Visitors flock to Philly every year to run the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, to check out the crack in the Liberty Bell, and to get their picture taken smooching under Robert Indiana’s famous pop art LOVE sculpture. Tourism to the City of Brotherly Love is booming (even the Pope himself is visiting in September.) In fact, New York Times ranked Philadelphia No. 3 on its list of the best places to visit in 2015. And it’s not surprising given the many new renovations and attractions, like Dilworth Park outside City Hall, and The Oval’s summer art installation, beer garden, and events.
But for all of our cinematic and historical hot spots—and yes, our cheesesteaks— there’s a whole other side to Philly that the tourism set doesn’t get to see. Don’t just pause for photo ops at our iconic spots. Instead, actually get to know the city’s expansive arts, cultural, and restaurant scene just like the people that live here. This is how to visit Philadelphia like a local.