Philadelphia may be better known for its cheesesteaks than its culture, but a closer look reveals that the city has more to offer than just greasy meat.
Live jazz, cultural enclaves and famed art displays are just a few signs of the vibrant life thriving in the City of Brotherly Love.
n Philadelphia Museum of Art: Beyond the famous steps seen in Rocky movies, the PMA houses more than 300,000 works of art, including Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" and Cezanne's "Large Bathers." Nearby, a bronze cast of "The Thinker" welcomes visitors to the Rodin Museum, the second-largest collection of Auguste Rodin sculptures in the world.
n Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Academy of Music: The brightest and widest building on the Avenue of the Arts is home to several performing arts groups, among them the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Opera Company of Philadelphia. Performances are held nearly every night, and September features the musical Doctor Dolittle, a Beethoven orchestra series and a concert by Harry Connick Jr.
n Old City: Historic meets chic in this part of town with "First Fridays," when the area's 40-plus art galleries stay open late every first Friday of the month. Art experts and art dummies alike can enjoy free admission and sometimes free hors d'oeuvres and wine as well. By day, Old City also boasts many pricey top-notch restaurants, which transform into overcrowded posh lounges by night.
n Italian Market: The oldest and largest outdoor market in the nation lies on the southern side of Ninth Street. Almost everything is fresh and authentically Italian here -- the cheese, the pasta and the -baked cannolis.
n Reading Terminal Market: Since the 1800s, this indoor farmers' market has offered Philadelphians a smorgasbord of fresh produce, meat and hot meals from the middle of Center City. Today, hungry diners often stop by to find affordable eats from Amish chicken pot pies to veggie burgers to Peking duck.
n Chinatown: Past the ornate "Friendship Gate" at 10th and Arch streets, the smell of steamed pork buns and the colorful sight of fruit sold on the sidewalk engage the senses. With many restaurants, bakeries and trinket stores, Chinatown offers many adventures for those who seek them.
n South Street: For the funky and spunky, the South Street strip has tattoo parlors, boutique clothing shops and dozens of restaurants and bars. The curious might find themselves in some of Philadelphia's most original stores, including Morgan's Cauldron, a genuine witch store, and the Condom Kingdom.
n Penn's Landing: Catch the final act of the Jazz on the Waterfront series Friday evening at 7 p.m. For a romantic, albeit crowded, evening hangout, this outdoor promenade provides beautiful views of the Delaware River.
