go_laura

Just a quick check that you know if you stick to your current itinerary, City Hall would come naturally after Rittenhouse, before Reading Terminal Market, rather than the order you have listed. Otherwise you're backtracking, which I doubt you want to do when you're limited on time.

Personally, I wasn't very taken by the Constitution Center, tho' I've spoken with many who've loved it, so I do think it's personal taste. I love the Rodin Museum, a small museum not far from the Art Museum and not mentioned nearly often enough, imho (tho' I was glad to see it mentioned earlier in this thread!)

But if you don't head to the Rodin, how about this for a radical suggestion....how about hopping into the Art Museum for a bit on Sunday before or after the Cherry Tree Festival while you're in that area (since you're not big museum people, you can go for free and not spend as much time), and then do the Italian Market on Tues. morning, followed by what you now have as Tues. morning, in the afternoon instead (the Italian Market is best in mornings - go to Sarcone's for some bread and Claudio's for some fresh to the minute mozzarella!).

Btw, I lived on Washington Square for a couple years, not too long ago. Many people are still walking in it early evening, so I think it's quite safe (and I'm fairly conservative in that way) but there's just really not much to see. In daylight, tho', it's easily attached as part of your Mon. itinerary (just diagonally across the st. from Independence Mall), and tourists seemed to very much enjoy it.

Also, do check Naked Chocolate Cafe's hours, if you haven't already. Lots of places close early on Sun. in Philly.

Have fun!

MLTimes

Washington Square isn't scary or tree-filled. It's quite a lovely place to sit and relax in the evening.

I would definitely skip eating at Pizzicato. It's just not that good. IF you want to eat in Old City, try Bistro 7 (across the street on 3rd a few steps above Market) for a great BYOB (state store is on 2nd st. just below market). Or, for pub food, Society Hill Hotel is a good bet and fairly popular with those of us who live in the neighborhood.

I honestly don't understand the love affair with Naked Chocolate. Now, a gelato from Capogiro I would travel miles for. But Naked Chocolate? Not so much. (But then again, I don't know why visitors like to go to 9th Street to buy components of a meal-- I'd much rather have someone cook for me at Branzino, L'Angolo, Ansill, Dmitri's . . .)

go_laura

Heck, they're on vacation, why not Naked Chocolate one day, Capogiro another But at Naked Chocolate, I highly recommend getting a chocolate drink, I don't think their cupcakes are anything special.

I love getting the components because they are such incredibly good components, plus the atmosphere of the Italian Market is something you don't get just anywhere. But that's a daytime experience.

But for a restaurant meal, yes, Branzino, L'Angolo, Tres Scalini... hey, op didn't have a dinner choice yet for Sun. night, right? I also really like August, tho' it's not near much of anything else, so it's not where I usually point visitors.

bachslunch

Two other restaurants I liked when I went to this city were Rangoon (Burmese, in Chinatown) and Estia (higher-end Greek seafood). There's always cheesesteaks, too. Also liked Franklin Fountain for ice cream.

adam09

Any opinions on the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology?

Amy

I love the U of P Museum, but it really depends on what you've been to already in the line of artifact museums/what your interests are (as far as spending your limited time here.) The building itself is part of what I love, and the domed area with the Empress Cu-xi's solid crystal "gazing ball" is one of my favorite spots in the city, but then, I'm a bit of a history fan. (Like the ocean is a little wet.) I've been going here since I was in 5th grade, and I still find things I haven't seen before.

Oh, and as for Naked Chocolate, for those wondering about its appeal: the Aztec drinking chocolate. Best legal buzz ever. (I like the carrot cake cupcakes and the nudos, preferably the ones with caramel inside, too, but it's about the drinking chocolate. By the way, unique shopping in the area of the Walnut Street NC cafe at duross and langel soaps: www.durossandlangel.com )

PaulRabe

Like just about every museum in Philly, the U Penn A&A Museum is excellent IF you are into the sort of things they collect. There are lots of artifacts from all over the world, covering a great deal of cultures. It's NOT for young kids, or for adults with no interest in archeology. I found it fascinating, but I'm into that topic.

Amy

Hi, adam09, just checking in to see if your trip went well! (Our apologies for all the rain. )
Hope you had a great time visiting the Keystone State.