Getting there: The National Museum of American Jewish History is at 101 S. Independence Mall East at Market Street in Center City, Philadelphia. The Smithsonian-affiliated museum is across from the Liberty Bell and within view of Independence Hall. Philadelphia is an easy, five-hour drive from Pittsburgh on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Hours, admission: The museum is open 10 a.m-5 p.m. Mon.-Wed. and Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs. and 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Closed on New Year’s Day. Admission to the Notorious RBG exhibition is $9 and includes the museum’s core exhibitions. It runs through Jan. 12.
There are many lots and garages, plus metered street parking. If you prefer public transportation, take Septa’s Market-Frankford line to the 5th and Market station, or hop on a purple Phlash trolley, which links major museums and Center City ($2 per ride or $5 for a one-day pass).
Where to stay: Visit Philadelphia offers an extensive guide of accommodations for every type of traveler and budget. For last-minute deals, visit expedia.com or apps like Hotel Tonight.
Where to eat & drink: No trip to Philly is complete without a cheesesteak. Sonny’s Famous Steaks at 228 Market St. in Old City is within easy walking distance of the museum. For dumplings, tacos, Roman-style pizza and 15 other cuisines, try The Bourse, a dining hall around the corner from the museum. If it’s cold, the authentic Szechuan at Han Dynasty (123 Market St.) will warm you up. If you’re brunching it, don’t miss the seasonal salads and sandwiches on fresh-baked bread at High Street Market (308 Market St.). Khyber Pass Pub on Second Street in Old City pairs its huge selection of local beers with New Orleans-inspired cuisines. Definitely take a walk to Reading Terminal Market for one of the country’s best roast pork sandwiches, topped with broccoli rabe.
We also had great happy hour cocktails at The Continential + Martini Bar in Old City. If you want to splurge, try the $48 Tayim tasting menu at Zahav (237 Saint James Place), the celebrated Israeli restaurant from Pittsburgh native and James Beard Award winner Michael Solomonov. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Liberty Bell.
Other activities: The Liberty Bell Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it’s free, first-come, first-served. Tour Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted; open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (no tickets required in January or February). The Benajmin Franklin Museum (317 Chestnut St.) explores the life and legacy of Philadelphia’s most famous citizen; tickets $5 or $2 for ages 4-16.
The Museum of the American Revolution (101 S. Third St.) brings the Revolutionary War to life with weapons, personal items, letters, diaries and vignettes. Open daily 10 a.m-5 p.m. Tickets $21 or $13 for ages 6-17. There’s also a free holiday-inspired winter garden on the west side of City Hall, with picturesque plantings, whimsical topiaries and glasses of nulled wine from Chaddsford Winery
More info: nmajh.org or 215-923-3811 (exhibition) or visitphilly.com.
First Published: December 20, 2019, 9:11 p.m.
