Cheesesteaks and other tourist attractions
 

Hello there,
My boyfriend and I will be in Philly this weekend and will be staying at the Sheraton in Rittenhouse Square. We'd really like to go to either of the two famous cheesesteak places (Geno's or Pat's) but don't have access to a car. Can we get there via public transportation and if so, how?

Also, we've both been to Philly before so don't want to do the "normal" touristy things. We will be going to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the new Constitution Museum (should we get advanced tix for this museum visit?). We wanted to go to the Barnes Foundation but they are closed during weekends.

We'd appreciate any info on any sites/attractions that are off the beaten path and not so touristy. Our interests include: food, art, old building, etc, etc.

I would suggest getting advanced tickets for the National Constitution Center, as it is a popular attraction, especially on the weekends.

Yes, you can get to Geno's or Pat's, which are across the street from each other, via the Broad Street subway. Take the subway southbound and get off at Ellsworth-Federal. Go east on either Ellsworth or Federal Streets to 9th Street (5 blocks) and turn right on 9th. Geno's and Pat's will be about 2 or 3 blocks down the street at 9th and Passyunk.

Check out www.gophila.com for more information on things to do in Philly.

As I mentioned in another Philadelphia post, one of the gems of Philadelphia is the Rosenbach Museum and Library, at 2008 DeLancey Street, very close to your hotel. (www.rosenbach.org). Visits by guided tour only, but the tour is worth it. Check the web site to see if the Rosenbach matches your interests.

Another little offbeat museum you might want to see is the Liberty Museum. It's sort of a tribute to immigrants and freedom. Has a replica of Mandela's cell and stuff like that, plus a display of Chihuly glass.

For really offbeat, try the Mutter Museum--its a museum of medical oddities and I guarantee, you won't have seen anything like this stuff.

My husband lived in Philly for 4 years going to school. He loves Monk's Cafe, www.monkscafe.com at 16th and Spruce about 2 blocks SE. It has a great selection of beers, they have a Beer Bible, if you like beer. I would recommend Mama Angelina's, 1337 Locust St, for a great philly cheesesteak. We always get our's from there. Last time we were in Philly, two months ago, we stayed at the Westin, right down the street from the Sheraton and went to those places. Most everything is within walking distance as you're in Center City. He went to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts at Broad & Cherry Streets, www.pafa.edu, and they have a good art collection. It's the oldest art school in the country. If you go to the Museum of Art on Sunday, it's free. But I think it closes around 5pm.