tec

My husband and I are going to spend a long weekend in Philadelphia to celebrate my 30th birthday. He has never been to Philly before and I haven't been since I was a kid. I'm looking for suggestions for sights and restaurants -- we are looking forward to a romantic and relaxing weekend. We plan on visiting the Consitution Center and Reading Market, and of course eating a cheese steak.

We are staying at the Park Hyatt (although it is not to late to change hotels if someone has a better idea!) We are thinking of having dinner one night at Moshulu, so I would love opinions on that as well. I have also read about a dessert buffet at the Swan Lounge -- does anyone have any experience with that? I read that is supposed to be Viennese style and since dh and I met in Vienna, we thought it might be a delicious reminder of all of the dates we spent enjoying coffee and cake in Europe!

While we enjoy the finer things in life, we are also a relaxed, laid back couple and have little interest in shopping as we can get our fill of that at home!

Thanks in advance for all of your tips and tidbits!

Kelyspo

Hi Tec,
We've lived halfway between NYC and Philly for the last two years, but admittedly have spent much more time in NY. One thing we really enjoyed was taking a carriage ride around historic Philadelphia (aka the Benjamin Franklin legend tour...j/k). The carriage drivers usually congregate outside Independence Hall. Very romantic. Also, I've heard that the Philly Art Museum is nice -- have yet to go.
Sorry I don't have more to offer.

SenecaGirl

It sounds like you have a great plan! I've been to the Park Hyatt 3 times (on a business trip), and really liked it. The rooms are good sized, and lots of nice amenities in the bathroom. Bathrobes/slippers too!

You also have my top three suggestions -- Constitution/Reading/Cheese! The Museum of Art is great, and no one can resist the Rockey steps there!

I have no advice on the restaurants you have, hopefully someone else can advise. There are lots of great places, my absolute fav being Buddakan. I like walking around Rittenhouse Square, and South St. is great for walking around and doing some serious people watching! I would walk back up on 4th or 5th to Market St. thru the old townhouses. Really nice in the late afternoon.

I have been to the Ritz Carlton that has a dessert buffet -- serious chocolate served in their rotunda. My busband and I went and had a great time -- that is about a 3 minute walk from your hotel and they have it on Fri/Say nights I think (check their web-site).

Happy 30th Birthday!! Whoo-hoo!!

tec

Thanks for your responses!

Kelyspo - a carriage ride sounds fantastic. I think we'll add that to our plans.

And SenecaGirl - thanks for the endorsement for the Park Hyatt.

michelleNYC

For a 30th birthday celebration, I would stay at the The Rittenhouse on Rittenhouse Square. Leading Hotel of the World, great rooms, service, etc. Have dinner at Striped Bass.

SenecaGirl

I don't know what the cost differences are between Park Hyatt and the Rittenhouse, however I've stayed at both. The Park Hyatt is as central as you can get in Center City -- easy to get anywhere. As far as room comparison, I don't think the extra money is worth it. If I had to pick between the two, and the Park Hyatt is cheaper -- I'd definitely go with the Park Hyatt. I don't mean to knock the Rittenhouse -- it is a great hotel, but the Park Hyatt is great for the $$ you spend.

Oh, just to let you know -- the Park Hyatt's lobby is actually on the top floor of the hotel, with a HUGE lobby with piano and tons of old-style couches to relax in. Great views of the city. The bar right by the lobby is very nice -- library type with leather chairs/couches.

TKT

for music in Philly check out these jazz and blues clubs/restaurants

www.warmdaddys.com
www.zanzibarblue.com

zanzibar is more of an upscale place.

Mcat

Hmm, not sure if the food at the Moshulu is any better after they renovated it, but in previous years one would go for the ambience, not the food. Even if the food has improved, it's still more for tourists than locals. Go to chowhound.com for a more definitive answer.

I've been to the Swann Lounge, although not for the dessert buffet alone, but I've had the desserts there and you won't be dissapointed. It's a very pretty room too, with comfy couches and musicians.

Frank

Done miss Breakfast/Brunch at the Ethel Barrymore Room atop the Park Hyatt, it's a grand affair with great views.

buongiorno

As a native, I can tell you there's a lot to do here. The restaurant scene is dramatically better than the old days. If you want excellent dinners in relaxed atmospheres rather than some of the stuffy places, head to some of the great BYOB's, Tre Scalini on 11th, Django on 4th and Matyson on 19th among many others. While Philly is known for its cheesesteaks, I would opt for the lesser known but tastier Italian roast pork. Go to Tony Luke's on Oregon Avenue and get the roast pork Italian with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe. Also, try some spots in Chinatown. The Constitution Center is worth the trip but you may also want to try The Philadelphia Art Museum, The Rodin, The Academy of Natural Sciences and The Franklin Institute. Since your into the relaxing thing you may also want to do a morning at one of the many spas in town. Enjoy the city!!

schmerl

You've gotten some great recommendations here. There are so many great restaurants in Phila, that I would not waste a meal at the Moshulu. Go there for drinks after dinner instead. For great info on all the activities in the city, go to www.gophila.com

buddd

We ate at the Moshulu recently and loved it. And we are residents! Highly recommend.

liasun71

for brunch on sunday try villani. they also have great food for dinner but their brunch is excellent. so, is Devon which is on rittenhouse sq. the food at devon in genl is great.
if you are looking for a few cool pubs to hang out at, try tir na nog; the black sheep; for some fun try cuba libre- latin food and music. excellent with regards to both. i have not heard great things about moshulu. i have to agree with the idea to stay at the rittenhouse. the place is on the top 100 hotels in the country by travel and leisure and the price diff. is not that much i dont think and the rooms are huge. fado is another good pub and the continental is a 30 something hangout...there are two of them...
you need to go to swanky bubbles... either pre or post dinner. its a drinky drink type of place...very nice atmosphere. i am a convert nyc goer and love philly now. i dont live there but about 45 min. away..however, my bro in law lives so, ask if you have questions.
most important though have a great birthday...