Philadelphia 100 most Philly things.

Philadelphia isn't just a city; it’s an attitude. It’s a place where "wooder" is a beverage, "jawn" is a noun, and Santa Claus better keep his head on a swivel. To truly understand the 215, you have to embrace the gritty, the historical, and the deeply delicious.

Here is the ultimate blog post covering the 100 most Philly things—from the landmarks that built the nation to the snacks that fueled the revolution (or at least the tailgate).

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The Holy Trinity of Sandwiches

1. The Cheesesteak: "Whiz wit" or "Provolone witout"—there is no in-between.

2. Roast Pork Sandwich: Topped with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe (the real local favorite).

3. The Hoagie: Never call it a sub. It’s built on an Amoroso’s roll.

The Essential Snacks

4. Soft Pretzels: Ideally bought from a guy on a street corner or the Philly Soft Pretzel Factory.

5. Water Ice: Pronounced "Wooder Ice." John’s or Rita’s are the go-tos.

6. Tastykakes: Specifically Butterscotch Krimpets and Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes.

7. Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews: A dark chocolate South Philly staple since 1917.

8. Scrapple: Don't ask what's in it. Just fry it crisp.

9. Tomato Pie: Room-temperature focaccia with thick gravy and a sprinkle of parm.

10. Irish Potatoes: Coconut-cream candies rolled in cinnamon (only at St. Patty’s).

11. Pork Roll: The breakfast meat of champions.

Cultural "Jawn" (Vocabulary & Vibes)

12. "Jawn": The universal word for literally any person, place, or thing.

13. "Yo": The only greeting you need.

14. "Jeet?": Translation: "Did you eat?"

15. The Accent: Where "phone" becomes "fe-on" and "water" becomes "wooder."

16. Bad Things Happen in Philly: A badge of honor.

17. Gritty: The chaotic orange mascot who represents the city's soul.

18. The Phanatic: The greatest mascot in sports history.

19. The Broad Street Run: 10 miles of pure Philly energy.

20. Mummers Parade: Fancy Brigades and the "Mummer Strut" on New Year’s Day.

Historical Heavyweights

21. Liberty Bell: The world's most famous crack.

22. Independence Hall: Where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

23. Betsy Ross House: The birthplace of the American flag.

24. Elfreth’s Alley: The oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the U.S.

25. Benjamin Franklin: He’s everywhere. Literally.

26. The Constitution Center: Four pages that changed the world.

27. Christ Church: Where the Founding Fathers sat in the pews.

28. Valley Forge: A short drive away, but essential to the Philly story.

Iconic Landmarks & Places

29. The Rocky Steps: Officially the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.

30. Reading Terminal Market: The best public market in America.

31. The Italian Market: 9th Street’s outdoor bazaar.

32. Boathouse Row: The most beautiful lights on the Schuylkill at night.

33. City Hall: Topped by the 37-foot statue of William Penn.

34. LOVE Park: The Robert Indiana sculpture that defines the skyline.

35. The Magic Gardens: Isaiah Zagar’s sprawling mosaic masterpiece.

36. Eastern State Penitentiary: The world's first true "penitentiary."

37. The Wanamaker Organ: The largest fully functional pipe organ in the world (inside Macy's).

38. The Franklin Institute: Walk through the Giant Heart.

39. Mutter Museum: Medical oddities that are strangely fascinating.

40. South Street: For the punks, the poets, and the late-night slices.

41. Penn’s Landing: Summer nights by the Delaware River.

Sports & Fanhood

42. The Linc: Home of the Birds.

43. Citizens Bank Park: The Best Ballpark in the MLB (biased but true).

44. The Wells Fargo Center: Where we trust the process.

45. E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!: The only chant that matters.

46. Greased Light Poles: To prevent fans from climbing (it never works).

47. Wing Bowl: The legendary (and now retired) eating contest.

48. Big 5 Basketball: The ultimate city-wide rivalry.

49. Boxing History: Blue Horizon and the spirit of Joe Frazier.

Neighborhood Staples

50. Wawa: More than a gas station; it's a way of life.

51. Hoagiefest: The best time of the summer.

52. The "Schuylkill" Expressway: We love to hate it.

53. The Blue Route: See above.

54. SEPTA: Specifically the Broad Street Line and the Market-Frankford El.

55. The Navy Yard: A weirdly cool mix of history and modern tech.

56. Fairmount Park: One of the largest urban park systems in the country.

57. Whispering Bench: At the Smith Memorial Arch.

58. Jewelers’ Row: The oldest diamond district in the U.S.

59. Antique Row: Pine Street’s hidden treasures.

60. Manayunk Wall: The hill that breaks cyclists during the Manayunk Bike Race.

Institutions & Museums

61. The Barnes Foundation: World-class Impressionist art.

62. Rodin Museum: Largest collection of his work outside Paris.

63. The Philadelphia Zoo: America’s first zoo.

64. The Academy of Natural Sciences: Dinosaurs on the Parkway.

65. African American Museum in Philadelphia: A must-visit for heritage and history.

66. Curtis Institute of Music: Where the world’s best prodigies study.

67. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA): The nation's first art school.

Hidden Gems & Quirky Tradition

68. The Toynbee Tiles: Mysterious street plaques embedded in the asphalt.

69. Mural Arts Program: Philly is the Mural Capital of the World.

70. McGillin’s Olde Ale House: The city's oldest tavern (est. 1860).

71. Termini Bros Bakery: For the best cannolis in South Philly.

72. The "Rocky" Statue: Located at the bottom of the steps for your photo op.

73. Clothespin Sculpture: Claes Oldenburg’s giant laundry clip across from City Hall.

74. The Deck at Moshulu: Dining on a historic tall ship.

75. Spruce Street Harbor Park: Hammocks and floating barges.

76. Fishtown: The epicenter of hipster Philly.

77. Northern Liberties (NoLibs): Piazza vibes and great brunch.

78. Dirty Franks: A dive bar institution.

79. Trestle Inn: Go-go dancers and whiskey.

80. Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby: Art meets engineering in the mud.

81. First Friday: When Old City galleries throw open their doors.

82. Longwood Gardens: A short trek for world-class horticulture.

83. The Morris Arboretum: The official arboretum of the Commonwealth.

84. Bartram’s Garden: North America’s oldest botanical garden.

85. The "Philadelphia" spelling: Noticing the one "l" on the Liberty Bell.

86. Poe’s House: Where Edgar Allan Poe wrote "The Tell-Tale Heart."

87. The Trocadero (RIP): Even if it's closed, the memories live on.

88. Pat’s vs. Geno’s: The tourist trap rivalry we all have an opinion on.

89. Jim’s South St.: For the smell of onions wafting down the block.

90. Dalessandro’s: The Roxborough king of steaks.

91. Angelo’s Pizzeria: The current gold standard for bread.

92. Federal Donuts: Fried chicken and donuts—a Philly power couple.

93. La Colombe: Specifically the draft latte.

94. Philly Beer Week: Because we drink more than anyone else.

95. Yards Brewing Co.: Drinking history with their "Ales of the Revolution."

96. The "Frankford Umbrella": Using a trash can or chair to save a parking spot.

97. The 215 Area Code: Wear it on a t-shirt.

98. Block Parties: Nobody shuts down a street for a grill-out like Philly.

99. The Underdog Mentality: We're from Philly, f***ing Philly, no one likes us, we don't care.

100. The Brotherly Love: Because at the end of the day, we’re all family.