tchoiniere

I just booked a night at the Radisson Plaza-Warwick via lastminutetravel.com and got a great deal. Sign up for that site and try it. Its free to sign up for it.

I chose this hotel due to its proximity to the Septa station and it is between the tourist sites and the Amtrak station to make it easy and convenient to backtrack to get the hotel before leaving via Amtrak.

1 note is that you will have to look at the pics and try to identify which one is the Radisson (don't know hotel until booked) but I was able to identify which hotel it was (believe its listed as 3.5 or 4 star hotel in City Centre)

MaloBalo

Cheers tchoiniere. I'll look into it tonight.

PhillyFan

I agree with tchoiniere's recommendation not to miss some of the highlights of the Smithsonians. What's so nice is that they all are free - so you can wander in, see just what interests you. There's a lot of fascinating stuff there.

And yes, also with what was said about touring the monuments - it's easy to walk around on your own with a map.

Amy, as is typical, gives great ideas for Philly. I have to say, if I only had a day, the Constitution Center would not be my choice. I've been here, liked it, but didn't think it was fabulous. Perhaps others can say if they think I'm off base. In the historic area, a nice walk would incorporate Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, Christ Church and the other historical sites. However, the National Constitution Center is right there, so it's easy to visit.

(I would be more partial to the Art Museum/Barnes, but if you are not interested in art, that would be a bad recommendation).

MaloBalo

As it stands, we have two days in Philly now. We're not the biggest fans of art but having all these information we might simply play it by the ear on sight.

Could anybody recommend a really nice place for dinner in Philly? It should be a proper restaurant someplace downtown with good quality food, nothing more, nothing less.

Birdie

Wow, I can give you at least 25 suggestions for good dinners in the downtown area of Philly. Can we narrow it down just a bit? Philly is known for it's BYOB's. Does that appeal or would you rather have a full bar? Seafood, steaks, ethnic? Romantic, bustling, trendy? Where are you staying? Rittenhouse, Old City, University City?

MaloBalo

Hey Birdie,

we're staying in the Rittenhouse area. As to the dinner, we'd rather go with a "full bar". Romantic would be nice for that evening, although not a must if it's trendy at least. Local food, if there is anything like that, is much appreciated. And really anything besides pure Indian/Chinese restaurants should be fine, thank you!

msteacher

If you are looking for "local food," two of the most popular local treats that you can find almost everywhere in Philly are cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. Certainly not fine dining, but be sure to sample them for lunch or a snack at some point during your time in the City of Brotherly Love.

Daniel_Williams

MaloBalo--

Rittenhouse Square is a great location to be in Philly and one of my favorite places to chill and watch the passersby. Even though you say you're not the biggest fans of art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one the best I've ever been to. Anywhere. My favorite things in Philly include Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Italian Market. I always enjoyed strolling along South Street and in the Gayborhood for the urban flair (and in the latter, some charming rowhouses).

Have a great time in one of my favorite US cities! Daniel

MaloBalo

tchoiniere,

thanks again for your lastminutetravel recommendation. I've managed to switch hotels and get an amazing deal for the Monaco. On top I found a coupon online which made it even better. This also means, we'll be staying in the Old City.

If anybody can offer a recommendation for a good (if possible romantic, trendy is fine, too) restaurant in that area, it'll be appreciated.

Birdie, maybe you could chime in.

Birdie

Hi, Malo Balo! I hadn't forgotten you. "Romantic" kind of stumped me so I don't have any suggestions with that kind of atmosphere. Two restaurants near your hotel that I like are, Fork on Market St. and Supper over on South St. I prefer the upstairs dining room at Supper.

I haven't eaten at Talula's Garden but it has a good reputation.

My current favorite in Philly is Twenty Manning in the Rittenhouse area.

Oesteria is worth a cab ride.

Amada is very well-known and highly regarded. It offers a small plate menu. I've been to their Atlantic City location a couple of times and loved it but haven't been to the Philly location.

I'd love to hear what you choose.

MaloBalo

Birdie,

awesome input, thank you! Well, romantic would be great for one night, since we'll have a birthday to celebrate during our stay in Philly. It was just an idea though, not a must. I'll go through your recommendations and make sure to let you know. Thx again!

Amy

Romantic has different connotations for different people, of course. For me, a picnic that included, oh, maybe DiBruno Brothers' truffle burratta, Sarcone's bread and a salad of local greens and herbs, ending with some Capogiro gelato, would work.

For restaurants, I'd mostly have to go by the experiences of some friends, but I can personally recommend the Fountain at the Four Seasons. Vetri and Lacroix come up pretty often in the "special" category, and one friend loves XIX at the Bellevue. All of those have rather lovely environments.

Birdie

The restaurants Amy listed are some of the best in the city and their prices reflect it. I have not been to XIX but have had lovely meals at the other 3. Vetri is in a class by itself and only offers a prix fixe menu. It's a tiny place and more "someone's dining room" than romantic but it will offer you an experience you won't forget. Oesteria, the one I mentioned above, is another Marc Vetri restaurant but more reasonably priced.

The Fountain has a very traditional atmosphere while Lacroix is a bit more modern garden chic. The Four Seasons also has a great bar with live jazz on weekends if you find yourself on the Parkway looking for a drink.