Market East & the Convention Center: Philly's Global Events Hub

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1. Feast at the iconic Reading Terminal Market

Opgericht in 1892, het historische Reading Terminal Market remains one of the greatest public markets in the country.

Visitors love the market’s myriad options, from global eats to authentic Philly cheesesteaks and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare. The market offers plenty of shopping, too, from handmade imported crafts to cut flowers, coffee, decadent desserts and so much more.

Pro-tip: Head to the market early on weekday mornings to experience the quietest time.

  - Foto door Visit Philadelphia

2. See America’s first art museum and art school

De Pennsylvania Academie voor Schone Kunsten (PAFA) has served as one of Philadelphia’s most important artistic hubs since 1805. The museum’s permanent collection includes paintings, sculpture and works on paper, together telling the story of early American art.

PAFA’s Frank Furness-designed Historic Landmark Building, heralded by the 51-foot Verfbrander beeldhouwwerk van Claus Oldenburg, blijft een van de mooiste nog bestaande voorbeelden van Victoriaanse gotische architectuur in Amerika.

  - Foto door R. Kennedy voor Visit Philadelphia

3. Explore Philadelphia’s City Hall and Dilworth Park

The largest municipal building in the country, Philadelphia’s City Hall stands 548 feet tall, contains 14.5 acres of floor space and has 250 sculptures throughout the ornate Second Empire building.

Visitors can take the City Hall Torentour to enjoy a rare, 360-degree view of Philadelphia from the glass-enclosed observation deck, 500 feet above street level.

Just outside City Hall, Dilworth Park offers everyday sit-spots to enjoy outdoor lunch, seasonal celebrations like Winter in Dilworth Park en een programmable dancing fountain in summer.

  — Foto door Elevated Angles voor Visit Philadelphia

4. Experience Black art & culture at the African American Museum in Philadelphia

De African American Museum in Philadelphia was the first institution built by a major U.S. city to preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage and culture of African Americans.

Het museum takes a fresh look at the role African Americans have had in the founding of the nation through its core permanent exhibit: Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776 – 1876.

The museum’s upper galleries host a rotating schedule of special exhibitions exploring African American history, culture and social justice issues through fine art, multimedia displays, historic artifacts and informative panels.

  - Foto door J. Fusco voor Visit Philadelphia

5. Shop and enjoy eclectic entertainment across the Fashion District

Market East’s expansive Modewijk spans three city blocks and offers ample shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities.

With flagship stores, full-fledged shops and outlets, shoppers can fill hours perusing the wares across 80 store brands.

  — Foto met dank aan Fashion District Philadelphia

Diners looking to grab a bite can head to the popular Hard Rock Cafe or opt for dinner while listening to live music at Stadswijnmakerij.

Entertainment options include Round1 Bowling & Arcade, Play Mini Golf Philadelphia en de AMC Theatre, which offers dine-in delivery to your seat.

6. Attend major events at the Pennsylvania Convention Center

Elk jaar, de Pennsylvania Congrescentrum hosts some of the city’s most popular annual evenementen, drawing waves of visitors to the one-million-square-foot center.

De Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Bloemenshow van Philadelphia has welcomed spring and eager plant enthusiasts since 1829, serving as the oldest and largest indoor horticultural event in the world.

De Mummers Fancy Brigade competition showcases Broadway-style performances each New Year’s Day, while the Autosalon van Philadelphia draws car-lovers looking to see the hottest auto trends and test-drive vehicles.

PHS Philadelphia Bloemenshow   - Foto door Marisa Riley Ris Producties

Waar verblijven

Having the Convention Center in the neighborhood means access to more than 14,000 hotel rooms nearby.

Visitors can find luxury accommodations at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel en de Philadelphia Marriott in het centrum. De Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Centrum offers spacious rooms and suites with home comforts like microwaves and refrigerators, while the Canopy Hotel by Hilton Philadelphia Center City features rooms with signature Canopy beds.

Apartment comfort meets luxury amenities at the residential-style ROOST Oostmarkt, while the Residence Inn Philadelphia Centrum offers guest suites with fully equipped kitchens and upscale furnishings. Het Notaris Hotel’s rooms feature 11-foot ceilings, luxurious double vanity bathrooms and plush bedding.

Het Notaris Hotel   - Foto door D. Knoll voor Visit Philadelphia

Lokale tips

• The super walkable/bikeable Market East neighborhood also has easy access to public transport, including SEPTA’s Regional Rail system, numerous buses and L (Market-Frankford) subway line.
• The neighborhood’s close proximity to Chinatown means access to an endless array of global eats at places like the James Beard bekroond Vietnamese restaurant and authentically spicy Szechuan served family-style at Restaurant EMei.
• Can’t-miss gems in the neighborhood include the architectural wonder of the Vrijmetselaarstempel, the historic Wanamaker-gebouw en De stoffenwerkplaats en het museum, a contemporary art museum.

Vrijmetselaarstempel   - Foto door Visit Philadelphia