The Wall Street Journal Shines a Light on Philly With Help from Local Legends

Pop quiz: Which city is both a “historical heavyweight” and a “booming cultural and culinary destination”? If you guessed Philadelphia (and, really, you should have), then, of course, you’re right.

This past weekend, The Wall Street Journal published an insider’s guide to the City of Brotherly & Sisterly Love , calling on local legends to spotlight can’t-miss museums, attractions, outdoor spaces, events and restaurants throughout the region.

The full-page spread shows what most folks (should) already know: Greater Philadelphia is a spectacularly diverse destination, offering both “greatest hits” and “unsung standouts” for residents and visitors alike.

'... the city's food scene is infinitely richer these days, drawing inspiration from well beyond the Northeast.'

For help with the piece, The Journal enlisted four regional authorities who are also big names in their respective fields:

• Rob McElhenney, creator and star of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
• Adam Grant, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Think Again
• Quiara Alegría Hudes, co-writer of In the Heights and a Pulitzer Prize winner
• Stephen Starr, Philly restaurant bastion

For McElhenney, the Schuylkill River Trail — located northwest of Center City Philadelphia — earns the title of his “favorite walk,” while the Philadelphia Museum of Art also scores a mention as holding a special place in his heart.

Grant dishes on where to find delicious ice cream (Old City’s The Franklin Fountain ) and unforgettable winter walks ( Longwood Gardens) .

Performing arts venues like The Mann Center for the Performing Arts and The Met Philadelphia (pictured) earn special callouts in The Wall Street Journal's new piece. — Photo courtesy The Met Philadelphia

Hudes highlights where to find “one-of-a-kind crafts” (North Philly’s Taller Puertorriqueño ) and her fav dumplings (Chinatown’s David’s Mai Lai Wah ).

And Wissahickon Valley Park earns a nod from Starr, who calls it one of his “favorite places to escape for a slice of serenity in the city.”

In a separate call-out, The Journal highlights additional must-see spots, including where to rest your head after a big day in Philadelphia and the Countryside ( Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at the Comcast Center , The Lokal Hotel ).

For the full list of best things to do in Greater Philadelphia featured in the article, head to The Wall Street Journal’s official website (or track down the October 23-24, 2021 print edition).

It’s been a big year for Philly accolades. The Wall Street Journal article comes on the heels of Time ’s July piece that featur ed Philadelphia on its “ World’s Greatest Places ” list; Conde Nast’s “ The Best Destinations in the World: The 2021 Gold List ,” which also included Philadelphia; and Travel + Leisure ’s December 2020 nine- page story highlighting the diversity and creativity fueling the city’s neighborhoods.