Philadelphia Tourist Traps

[@HereBeBarr]

Can confirm Reading Terminal Market is the best Food Hall i've ever been to in the USA.

[@woltersworld]

it is amazing. We ate there like 4 days in a row. Even when we weren't hungry we had to grab somehting :)

[@aaronclift]

Absolutely agree!

[@custosdesign1053]

@@woltersworldsmall suggestion next time you’re in our beautiful city… Ask for the scrapple sliced thin & cooked extra crispy. You’ll thank me😊

[@gbalock]

I am a long time local and I would add two things to your list of must see places. One is Elfreth’s Alley in Old City. It is a residential street that has been kept as it was in the 1700s. They even have an open house once a year. The second is the Philadelphia Mural Project. There are hundreds of murals around the city and the project offers guided tours.

[@SanzL1]

I agree!

[@custosdesign1053]

@woltersworld as another local I second these suggestions!

[@mrbutch308]

I am a Philadelphian. Let me mention a few places worth visiting that are often overlooked by tourists: 1. Main Street in Manayunk - once a 19th Century factory town, then an early 20th Century artist's colony - a charming walkable gallery/shop/cafe district like Greenwich Village. 2. The Penn Museum (properly The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthrolopogy) fantastic exhibits of Asian, Egyptian (they have the 3rd largest Sphinx in the world), African, Judean, Greek and Roman artifacts. 3. Fairmount and Wissahickon Parks - urban forests with waterfalls and a glimpse into what Philly looked like before William Penn. 4. City Hall - one of the most opulent and ornate 19th Century Victorian buildings in the US - you can take a tour. It took 30 years to build - from 1870 until 1900, and is covered with more statuary than any other building in the US.

[@mrbutch308]

Oh, near the Kimmel Center of Performing Arts is "The Gayborhood" with lots of restaurants and bars and night spots. You don't have to be gay.

[@danacoleman6246]

I was in Philly this past weekend and visited Reading Terminal Market based on this video. It did NOT disappoint! The roasted pork sandwich and those pretzels-holy cow! I would brave that crowd again just for that pretzel alone.

[@thomasreiser]

Franklin Institute is a cool science museum

[@TheEquus92]

One of my favorite childhood places. The Giant Heart is iconic!

[@BaggieT]

Johns roast pork sandwich shop seems favourable for a decent cheesesteak with the locals

[@kevincinnamontoast3669]

Spoken like a true philadelphian, Johns makes sandwiches that are absolutely fine and dandy. Plus you can grab a snapple,herr's and tastycakes.

[@BaggieT]

@@kevincinnamontoast3669 I came back from Philly two weeks ago, unfortunately didn't get chance to eat here, but we did eat at Sonnys.

[@g.williams2047]

I went to Philly in 2017, it was a great time. Doing all the historical stuff was a great time, liberty bell had only a 10 minute wait for us, but the best part of the trip was Independence Hall. I would highly recommend going through it, both floors. Truly a great time and very interesting to view.

[@radioboyintj]

I'm glad you got to come to Philadelphia to see the history before Biden used the Declaration as toilet paper

[@mrbutch308]

@@radioboyintj Troll. It's "Diaper Don" Trump that is going to be locked up.

[@rherman]

Skip the Love sign. Go visit Valley Forge.

[@robertmoyer175]

Agree with the Pat’s vs Gino’s. Biggest tourist trap is going to watch the Phillies thinking they will win!

[@woltersworld]

burn there at the end with the phillies

[@robertmoyer175]

@@woltersworld Life long (70 + years) Phillies fan, not sure which is worse, colonoscopy, root canal, or the Phillies history of losing.

[@gio160]

This hurts even more now in the middle of the World Series 😔 so close yet so far

[@aaronclift]

For a non-tourist trap cheesesteak, try Dalessandro’s. The area it’s in is also really nice.

[@woltersworld]

thank you for the tip!

[@aaronclift]

@@woltersworld you're welcome!

[@johnathin0061892]

I remember asking the concierge at my hotel about Pat's and Geno's. He said just don't go there after dark, and don't leave anything valuable in your car. I enjoyed both, and the guys working at both were very friendly and talked to both for a while. I didn't have any trouble but... it is a rough area.

[@jturie]

This....absolutely the best, and then followed by Jim's

[@PASquared]

Amazing cheesesteak but as a resident...I sure wouldn't say the area is really nice

[@alec5400]

I love your videos and it's cool to see you do a series on my city. Hope you enjoyed yourself. Something I would add and I always tell friends that come here and even tourists I see at the Art Museum is this: at the Rocky statue there are sometimes a man/women or both that will try and make you think they work there. They will sometimes have name badges that seem legit and will organize a line for pictures. They make it appear their job is to organize the line and take photos. These people DO NOT work for the Art Museum. When you get to the front of the line the fake workers will ask for your phone to take a picture of you with Rocky. After they take the picture they will tell you that you owe between 5-10 dollars for them taking the picture. You won't really be able to avoid them but avoid conversation, tell them you do not want them to take your picture, and just ask the person/family in line behind you to take the picture. Don't let them tell you this isn't aloud.

[@woltersworld]

Great helpful tip. I didn't see them there when we were there

[@katesleuth1156]

Sounds like the scammers at Times Square NY dressed up as cartoon characters.

[@michaelantosch9888]

Whenever someone asks about the best cheesesteak, my response basically amounts to: "You can get them pretty much everywhere. Where is your hotel? I'll tell you a good place that's close to you."

[@pseudonymshqipe854]

Great answer lol

[@custosdesign1053]

Perfect answer. Obviously someone who knows the city👍

[@user-mq5hs1xp9x]

My grandfather moved that bell. Family pictures of him moving is very special.

[@BugMed]

Car rental. Do not rent a car in Philadelphia. Do not drive in Philly. You can use uber/cab for the times you need to get out further. Or even use Septa (just don't plan on prompt arrivals/departures. Use the train to get in/out of the city to go to other places. Boston, Philly and NYC...just never drive in any of them. Also, check out Rittenhouse Town and the Laurel Hill Cemetery.

[@apushkal]

Do you mean Rittenhouse Square?

[@custosdesign1053]

I’m quickly becoming addicted to your channel😊 BEST CHEESESTEAK advice yet! You literally said what I tell anyone coming to our great city when they ask about cheesesteaks! Don’t bother with the “big names”, just ask the locals👍 Literally every neighborhood has a good spot & they’re all better than Pat’s or Geno’s. And scrapple! My absolute favorite breakfast food here. Pork roll is awesome too but you can find that other places in the northeast. Scrapple is a uniquely a Philly thing.

[@donaldlewis567]

Best non tourist traps - Wawa, Mutter Museum, Reading Terminal Market

[@woltersworld]

All great

[@davidr2802]

@@woltersworld so why do you say the Reading Terminal is a tourist trap. That frankly is just wrong.

[@custosdesign1053]

@@woltersworldall of the museums between City Hall & the Phila Art Museum are gems. Especially my personal favorite- the Rodin Museum

[@johnpenwell6402]

If you want a great view of the skyline, head to Bok bar. The building isn’t particularly tall but since south Philly is mostly row homes you get a great view from the rooftop deck. Good drinks too.

[@jasonmims5057]

When I went to Philadelphia on July 2019 for my birthday I could only take one picture of the liberty bell because there was a group of people behind me that were very impatient and when I moved they crowed around it taking selfies like it was a very famous celebrity.

[@kimmontenegro2258]

The Philadelphia Flower Show is great!

[@Robloschannelnumbergazillion]

Bensalem is also an option. It's much more green, right next to Philadelphia, and has some cool things like Growden Mansion and Neshaminy!

[@jhansen4661]

Glad to see this. I'm visiting Philly next month

[@mrbutch308]

Hope you have a great time.

[@robertshaw7523]

Go for the roast pork sandwich over the cheesesteak, or get a chicken cutlet sandwich with broccoli rabe and extra sharp provolone.

[@woltersworld]

Yes! I loved the roast pork more

[@robertshaw7523]

@@woltersworld Try a chicken cutlet next time - out of this world.

[@SanzL1]

I took my seven-year-old niece to the Betsy Ross House. My niece lives in Indiana. She LOVED it!!

[@chriswharton]

You’re good,mate, much appreciated and thank you.

[@woltersworld]

Cheers!

[@davestrasburg408]

Philadelphia is a fascinating city; and like Boston, it has so much of interest concerning the American Revolution. lt is very easy to get there from New York City on a daytrip, only two hours. But how can one possibly go anywhere near the Liberty Bell without actually going in?

[@gotravelwithstaci]

I've never been a Cheese Whiz fan, but Philly proved to me that a cheesesteak "wit Whiz" is the yummiest trap this tourist wants to repeat every day lol

[@cherrelle40]

Thanks! Can't wait to visit Reading Market!

[@tehamill1]

Love that you’re making these great videos about my city!

[@woltersworld]

I loved philly!

[@TAM94114]

yeah, but are these the videos we really want? Some shill calling historical areas 'tourist traps", I lost count how many times those words were said in this video and shut it off after 3 minutes. . Just the LA one, not helpful at all.

[@SiRenfield]

Honestly the only slight tourist trap type thing I’m somewhat considering is the replica of Paddy’s Pub from It’s Always Sunny, it’s not even a 1:1 recreation it’s rather small! But it at least sparks my curiosity

[@mustloveadventure1718]

Completely agree with all of this! Spot on

[@woltersworld]

Thank you!

[@mercedeswilkins9085]

Liberty bell is a must when visiting Philly

[@donaldc3950]

I like Chinatown for lunch.

[@PASquared]

For the gearheads- the Simeone Automotive Museum is consistently ranked one of the best car collections in the world. And twice a month they drive some of their collection cars on the property. Incredible museum

[@BaggieT]

Thanks for this

[@AnnaMargolin]

Beggars are incredibly aggressive and can actually verge on abusive if you don't give them a certain amount of money. Not even money, per se, but the amount they feel is appropriate. There seems to be an unspoken going minimum rate for contributions (two to three dollars, depending on location). But if you don't give at least a dollar, be prepared for a torrent of verbal abuse.

[@mrbutch308]

I agree. I avoid all contact with them.

[@tictactoejoe]

@@mrbutch308 you vote Democrat...you deserve this

[@mrbutch308]

@@tictactoejoe BS. Homelessness is a problem neither Republicans nor Democrats can control. In fact the number of homeless people on the street exploded when Reagan cut off all funding for people with mental issues in hospitals. The very worse and poorest places in the US are the so-called "red states" like Louisiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, etc. These are places that score the lowest in education, healthcare, economic development, quality of life, etc.

[@tictactoejoe]

@@mrbutch308 and President Clinton cut welfare. To almost nothing...Bidens crime bill with Clinton in 1993 put more black Americans in prison at that time than even today

[@tictactoejoe]

And the blue states. 545 black on black murders last year...2000 black on black murders in Chicago..over 400 black on black murders....I'd rather be poor than. ...effen dead. Yesterday your hero progressive DA let a democrat who shot a cop go free....it's Putins fault. Sorry

[@steamgent4592]

Makes me miss home. Philly was just a short drive away. So many cultural things to do you can't visit them all in even a week. So many museums and places to go. Mh top 5 museums = Independence Hall Complex, The University of Penn Museum, The Franklin Institute, the Art Museum, Sea Port Museum (@ Penns Landing along Delaware /Columbus Ave with USS Olympia the White Fleet ship remaining from the early Iron US Navy. Cross the Delaware river into New Jersey check out the Battleship New Jersey via ferry boat. Other places to visit, Ben Franklin's Museum and 1st US Post Office, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (incredible inside & out) Macy's formerly John Wanamakers beautiful store has a awesome largest operating pipe organ with light show during Christmas, City Hall, Old City, South st for loads of shopping, Carpenters Hall, Edger Allen Poes home, Philadephia Zoo the list goes on and on...... Reading Terminal Market is the best, he didnt mention it, but Bassets Ice Cream is there, the oldest Ice Cream Co in America still going and delicious. Italian Market is better for the locals but also has good eateries. If you like the outdoors Fairmount Park along East and West River drives now Kelly and MLK drives. Manayunk section on downtown main st. is a good shopping and dining area as well. Best Cheesesteak that's a matter of opinion but I don't like Pat's their neighbor Genos is better but they're not the best either but at least it doesn't come with Cheese wiz. Old Philly Cheesesteaks came with Provolone cheese. Today however thats usually a request as Welfare American Cheese has replaced it.

[@tobiojo9454]

Awesome video

[@13bcoffee]

I really wish that visitors would checkout the museums rather than going down there for the Rocky statue. Right at that location you have the Phila Museum of Art (top 20 in the world). Rodin Museum and many others. The Reading Market is a must if you like to eat. I would also suggest visiting Chinatown. Philly has one of the best in the USA and it's right next to the Reading Market. The Penns Landing is a nice place to visit with a park, skating, ship visits and just a nice place to walk on the waterfront. I also would recommend the casinos. Philly has several and even you don't gamble you can hang at the bar and watch sports or check out a live band. I also would include a visit to Rittenhouse Square which is a park surrounded by million dollar condos. There are also lots of nice eateries and stores in this area.

[@geoffmarshall6925]

You can get an amazing view of Center City (downtown) walking along the Schulykill River Trail. You can park near the Art Museum and walk along trail until you eventually get to what they call the "boardwalk" where you walk out over the Schulykill River; and at this point you will have an amazing view of the skyline

[@annad3377]

Philly girl here. Spot on everything! American with, anti-Betsy Ross house, shop at Reading terminal weekly.

[@euroschmau]

I so agree with Liberty observation deck, such a disappointment! If you want to go up a building in Center City, go up the Lowes Hotel, I forget the floor, but the view is over Center city viewing towards City Hall (and I think it's still free!). Also, if you're here April to October, go to Bok Rooftop Bar in South Philly...it's kind of out of the way but it is an amazing view, especially at sunset 🌆 🌇

[@indonesianprincess]

Sweet! I hope you didn't skip on the Beilers donuts @ Term Market...omg the maple bacon one is amazing!! - id say don't skip Independence Hall it's worth at least one visit if you don't think you're going to come to Philly again.... I really like Tony Lukes cheesesteaks but my hubby loves Jim's on south street.... and Maglios Market...they have great pork products and cheese...darn it now I'm hungry lol

[@woltersworld]

WE HAD THEM!!! SOOOOOO GOOD!!!

[@indonesianprincess]

@@woltersworld yay!!

[@doowopshopgal]

Excellent

[@woltersworld]

Thank you!

[@tmsact]

Man! Wish I didn’t have eosinophilic esophagitis! I would love to try the food you post on your video. Thank you for sharing though. Love your channel!

[@TripHacksDC]

The line at the Liberty Bell during 8th grade field trip season 👀 I do like the exhibits at the Liberty Bell Center though, even if the bell itself is kind of a letdown.

[@woltersworld]

7th level of hell :)

[@jimcathcart5116]

The value of the Betsy Ross house is to see how people lived in the 1700’s

[@MartinProud]

Living In Philly suburbs I can go anytime.

[@paulcunningham2859]

Nice

[@mkphilly]

I associate tourist "traps" with being bilked out of money, and these are more "not really what you expect" things in Philly. And the food prices at the Reading Terminal are NOT more expensive.

[@toy4x4nj]

The one Liberty observation deck is Permanently closed

[@georgerigberg4335]

And whatever you do, once you've here don't ask for a "Philly Cheesesteak." It just shouts "I'm a tourist!" You're in Philly, there ALL Philly Cheesesteaks. For one of the best, go to John's Roast Pork. Go with some one so you can share a steak AND the pork. Way better than Dinics at RTM! ONLY SHOP WITH JAS BEARD AWARD!

[@robertfeinberg748]

I don't buy the whole Rocky thing, never liked Stallone. At RTM, Bassett's Ice Cream is on of the greatest products of the US.

[@EPA18]

The liberty bell has a backside?

[@frankjhall1]

What I want to know. Who dropped the Bell 😂

[@420beach_bum]

Ishkabibbles is the most delicious cheesesteak in Philly im a near by native not 20 min away and why your there shyne jewelers is next door where every eagles player and rappers from meek mill to nba young boy to lil durk to country stars have gotten there custom jewelry!! Cool place FYI ishkabibbles 1 not 2 there’s 2 stores go to original

[@thomasreiser]

One Liberty is closed

[@Jimbo1268]

Dude, today, you might get shot in Philly. I worked there 2007-2017 and grew up in South Jersey.

[@MartinProud]

The constitution center

[@stephenr115]

Hello from Quincy ! I was happy to hear you were from Quincy! Wish I could have contact with you to discuss upcoming trip “3 brother and a cousin.” Let me know if I can contact you?

[@woltersworld]

Sounds like a fun trip. Are you related to Jim Rapp?

[@stephenr115]

@@woltersworld yes he is my brother. I’d like to pick your brain and easy way to call for my cell number is to call my law office or I could send to your email

[@stephenr115]

@@woltersworld we are taking a 5 week trip to Germany brothers Mike and Bob taking courses at Heidelberg University and we will be follow family roots and shoots in Berge Germany (Middendorf side) and RAPP side. And Cousin Dave’s Dad was part of Patton’s army so we will be checking out where he crossed Rhine. Fun fun fun!

[@woltersworld]

@@stephenr115 just email. you can find my email on the "about" page on our channel page here on KZbin. I deleted your phone number as you don't want that in a youtube comments section :)

[@stephenr115]

@@woltersworld can’t see an actual email but I turn 65 soon that could explain. If you could somehow point this out better I’d appreciate it. Really great work that you and your wife do! I’m been binge watching in prep for trip. Wurst and smoked beer oh yea!

[@Simonofcalifornia]

Liberty bell itself. It’s not even the real one and got a shady history

[@maskinisten019]

Albania anytime soon? 🇦🇱

[@AStupidTourist]

Kensington Street is the heart of philly

[@mrbutch308]

No it's not. It's in North Philly.

[@keithfaust8925]

Tourist trappy: South Street. It's not what it used to be, and pretty "meh" these days, imo. Instead, walk around the Queen Village/Bella Vista neighborhoods for cool shops, boutiques and cafes. Also, cheesesteaks are better with American cheese instead of Wiz.

[@jencrecelius3565]

Totally agree about South Street, or maybe I'm just old now lol. Took my daughter a couple of years ago and it's definitely not the same as it used to be, so lame now.

[@Luv2tickt]

Still sucks they moved Rocky!

[@kevincinnamontoast3669]

Why?

[@radioboyintj]

Seriously? Damn ok. Don't whiz on my cheesesteak

[@AvocadoAtrocity]

Filthadelphia itself is a tourist trap.

[@radioboyintj]

There's no bigger tourist trap than Kensington when you have money and you want to buy crack

[@LincolnLagger]

So basically, don't go to Philadelphia