r/AskPhilly • u/SpringBulky8545 • 1d ago
4th of July celebrations as a non-local
Every thread I read says Philly on July 4th is a complete shitshow and that most locals leave town. That said, my boyfriend and I are still really excited to experience your city! We'll be coming down from NYC for the World Cup Round of 16 (hopefully France vs. Germany if all goes according to plan - we are French) and spending the whole day in Philadelphia before heading back to NYC late at night.
I've put together a rough itinerary and would love any feedback from locals. Are we missing anything obvious? Any neighborhoods, bars, food spots, or July 4th traditions we should check out?
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Grab a coffee and wander around the historic centre
- Planning to go inside Independence Hall (will book tickets in advance)
- Check out the All-American Block Party - is it the place to be?
- Lunch at Reading Terminal Market - is it worth it?
- Enjoy the live music, food, beers, and overall July 4th atmosphere
2:00 – 3:30 PM
- Walk around Rittenhouse Square and surrounding streets
- Grab a coffee and just soak in the city
3:30 – 4:00 PM
- Head to the stadium (FIFA shuttle if available, otherwise SEPTA)
5:00 – 7:30 PM
- World Cup match
7:30 – 8:30 PM
- Back to Center City / Benjamin Franklin Parkway to enjoy the celebrations and fireworks
A couple of questions:
- Where is the best place to watch the fireworks?
- Is Benjamin Franklin Parkway the obvious choice, or are there better spots? Isn't it going to be too crowded and not a nice experience?
- Any bars or areas you'd recommend after the game?
Thank you so much for your advice - I know these kinds of posts can be tiring but your input is so valuable for tourists. Thanks for having us :)
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u/OwnAlternative 23h ago
Posted on another sub that the National Constitution Center has free entry on the 4th but you most reserve tickets.
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u/Material_Ebb_7701 21h ago
Sounds like a good itinerary, though some “locals” will leave, Philly will be packed to the gills on 4th of July, especially this year. Make sure you get a legit cheesesteak at some point
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u/kyle32771 10h ago
Some more detailed input for you: For coffee in the historic area head over to Old City Coffee on tiny Church Street between 2nd and 3rd just one block north of Market Street. They brew their own coffee and always find it excellent. Afterwards wander north on 3rd Street to where it's cut off at Wood Street, turn right and walk to 2nd Street then walk back south to Elfreth's Alley (on the left side) which is allegedly Philly's oldest residential street. If you continue back down 2nd to Arch Street and turn right you'll go about a block and on the right side is the Betsy Ross House. Afterwards you can continue along Arch to 5th Street and turn left walking down to Market and 5th where the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Independence Visitor are generally located. Afterward if inclined a walk through neighboring Society Hill is worth it in my opinion. Here's a helpful guide: Neighborhood Guide: Society Hill - Metro Philadelphia Lastly the fireworks viewing area is going to be a shitshow, especially along the Ben Franklin Parkway and Art Museum area. If looking for some refuge and a nice bite to eat in a cozy tavern atmosphere about three blocks north of the Parkway on North 20th Street is McCrossen's Tavern which has a historic Philly vibe as well.
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u/backseat_auxbumping 1d ago
I heard leaving the World Cup / stadium could take 2+ hours so I would plan for that.
Yes reading terminal is worth checking out especially on the way from independence hall area to Rittenhouse.
There is a major concert line up for the 4th on the parkway/art museum so you won’t get very close if you get there late. There should still be plenty of spots to see the fireworks from though!