While I was doing research for a family trip, I started a
MyMaps of Jewish Philly.
Warning! This wiki is not complete. Please read through the thread for more info.. Info Outdated. Check before you go!
AttractionsFranklin InstitutePlease Touch MuseumNational Constitution CenterUS MintAdventure Aquarium (just across the river in Camden, NJ)
Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA (about 45 minutes south-west of the city)
Eastern State PenitentiaryNational Museum of American Jewish HistoryPhiladelphia ZooIndependence Seaport MuseumSmith PlaygroundPhiladelphia's Magic GardensOne Liberty Observation DeckLiberty Bell (plus a bunch of other historical sites nearby)
Independence Hall
Trolley tour bus
For discounts on admission, consider the Philadelphia Pass or the Philadelphia City Pass (if your visiting enough attractions), or buy the Entertainment book for the coupons. If you order it online, you should be able to print out all of the coupons you need immediately.
HotelsThe Ritz-Carlton located near City Center was originally a Bank and worth a visit.
Sheraton Society Hill is near the Liberty Bell area and the River. (probably the best place to stay for shabbos)
the Westin is by Rittenhouse Sq and City Center is North of City Hall area closer to Museum Row.
The Westin on 17th & Liberty. has some Old World charm to it
Sheraton City Center - was fine. clean, neat, pool and fitness but nothing special
Le Meridian across from city hall
Hyatt at the Bellevue on Walnut and Broad st.
Hyatt Penn's Landing
Homewood Suites City Avenue
Westin a plain hotel over the River in Mt Laurel , NJ
Aloft - Mt Laurel. (Aloft is not your typical hotel. Very young crowd. Relaxed staff. Place is nice and new).
RestaurantsCenter City:
Burger.org -
1901 Chesnut Street CLOSED
Mama's Vegetarian CLOSED
Center City Soft Pretzel Co. - unusual hours
University City:
Kosher Dining at the University of Pennsylvania - check hours/dates, only open during academic year
Lower Merion (20-25 min from center city, but up to 45 in traffic):
Shalom PizzeriaCitron and Rose - more upscale. Make reservations in advance. Closed but recently reopened (as of May 17, 2017)
The Dairy -
very nice dairy restaurant.
CLOSED
Star of David Kosher grill- 942 Montgomery Ave, Narberth, PA 19072. Cheaper option for meat, Chinese, sushi
Nana's kitchen in the JCC-Address: 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA 19096 Phone:(703) 586-3103- Call before, but usually open in the daytime with seating. Don't have to be a member to attend. Excellent dairy food options and very reasonably priced.
Northeast (35 min from downtown):
Holy Land Grill-permanently closed
Espresso Cafe
Cherry Grill in Cherry Hill, NJ is just across the Delaware River (via Ben Franklin Bridge.). Fairly classy ambience, better than decent food. 3/5 stars. Hechsher by the O-K and the Cherry K Vaad Hakashruth.
This is a pretty good list of the generally accepted kosher restaurants in Philly.
This is the website for the generally accepted community hechsher:
http://www.keystone-k.info/ShulsOrthodox Jewish Philadelphia Directorywww.phillyshul.com (actually 2 shuls which they alternate between). Run by a very nice chabad rabbi.
Sephardi shul (
www.mikvehisrael.org)
Mekor Habracha
Lower Merion (15 min drive from downtown):
Lower Merion SynagogueYoung Israel of the Main Line Philadelphia Community Kollel - next door to Citron and Rose
Northeast (35 min drive from downtown):
Congregation Ahavas TorahBensalem (10 min drive from Sesame Place)
http://www.bensalemoutreach.org/Eruv Maps http://www.philly-direct.com/frum/eruv.html