Posted in Philadelphia August 27, 2017 by

9 Things People From Philadelphia Always Have To Explain To Out Of Towners

Millions of people visit Philadelphia every year to try our food, see our landmarks, and learn about the most historic city in the country. We’re are nearly always willing to help these visitors out, whether it’s to give them directions or advice about where to go. We can’t help it – we love talking about our city! There are a bunch of things we hear all the time, so if you’re coming to visit the city, here are the things we’re constantly explaining to out of towners.

1. Buying pretzels from people on the street is not sketchy.
Flickr / Jon Siedman
If a guy is sitting on the corner selling two pretzels for a dollar, you buy those pretzels, and don't think too much about where they came from, or where they have been.
2. South Philly has no parking rules.
Flickr / Christopher
Yes, you can park on the median on Broad Street... kind of. The PPA won't enforce ticketing there, and the PPD doesn't seem to care.
3. Forget the "famous" cheesesteak places.
Facebook / Dalessandro's Steaks
Other than when you happen to be on Passayunk late at night and need a steak... skip Pat's and Geno's and try John's Roast Pork, Dalessandro's, or Jim's.
4. Ordering cheesesteaks is an art form.
Facebook / John's Roast Pork
Wit = with onions, Wiz = with cheese whiz. So, you can order a cheesesteak wit, a cheesesteak wiz wit, or a cheesesteak wit (insert favorite cheese here).
5. Our favorite animal is the Phanatic.
Flickr / slgckgc
The best mascot in sports is right in Philadelphia. From "streaking" across the field to rallying Phillies crowds, there's no better creature in the world.
6. We take our sports rivalries very seriously.
Flickr / Ryan Lejbak
Don't walk through Philadelphia with a Giants jersey, a Rangers or Penguins sweater, or a Mets shirt! If you do, you're just asking for trouble. We live and die by our teams and have been quite... toughened up... by what they put us through.
7. It's a hoagie.
Facebook / Primo Hoagies
If you try ordering a sub or a hero around Philadelphia, you'll get some strange looks. We invented it, we get to name it. They're hoagies.
8. Water Ice is way better than any other frozen treat.
Facebook / John's Water Ice
It's hard to explain - it's like a softer, better italian ice. You've got to try it to really understand.
9. Some "tourist traps" are worth visiting.
Flickr / Maciek Luklo
Old City is full of historic houses, museums, alleys, and of course, Independence Hall and Independence Visitors Center. Walk through, see the Liberty Bell, and take a tour of where the founding fathers drafted the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. There's no other place like this in the country.

Philadelphia might be the most underrated city in the world, but every visitor that enjoys their trip takes a bit of the city home with them. So, Philadelphians, be patient when you’ve got to explain what a hoagie is, or why water ice is king! Visitors in Philadelphia will appreciate it.

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