Talking “Philly Pro Tips” With Reddit
I always enjoy a spin through r/Philadelphia, Reddit’s subforum dedicated to all things Philly. The “subreddit” (to use the local terminology) is lively, and the discussions there often generate some of the best information on the net regarding the City of Brotherly Love. Yesterday, user abootypatooty asked “What are some ‘Philly Pro Tips’ that most people might not already know about?”
The answers yielded lots of interesting tips, tricks, and factoids of interest to both Philly locals and visitors. Here, in no particular order, are a few of the best answers:
Your ticket to the Museum of Art will actually get you in for two days in a row.
1.) “The 33rd floor of the Loews Hotel has an amazing view of the city and is open to the public.”
2.) Need to cross Center City in bad weather? There’s an extensive underground concourse that runs throughout the area. While there were some concerns about its aesthetics mentioned, it’s a great option for days when there’s rain or snow.
3.) Nothing stills the hearts of Philly residents like free parking! Meter parking is free in Center City after 5pm on Wednesdays, except for rush-hour zones… those are free after 6:30pm. On the first Friday of each month metered parking is free in Old City in honor of First Fridays. Plus, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there’s free Saturday parking after 11a
4.) “If it’s not rush hour you can get from front street to Broad via Lombard without stopping. It’s two lanes and the lights are timed for 20mph. It works from Broad to Front on Pine Street as well. Nothing beats going over a dozen city blocks without stopping.”
5.) Two words: Gooey Looie’s. This hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop (231 McClellan St.) is locally famous for cheap, enormous sandwiches that are – depending on your appetite – either big enough for two meals or huge enough to send even the hungriest eater into a food coma.
6.) Tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art are good for two consecutive days, and will get you into satellite locations as well. Enjoy your visit!
7.) “The parking lot on 15th and Race is $5 on nights after 5pm. It is pretty convenient for most things in Center City and is much cheaper than the other lots around.”
8.) Out late at night with your canine best pal? There are at least two bars in the city that will allow you to bring in your dog while you indulge in a 2 a.m. tipple. Doobie’s, in Grad Hospital, will allegedly let your pooch sit right on a bar stool beside you. Same thing with Dirty Frank’s at 13th and Pine. It’s another hole-in-the-wall neighborhood hangout that will have you questioning your allegiance to your favorite hotspot.
9.) Need a new jogging or picnic spot? Check out Woodlands Cemetery for some great scenery and a place to enjoy some of Philly’s history.
10.) Philly is bursting with exceptional BYOB restaurants. If you bring your own wine or booze, you can save a pile of money on overpriced alcohol. Some may charge a corkage fee, but it will still be cheaper than buying a bottle from the eatery.
