By: Shifra Klein and Elisheva Taitz

Philadelphia, affectionately known as the “City of Brotherly Love,” beckons travelers with its rich historical tapestry, vibrant cultural scene and diverse culinary landscape. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s something for every visitor to discover in this dynamic East Coast city. On the west side of the city is an outlying township, Bala Cynwyd, and to the east side is Cherry Hill, NJ, both locations offering a solid amount of kosher options that provide you everything you will need for your trip to Philadelphia.

Exploring the Neighborhoods

Philadelphia’s neighborhoods each have their own distinct personality, offering a diverse array of experiences for visitors.

– Center City: The heart of Philadelphia, where history meets modernity. Explore the historic district, visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell and stroll through the charming streets lined with shops, cafés and restaurants.

– Rittenhouse Square: A haven for art lovers and food enthusiasts, Rittenhouse Square boasts upscale boutiques, art galleries and world-class dining options. Take a leisurely stroll through the park, enjoy a picnic or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere. The Anthropologie here is really great and offers a very wide selection of kitchenware, cookbooks, accessories and more. It’s a wonderful place to shop for gifts as well.

– Society Hill: Step back in time as you wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the colonial-era architecture of Society Hill. Visit Independence Seaport Museum and explore the city’s maritime history or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.

– Logan Square: Home to some of Philadelphia’s most iconic museums and cultural institutions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Franklin Institute. Take a leisurely walk along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, dubbed “Philadelphia’s Champs-Élysées” and admire the impressive array of sculptures and fountains.

What to Do

History/Museums

The Philadelphia Mint

View the coining operations from 40 feet above the factory floor in a free self-guided tour of the Philadelphia branch of the U.S. Mint. The tour could be done within 45 minutes or less, depending on level of interest. There is also a fun gift shop.

Independence Hall and Liberty Bell

There are many historic sites throughout Greater Philadelphia, but there are few more iconic than Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Liberty Bell. These two sites — some of the most popular attractions in the city and some of the most famous historic sites in the country — are must-visits. Both sites are free to visit year-round with no tickets required.

You can also set up a guided tour to walk you through the hall. You will have the opportunity to see the actual rooms where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Visit recreation.gov to reserve a tour.

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

This museum chronicles the cultural impact that the existence of Judaism has had on American history and society. For almost 50 years, this 100,000 square-foot museum has over 20,000 displays that testify the Jewish connection to America dating back to Colonial times. From engaging films and interactive exhibits to Jewish artifacts and works of literacy, the museum is an unforgettable experience.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

With a robust collection of exhibits and displays of art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a great activity for art and history enthusiasts. Plus, if you are nostalgic about film culture, visit the Rocky Steps, which lead up to one of the entrances of the museum. The steps gained global fame after being featured in a notable scene from the 1976 film Rocky. 

Franklin Institute

Plan to spend a few hours at this science museum, which is perfect for kids and adults of all ages.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Now a tourist attraction, this facility was once the largest prison in the world, having housed famous criminals, gangster “Scarface” Al Capone and bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton.

Visit citypass.com/philadelphia for package deals for many of the popular sites.

Nature/Explore

Franklin Square

This charming little park has sprinklers, a carousel and mini golf — a great outdoor activity for kids. Plus, you can bring lunch and have a picnic.

Wissahickon Valley Park

This is a great spot with hikes and trails for all skill levels.

Manayunk

Minutes from Center City, this is a charming little town to walk around or hike.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

This urban park at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia is open during the summer, featuring a boardwalk along the Delaware River with a beachfront atmosphere.

Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Take advantage of the outdoors at this kid-friendly establishment. Hike, picnic and admire the flowers that are currently in bloom. Look on their website prior to your visit to discover their upcoming activities.

Reading Terminal Market

This market is perfect for any foodie to walk around and explore. Although there is no kosher food available, there are various shops (tea, flower, craft) to explore and bars.

LegoLand Discovery Center

This fun-filled indoor attraction is perfect for Lego-loving kids!

Please Touch Museum

This classic children’s museum is a go-to for many reasons. Kids can explore and discover the various exhibits and literally touch everything around them. Additionally, enjoy rides on the Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel, which was built in 1908!

Philadelphia Zoo

Established over 160 years ago as America’s first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo has something for everyone. Kids of all ages will enjoy a day at the zoo, visiting over 1,900 rare and endangered animals, from lions, tigers and bears (oh my!) to penguins, flamingos and a variety of reptiles. The zoo is easily accessible with a stroller.

Rent Bikes

For a fun day of exploring, rent bikes through Wheel Fun Rentals at Boathouse Row. They have various style bikes, like classic, electric, surreys, double surreys and go-kart style bikes available for rent. They also have two locations in Fairmont Park and City Center that offer bike rentals that come with self-guided tours, allowing you to discover the city while simultaneously enjoying a bike ride.

Go Kayaking

Philadelphia has quite a few kayaking tour options throughout the city, which is a wonderful, interactive way to see the city in a different way. Hidden River Outfitters, a family-owned Philadelphia business, offers exceptional kayaking experiences amidst the city’s scenic waterways. It’s a seasonal offering that is mostly available from late spring to early fall. 

Phillies Game

If you’re traveling to Philadelphia during baseball season, catch a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park.

Where to Stay

Residence Inn by Marriott Bala Cynwyd

Although located outside Philadelphia proper, this newer hotel is very nice and family-friendly. With an industrial vibe, a large indoor pool, large suite options and continental breakfast included (with whole fruit and some packaged kosher items like cereal and yogurts), this is a perfect choice if you want to be close to the Jewish area of Bala Cynwyd.

Marriott Old City Society Hill

This hotel in the city is a 15-minute walk to Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center. It’s also a well-priced hotel to book with points, has a water view and is within walking distance to the Spruce Street Harbor Park and the Independence Seaport Museum.

Note: You can also find Airbnbs if that suits your family’s needs more than a hotel.

Roost

Whether you are looking for short- or long-term stays, Roost, a hotel-meets-Airbnb, is the perfect option, with a few locations in Philadelphia. We stayed at the location in the vibrant East Market district. You can rent rooms that offer all hotel amenities together with apartment-like features designed for ultimate comfort and convenience, including kitchen areas. The third floor is a hub of activity, featuring a heated outdoor pool, a beautifully landscaped garden area, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a dedicated kids’ play area. There are also ample spaces to work and hang out, so whether you’re looking to relax, stay active or entertain your children, Roost provides everything you need under one roof.

What to Eat

Where to eat all depends on what area you are staying in; the following list covers several different areas. Keep in mind that towns outside Philadelphia can be only a few minutes away (or even across the street!) from where you are.

More than just a pizza shop, Shalom Pizzeria also has specialties like fish and chips, Moroccan salad combo plate, shakshuka, bourekas and more. Keep in mind that there is minimal seating inside.

Craving bagels for breakfast? Head over to New York Bagel for a vast selection of bagels and schmears (right across the street from Shalom Pizzeria).

Slices and Rolls in Bala Cynwyd has excellent sushi, pizzas and pastas. The sushi rolls are inventive and the penne alla vodka is a must order.

Zagafen is a sit-down dairy restaurant in Merion Station known for pastas, pizzas, salads and fish. They recently added a BYOB option, so pick up a bottle of wine and celebrate with your family over a delicious meal. Try the “meatball” parm sandwich!

Citron & Rose Tavern in Bala Cynwyd is a higher end sit-down meat restaurant for appetizers, steaks, burgers and more. They also have a robust wine and cocktail menu to complement your meal.

Visit Star of David in Narberth (right outside Philadelphia) for solid Israeli food. Their schnitzel and hummus are top notch.

Nana’s in Narberth is a vegetarian restaurant with a lot of vegan and gluten-free friendly options. They have a lot of Middle Eastern specialties like sabich, eggplant schnitzel and Mediterranean platter, but their array of empanadas is what they’re truly known for.

Espresso Café & Sushi Bar in Northeast Philadelphia is a wonderful option for a family-friendly dairy lunch. They offer some Israeli specials, like jachnun, an array of bourekas, malawach and more.

Also located in Northeast Philadelphia, Judah Mediterranean Grille is a great family-friendly meat option. They offer great value platters, as well as lunch specials. They also happily accommodate BYOB.

For supermarkets, the bakeries within the Giant supermarkets in Wynnewood and Huntingdon Valley are certified Pareve under Keystone K. You can also visit House of Kosher supermarket.

Kosher Grill at Citizens Bank Park

If you catch a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the new Glatt kosher stand, located on the main concourse at section 135 (on the 3rd base line).

This list is not inclusive of all the kosher establishments in Philadelphia. Verify kosher certifications prior to visiting any establishment, as kosher status can change.

Other Activities in the Vicinity of Philadelphia

Camden Adventure Aquarium

Located in Camden, NJ, this aquarium is excellent for all ages and makes for the perfect stop to or from Philadelphia when traveling from New York or parts of New Jersey. Kids can walk across a netted bridge and view sharks below them, visit the hippos in their giant habitat and touch sting rays as they swim by.  

Sesame Place

Only about a 45-minute drive from Philadelphia, this children’s amusement and water park is a classic for a reason.

U-Pick Farm

We highly recommend making the most of your visit to or from Philadelphia with a stop at a U-pick farm. Wherever you are driving from en route to Philadelphia, there are likely a whole bunch of farms along the way home. It’s a great way to break up the drive. We thoroughly enjoyed our stop at Lee Turkey Farm in East Windsor, NJ on the way home from Philadelphia to New York.

CHERRY HILL, New Jersey

A short drive from Philadelphia is the thriving Jewish community of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Here are some places to eat if you pass through the area.

Cherry Grill

Locals highly recommend the Chinese food at this spot that also has classic American cuisine, burgers, grilled meats and sandwiches on the menu.

Mia’s Falafel

Find solid falafel sandwiches, fries and vegan tahini shakes at this family-friendly joint.

Bagel Spot

Aside from the obvious choices a bagel store has to offer, this spot has some fun flavors of cream cheese available.

How to Make Pretzel Challah

Philadelphia is often referred to as the “Pretzel Capital” of the United States. The city has a long-standing tradition of pretzel making, dating back to the 18th century when German immigrants, including the Pennsylvania Dutch, brought pretzel recipes with them to the region. This helped establish Philadelphia as a hub for pretzel production.

Inspired by the pretzel capital of the United States, we are sharing our guide to making pretzel challah.

What You’ll Need:

1 batch of challah dough

1 shallow, wide-mouthed pot (at least 12 inches wide and 5 inches deep)

2 large slotted spoons or spatulas

1 sheet pan

1 cooling rack

Nonstick cooking spray

Egg wash (1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

Kitchen towels

Parchment paper

Plastic wrap

Pastry brush

2/3 cup baking soda

1/3 cup brown sugar

Coarse pretzel salt or sea salt

1. Prepare the Dough

– Start by making your favorite challah dough recipe. Divide the dough into 1-and-1/2-pound balls, keeping a small piece of dough (about 1 ounce) aside for the pretzel solution.

– Place the dough balls onto a greased cookie sheet and spray the tops lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel, allowing the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which will take about 2 hours.

2. Braid and Proof

– Once the dough has risen, braid each portion as desired.

– Set aside and prepare the pretzel solution.

3. Prepare the Pretzel Solution

– While the challah is rising, prepare the pretzel solution. In a wide, shallow pot (large enough to hold the challah and cover most of it), fill it halfway with water. Keep in mind that you will be adding the challah, so ensure there’s enough water to submerge most of it without overflowing. Add baking soda and brown sugar to the water, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, let it boil for five minutes before lowering the heat to low.

– To test the alkalinity of the solution, drop the small piece of dough you set aside into the pot. If the dough begins to puff slightly and turns a pale golden color within 15 to 20 seconds, the solution is ready. Discard the test dough piece before proceeding.

4. Boil the Challah

– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set a cooling rack over it. Spray the cooling rack with nonstick cooking spray and place it next to your pot of water. Preheat your oven to 350°F (or use the convection setting if available).

– Once your pretzel solution is ready and the challah has risen, gently turn one braided challah upside down and lower it into the boiling water.

– Boil for 15 seconds on one side, then carefully flip it over using the slotted spoon or spatula. Boil for another 30-40 seconds before flipping it back.

– Carefully lift the boiled challah out of the pot and place it on the prepared cooling rack to drain and cool for about 2 minutes. Repeat the process with the remaining challah loaves.

5. Bake the Pretzel Challah

– Spray challah pans (if baking in pans) with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the boiled challahs back into the pans. Alternatively, place challahs on a parchment lined baking tray.

– Using a pastry brush, brush each challah with a little more of the pretzel solution from the pot. Next, brush them with egg wash for shine, and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt or sea salt.

– Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through to ensure even baking. The challahs should turn a beautiful deep-brown, pretzel-like color.

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