley and I set out to explore the city and check some things off the passport. Beginning the adventure in Chinatown! Chinatown poses an interesting mix between old and new. There are new restaurants sprouting seemingly every day, bubble tea spots, and noodle houses that cater to younger audiences. But there are also traditional staples that bring you a more original taste of China. You would be remiss to leave here without getting a picture at the Friendship Arch.
Conveniently located near Chinatown, and next on the passport was the Reading Terminal Market. The best thing about Reading Terminal is that there’s so many options for food, the worst part? Deciding what you want. I opted for Hunger Burger which was phenomenal, while Haley went with Profi’s Creperie. The Reading Terminal Market is sure to be a go-to spot, it’s affordable, fun, and filled with choices.
With our stomachs filled, we headed over to the Italian Market. The streets of the Italian Market are adorned with open air markets, delis, and boutique shops. This neighborhood like many others in Philly has deep roots in the Philadelphia community. It’s where the Di Bruno Bros. got their start and became a household name. It’s a quaint neighborhood that’s perfect for taking a stroll.
Just a short walk away, we entered Little Saigon, where we recapped the day over some Vietnamese coffee. Little Saigon is home to Asian supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes. If you like cooking up some Asian inspired dishes, I’d strongly recommend taking a trip down to Little Saigon.
Watch us complete the Philly Passport:
Campus Philly Passport! from Campus Philly on Vimeo.
It should be noted that although each neighborhood was different, one thing they had in common were beautiful murals. Philly is known for being an artistic hub, be sure to keep a look out on the facades of many buildings. Added to the beauty, is the ease of navigation. Walking from neighborhood to neighborhood is certainly doable as Philly is a “walking city.” Grab your camera and some comfortable footwear and you’ll be well on your way to perusing the city with your Philly Passport! Get yours here and watch how to fold it here.
P.S. Once you’ve completed the Passport, play some Campus Philly BINGO!
