A Design Lover’s Guide to Philadelphia
Small town charm, serious national history, big culinary offerings, and an architectural wow factor make Philadelphia one of our coolest, most vital cities. Landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the country’s first stock exchange are big tourist draws, of course. But there’s much more to Philly—the only UNESCO World Heritage–listed city in the U.S.—than meets the eye, especially when it comes to architecture and design. To discover gems, delve deeper into the many distinctive neighborhoods: There’s the artsy, cobblestone-lined Old City, home to museums and dozens of art galleries; Fishtown and the Northern Liberties, two edgy, up-and-coming dining havens; and the two chic districts of Rittenhouse Square and French Quarter, which are filled with posh shops. We combed these spots and more to bring you the best of where to eat, drink, sleep, and shop in the City of Brotherly Love.
1/5Where to Drink
Double Knot (shown)
Although it offers a delicious food menu, Double Knot's coffee program truly stands out. There are myriad varieties on tap and a unique Modbar brewing system. If coffee’s not your thing, wait until 5 P.M., when the café turns into a cocktail bar. As a bonus, there’s an intimate izakaya (the Japanese version of a tavern) downstairs. Rustic interiors on the main floor feature antiqued mirror, exposed brick, and wood beams paired with leather chairs and vintage carpets, while a moodier gray palette decorates the subterranean dining space. 120 South 13th Street; doubleknotphilly.com
Hop Sing Laundromat
Noted for having one of the most diverse drink menus in the nation, this speakeasy is located behind a nondescript metal door on a Chinatown street. There’s no signage, no phone number, and no website. The odd yet intriguing design features a vestibule with church pews and a penny-covered floor, while the bar is swathed in red and decorated with old-world portraits and vintage lanterns. 1029 Race Street
2/5Where to Eat
SuGa (shown)
The latest venture of James Beard Award–winning chef Susanna Foo and son Gabriel, this Rittenhouse eatery features an impressive design heralded by a floor-to-ceiling mural of a Mongolian woman—an homage to chef Foo’s Mongolian roots. Menu items include Mongolian lamb, Mapo tofu, and Parmesan-crusted dumplings. 1720 Sansom Street; sugabyfoo.com
Wm. Mulherin’s Sons
Fishtown’s latest eatery, set in a former whiskey distillery built in the 1890s, definitely doesn’t disappoint—enjoy pizza fresh out of the wood-fired oven. The design fuses a chic gentlemen’s club aesthetic with the industrial flair to be expected of the conversion-happy neighborhood. 1355 North Front Street; wmmulherinssons.com
©Matthew Williams 20153/5Where to Stay
Roost Rittenhouse (shown)
Housed in a handsome turn-of-the-century edifice, this boutique property allows guests unique insight into living like a local. Each of the 27 units is kitted out with midcentury-inspired furniture, full kitchens, and in-unit washers and dryers. A dedicated restaurant is forthcoming, although given the proximity to Philly’s best eateries, current guests have plenty of options. From $235/night with a one-week minimum; myroost.com
Hotel Monaco Philadelphia
This whimsical boutique hotel is housed in an iconic building commissioned by the estate of Stephen Girard, a renowned mariner and one of the richest Americans in history. Inspired by Girard’s travels, the property offers serious sensory overload, from ornate check-in desks set against a backdrop of traditional Japanese calligraphy brushes to rooms featuring Chinese-inspired red-lacquered cabinets and heavily patterned carpets. The decor is a wonderful, eclectic swirl offering the perfect antithesis to the historic buildings it overlooks (Independence Hall is just across the street). It’s also home to two of Philly’s hottest dining spots—the Red Owl Tavern and Stratus, the city’s foremost rooftop bar. From $144/night; monaco-philadelphia.com
4/5Where to Shop
Shane Confectionery (shown)
You’ll truly like feel like a kid when you step inside the oldest continuously running confectionery in the country, which opened in 1863. With old-school counters, Chippendale-style shelves, and bird’s-eye maple floors, Shane, located in Old City, offers a history lesson in candymaking. Here you’ll find malt balls, lollipops, and, most famously, translucent candy toys (everything from amber Scottish terriers to green steam engines), all made in-house. 110 Market Street; shanecandies.com
Stars and Stripes
Located in the former parish house of a decommissioned Gothic Revival church, this concept store sells American-made home, men’s, and women’s wares against a backdrop of ornate leaded-glass windows and original wood detailing. Owners Jan and Robert Chevalier deal in Knoll furniture and have been known to offer design buffs tours of the church itself, which houses the Knoll business’s offices—just ask nicely! 2129 Chestnut Street; starsandstripesltd.com
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Ron & Patty Thomas5/5What to See
Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell (shown)
Though they may seem like cliché tourist attractions, they have incredible historical and architectural significance. The hall itself was built in 1753 and is where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed. Although the far larger Centennial Bell hangs in the tower of Independence Hall, its famously cracked brother is what really draws the crowds. 520 Chestnut Street; nps.gov
The LOVE Sculpture
If the Liberty Bell is a symbol of historic Philadelphia, then Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture symbolizes the modern-day City of Brotherly Love. Installed in 1976 to commemorate the Bicentennial, the beloved icon anchors John F. Kennedy Plaza. The park is currently undergoing a yearlong face-lift, so the crimson letters can be found across the way at Dilworth Park.
