Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Philadelphia for Anniversary

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)

- United States (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/)

- - Philadelphia for Anniversary (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/philadelphia-for-anniversary-164772/)

Philadelphia for Anniversary

We are going to Philadelphia for our anniversary in April. We've never been there. I need advice on where to stay, we are looking for a very nice section, of course something romantic. Also, advice on nightlife or anything we shouldn't miss. Thanks.

Think about staying at the Ritz Carlton in Center City. They also have a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Go to Old Bookbinders for dinner. You'll love it!!!! The Art Museum is one of the best in the country and is very beatiful; modeled after the Parthenon in Athens. So is the Rodin Museum. Lunch on Rittenhouse Square, perhaps? Don't forget Independence Hall, The liberty Bell, and Betsey Ross' house. There are some great Italian Restaurants in South Philly. But someone else will have to make recommendations in that category--don't remember names! There's also a big beautiful hotel off of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway that is gorgeous...I think it's the Four Seasons Hotel. Check out: Philadelphia.com

I live in Philly and I DO NOT recommend Old BookBinder's for a meal. It is HORRIBLE; you would do better at Red Lobster! Better restaurants are: Striped Bass, Continental Grill, The Devon, Suzanna Foo, Ralph's, or Pod. There are also very good, cheap Chinese restaurants near Drexel. If you want to splurge, eat at THE FOUNTAIN in the Four Seasons Hotel. While in Philly, drive to Manayunk to spend an afternoon and have lunch at Jake's or Le Bus (great bread).

I have read alot about Manayunk on this site. Could someone please tell me where it is in relation to Center City and what it is?

Manayunk is a charming section (about 10-15 minutes drive from Center City, maybe??) that has a plethora of restaurants and interesting shops in a hilly, working class neighborhood. Chris, an early welcome to Philadelphia. The general area of Rittenhouse Square is one of my favorites in the city; it's especially lovely in spring. John has some great restaurant suggestions; don't forget the Reading Terminal for lunch and shopping. Fork is another of my restaurant favorites, and there are some great Chinese places in the Chinatown district, around 10th and Race streets. The Art Museum is lovely, as is the strolling along the rivers behind the museum. It's fun to tour the colonial houses as well as visiting the more traditional sites. The U of Pa Museum of Archaelogy and Anthropology is great. In Fairmount Park, check for tours and if the Pine Breeze Villa (Japanese house) is open, do go there. It's a great city for walking--have a lovely time! (PS--They didn't manage to reopen Old Original Bookbinders, did they? Or did I miss something?)

Jonh G is right on the money. As for a place to stay--the Radisson Warwick is a very nice place right off Rittenhouse Square--you should be able to get a room for aroound 100.00.

The Rittenhouse Hotel is one of Philadelphia's best and also has about the best location in town. Some good rates are available at quikbook (www.quikbook.com). How long will you be in Philadelphia? Beofre bolting off to shop and drink with the crowds in Manayunk (20 minutes to half an hour or more by car from Center City), there's a lot to see in the city itself. Also, what kind of nightlife do you have in mind? Jazz, dancing, theater?

Chris, As a life long resident of the Phila. area, for a romantic hotel I recommend staying at the Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Rittenhouse Hotel or the new Westin (formerly the Ritz). Bookbinders (in Olde City) has closed. Their other location is still open and really not worth trying. Nightlife abounds as do restaurants and sights to see. How long will you be staying in Phila.? Check out: www.gophilly.org

John G may be correct about Old Bookbinders, but is just as RUDE and OPINIONATED as always. You may not agree with someone's opinion, but you don't have to beat them over the head with a sledge hammer. But I guess that makes you feel important, how sad.

We just came back from 2 days at the Four Seasons in Philadelphia and I would highly recommend it. Good selection on room service menus, a huge hot tub to go with their indoor pool, spa services available... A few caveats - the price of everything there is really really expensive (we happened to be in a rare for us splurge mode). And we were traveling with a child which made the sight of many children staying at the hotel - especially at the pool - a welcome one, but it may not be the same for you. The third is that the area it's in is good for walking to museums - art, Rodin, Franklin Institute, etc. - but not good for shopping or restaurants in the immediate vicinity. One of our dinners was in the Rittenhouse Square area, at Rouge. It's not my idea of a romantic restaurant - too loud, especially because of the huge bar area in the center of their space. But there were many couples at the other tables and the food was excellent, which makes up for a lot of faults in my book!

I've not stayed ar the Four Seasons but I've enjoyed their Sunday brunch at The Fountain and afternoon tea in the Swann Lounge. Lovely. Special. First rate. John G and Amy are on the mark with their restaurant suggestions. See www.gophila.com Enjoy your time in Philadelphia!

Thanks for your replys. We are going to be in town for three nights. It looks like Rittenhouse Square is the area to stay in. We will have to start calling around for reservations. Some places are already booked. We like many different types of entertainment. I think mostly, Jazz, folk, soft rock, theatre or even orchestra. Any suggestions? We also like to go to cozy bars with good drinks.

Friend went to College there she said the Four Season's has the best dessert menu. I would like to eat in the restaurant that appeared in the movie "the sixth sense". It is a seafood house in the Wall street area, can a local help us out on location and name here? I like strolling southstreet but I don't think you would call that romantic.

You mentioned jazz, so I'll suggest Zanzibar Blue. It's a club/restaurant on South Broad. Very popular -- you'll need reservations. I'm no jazz aficionado, but Zanzibar features a kinda "soft" jazz that appeals to some people.

Some suggestions from the locals: Zanzibar Blue is considered by many to be the best jazz club in Philly, 215-732-5200 Striped Bass, Brasserie Perrier, Le Bec Fin, or Suzanna Foo for dinner - book early. All near Rittenhouse area. Try citysearch.com and choose Philadelphia. You will find ratings on hotels & restaurants with reviews from other locals. Four Seasons is very expensive and very gorgeous, and whether or not you stay there, the Swann Lounge is a must. But an alternative to staying in Rittenhouse is the historic area near Penn's Landing and the river. It's where I'd choose if I were a visitor. (You can save money on your hotel and use it for dinner at the Striped Bass.) There are some nice B&Bs including Society Hill Hotel and Thomas Bond House. The former is small & colonial style and very charming with a nice piano bar & casual restaurant downstairs. Restaurant Panorama, La Famiglia, and Spasso (fabulous Italian food) are nice dinner spots on Front Street. Bookbinder's has closed but even if it reopens there are far better places to eat. Definitely go to Reading Terminal for lunch & gifts but do it weekday if you can, to avoid the Saturday mob. Wednesday thru Friday best because some of the Amish farmers aren't there earlier in the week. White Dog Cafe up in University City is a great romantic spot with different little rooms to dine in, just lovely with delightful food & wine. Also great for brunch. ADeux Cheminee (around 11th & Spruce) is very romantic and one of the top 30 restaurants in the USA according to Conde Nast. Also in Society Hill, terrific restaurants are the Fork or Tangerine (like an elegant Moroccan cave). There's a new Japanese restaurant at 7th and Market that looks sensational, can't remember name, starts with M - inside has glowing blue booths. City Tavern on 3rd Street near Walnut recreates authentic colonial dishes and serves with pewter dinnerware and waitstaff in 18th century costumes. VERY charming. Other great areas nearby: Antique Row (Pine Street from 10th to Broad), and the art galleries & ateliers & home accessory shops in Olde City (3rd & Arch area). There's a fabulous new Constitution Center at 6th & Arch for history. Also you can take a carriage ride through Society Hill with a guide who tells stories about the landmarks. Rittenhouse area is more upscale, with more high rises . . . Society Hill is more charming and historic, and the district along lower Market Street between Society Hill & Olde City is Philly's new Restaurant Row.