IAC Guide to Philly

Welcome to Old City, one of the most walkable, historically rich neighborhoods in the country. Whether you have an hour between sessions or a full free evening, this guide is organized to help you make quick decisions without overthinking it.

Be sure to thank Jaimie Yakaboski for making this guide when you are attending.

Table full of deli sandwiches, salad, and iced coffee
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Dining Near the Venue

We’re excited to highlight some of our local favorites to check out around the conference venue! Present your IAC26 badge to any restaurant in bold to receive 10% off your meal!

Coffee

Lunch

Dinner

Dessert

Exploring Philly

Old City is home base — and there’s more to see than you’d expect within a short walk. When you’re ready to venture further, transit is easy and the neighborhoods below are worth the trip. Here are some recommendations within 30 minutes of IAC.

Old City

If you have a free hour, the area immediately around the venue rewards wandering. Franklin Square Park and Washington Square are both easy stops for fresh air and a break from the auditorium. The waterfront piers, Cherry Street and Race Street, are a short walk south and great for an afternoon reset.

The National Constitution Center, Liberty Bell, Museum of the American Revolution, Betsy Ross House, and the African American Museum are all within a few blocks of each other. If you want something a little different, the Museum of Illusions and Ministry of Awe are fun low-key options that won’t take your whole afternoon. The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and the Museum of Art in Wood are quieter but worth a visit if those subjects interest you. The Black Journey Walking Tour is a great way to see the neighborhood with more context.

Chinatown

A 10–15 minute walk from Old City, Chinatown is one of the best spots for a quick lunch or dinner. Tom’s Dim Sum and Dim Sum Garden are both solid. Pho Xe Lua covers Vietnamese and Thai. For something lighter, Oishii Poke, Frozen (rolled ice cream), and Mango Mango Dessert are all worth a stop. The Chinatown Friendship Arch is a quick photo moment on your way through. Yuki Beauty Spa and Dragon Spa are both in the neighborhood if you need a proper recharge.

Food and Drinks

Sights

Wellness

Gayborhood

Philadelphia’s Gayborhood is a 15–20 minute walk and worth an evening visit. Giovanni’s Room is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ bookstores in the country. The Philly Pride Visitor Center and William Way LGBT Community Center are both welcoming spaces. For food, Vedge is an excellent vegetarian option. Barbuzzo, El Vez, Bud and Marilyn’s, Monster Vegan, Sofi’s Corner Cafe, and Strangelove’s round out the dining scene. For bars, Little Gay Pub, Writer’s Block Rehab, Frankie Bradley’s, and 254 are all good options.

Bookstores and Community

Food and Drinks

Bella Vista / Queens Village

Head down South Street, it’s the kind of block that rewards slow walking. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a mosaic art installation that’s genuinely unlike anything else in the city and worth planning around. Painting with a Twist is a fun drop-in activity if you want something structured. For thrifting, Raxx on 5th, Philly AIDS Thrift, Retrospect Thrift, and Repo Records are all on or near South Street. For food and drinks: Marsha’s South Street, Rosey’s Taco Bar East, Mahalo Hawaiian BBQ, Fitz on 4th, and Paddy Whacks are all good options along the strip.

Must-See Activities

Shopping

Food and Drinks