ABOUT
Philadelphia (Philly to the locals) is steeped in American history. It is America's birthplace, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Yet it has far more than history to enjoy: a booming food scene, remarkable public murals, excellent museums, and neighbourhoods full of character make it one of the East Coast's most underrated and rewarding destinations.
Philadelphia
Getting FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets
Tickets and ticket prices have been much of the talk for the World Cup, so far. Because of the high prices for the World Cup, it means there are still tickets available for most games.
This is the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams and 104 matches through the tournament, running from 11th June to 19th July. Here's everything you need to know.
Official channels first.
The Last-Minute Sales Phase launched on 1st April and runs through until the end of the tournament. Unlike earlier lottery phases, tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis with instant confirmation. Your FIFA ID needs to be active and payment details saved in advance, as inventory for high-profile matches in cities like New York and Los Angeles sells out within minutes of being released. All purchases go through FIFA.com/tickets.
The official resale route.
The FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace reopened on April 2 and remains open until one hour before each match's kick-off. Availability can be very limited, with tickets appearing sporadically, so best advice is to check frequently and act quickly. All transactions and ticket transfers are handled by FIFA, keeping the tickets digital throughout. There is no limit on the mark-up on tickets, so prices can vary. However, with dynamic pricing, there's always a chance some tickets get cheaper nearer to the game.
Third-party resale — proceed with caution.
Platforms like StubHub, Viagogo, and SeatGeek operate legally in many markets but are not recognised by FIFA as valid resale channels. FIFA has made clear that tickets bought outside the official system may be invalid or cancelled. FIFA has placed no restrictions on resale pricing, which has caused significant controversy — particularly for the final, where prices are expected to be extremely high.
Address: Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia PA 19148
Take the SEPTA Broad Street Line (Orange Line)
FAN ZONE: FIFA Fan Festival Philadelphia — Lemon Hill, East Fairmount Park
Philadelphia’s fan festival will run at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park for the full tournament period, from June 11 to July 19. The city is branding it with “Philly Phlavor,” so expect local food trucks, live entertainment, cultural programming, activations, retail, match screenings and a strong community feel. It is a proper destination for ticketless fans and will also work well before or after exploring the city’s historic core.
Cost: Entry is free, but online registration is required. Access each day is first come, first served and subject to capacity. Some non-matchday concert experiences may be ticketed.
One of Philadelphia's finest hotels, overlooking the beautiful Rittenhouse Square park. The rooms, the restaurant and bar are excellent. Located in the heart of the city.
A large, reliable hotel connected to the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City. Well-priced for the location, excellent for groups and with good transport connections.
A well-regarded boutique hotel on Logan Square near the Ben Franklin Parkway's museum cluster. Excellent rooms, a great rooftop bar, and access to the city's cultural heart.
The best-value option in central Philadelphia, the Apple Hostel is in Old City near the historic sites. Regular social events and a well-recommended for solo travellers.
CHEESESTEAKS, ROAST PORT AND FOOD MARKETS
Philadelphia's food identity is one of the most distinctive in America, built around a handful of iconic dishes and a culture of neighbourhood eating that predates the modern restaurant boom. The cheesesteak – thinly-sliced ribeye on a long Italian roll with Whiz, American or provolone cheese – is the city's defining dish, subject to endless debate, extreme loyalty and the kind of passion that Philadelphians bring to most things they care about. Pat's and Geno's face each other across a south Philly corner; locals have their own preferred institutions.
Beyond the cheesesteak, Philadelphia has the roast pork sandwich (equally deserving of attention), soft pretzels (sold from street carts throughout the city), water ice (a local version of Italian ice) and TastyKake snack cakes as uniquely local food identities. Reading Terminal Market – open since 1893 and housing Amish vendors, cheese stalls, fish counters and international food – is one of America's great food halls and the best single introduction to the city's food culture.
South Philadelphia, the Italian neighbourhood, remains one of the finest eating districts in the city. The restaurant scene beyond these traditions has developed considerably, particularly in Fishtown and Northern Liberties, where a wave of excellent modern restaurants has raised the city's culinary profile.
Guadalajara meets Philadelphia - this versatile cafe and bar can satisfy you for brunch in the morning and cocktails in the evening.
In a city famous for its cheesesteak, John's Roast Pork has been serving locals since 1930. If the cheesesteak isn't for you, the roast pork sandwich is a brilliant alternative.
The legendary Philadelphia sports bar has a location near Lincoln Financial Field. The crab fries (chips with Old Bay seasoning and cheese sauce) are delicious. Great for pre-game.
Haitian-American café-turned-restaurant. Every dish is a tribute to the cuisine of the African diaspora.
SPORTS AND CORNER BARS TILL LATE.
Philadelphia has a strong tradition of neighbourhood bars – simple, comfortable establishments that serve cold beer, watch local sports and function as genuine community gathering places. These 'corner bars' are the backbone of the drinking culture and can be found in virtually every neighbourhood.
The craft beer scene has developed significantly over the past decade, with breweries in Fishtown, Northern Liberties and Kensington producing excellent beers. Philadelphia's position between New York and Washington DC has given it access to the best brewing innovations on the East Coast, and the city now has dozens of excellent local brewers.
The cocktail culture has grown particularly in the more recent development of Fishtown, Northern Liberties and Graduate Hospital, where a wave of sophisticated bars has opened. The wine scene is also good, with the city's excellent restaurant culture supporting several dedicated wine bars.
Philadelphia has a 6am last-orders culture in some neighbourhoods, and the nightlife in Midtown Village (the LGBTQ+ neighbourhood) and Fishtown can extend remarkably late.
Located on the iconic South Street, Founding Fathers Bar has a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. You won't miss the action in here - surrounded by screens.
A great outdoor beer garden in Fishtown inspired by German biergarten culture, with an excellent selection of draft beers, pretzels and casual food. Popular in summer.
The massive sports entertainment complex near the Lincoln Financial Field attracts sports fans of all sports, screens showing every major event. Popular before and after matches.
Philadelphia Brewing Company has been making great beers since 2007 in Kensington. The taproom is open regularly and the tours are excellent. Philly's craft beer scene is growing.
Philadelphia is the birthplace of the American nation – the city where the Declaration of Independence was drafted in 1776 and the Constitution written in 1787. Today it's a city of 1.6 million with a fierce local identity, extraordinary historical sites and an under-rated cultural scene anchored by world-class museums, a vibrant arts district and a food culture unlike any other in the USA.
CURRENCY: US DOLLARS
This dynamic neighbourhood is a converted industrial area full of independent restaurants, craft beer bars, record shops and street art.
The two most historically important buildings in American history, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and the Constitution drafted in 1787. Free to visit.
Open since 1893, this food market brings together Amish farmers from Lancaster County with local butchers, fishmongers, bakers and international food stalls all under one roof.
The 'Rocky Steps' are one of America's most famous film locations – run up them and pump your fists at the top for the full experience. The art museum itself is worth a visit, too!
Greetings and Basics
The City of Brotherly Love – Philadelphia's official nickname
Philly – always Philly, never Philadelphia in conversation
The Eagles – the NFL team; the dominant passion in the city
The Union – Philadelphia Union, always 'the Union'
Sons of Ben / SoB – the main Union supporter group
Subaru Park – the Union's stadium in Chester
River End – the south end of Subaru Park; SoB territory
Atlantic Cup – the rivalry match against New York Red Bulls
SEPTA – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
Broad Street Subway – the north-south metro line
Market-Frankford Line – the east-west 'El' metro line
Cheesesteak – the sacred sandwich; order 'wiz wit' for the full experience
Wiz Wit – Cheez Whiz with fried onions (classic cheesesteak order)
Wiz Without – Cheez Whiz without onions
Roast Pork – the other great Philly sandwich (arguably better)
Water Ice – a Philly-specific frozen dessert ('wooder ice' in accent)
TastyKake – the locally made snack cake brand; a cultural institution
Soft Pretzel – available from street carts throughout the city
Reading Terminal – Reading Terminal Market
Old City – the historic neighbourhood near Independence Hall
Fishtown – the trendy neighbourhood
Northern Liberties – the hipster adjacent neighbourhood
Pat's vs Geno's – the eternal cheesesteak debate between two corner shops
Gritty – the Philadelphia Flyers mascot; unexpectedly beloved city symbol
E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles – the chant; you'll hear it wherever sports are discussed