Every first Friday of the month, Old City in Philadelphia comes alive with art galleries opening their doors and offering wine and snacks as you peruse their latest creations. It has become a popular place for local artists to set up shop on the sidewalks also. This is the best place to find that unique gift that you can't find anywhere else in Philadelphia. In the spring, summer, and fall the crowds are a bit overwhelming and become just another part of the experience.
Each gallery offers something different and the whole festivities span several blocks. There are over 40 galleries that participate and that is not counting all of the local artist that set up on the sidewalks in the area. One of my favorite galleries to hit first is the Old City Jewish Art Center. Not only is the art they offer unique and interesting, they serve finger foods and wine while you mill around. They have these brownie/rice crispy concoctions that are just as good as the art. This will also tide you over until dinner since poking your nose into every gallery will take you every bit of the four hours the galleries stay open. The galleries stay open from 17:00 - 21:00.
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Beer lovers have lots to celebrate in Philadelphia! Enter "ARS Brewery", a South Philly Garage Brewery (complete in an old garage and visible distillery).
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These old farm ruins outside Northern Philadelphia are covered in graffiti and belong to a now-abandoned prison...
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"Two Persons Coffee" in Philadelphia is in a building that used to be a public vocational school, and its furniture was salvaged to complement the cafe...
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My favorite building in Philadelphia is the Merchant Exchange, conveniently located across the street from my favorite movie theater...
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"Sally" in Philadelphia is a casual and friendly restaurant that's also been named the Best New Restaurant of 2021...
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"Chris Jazz Cafe" in Philadelphia has been keeping the jazz flames alive in Center City for over 30 years. A night here is an absolute event...
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"Herman’s Coffee" is in a former auto repair and car wash garage in Philadelphia. It's much more than just a coffee shop with espresso & yummy pastries...
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The "Rosenbach Museum" in Philadelphia will almost make you expect the residents to saunter out in Victorian garb! A must for literature lovers...
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"St. Marks Episcopal Church" in Philadelphia is just beautiful. Even though I'm not religious, I have enjoyed many free classical music concerts here...
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When I tasted one of "Function Coffee Labs" buttery flaky sourdough-based croissants in Philadelphia, I knew I'd found pastry bliss...
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Considered the Grand Dame of neighborhood bars, "Sassafras Bar" in Philadelphia is dark and cozy, with a beautiful vintage wooden bar... A local favorite!
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"Dizengoff" in Philadelphia makes just amazing hummus made by Star Chef Michael Solomonov. The best part is the warm pita bread...
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156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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