Before you head out to explore Historic Philadelphia, fuel up with some great Philly cuisine. Check out Zento if you like creative, delicious sushi. But if you prefer rich, aromatic spices, head for the international flavor of Konak, which serves elegant Turkish cuisine in an airy atmosphere.

After eating, the first order of business is checking out Philadelphia’s famed attractions. You can pick up free, timed tickets to visit Independence Hall at the Independence Visitor Center (you can also order them in advance for $1.50 per ticket) and get information about seeing Carpenters’ Hall and the new Liberty Bell Center, home of the famous cracked icon.

Once you’re full of colonial history and a tasty lunch, explore some of Old City’s more recent developments.

The blocks of 2nd and 3rd Streets between Market and Race are brimming with high-end galleries, furniture shops and chic clothing boutiques. The wearable wares range from the eclectic duds at Smak Parlour to the Seven and James brand jeans at Charlie’s (the men’s version of Charlie’s is on the south side of Market; the women’s, on the north) to the locally designed duds at Vagabond. Browse the obscure independent jazz, rock and hip-hop releases at AKA Music, ogle the sleek furniture and house wares at Minima and Mode Moderne and admire the art at the Clay Studio.

With your purchases carefully stowed in your daypack, work your way back toward Walnut Street and head west to The Curtis Center. In the lobby of this former publishing building is one of the city’s hidden art gems: The Dream Garden, a stunning Tiffany glass mosaic based on a painting by Maxfield Parrish.

Nearly sold and removed in the late 1990s, the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts joined forces to buy it and keep it in its original location for all to enjoy.

Continue northward to Chinatown and explore the eclectic neighborhood’s famous Friendship Arch, earthenware shops and Sanrio outlets.

For dinner, walk up to 11th Street to Lee How Fook, one of Philadelphia’s very best Chinese restaurants. Lee How Fook means “Good Taste for the Mouth” — and we couldn’t say it better ourselves.

The restaurant is a BYOB, which means you’ll need to do some libation hunting beforehand. The closest liquor store is at 5 N. 12th Street, so hit that up and pick up your favorite bottle to share at your table.

If it’s the first Friday of the month, wander back over to Old City to catch the First Friday celebration on 2nd and 3rd Streets. Most of the area’s art galleries will be open to the public until about 9 p.m., wine and cheese included.

If you’ve come during one of the other weekends, we recommend catching some live music — and some local brews — at either The Tin Angel (for the subdued crowd) or The Khyber (for the raucous crowd).

For a quiet nightcap, order a flight of wines at Il Bar, located in the Penn's View Hotel on Front Street. The wine flights are organized by region, so every set is an education.

For a more riotous scene, head to Sugar Mom's. Their nostalgic menu is full of pierogies and fries, while a great selection of local beers is on draft — and for the kid in you, get cozy on over-sized couches and play pinball way into the wee hours.

Another heavy-duty day of touring requires a hearty breakfast, like a classic bacon and eggs combo at the equally classic Melrose Diner, where the waitresses wear 1950s-style uniforms, call you ‘hun’ and bring your food with speed and efficiency.

It’s time to explore University City, home to several world-class institutes of higher learning, just across the Schuylkill River from Center City.

First stop is the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. It’s a must-see for enthusiasts of sphinxes, mummies and early-culture artifacts — and there’s almost always a fantastic special exhibit to check out.

Next, check out the modern paintings, sculptures and videos at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). Founded in 1963, the ICA has been a leader in the presentation of contemporary art for more than 40 years.

And the best news? The ICA recently started to offer free admission! So stop in and enjoy the artwork, on the house.

After two museums, you’ll be hungry for a more physical form of nourishment. Walk to the White Dog Café for a burger, sandwich or salad. Founded by famed activist Judy Wicks, White Dog sources from local producers in order to create food that is both tasty and socially conscious. How ‘bout that!

After lunch, take a bit of time to explore the other area shops — among them White Dog’s sister store, The Black Cat Gift Shop, The University of Pennsylvania bookstore, Smith Bros. Jeans and Urban Outfitters.

The rest of the afternoon belongs to the marvelous Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can browse the vast permanent collections of modern, Impressionist and ancient art. There are often special exhibits showing at the museum — make sure to check and see if one coincides with your visit.

And adjacent to the Art Museum is the new Perelman Building, whose Art Deco façade fits the grand collection of fashion and modern design inside.

Then head back to Center City for a late afternoon stroll around Rittenhouse Square. For more shopping, wander over to Walnut Street and hit Puma, Diesel, Kiehls, Coach and the many other high-end shops. Or check out the smaller, locally owned boutiques on Sansom Street — such as the ladylike fashions at Petulia’s Folly and the new and rare finds at Joseph Fox Book Shop, the city’s oldest independent bookstore.

Saturday night is a great time to survey the artsy Northern Liberties neighborhood and its after-dark offerings.

For dinner, head to Bar Ferdinand, a Spanish tapas restaurant that’s equal parts culinary and cool. Definitely order a sangria or two and the sautéed mussels to share.

If you want to get in some exercise, look no further than North Bowl, a bowling alley that pays tribute to The Big Lebowski, local brews and soul music. And the food — like Cherry Coke BBQ Pulled Beef, Thai beef skewers and veggie corn dogs — is both delicious and fun.

You certainly have your options after dinner.

If it’s beer that you want, then it’s beer you shall have — at Standard Tap, a local favorite with two floors of bars and intimate nooks. A beer and a shot is the standard here — it’s best to ask for a Kenzinger and make public your salute to the nearby Philadelphia Brewing Company.

But if it’s live music that you want, catch an improv performance at Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus, a longtime favorite among jazz fans. And by all means, order the chocolate cake.

Your final day in Philadelphia should begin at the birthplace of Frankie Avalon, Marian Anderson and Rocky: South Philly.

Get in line early for the inventive omelets and pancakes at Sabrina’s Café in the Italian Market. And while you’re waiting, pick up an authentic cappuccino at Anthony’s Italian Coffee House. And maybe some fresh produce to take home.

After a leisurely brunch, head up to South Street to check out Isaiah Zagar's incredible, mosaic-covered Magic Gardens at 10th and South Streets. Isaiah’s work is actually sprinkled all over the city (especially along South Street), but the Magic Gardens is the central display of his genius.

And if you haven’t already heard, Philly is kind of famous for its cheesesteaks. If you haven’t yet leapt at the chance to get a sizzling sandwich, now’s the time to stop by the legendary Jim’s Steaks at 4th and South and grab one for the road.

Transportation

If you're traveling from New York, New England, DC, Baltimore, Harrisburg, etc., Amtrak is easy — and you can get 50% off a companion fare when you use our special discount code V454. Book online at Amtrak or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Driving

If you drive here, stash your car off-street until you leave. Though you might enjoy an occasional cab, trolley or carriage ride, there’s nothing you can’t reach on foot. Parking regulations are enforced in the historic area, and you may find yourself getting towed with un-municipal efficiency.

Accommodations

You can’t get much more young and fun than the aloft Philadelphia Airport, which combines modern design, interactive resources and lots of cool extras to make your Philly stay fresh and affordable.

The Independent, meanwhile, is a new boutique hotel right in Center City. Each guest room features its own unique design, while the building — an example of Georgian-Revival architecture — is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Hyatt Regency is one of the historic area’s newest hotels, a tower right on the Delaware River. You can sit at the outdoor bar and listen to the creak-creak of moored boats.

The Philly Overnight® Hotel Package is a popular getaway — and a terrific deal. It’s available throughout the year and gives you free parking (worth $50 or more) and special offers and discounts - in addition to deluxe accommodations in Center City Philadelphia. Check out the package, then pick your favorite hotel.

More food and drink, please!

Of course, what we've recommended is just a sample of the amazing range of food and drink in Philadelphia. Take a closer look at the city's Dining and Nightlife offerings and pick your favorites.