chinatown's friendship gate in philadelphia

Things to do in Chinatown Philadelphia

Check out what Philly's Chinatown has to offer!
By Dom Bewley

Delve into the history of Philadelphia's Chinatown, experience the sights and smells of its markets and create some unforgettable memories using our guide for inspo!

China played a massive part in the creation of the United States, so it's no wonder that you'll find Chinatowns in many of America's biggest cities. But what about Philadelphia? Does Philly have its own Chinatown, and if it did, what could you do there? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Chinatown Philadelphia and find out!

Including:

  • Does Philly have a Chinatown?
  • How Old is Philly's Chinatown?
  • The Friendship Gate
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Grab some authentic Chinese food
  • and more!

Does Philly have a Chinatown?

Philadelphia does have a Chinatown, which is just as well, given we've written this article about it! In fact, Philly's Chinatown is the second largest on the East Coast. So you'll be well served there!

How Old is Philly's Chinatown?

At over 150 years old, it's one of Philadelphia's oldest neighborhoods. And you can see that history on nearly every street corner.

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Image courtesy of STUDIO MELANGE/Shutterstock

Go see the Friendship Gate

One of the first things that greets you as you arrive in Philadelphia's Chinatown is the Friendship Gate. This 40-foot arch is covered in bright carvings and red and white colors. The gate itself was donated by Philadelphia's Chinese sister city of Tianjin back in the mid-Eighties. Since then, the arch has had work done on it to keep it at its best, but it's still very much the same arch from way back when.

It's one of the city's most photographed landmarks, so why not go ahead and add it to your collection? It's sure to inspire envy from your four social media followers.

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Image courtesy of Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Find a bargain at Reading Terminal Market

Another of Chinatown's most beloved mainstays is Reading Terminal Market. It's a massive indoor market where you'll find more than one hundred vendors selling everything from fresh produce to delicious cheesesteaks. If you're staying in an Airbnb and need to do your own cooking, or simply want to sample the market's many cooked delights, you should check it out. Here are some things to keep an eye on while you're there!

Campo's is one of the most popular spots in the market, known for its delicious Philly cheesesteaks. When in Philly and all that. If you're looking for something sweet, be sure to try a mooncake from Termini Brothers Bakery.

Dienner's Country Store is a great place to grab some fresh produce, and the Headhouse Shops are full of gift ideas for your loved ones back home. There are also plenty of food stalls throughout the market serving up everything from tacos to BBQ, so you're sure to find something to your taste.

And finally, if you're lucky you may catch some live performances during your visit. These can come about from pretty much nothing, so you might stumble upon some music or theatre if you keep an eye out!

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Grab some authentic Chinese food

Unsurprisingly, you'll find Philadelphia's best Chinese food in Chinatown. Here are our picks of the best places and dishes!

The Dim Sum House is one of Chinatown's most popular spots for, you guessed it, dim sum. Inside, you'll find an extensive menu of traditional dim sum dishes, all of which come fresh and piping hot. If you can't decide what to order, try the Dim Sum House Special, a selection of eight dim sum dishes that give you a little taste of everything.

For a more upscale dining experience, head to Han Dynasty. This restaurant serves Sichuan-style cuisine, so if you like a bit of spice, you know where to go. The menu features both traditional and modern dishes, so there's something for everyone. We recommend the Spicy Cumin Lamb, a dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, look no further than Beijing Chinese Restaurant. This restaurant specializes in noodles and dumplings, all of which are made fresh to order. The menu is small but mighty, and we highly recommend the beef noodle soup. On colder days, it's sure to warm your cockles!

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Hit up one of Chinatown's brilliant cafes

It may surprise you, but Chinatown is quickly becoming one of the best places in Philadelphia to get your caffeine fix. So, if you need a pick-me-up, head to one of our favorites.

A La Mousse combines great coffee with some of the best sweet treats in the city. Just a stone's throw from Reading Terminal Market, it would be criminal not to try one cafe's pastries with your joe. Their matcha cake is simply divine.

Ray's Cafe is another excellent choice for coffee in Chinatown. Known to whip up some of the strongest brews in the neighborhood, you can also chow down on some noodles and soup.

Or, if you want a little Parisien style with your coffee, Paris Baguette has you covered. Offering authentic French pastries, cakes, bread, and sandwiches, you'll have plenty of things to pair your coffee or tea with when you visit!

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Grab a drink at one of Chinatown's bars!

Need something a little stronger than coffee? Don't we all? Well, Chinatown has you well served in that department, with some of Philadelphia's best bars contained within. These are our favorites!

Let's kick off this booze cruise at Hop Sing Laundromat. Located on Race Street, it's known for its dim lighting and strong drinks. The bartenders are also very friendly and knowledgeable, so don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. And if you ask nicely enough, they're sure to rustle you up whatever you like.

The second pick is Sampan, a place where you'll find both refreshing drinks and delicious food courtesy of chef Michael Schulson. Sit for a dish in its upmarket front, or head through the Graffiti Bar at the back. You get the same selection in this open-air patio as you would front-of-house, but with a more laid-back atmosphere, sports on the TV, and some glorious sunshine (if you're lucky).

And last but not least, our third pick is Bar-Ly Chinatown. This one's for the beer lovers, with over 60 taps featuring beers from all over the world. Sports lovers can also catch their favorite games on one of the myriad TVs in the joint. They even do some supremely delicious sushi, if you need a bit to eat.

Here endeth our guide to the best things to do in Chinatown Philadelphia! Wondering what else to check out on your vacation? See all of Philly's best bits with Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see the city at your own pace.

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Getting Around Philadelphia
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Getting Around Philadelphia - the Best Ways to Travel

So, you've planned your vacation to Philadelphia. Maybe its rich history has drawn you to it like a moth to flame. Or, maybe you simply want to see its vibrant spirit up close. Whatever your reason, you'll want to know about getting around Philadelphia, right? Read on, and discover our picks for the best ways to get around the city. Including: Is it easy to get around the city? Can you ditch the vehicle and explore on foot? Is it safe to walk the streets at night? Cycling in Philadelphia Is Philly PHLASH the way to go? and more! Is getting around Philadelphia easy? Yes! Thanks to SEPTA, or the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, it's relatively cheap and easy to get around the city in a pinch. But there are plenty of other ways to traverse Philly. So, let's talk about them all! Is getting around Philadelphia on foot possible? Indeed it is. In fact, it's one of the top 5 most walkable cities in America! Why is that? Well, it's because the city was designed that way. Architect William Penn, whose name you'll find adorning many buildings, street signs, and areas of the city, is responsible for its simple 25-block grid design. The city center sits between two rivers, the Schuylkill and the Delaware. And, to make it even easier to understand, north-to-south streets are numbered, and east-to-west streets are named after trees found in the region. Keen-eyed observers will also spot many 'Walk Philadelphia' signs all around the city. These aren't simply requests or suggestions; they pinpoint places where walking is the preferred mode of transport! You'll even find Community Street Representatives - or CSRs - wandering the streets. They'll be happy to answer any questions you have or direct you to points of interest close by. They'll even administer first aid or radio the authorities in a pinch. Heroes, one and all! Is getting around Philadelphia on foot safe at night? Yes, Philadelphia is safe to walk around during its vibrant evenings. Like any other city, just be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close as you navigate its many amazing bars, restaurants, and other night festivities! Getting around Philadelphia by bike If you're a fan of the two-wheeled wonders, you're in luck. Philadelphia is one of the most bike-friendly big cities in America. Cyclists will find dedicated bike lanes on city streets and miles of bike-specific trails. If you don't fancy lugging your bicycle all the way to Philly for your vacation, simply hire one. You'll find thousands of rental bikes throughout the city, and it's easy to hire one for an hour, a day, or even a week. So no excuses, get on your bike, and stay active while you explore! Getting around Philadelphia in a PHLASH Looking to see all of Philly's biggest landmarks in one fell swoop? Introducing the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop, your one-stop shop for all things Philadelphia. This amazing bus service is not only cheap, but it conveniently stops by all of the best bits in the city. Looking to see the likes of Penn's Landing, Independence Mall, The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Philadelphia Zoo? Philly PLASH. Image courtesy of Tippman98x/Shutterstock If you're looking to see other attractions, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Eastern State Penitentiary, and Betsy Ross' House, try a hop-on, hop-off bus tour instead! Stay on the bus to see them all, or hop off to get a closer look and catch the next bus when you're done. It's one of the easiest ways to get around the city while making the most of Philly's fantastic landmarks! Getting around Philadelphia with a pass If you've modern sensibilities and feel like paying for travel tickets with money is for old-timers, why not pick up a pass? They're the cool, trendy way to get about cities these days. As far as Philly is concerned, you've got a few choices. Let's explore them. SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) Key SEPTA keys are cards you can load up with cash to bypass buying tickets and tokens. Utilizing 'state-of-the-art' chip technology, they allow you to tap in and out of turnstiles or on buses to catch a ride. You can put what you want on them or load them up with set amounts. Want to travel for the week? Select Weekly TransPass at a kiosk and load up the exact amount you need for your seven days of splendor. There are other options, of course, including monthly and even daily denominations. Independence Pass The Independence Pass allows unlimited travel on SEPTA buses, trams, trains, and subways. These are best if you're traveling for a single day, and you can even get a family of five deal for a decent discount. Getting around Philadelphia by train Whether above ground or beneath the surface, trains are a great way to cover large distances in the shortest amount of time. Philly is loaded with options, so take a look at this interactive map to see which works for you. But if you want to know more about them, let's do it. Regional Rail Lines These above-ground trains will get you from the furthest reaches of the city into the center, with multiple lines intersecting at various points. For instance, if you're flying into Philly, you can get the Airport Line right into 30th Street Station. Subway Lines There are three subway lines that connect the northwestern, northern, and northeastern districts of the city. They're called the Market-Frankford Line (blue), the Broad Street Line (orange), and Norristown (purple). The Market-Frankford line is especially useful, as it will take you right through the city's central areas, where Philadelphia's main attractions are focused. Tram Lines Depicted in green on the transport map, the tram is the slowest way to get around the city. However, being overground and running through the city itself, it gives you the chance to sightsee as you go. They also run out to the southwestern corner of the city, if you're staying further from the center. And that's everything you need to know about getting around Philadelphia and the best ways to travel the city! Now you know how to get about, you might want to know what to do while you're there. Thankfully, Go City has you covered. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see the city at your own pace.
Dom Bewley
The Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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New Year's Eve in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s New Year’s Eve parties are the stuff of legend. If you’re already picturing skies aflame with more pyrotechnics than a Katy Perry concert, you’re not far wrong. This historic city really lays on the light shows, with firework displays taking place throughout the evening and parties of all stripes – from thrilling live music in dive bars to black-tie balls – ringing in the New Year across the city. Spending the whole of New Year’s Eve in Philly? We’ve put together a short guide to how you might while away the hours leading up to the midnight celebrations, including all the best parties as well as must-see Philly attractions including the Independence National Historical Park and Philadelphia Museum of Art. Morning: Immerse in Philly’s Rich History You just can’t visit Philadelphia and not also spend time at the Independence National Historical Park while you’re there. This absolute treasure trove of American history is basically the nation’s entire origin story. Independence Hall, a polished red-brick Georgian confection complete with central bell tower and steeple is the stately venue where the Founding Fathers debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution. You can feel the full weight of history on a tour that takes in the grand Assembly Room and adjacent Liberty Bell Center; home, of course, to that iconic symbol of American independence – there’s surely no better way to ‘ring’ in the New Year (sorry). Explore the hushed chambers of the Congress Hall and learn about the major historic events – including the inauguration for George Washington's second term – that took place here. The President’s House carries on Washington’s story and explores the history of slavery in early American history, revealing the stories of enslaved people who served Washington throughout his presidency. The park’s cobbled lanes invite gentle, contemplative strolls, and rangers are on hand to provide further insights into the area’s past. Appetite for Philly history well and truly whetted, you might also want to explore nearby landmark attractions including the Benjamin Franklin Museum, a mind-bending deep-dive into the inventions and writings of one of America’s most celebrated Founding Fathers. And, as you’re already in the heart of Philadelphia's old city, why not also pop your head into Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States, and Betsy Ross House, said to be where the very first American flag was created. Afternoon: Art and Aquariums All that history is sure to have given you a whopping great appetite. And a whopping great appetite demands a whopping great lunch. So, while in Philly, do as the Philadelphians do. You can get your gnashers round a classic Philly cheesesteak in just about any diner worth its salt here, but hit up Chubby’s, Larry’s or Joe’s Steak + Soda House for some of the most authentic in town: cheese-oozing subs crammed with tender fried steak and onions, sure to provide sustenance for the rest of the afternoon’s sightseeing. To wit: onwards to the mighty Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can live out your childhood dream of running up the 72 steps made famous in the Rocky movie. Heck, you can even grab a selfie beside a statue of the fictional boxer before heading inside. And, boy, do some knockout pieces await you there. We’re talking Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Monet’s Water Lily Pool, and Picasso’s Three Musicians, alongside dozens more international heavyweights of modern and contemporary art, as well as an extensive collection of Asian and medieval European art and artifacts. Or, for something completely different, you could head out of town to the awesome Adventure Aquarium, where 15 zones of interactive animal fun await. There are sharks by the boatload here, including a rare great hammerhead, as well as giant sea turtles, stingrays and all the usual seafaring suspects. But that’s not all. Adventure Aquarium just happens to be the only aquarium on the planet with resident hippos (Genny and Button, since you’re asking). You can also meet a colony of teeny-tiny little blue penguins, the smallest species in the world at around a foot tall. Alternatively, keep your dancing feet ship-shape for the long evening ahead and do your post-lunch sightseeing from the comfort of a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Sure, the whole point of these is that you can get on and off for a closer peek at all the big Philly attractions (the clue’s in the name, Columbo) but, hey, it’s New Year’s Eve, and no-one will think any less of you for conserving energy by simply enjoying the 90-minute narrated loop without setting foot off the coach once. Evening: Ain’t no Party Like a Philly Party Philadelphia’s New Year’s Eve celebrations kick off in earnest around 6PM when the first volley of fireworks are launched along the Delaware River waterfront. Synchronized music booms out across the city as eyes turn skywards for the technicolor extravaganza, and there are plenty of places to nab yourself a good view. Arm yourself with a blanket and flask of hot chocolate to hit up some of the best free seats in the house: Penn’s Landing, Camden Waterfront and Race Street Pier for the win. This ‘matinee’ show allows young families to join the fun, and is repeated at midnight for the grown-ups, once the kids are safely tucked up in bed. Most of the city’s ticketed New Year’s Eve events also run dual parties around the two firework displays. These include the Independence Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest (try saying that after your second mulled wine) – the city’s most popular holiday wonderland – which counts firepits, log cabins, hot food and drinks, festive trees festooned with fairy lights, a Ferris wheel and a whopping great ice-skating rink among its many attractions. Other options include Cherry Street Pier and Liberty Point, where the early evening parties include fun activities like mural-making and live ice-sculpting demonstrations for the kids (don’t worry: adults can join in too!). All events include epic dance parties and most also come with one free drink (hot chocolate or a cocktail, depending on the time of day, or age of partygoer). By the morning after the night before you’re sure to be left with happy, hazy memories and little doubt that Philadelphia’s New Year party scene is a force to be reckoned with. Full disclaimer: you’ll probably have a sore head too, but Philadelphia’s excellent glut of laid back brunch spots and colorful New Year’s Day Mummers Parade will soon sort you out. Save on activities and attractions in Philadelphia Save on admission to Philadelphia attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Benjamin Franklin's grave covered in pennies, one of the best outdoor activities in Philadelphia
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Historical Things to do in Philadelphia

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. This phrase, uttered by Winston Churchill in the years following the Second World War, is as true today as it was back then. America is a nation with a short yet rich history, and Philadelphia was at the center of it some three hundred years ago. It's no wonder, then, that Philadelphia is full of historical things to do and see! So, if you're in town and feeling historical, we've put together a guide to the best historical things to do in Philadelphia. These are our top picks. Including: Eastern State Penitentiary Museum of the American Revolution National Liberty Museum Christ Church Burial Ground National Constitution Center and more! Live like a criminal at Eastern State Penitentiary If you've always wondered what it feels like to 'do time', you needn't break the law to find out. After all, there's a certain sense of finality to getting locked up. Instead, head to Eastern State Penitentiary, an old prison where some of the most famous criminals in the U.S. once lived. It played a big part in modernizing the judicial system in the country, with many states now banning capital punishment. It even had running water and central heating before the White House. An astonishing fact and great news for the likes of Al Capone. Yes, the late not-so-great mobster spent 8 months in this infamous prison, and you can even visit his cell! But he's just one of the many famous names you may spot as you wander the prison. Of course, your self-guided tour will let you fill in all the blanks - the who's, the what's, and the where's - and let you go at your own pace. There's even an art installation about the prison, if you need a little distraction after all that incarceration business. If you're looking for historical things to do in Philadelphia, Eastern State Penitentiary is full of it. Feel patriotic at the Museum of the American Revolution Philly played a massive part in the American Revolution, with many of the key players living there back in the 18th century. So it's hardly surprising that a museum dedicated to the revolution and the War of Independence can be found in the city. That museum is the Museum of the American Revolution. And if you're looking for historical things to do in Philadelphia, it doesn't get much better than that. You'll explore this rich and complicated era and its connections to our world today. Thanks to a massive collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, documents, and works of art, you'll not get a more in-depth look at the time period than right here. Go check out the massive collection for yourself and get immersed in that revolutionary spirit! Learn about liberty at the National Liberty Museum Speaking of the War of Independence, liberty is something America has strived for ever since. It's also a big deal in Philadelphia, where one of the city's most iconic sights is called the Liberty Bell. Liberty is clearly something Philadelphia celebrates, which is why you'll find the National Liberty Museum within the city's limits. Paying tribute to liberty across the globe, you'll find exhibits dedicated to heroes that fought against tyranny. Whether it's a faithful recreation of the secret floor where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis, or another of the jail cell Nelson Mandela spent nearly 30 years for taking a stand against racial apartheid, you'll be moved by the countless offerings in the museum. And because it's Philadelphia, of course you'll find a copy of the Liberty Bell and information all about the Revolutionary War too. Pay your respects at Christ Church Burial Ground Given Philadelphia's importance to the war efforts against the British, you might guess that many important faces from the war lived their lives in the city. It's also where many of them were laid to rest. So why not go pay your respects at Christ Church Burial Ground? This self-guided tour will take you around all the famous remaining gravestones that still stand in the graveyard. Listen and you'll learn more about the brave men and women buried beneath your feet. In fact, it's the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most famous faces of the war, and one of the names on the Declaration of Independence. if you have any pennies handy, toss one onto his grave. It's a Philly tradition. But he's just one of the many names you'll see as you walk the yard. So keep an eye out and see who you spot. You wanted historical? It doesn't get much more historical than a graveyard. Get constitutional at the National Constitution Center After the war was won and the British were done, there was a matter of an entire country to run. Where do you begin with such a mammoth endeavor? Well, rules help, so they should come first. And that's what they did. They wrote down a load of rules which became the U.S. Constitution back in 1787. And guess where they wrote said document? That's right, Philly, baby! Don't believe us? Head down to the National Constitution Center and be proven wrong. Inside, you'll learn everything you need to know about this key moment in American history. Thanks to hundreds of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and straight-up facts, you'll learn all about the process leading up to the document's release, how it's shaped America in the 300 years since, and how it's been amended as time's gone on. And that's not all; you'll see the OG document in all its glory, as well as the original Emancipation Proclamation that Lincoln signed. Constitutional stuff! You'll even get to vote for your all-time favorite president, and take the presidential oath of office (maybe a little practice for a future career?) Do the walk of freedom on a Revolution and Founding Fathers Tour And where better to end this historical jaunt through Philly than on a literal jaunt? Follow the history of the Founding Fathers and the roads the Revolution once walked on this Revolution and Founding Fathers Tour. Learn about Philadelphia's many famous landmarks like the Liberty Bell, and enter the likes of Independence Hall. With your knowledgeable guide in tow, you're sure to learn a lot more than we could ever share. So go check it out if your feet are in a walking mood. And those were our picks of the best historical things to do in Philadelphia! Looking for some modern marvels to complement your so-far historical vacation? See all of Philly's best bits with Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see the city at your own pace.
Dom Bewley

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