Best Places in Philadelphia

Editor Shannon McMahon is always planning her next trip and often writing in her travel journal. Follow her on Twitter @shanmcmahon_ and on Instagram @shanmcmahon.

Shannon joined SmarterTravel in 2015. A former news reporter, she's lived in the south of Spain, spotted elephants in Sri Lanka, gone spelunking in the Caribbean, hiked Jordan's Petra Basin, interviewed Sao Paulo's Michelin-Star chefs, and explored China via bullet train. Travel trends, news oddities, and her visits to up-and-coming destinations are some of her favorite things to write about.

Her stories have also appeared online on USA Today, The Sun, Huffington Post, Business Insider, blog.TripAdvisor.com, Boston.com, and more. Her educational background is in journalism, art history, gender studies, Spanish, and film. She's been quoted as an expert travel source by CNBC, People.com, MarketWatch, The Washington Post, USA Today, and more.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Plenty of extra thick hair elastics. They tame my frizzy curls and come in handy in a surprising number of packing and hotel dilemmas."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Climbing (yes, climbing, it's steep!) the Great Wall of China before it's gone."

Travel Motto: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window, of course."

Email Shannon at smcmahon@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Shannon McMahon

Lonely Planet’s “Best U.S. City” for this year is the City of Brotherly Love—and it’s no wonder why.

This year the 2016 Democratic National Convention landed in Philly, not to mention endless music and art festivals, a delectable food scene, trendy hotels, and history around every picturesque corner. America’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, Philadelphia is a can’t-miss spot for your travel bucket list.

The best places in Philadelphia include both affordable and luxe hotels, high-end eateries, no-frills cheesesteak spots, world-class museums, sprawling green spaces, and expert-led food tours. Don’t miss the iconic Liberty Bell, a beer tour that will put you elbow-to-elbow with seasoned locals, hidden historic sites in Old City, and more. Here’s what to do in Philadelphia, in one graphic.

Best Places in Philadelphia:

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Associate Editor Shannon McMahon visited the City of Brotherly Love courtesy of Visit Philadelphia. Follow her adventures on Twitter and Instagram.

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