For your Philadelphia visitors

For an expat is out of this world the feeling of anticipation prior to the visit of dear friends and family... Excitement that just compares to the feeling of traveling their way! There is so much to see here, and so many places to be, and people to meet... Even though seems insane to present all the pieces to guests, as if they would be able to see things thro your lenses and experience your new hometown as you do as an expatriate... I can't help myself trying to do so! And if this isn't a love note to Philadelphia, what else would be?


Then, you thought it would be super easy to find online some itinerary tours for Philadelphia... So did I!!! Until I started to put together a plan for my sister, who is visiting me in few weeks. Places to go and reviews are available everywhere, but a plan that makes sense allowing you to visit recommended locations in the same surroundings... Is painful! Well, handing your family a tour map would do the work - but between us, giving them a welcome letter + itinerary would show much more appreciation... Here I share with you my homework, so you don't have to go thro the same when is your turn to host. So make your welcome letter personal, and go ahead using the info below!

*Be advised I'm skipping every description either because is self-explanatory, or easy to find anywhere else including on spot... oh well, you are probably already familiar to all! Also, keep first Fridays and Sundays always in mind because of tourism attractions savings ;)


WEEKEND PLAN
Day 1.
Morning: Saints Peter & Paul cathedral, Franklin Institute, Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, Rocky steps, Art Museum
Lunch pause: Boat row and Kelly Drive
Afternoon: Eastern State Penitentiary
Evening: Fairmont area bars and restaurants
Day 2.
Morning: Liberty Bell, Constitution Center, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Museum of American Jewish history
Lunch pause: Old city or Reading terminal market
Afternoon: Federal Reserve, 1st and 2nd Bank of America, Betsy Ross house, Penn's landing
Late afternoon and evening: Old city and Society Hill bars and restaurants
Day 3.
Morning: Italian market, Magic Gardens - South st
Lunch pause: Geno's cheesesteak
Afternoon: Spruce st Harbor Park
Evening: City Hall, Dilworth Park, Love Park, Rittenhouse sq bars and restaurants

Consider squeezing in the following attractions if your guests have kids: Philadelphia Zoo, Please Touch Museum, Smith's Playhouse, Adventure Aquarium, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, and Sesame place. But let them know, these are not located near anything in the plan above (yikes!)

If they have more time: Stroll around and eat in Chestnut Hill, Manayunk and Northern Liberty. Also there are plenty of beer gardens in the city these days, including East Passyunk. The one at the Spruce st Harbor Park is swwwwweeet!

I have made a 22 days tour plan for my sister, considering every children friendly activity plus DC and Manhattan. Depending on your responses I may share that later too. That's all for now, ladies!

Hope you have the joy of hosting family and friends soon!