Essentials: New ways to see Philly from up high and down low
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — With classic rowhouse architecture, brick sidewalks and narrow streets, some charming neighborhoods in Philadelphia can almost make you forget about cheesesteaks, Rocky and that whole American Revolution thing.
With food, beer, hammocks and boardwalk games, Spruce Street Harbor Park has revived a faded area known as Penn's Landing.
The vibrant destination includes a waterfront roller rink and seaport museum complete with historic ships.
For a bird's-eye view of both rivers, try the new One Liberty Observation Deck, which occupies the 57th floor of one of the city's tallest skyscrapers.
Visitors of all ages delight in running — or watching people run — through the in-ground fountains on this renovated plaza outside City Hall.
Fans usually have to wait in a quick-moving line at the foot of the Art Museum steps to take their picture with the fictional hometown fighter.
Or hop on a Segway for a novel way to travel to some hidden neighborhood gems like the Magic Gardens, a breathtaking artistic creation.
Public transit in Philly, known as SEPTA, can be convenient, but its arcane payment system frustrates even city residents.
The immensely popular open-air spaces range from rooftops and restaurant patios to office building breezeways and reclaimed vacant lots landscaped by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
Logan Circle has the beautiful Swann fountain with a gorgeous view of City Hall; Rittenhouse and Washington squares offer green lawns and park benches; and Franklin Square offers family fun with a carousel and mini-golf.