PHILADELPHIA — With classic rowhouse architecture, brick sidewalks and narrow streets, some charming neighborhoods in Philadelphia can almost make you forget about cheesesteaks, Rocky and that whole American Revolution thing.
Almost.
It will be hard to escape the Cradle of Liberty references this summer as the city hosts the Democratic National Convention. But Philly has plenty to offer even the most nonpolitical visitor.
Things have been really hoppy, er hoppin’, during the warm months thanks to an influx of beer gardens and revamped civic spaces where you can socialize, people-watch and Instagram your heart out.
New vantage points from up high and at the water’s edge will give you a whole new way to look at The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.
• WHAT’S NEW: What started as an experimental pop-up park on the Delaware River has become so popular it’s back for a third summer season. With food, beer, hammocks and boardwalk games, Spruce Street Harbor Park has revived a faded area known as Penn’s Landing. The vibrant destination includes a waterfront roller rink and seaport museum complete with historic ships.
The city’s other river boasts a scenic recreational trail that recently received an eye-catching extension. The Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk offers postcard views of the skyline from its start at the South Street Bridge. Bikers, joggers and walkers can take the path up to the Art Museum and beyond.
For a bird’s-eye view of both rivers, try the new One Liberty Observation Deck, which occupies the 57th floor of one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers and offers 360 degree views.
At street level, it’s hard not to smile at Dilworth Park. Visitors of all ages delight in running — or watching people run — through the in-ground fountains on this renovated plaza outside City Hall. Amenities include a small cafe and occasional programming like live music and outdoor movies.
Dilworth Park is also temporarily hosting Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture, as its regular home undergoes a complete overhaul across the street.
• CLASSIC ATTRACTIONS: The biggies, of course, are Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Timed tickets for the hall where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed are free, but plan ahead. A limited number are released each morning at the Independence Visitors Center, or they can be reserved in advance online ($1.50 fee per ticket).
Seeing the Liberty Bell is also free but does not require tickets. However, the line can get long. The back of the bell is visible through the pavilion windows without going inside, but you won’t be able to see the famous crack.
The other famous bronze in town — the Rocky statue — was actually a prop from the movie “Rocky III.” Fans usually have to wait in a quick-moving line at the foot of the Art Museum steps to take their picture with the fictional hometown fighter.
Need a cheesesteak after all that sightseeing? Pat’s and Geno’s — those dueling South Philly landmarks — are open 24/7. You can also try Reading Terminal Market, Jim’s on South Street and Tony Luke’s, which is somewhat off the beaten path. Note that many locals prefer roast pork sandwiches with sharp provolone and broccoli raab.
• TIPS: A pair of comfortable shoes will get you pretty much anywhere in Philadelphia’s extremely walkable downtown, known as Center City. The Indego bike share program is popular and convenient, and there’s a good network of bike lanes.
The Philly Phlash shuttles visitors around for $2 per ride or $5 for an all-day pass. The Big Bus offers a more expensive tour with narration, and tickets allow you to hop on and off all day.
Quirkier options: Take a trolley tour to see some of the 4,000 murals in the city. Or hop on a Segway for a novel way to travel to some hidden neighborhood gems such as the Magic Gardens, a breathtaking artistic creation.
Public transit in Philly, known as SEPTA, can be convenient, but its arcane payment system frustrates even city residents. Plan ahead by either purchasing tokens or a one-day pass. Beware, though: Tokens and passes are not sold at every station, and machines don’t accept credit cards.
