Best of Philly

Best Tourist Attraction

2019 Best Place That’ll Make You Forget You’re in A.C.

The Boardwalk Extension

A.C. has been building out the northern end of its boardwalk for the past several years to provide relief from the bustle of casino central. The stretch that extends past Ocean Casino Resort and then banks to the left along Gardner’s Basin is serene, commercially undeveloped and postcard-perfect. Read More »

2019 Best Institution to Rediscover

Philadelphia Zoo

With the brand-new ropes course and soaring zip line, the beer garden, and the rebirth of the famous Zoo Key, it’s a good time to ask yourself: “When was the last time I was at the Philly Zoo?” For something a little more VIP, book a behind-the-scenes encounter with your favorite animal. (Two words: giraffe selfie.) Read More »

3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA | 215-243-1100 | Website

2019 Best Hope for A.C.’s Future

The Orange Loop

The locus of A.C.’s comeback can be found in the Orange Loop, a collection of restaurants and bars plus a music venue, a yoga studio, and a hip cafe along the beach blocks of Tennessee Avenue, St. James Place and New York Avenue (a.k.a. the orange properties in Monopoly). Many additional projects are in the works, including a shipping-container hotel! Read More »

Website

2016 Best New Tourist Attraction

One Liberty Observation Deck

Sure, the Comcast Center is taller, but unless you're buddies with Brian Roberts, you're probably not getting up there. Instead, for $19 (kids are $14) you can get a 360-degree look at the city from the 57th floor of One Liberty Place. Make it an after-dinner activity (it's open till 10 p.m.) to see the city twinkling at night. Read More »

1650 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-561-3325 | Website

2012 Best Hidden Tourist Attraction

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

You've never been to the 17th-century-style Japanese house and garden in Fairmount Park? What kind of Philadelphian are you? Come for the monthly traditional chado tea ceremonies, to see the just-restored Sakura Pavilion from the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, or simply to stroll the grounds and feed the koi. Psst: The summer camps for kids-taiko drumming, origami, calligraphy, kimono-dressing-are the chicest in town. Read More »

Horticultural and Lansdowne Drives, Philadelphia, PA | 215-878-5097 | Website

2013 Best Tourist Attraction

Reading Terminal Market

Readers' Choice: A smorgasbord of everything from Bassett's ice ceam to DiNic's roast pork to Lancaster County produce, all under one roof? Most of us think this is the best impression Philly could make on visitors. Read More »

12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA | 215-922-2317 | Website