When you ask any Philadelphian what it's like to live here they first boast of the accessibility to almost every area of the city. Public transportation is plenteous in various forms (buses, trolleys, subway, regional rail, taxi service and Center City's Phlash). For information on public transportation routes and schedules, visit Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) at http://www.septa.org. Locals excitedly inform their visitors of eateries in walking distance, and also of their cosmopolitan cuisine offerings from its Chinatown district to its Italian Market. When asked, 'what does your city have to offer?', Philadelphians vividly describe the city's historical center; the Italian Market; and the maritime adventure venue, Penn's Landing, which also features a dazzling nightlife of nightclubs, some of which feature outdoor riverside dining. If a leisurely afternoon out is what you desire, Philadelphians can immediately direct you to the many Fairmount park venues that the city has to offer. Most importantly, Philadelphians are convivial hosts, who welcome outsiders with utmost warmth and hospitality!

Philadelphia Local Favorites

• Italian Market - 9th Street in Philadelphia, the oldest and largest working outdoor market in the United States, bustling with street side vendors and Italian delicatessens, which offer Old World style Italian cooking, and a variety of cultures and cuisines from around the world.
• Mario Lanza Museum - dedicated to the world-renowned opera giant, Mario Lanza. The museum evokes that mid-20th-century time when movie icons came and went at the behest of studio chieftains.
• Mummer's Museum - A must see for a true Philadelphia experience. The Museum houses a rich collection of Mummer's paraphernalia and memorabilia, from which the museum draws, to demonstrate the tradition of Philadelphia Mummery.
• Reading Terminal Market - a historic farmers market which opened in 1892 and boasts an eclectic offering of international cuisine.
• Franklin Institute - an exciting, hands-on science museum, which also features the awesome Tuttleman IMAX Theater.
• Penn's Landing - a riverside park bursting with maritime wonders where Philadelphians gather to partake of summertime fun and excitement and also features a year-round dazzling restaurant and nightlife scene.
• Philadelphia Zoo - America's first zoo. The zoo has recently added numerous featured attractions including: its most exciting adventure ever-Boscov's Safari Quest! Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and cultures of Africa in the heart of the Philadelphia Zoo!; Excitement is in the air! See Ruko, the African fish eagle, dive in free-flight from the Channel 6 Zooballoon!; Swan Boat Rides - Paddle your way around the real Bird Lake featured in E. B. White's The Trumpet of the Swan!; or the Camel Safari - Take a ride through Kito Chete , the African marketplace, and explore the culture and animals of Africa-from a camel's back! Attractions are seasonal. For more information, visit http://www.phillyzoo.org/.
• Fairmount Park - A system of parks throughout the Philadelphia area: Cobbs Creek Park, Fairmount East/West Park, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, Pennypack Park, Poquessing Creek Park, Tacony Creek Park, and Wissahickon Valley Park. An 8,900-acre citywide park system, where a vast assortment of activities takes place everyday: enjoying a paper bag lunch on a picnic bench, rowing camps, rollerblading, swimming, or mountain biking.
• Kelly Drive and West River Drive - The paths along Kelly and West River Drives are among the most popular spots in the city for cycling. On weekends from April 1 through October 31, the West River Drive is closed to automotive through traffic and is a great place to bike, run, skate, and walk. After the River Drive trails end, cyclists can continue on to Valley Forge on the Freedom Valley bike path which picks up at the other end of Manayunk. ( http://philaparks.org/recreation.htm )

PHILLY'S FINEST FOODS

• Cheese steaks
• Hoagies
• Philly Pretzels
• Pizza
• Chinese Food from Philly's own Chinatown