See the city beyond the Liberty Bell

PENNSYLVANIA | PHILADELPHIA

By Sara M. Moniuszko

NEVER BEEN TO PHILADELPHIA? Neither had I — at least until I took a weekend trip there last summer.

Although I knew the primary thing to see in the City of Brotherly Love was the Liberty Bell, I was looking for an alternative for my first visit — and also got advice from

Philly frequenters who told me about other gems worth checking out in addition to (or even instead of) the typical tourist stops.

So, if you’re seeking inspiration for your first trip to Philadelphia or are a return visitor looking for something fresh to see, check out these five suggestions that aren’t the Liberty Bell,

Independence Hall or the “Rocky Steps” at the

Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Mosaics at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

PHILADELPHIA’S MAGIC GARDENS If you’re into art — or just looking for the perfect Insta-worthy spot for some only-in-Philly photos — try Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens . Located just below the city center (about a 20-minute walk from both the Liberty Bell and City Hall), this outdoor art gallery is a maze of mosaics and other fun sculptures and art installations. If you’re visiting in the summer, you can escape the heat in its indoor exhibits.

The gardens are great for budget-minded travelers; time-slotted adult tickets are $10; student, senior and military discounts are also available.

Need to kill some time before your time slot? The Italian Market is less than 10 minutes away. Stroll through the outdoor market, where vendors sell fresh produce and other goods, and browse specialty meat and cheese shops, restaurants, bookstores and more. ▶ phillymagicgardens.org

GETTY IMAGES; VISIT PHILADELPHIA

PENNSYLVANIA | PHILADELPHIA

VISIT PHILADELPHIA

EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY By far, the unexpected highlight of the trip was the Eastern State Penitentiary . Although I was looking forward to exploring the former prison, I wasn’t expecting to be blown away by the building’s sprawling size and rich history . Alhough it’s most famous for being the temporary home of notorious gangster Al Capone, the prison brings others’ stories to life with detailed audio that guides you along the lengthy cell blocks.

If you’re traveling with children, not all sections of the prison are suitable — for example, the audio guide information on the death row cell and other aspects of prison life may be disturbing — but sensitive material is labeled. The penitentiary’s website does not recommend tours for children under age 7. ▶ easternstate.org READING TERMINAL MARKET If you like to eat and shop, the Reading Terminal Market is right for you. From Philly favorites to Amish delights and Italian treats, the market is your one-stop shop for any meal of the day (or a between-meal snack).

The market is also home to several shops offering gifts and the perfect souvenirs to bring back home. ▶ readingterminal market.org

CHEESESTEAK CHOW DOWN Although I try to avoid the obvious tourist clichés, I couldn’t help but sample the city’s food staple. Philadelphia has several quasi-famous cheesesteak purveyors, but I recommend a lesser-known spot, Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop .

Woodrow’s serves up a flavorful cheesesteak made with its own in-house cheese whiz. Out of all the cheesesteaks I tried, the Woodrow’s Whiz Wit — which comes with shaved ribeye, truffle whiz, cherry pepper mayo and caramelized onions — was definitely the best.

Al Capone’s actual cell

Reconstructed exhibit of Al Capone’s cell

▶ woodrowsandwich.com

SARA M. MONIUSZKO; VISIT PHILADELPHIA Fishtown

VISIT PHILADELPHIA

EXPLORE A NEIGHBORHOOD Want to find even more hidden gems? Get out of the touristy areas and into some off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. For example, Fishtown , which is located north of the Liberty Bell tourist scene, is full of good food and street art. Like craft beer? Check out Evil Genius Beer Company for some fun and fresh brews.

And what goes better with beer than pizza? Pizza Brain is a shop and museum housing the planet’s largest collection of pizza memorabilia, as certified by Guinness World Records — and the pizza (available in full pies or by the slice) is delicious.