Tony Luke’s in South Philly is the best place in Philadelphia to get an authentic cheesesteak. Part of the reason for this is that the shop is perfectly situated in the part of Philadelphia that’s brimming with history and culture. Not only that, but there are plenty of fun activities to do near Tony Luke’s!
If you’re visiting Philly for the first time or are wondering where you should take your friends from out of town, you’ve come to the right place. Tony Luke’s is a fantastic place to stop for lunch while you’re out and about. Here’s what we’d recommend doing in South Philly while you’re working up an appetite.
Where to Stay in South Philly
First, let’s talk about where to stay in South Philly. If you’re planning on staying for a while, you’ll obviously want to stay somewhere with excellent accommodations. Here’s where we’d recommend staying:
The Deacon
The Deacon is a boutique hotel housed in a converted church. It has eight beautifully designed rooms and a common area that’s great for private events. It’s unique, stylish, and close to some of the best South Philly attractions.
Live! Casino & Hotel
Located near Philly’s sports complex, this massive casino is the perfect place to dine, game, and lodge for the night. If you’re looking for a little excitement, this may be just the place for you!
Courtyard Philadelphia South at Navy Yard
This hotel is situated at the southern tip of Broad Street in the Navy Yard complex. It’s the perfect place for travelers who want to enjoy a quieter overnight stay while still being close to South Philly’s best attractions.
For those flying into Philadelphia, there are plenty of convenient places to stay near the airport as well — like the Philadelphia Airport Marriott and the Hampton Inn Philadelphia Airport. Both are just a short drive from Tony Luke’s!
What to Do in South Philly
You’ll never run out of things to do in South Philly. In fact, there’s so much to do that we had a hard time deciding which places and activities to include on this list. Let’s break it down below:
Eat at Tony Luke’s
Located under the I-95 overpass on Oregon Avenue, Tony Luke’s South Philly is an iconic sandwich shop that has been serving authentic Philly cheesesteaks to the South Philly community for years.
This beloved cheesesteak shop was founded by Tony Luke Jr., and has become super well-known for always using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is something you’ll want to experience, too (think that classic, no-nonsense South Philly vibe).
Tony Luke’s menu can be overwhelming in the best way. Their classic cheesesteaks — whether you prefer your cheesesteaks with Cheez Whiz, American, or provolone cheese — are absolutely worth writing home about. Their Roast Pork Italian sandwich is a popular choice, too, especially if you’re craving something extra hearty.
Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, you can take your time exploring the neighborhood. Or, you can explore the neighborhood before you eat. Whatever floats your boat. South Philly is packed with museums and fun activities, which we’ll be talking about in more detail below.
The Italian Market
Visiting the Italian Market (officially called the South 9th Street Curb Market) is a quintessential Philly experience. This historic marketplace has plenty of specialty food shops. We’d highly recommend sampling some local treats (like gourmet cheese, for example). Just make sure to save room for lunch at Tony Luke’s!
Please Touch Museum
The Please Touch Museum is an interactive children’s museum that’s dedicated to hands-on learning. In other words, your kids will love it! The exhibits at the Please Touch Museum are designed to inspire creativity and curiosity — it’s the perfect place for your children to play and learn.
Make sure to take your kids to Tony Luke’s after visiting the Please Touch Museum. Not only will they be hungry from all that learning, but you’ll probably be ravenous from chasing them around. There’s nothing like an authentic Philly cheesesteak to satisfy your hunger pangs!
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Art enthusiasts should definitely make time to visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is just a short drive away from Tony Luke’s. This institution houses an impressive collection of American, European, and Asian art, as well as stunning architectural spaces.
Whether you’re admiring masterpieces by talented artists or deliberately exploring one of the museum’s rotating exhibitions, the experience is sure to leave a lasting impression on both you and your friends from out of town.
Bury the Hatchet
If you’re feeling feisty or just want to do something a bit more active, make sure to check out Bury the Hatchet. At Bury the Hatchet, you can practice axe-throwing indoors (which means you can avoid the cold Philadelphia winter weather).
The atmosphere at Bury the Hatchet is lively and fun, and axe-throwing is a great activity for groups of friends. After working up an appetite, make sure to grab lunch or dinner at Tony Luke’s. You’ll need a hearty meal after all that axe-throwing!
The Liberty Bell Center
No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without visiting the iconic Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell Center offers visitors the chance to learn about the bell’s history and its role in the country’s fight for independence. If you have any friends who are history-buffs, make sure to take them to the Liberty Bell Center before enjoying a bite to eat at Tony Luke’s.
Conclusion
The South Philly neighborhood has no shortage of character, significant cultural locations, and excellent places to dine. Tony Luke’s is located quite close to all of the places mentioned above, which means it’s the perfect place to enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak while exploring the city.
Whether you’re planning on taking your friends out for a day on the town or just want to explore some of South Philly’s most iconic locations, rest assured that we’ve got you covered when it comes to food. Feel free to check out the Tony Luke’s website to learn more!
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