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The Ultimate Guide to NeoCon East Philadelphia

NeoCon East: One Guide to Rule them All

The week we’ve all been waiting for is quickly approaching. NeoCon East starts in just a few days and we’re here to get you amped up and ready to take on the city. To make sure your time in Philadelphia is just as exciting as your time at NeoCon East, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide of things to do, places to visit, and foods to eat during your week in the Birthplace of America!

While Philadelphia is great year-round, the fall atmosphere adds a special je ne sais quoi sure to mesmerize any visitor. Whether you’re interested in exploring the scenic tree-lined streets, getting scared to death in an old prison, or eating your weight in delicious food, we’ve got you covered. This post includes a variety of exhibitions and events only taking place the week of NeoCon East, year-round Philadelphia must-sees, and the best restaurants across the city. This post gets a bit lengthy, as most ultimate guides do, so feel free to skip around to the parts you think are most relevant to your own interests.

NeoCon Philly Events

Mural Arts Program’s citywide exhibition Open Source
(October)

With over 3,500 murals, Philadelphia has earned the title of the city with the most murals in the country. The Mural Arts Program is dedicated to expand Philly’s collection of artistic expression while positively impacting the community through  “Art Education for youth; Restorative Justice for inmates, those re-entering society, and victims of violence; and Porch Light for those struggling with mental illness, trauma, and addiction.” The exhibition showcases murals from 14 local and international artists.

Take a look at the tours for the Open Source exhibition here or check out a variety of other mural tours here.

Philadelphia Film Festival
(Oct. 22-Nov. 1)

If you’re a serious movie buff, the 24th annual Philadelphia Film Festival is right up your alley. Hosted by the Philadelphia Film Society, the festival features the best independent and foreign films from around the globe. Films are shown day and night in a number of theaters throughout the city during the 11-day festival.

Tickets range between $5 and $13 and can be purchased online here or at the main box office up to 30 minutes before showtime. See the full list of films and the schedule here.

Terror behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary
(Oct. 2-Nov. 1)

Eastern State Penitentiary is an abandoned prison situated right in the middle of Philadelphia’s beautiful Fairmount neighborhood. Deemed one of the most haunted locations in the world, it makes sense that Eastern State turns into one of the scariest Halloween attractions in America every October. Terror behind the Walls turns the eerie prison into a frightening haunted house where cast members can scare you, touch you, and even separate you from your group. Check out this preview video, if you think you can handle it. If you’re anything shy of brave, we suggest you sit this one out (or opt for a tour during the day).  No matter what time of day you go, make sure to take advantage of the dozens of awesome restaurants and shops that surround Eastern State Penitentiary.

If you’re brave enough to experience Terror behind the Walls, you can buy tickets at the door or online for a discount here. Hours are 7pm-11pm Monday through Thursday, 7pm-12am Fridays and Sundays, and 6:30pm-12:30am on Saturdays. For the rest of us, you can buy tickets to tour the prison without the terror here. Tours are from 10am to 5pm, but the last entry is at 4pm.

NeoCon Philly Staples

We touched on some major Philadelphia landmarks in a previous post, but you can never have too many options. So, we’ve compiled a few more places for you to explore during your free time next week.

South Street

South Street is an iconic spot with an enormous variety of entertainment, shops, and restaurants. Whether you’re interested in records and antiques, beer gardens and cheesesteaks, or art galleries and theaters, South Street has exactly what you need and then some. In October, South Street also becomes a prime destination for eccentric Halloween costume shops. South Street is easy to get to from the Convention Center and most other places in Philadelphia, as the Broad Street Line (orange subway line) stops right at the corner of Broad Street and South Street. View a full directory of shops, restaurants, and entertainment on South Street here.

The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute is an awesome science museum chock full of fascinating hands-on exhibits. Some of the coolest exhibits include stargazing in the planetarium, firing a model neuron, and walking through a giant replica of the human heart. The Franklin Institute is also the home of a 20-foot tall statue memorializing its namesake. The Benjamin Franklin Memorial sits inside the rotunda and is an absolute thing of beauty. The memorial also shows a 3.5 minute multimedia show, Benjamin Franklin Forever, detailing the profound impact Benjamin Franklin had on our society.

The Benjamin Franklin Memorial is free and open to the public during The Franklin Institute’s open hours, but adult admission to the museum is $19.95. Tickets can be bought here.
The Fanklin Institute is open 9:30am-5pm Sunday through Wednesday and 9:30am-9pm Thursday-Saturday (last entry at 7:30pm).

Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk

If you’re already venturing away from the Convention Center, the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk is a great place to head next. A new addition to the city this past year, the boardwalk offers breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline and the Schuylkill. Take the Broad Street subway line to the Walnut and Locust stop and walk west to the Schuylkill River Trail (approximately 25th and Locust) for the closest entrance to the boardwalk. Once there, take in the scenic views on a leisurely walk or break out the camera and prepare to wow your friends at home with beautiful pictures of the skyline.

Elfreth’s Alley

As the Birthplace of America, Philadelphia hosts some of the oldest pieces of our nation’s history. One of the most beautiful historical sites in Philadelphia is Elfreth’s Alley, also known as “Our Nation’s Oldest Residential Street.” First inhabited in 1702, Elfreth’s Alley represents 300 years of American History that you can experience first hand in the Elfreth’s Alley Museum. The homes were built between the 1720’s and 1830’s and provide a sneak peak into the every day lives of America’s founders. Located in the middle of Old City, Elfreth’s Alley offers a beautiful view of historic Philadelphia and offers close proximity to a variety of restaurants and other historical sites, including the Betsy Ross house.

City Hall

As the central landmark in Philadelphia and the largest municipal building in the country, City Hall is hard to miss. With over 700 rooms, hundreds of architectural reliefs and statues, and a 37-foot tall bronze statue of William Penn on top, the building is an architectural and visual masterpiece. Enjoy the surroundings of Dilworth Park, walk through the center, or take a trip to the observation deck for a 360 view of the skyline. Tickets to the observation deck cost $6 and can be purchased at the City Hall Tour and Visitor Center (located at the intersection of Broad Street and Market Street, room 121). Hours are 9am-5pm Monday through Friday and tours take place every 15 minutes between 9:30am and 4:15pm.

Mütter Museum

The Mütter Museum, much like Eastern State Penitentiary, is a year-round staple, but its eerie exhibits feel more at home during the Halloween season. The medical museum, displaying a mix of medical and anatomical oddities invites you to explore and become “disturbingly informed.”  Tickets range from $11-$16 and can be purchased online  or at the front desk. The museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

NeoCon Philly Food

Restaurants Near the Convention Center

NeoCon East is in a great location and surrounded by an abundance of restaurant choices. We mentioned Reading Terminal in a previous blog post, but some of us just can’t handle the hustle or don’t have the time to experience all that Reading Terminal has to offer. If that sounds like you, here’s a list of other restaurants within walking distance of the Convention Center.

Vegetarian

  • Vedge | Restaurant serving inventive vegan & vegetarian small plates in a charming old mansion.
    221 Locust Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 320-7500 | Hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 5pm-11pm, Closed Sunday
  • New Harmony Vegetarian Restaurant | Chinese BYOB restaurant serving vegan & veggetarian light & fried items, including meat substitutes.
    135 N 9th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107| (215) 627-4520 | Hours:  Everyday, 11am-11pm

German

  • Brü Craft & Wurst | Rustic-chic alehouse with ample options on tap, self-serve brews & German eats.
    1316 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 800-1079 | Hours: Everyday, 11am-2am

Mediterranean

  • Barbuzzo | Farm-fresh ingredients star at this Mediterranean joint set in a chic, compact space.
    110 S 13th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 546-9300 | Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm & 5pm-12am, Sun 5pm-12am

Asian

  • Penang | Spacious Malaysian eatery with an open kitchen & speedy service amid industrial-chic decor.
    117 N 10th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 413-2531 | Hours: Everyday 11:30am-12am
  • Dim Sum Garden | BYOB Chinese fixture offers authentic dumplings and classic rice & noodle meals in a sleek space.
    1020 Race Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 873-0258 | Everyday 10:30am-10:30pm
  • Vietnam Restaurant | Vietnamese mainstay for Pho and authentic main dishes with a 2nd floor bar.
    221 N 11th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 592-1163 | Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-9:30pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10:30pm
  • Tea Do | A contemporary tea house with bubble tea, smoothies, specialty  mixed drinks, and small plate food options.
    132 N 10th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 925-8889 | Hours: Sun-Thurs 10:30am-12am, Fri & Sat 10:30am-1am
  • Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House | Noodles are hand-pulled in-house to be added to soups and stir-fries at this casual Chinatown restaurant.
    1022 Race Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 923-1550 | Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10:30pm
  • Morimoto | Omakase & other Japanese creations emerge from an Iron Chef in a sleek, color-changing setting.
    723 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 | (215) 413-9070 | Hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-2pm & 5pm-10pm, Fri 11:30-2pm & 5pm-12am, Sat 5pm-12am, Sun 5pm-10pm

Mexican

  • El Vez | Trendy Mexican joint serving upscale eats & cocktails in a colorful, flashy setting.
    121 S 13th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 928-9800 | Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-11pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am-12pm, Sun 11:30am-10pm
  • Lolita | Contemporary Mexican plates & specialty margaritas in an upbeat, rustic-chic setting.
    106 S 13th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 546-7100 | Hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm-3pm & 5pm-11pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-3pm & 5pm-12am, Sun 5pm-10pm

Carribean

  • Beck’s Cajun Cafe | Bustling counter serve dishing up Cajun & Creole comfort food to the farmer’s-market crowd.
    51 N 12th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 592-0505 | Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm

Restaurants throughout Philadelphia

If you have some extra time outside of NeoCon East exploration or are staying in a hotel further away from the Convention Center, there are thousands of great restaurants at your disposal. Here are some of the top rated restaurants throughout the city, including the much anticipated list of Philly cheesesteak restaurants.

Cheesesteaks

  • Steve’s Prince of Steaks | 41 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 | (215) 972-6090
  • Jim’s Steaks | 400 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 | (215) 928-1911
  • Tony Luke’s | 39 E Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148 | (215) 551-5725
  • Pat’s and Geno’s | 1301 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147
    We suggest you go to Pat’s and Geno’s with a pal and split one from each so you can truly compare the decade-old rivals.
  • Campo’s Deli | 214 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 | (215) 923-1000
  • Dalessandro’s Steaks | 600 Wendover St, Philadelphia, PA 19128 | (215) 482-5407
  • John’s Roast Pork | 14 E Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148 | (215) 463-1951

Vegetarian

(Most restaurants throughout the city also have vegetarian options)

  • HipCityVeg | 127 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | (215) 278-7605
  • Mama’s Vegetarian | 18 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | (215) 751-0477
  • Veggie Lovers | 225 N 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 226-6688

American

  • PYT | 1050 N Hancock St, Philadelphia, PA 19123 | (215) 964-9009
    One of Philly’s weirdest burger joints with innovative burger combinations and adult milkshakes!
  • Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar | 138 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 | (215) 923-6069
  • City Tavern | 138 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 | (215) 413-1443
    A reconstructed Colonial tavern in Old City where servers in period dress deliver old-fashioned American fare.
  • Prime Stache | 110 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 | (267) 886-8354

Italian & Mediterranean

  • Alla Spina | 1410 Mt Vernon St, Philadelphia, PA 19130 | (215) 600-0017
  • Opa | 1311 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 545-0170
  • Zorba’s Tavern | 2230 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130 | (215) 978-5990
  • Estia Restaurant | 1405 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 | (215) 735-7700
  • Bistro Romano | 120 Lombard St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 | (215) 925-8880

European

Indian & Middle Eastern

  • Mumbai Bistro | 930 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215) 418-0444
  • Karma Restaurant and Bar | 114 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 | (215) 925-1444
  • Zahav | 237 St James Pl, Philadelphia, PA 19106 | (215) 625-8800
  • Cafe La Maude | 816 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123 | (267) 318-7869

Asian

  • Buddakan | 325 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 | (215) 574-9440
  • Kisso Sushi Bar | 205 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 | (215) 922-1770
  • Le Viet | 1019 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 | (215) 463-1570

Latin