Reading Terminal (pronounced “Redding” like Otis) is one of the oldest and largest urban markets in the country, and it’s a true wonderland for all the senses. There’s no shortage of local, delicious things to eat here—from cheesesteaks and ethnic foods to ice cream and tons of farm-fresh produce. The Amish markets—open every day except for Sundays—are a particularly worthwhile draw, with their fresh-baked whoopie pies, cheese from the farm and a variety of canned pickled goodies.

Compared to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the smaller Barnes Foundation offers a more downscale art-browsing experience, but with every bit as much of a wow factor. The museum—a modern architectural marvel in itself—is home to one of the most renowned collections of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings in the world. The galleries are lined with pieces by greats like Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse and Rousseau.

Just to the northwest of City Hall, LOVE Park is home to one of the most iconic Philadelphia images: Robert Indiana’s vibrant “LOVE” sculpture. Snap a selfie in front of the artwork and then enjoy the park, which serves as an entrance to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It was recently renovated to include more green space, comfortable seating and an understated water fountain.

The toniest zip code in Philadelphia beckons travelers and locals alike with an array of stellar restaurants, happy-hour spots and shopping galore. Hit Walnut Street, from Broad to 19th streets, for Philly’s closest thing to New York City’s 5th Avenue. The promenade is filled with shops to fit every budget, like Zara, Anthropologie, L’Occitane and awesome locally owned sneaker boutique Ubiq. Not in the mood to shop? Most people come here for the people-watching alone.

You can't miss this imaginative museum on South Street, with its façade—and even some surrounding buildings—plastered with bits of colored glass and shards, broken ceramics and even bicycle wheels. The experience continues inside, as you wind your way through mosaic hallways and step into gleaming courtyards. The labyrinthine museum is the product of the insanely creative mind of local artist Isaiah Zagar, who’s gone on to contribute hundreds of mosaics throughout South Philadelphia.

Dinner at modern Israeli eatery Zahav, widely regarded as the number one restaurant in town, is an experience in itself—especially if you and your dinner guests opt for the “tayim,” a smorgasbord of small plates that will give you a taste of all the wonderful flavors the restaurant is famous for. The spread begins with a whirlwind of six daily vegetable salads and mouth-watering houmous. You also get to choose from two mezze, or small plates, one larger, grilled entrée and dessert.

The Rail Park—a long-unused railway line that’s been converted into an elevated urban park—is only in its earliest stages but it’s already rad enough to warrant a visit. Located in Callowhill, the completed quarter-mile section of the planned three-mile greenway is outfitted with trees, shrubbery, plenty of benches, public art and a group of massive swings where you can sit and take in the urban view.

This museum houses a curious collection of antique medical oddities, deformed organs floating in jars of formaldehyde, anatomical specimens and wax models. You can admire the 200-year-old conjoined liver of famous “Siamese Twins” Chang and Eng Bunker, spot marks of genius while staring at pieces of Albert Einstein’s brain and ponder the mystery of the famed “Soap Lady,” a local woman whose body was exhumed in 1875 after being encased in a bizarre soap-like fatty substance.

Once the world’s most expensive prison, Eastern State Penitentiary is now a fascinating museum, charting nearly 150 years of criminal history. The imposing fortress closed its doors in 1971, but not before it housed renowned inmates like Al Capone and Slick Willie Sutton, who famously tunneled out of the prison in 1945. Guests are able to walk through the creepy halls and peer into the empty cells, all while listening to a Steve Buscemi-narrated audio guide.

If Philly is known for anything in the food-and-drink world other than cheesesteaks and pretzels, it’s the vision-blurring, throat-burning Citywide Special, a stout concoction that pairs a shot of Jim Beam with a Pabst Blue Ribbon chaser. You can find a Citywide at most bars in Philadelphia—some even offer high-end versions of the stuff—but you’ll want to try it at the place where it originated: legendary South Street dive bar Bob & Barbara’s Lounge.