Where to Take Friends Visiting Philadelphia for the World Cup

Friends coming to Philadelphia for the World Cup are going to ask what they should do between matches.

You could send them to the Liberty Bell and call it a day. Technically, that works. But if you actually like these people and want them to leave thinking that Philadelphia was way more fun than they expected, you need a better plan.

Sourced via FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia’s Website

The World Cup is giving the city a reason to show off, the trick is balancing the tourist stuff with the version of Philly locals actually enjoy.

Start with Lemon Hill. The FIFA Fan Festival turns Fairmount Park into one of the easiest places to get visitors into the World Cup mood without needing a stadium ticket. We think it’s the perfect first stop because it feels big and very much part of the moment.

Since you’re already in the area, take them to the Art Museum steps. Okay yes, it’s touristy. Yes, someone is going to run up the stairs. Yes, you should let them. The Rocky statue, coupled with the amazing skyline view, are worth the cliché. Sometimes tourist things are popular because they work.

After that, Reading Terminal Market is the easiest food decision you will make all day. Nobody has to agree on one restaurant, which is great when you are dealing with a group of visitors who have opinions. At some point, the cheesesteak conversation will happen. Do not let it derail the day. Pick a spot, order the sandwich, and move on with your life. Philly has spent enough time arguing about cheesesteaks, your friends can have one without turning it into a thing.

Old City is a good next move if you want to give them the historic Philadelphia moment without making the day feel like a field trip. Walk past Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell, wander the cobblestone streets.

For World Cup watching with more beer involved, breweries are an obvious move. Philadelphia has plenty of spots where a match can turn into a full hangout, especially when the crowd is loud. For more on that, check out our guide to why Philadelphia’s World Cup headquarters might just be a brewery.