I have one day here in Philadelphia. What is the best can't-miss activity for my girlfriend and I to do?

Question

Anything from a tourist attraction to food to outdoors to walking somewhere, historical or trendy.... anything! Thank you.

Answer 1

See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in the historic district in the morning, then cab it over to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.  

Start at Logan Circle (with the prettiest fountain in the country) and walk up the parkway to the Art Museum in the afternoon.  Along the way are the Franklin Science Institute, the Academy of Natural History, the Rodin musem and then the big museum of art.  Spend a hour in the Art Museum and see all the impressionists and the modern art.  

Have dinner at the Waterworks Restaurant right behind the AM and watch a beautiful sunset over the river.  After dinner, stroll along 2nd st in Old City for more bars, restaurants and shopping.  Sounds like a great day to me.

Answer 2

No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without a visit to "America's most historic square mile," Independence National and Historic Park, loosely bounded by Second and Sixth streets, and Walnut and Arch streets. Before sinking your teeth in, start your sojourn at the Visitors Center at Third and Chestnut streets, where you can get a walking map and brochures. Park rangers are also on site to help you out. Be on the lookout for folks in period dress—you may even spot Benjamin Franklin making the rounds.

Highlights in the area include the Liberty Bell, Old City Hall and Independence Hall (pictured left), where you can catch a carriage ride. Snapping a clear shot of the famous cracked bell requires the patience of a saint—be prepared to battle families for prime camera space. Stop by the United States Mint and Betsy Ross House, also in the vicinity.

What trip would be complete without a gooey cheesesteak? Everyone's got an opinion on the best, and the rivalry between Geno's and Pat's King of Steaks, two catty-corner, 24-hour steak purveyors, is as heated as any in history. To be honest, I don't find much difference between them, though I'm a bit swayed by Pat's public napkin dispensers—this is some messy stuff. Be advised, these joints are the soup n***s of South Philly. Have your money ready, ask for sodas at the second window and whatever you do, order properly. A standard cheesesteak with onions is pronounced, "whiz wit." In other words, Cheese Whiz (the default cheese, which is nothing to laugh at) with onions. Oh, it'll all make sense once you get there. Head to S. Ninth Street and Passyunk Avenue, just south of the Italian Market.