Overnight in Philly
 

I'm planning to overnight in Philly, arriving on a Sunday in November at the train station around 12 or 1 and departing from PHL on Monday at 4 pm. I definitely want to hit up the Philly Museum of Art on Sunday and the Barnes Collection early Monday. Will I have time for much else on Sunday or even Monday (especially as most museums are not open)? Any places to have a wander if the weather is okay? My interests are primarily impressionist art and paintings as well as historical museums.

I will be staying at the Residence Inn in Center City.

Any good restaurants to recommend? I prefer French and seafood.

Thanks!

Well, you won't have time to do the Philadelphia Museum and the Barnes _and_ the historical sites, so it is worth your while to concentrate on the former. I would get tickets in advance for the Barnes on Monday morning. It looks like you can get them on their website.

Bec Fin on Walnut is one of the best French restaurants in the country but that may be more than you want to spend.

Add the Rodin Museum at some point. A must do, in my mind. Was there this week on a short lunch escape from my office, and the renovation is spectacular.

As to food, Le Bec Fin is getting better reviews since Perrier left, but it would not be my choice. parc is a brasserie on Rittenhouse Square, so good food and great people watching.

The best French in the city, for my money, is Bibou in Bella Vista. it is BYOB, cash only, and a quick cab ride from your hotel. For me, a not to be missed place that highlights the best of our chef-owner byob culture. State stores on Chestnut Street at 8th or 20th Street) are the best selection for wine, but keep your standards low (or schlep a bottle on the train with you.)

For brunch/lunch, La Petite Dauphine has been getting press the past few weeks, but I haven't been there. 20th and Walnut. (and sorry for mentioning a place I have never been. I typically hate when other people do that.)

For lunch right near the Barnes, there are a few places on Callowhill, including Sabrina's, which is best known for brunch (particularly at its other location in Bella Istanbul). Our gourmet food trucks often congregate in Love Park (which is between your hotel and the Barnes) but not sure who is there on Mondays now.

Thanks. Yes, Parc was what I was thinking of. I'm thinking about doing Philly Art museum starting around 1 to 1:30 Sunday and then Barnes Collection early Monday. How long does new Barnes location take? Maybe then I could fit something else quickly in (walking around Sunday night or something Monday around noon)?

i went to the Barnes this week. We spent close to 2 hours there. You should buy your ticket in advance on the website. There are time entries, and they do sell out. The museum opens at 930am. The first sunday of the month it is free from 1-6pm but you must reserve in advance for that. There are 13 rooms on the first floor, and ten rooms on the second floor. No photography is allowed and if you are carrying a bag/knapsack you have to check it. Even average sized purses must be checked (they give out little paper shopping bags that you can transfer your valuables into).

The collection is housed in small rooms and its a pretty large collection. If you are in need of a coffee break, there is a tiny cafe in the Barnes.

After the Barnes, perhaps a leisurely lunch.

If by historical museums you mean places of historic importance, the historic district has many places associated with the American Revolution and the Federalist Period. Most are free, national park sites.

Enjoy your visit.

I agree that you may want to add Rodin to your Monday agenda. It is right next to the new Barnes location. I have seen the Barnes collection at it's prior home and it was amazing. The new space looks beautiful at least from the sidewalk :). Have not been to this Rodin museum - made it to the one in Paris a bunch of years ago - this one is supposed to be good though. Enjoy your visit.

Thanks. I have seen the Rodin in Paris. We will see what timed ticket I can get for Barnes. Apparently things are very limited and the first doesn't even start until 10 am.

I hope you can get in - aside from the musee d'orsay in Paris - also a million years ago - it is the best impressionist collection I have seen. Have a great visit however it works out. - Collette

Great info in this thread, thanks everyone! I'm planning a day trip into Philly, with the Barnes and the Rodin and one great lunch on the list, so this discussion has been very helpful for me.

Snagged the 10:30 ticket so that's good at least!

Good for you!

MY BIL just returned from Philly and he says the Matisses at the Barnes are amazing. On my first visit, I was so focused on the Renoirs that I don't remember a thing about the Barnes' Matisses. So, I'm planning to visit again and to focus on the Matisses and the Picassos this time.

The Rodin Museum in Philly had something that I don't remember seeing (at least in this number) in any other Rodin collection and those were the sculptures of hands. I was blown away by the expressiveness of these sculptures.

I hope you'll add the Rodin during your visit - but to each his/her own.

JoeTro, I'm not sure you'll have time to do much more than Barnes on Monday. It can be an overwhleming collection and it takes time to appreciate it. If you think you'll be able to go back again sometime in the near future, then you can spend less time. I live in the immediate area and we became members when it opened, so we have gone several times already. After 3 visits, I still haven't gotten through the whole place. The new building has a simple cafe and great gift shop and many places to just sit and relax taking in the architecture and contemplating the collection. You can probably do Rodin since it's right next door. But, IMHO, don't rush it to try to get to another part of the City before you leave to see a glimpse of something else. Enjoy!

Thanks all!