Philadelphia has two great marketplaces: The Reading Terminal is one, and this is the other." Outdoors and five blocks long, it has stalls stocking everything "from clams to wool socks. You can't buy (just) one of anything...and why should you when the guy with the booming, nasal South Philly accent is offering you 10 tomatoes for $1?"
The Italian Market
Ninth Street between Christian Street and Washington Avenue
Mural of former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo
at the NW corner of 9th & Montrose Sts.
in the heart of the South Philly Italian Market.
There are a few famous spots particularly noted for their steaks (Philly Cheese Steaks), including:
Pat's in South Philly
1237 East Passyunk Ave
The original Cheese Steak
 Geno's in South Philly
9th and Passyunk Ave.
Owner, Joseph Vento learned the cheese steak business from his father, who came from Naples in the early 1940s and opened "Jim's Steaks". Serving cheese steaks since1966, Geno's is a Philly icon and should not be missed by anyone living in, or visiting the Philadelphia area.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Italian American Traditions: Family and Community (Exhibit online):
http://www.balchinstitute.org/museum/italian/italian.html
Saint Rita's Shrine:
http://www.saintritashrine.org/index.html
Santa Rita
 
The origin of Saint Rita''s Shrine is intimately tied both to the story of Italian immigration to the United States and to popular religious devotion at the beginning of the 20th Century.
In the year 1907 the Augustinian Friars from Villanova, one of the suburbs surrounding the City of Philadelphia, were asked to found a parish to assist in the care of the tens of thousands of Italian families coming into the city. When they did, they chose Saint Rita as the patron of the new foundation - a wise and providential choice, not only because Rita herself was a daughter of Italian soil, but also because her canonization just a few years earlier in 1900, was quickly bringing her to the attention of people far and wide as a sympathetic and attractive model of holiness and a powerful intercessor 
in the most needy of cases.
The friars soon established a novena to Saint Rita, conducted 13 times each Sunday and Wednesday to accommodate the thousands of people who flocked to the basement church each week to seek favors or to give thanks for graces received.
In 1915 the magnificent upper church was completed and has continued to operate both as a parish church and as the center of devotion to the Saint of Cascia in the United States. Today, several generations after the original immigrants have gone, the parish population is very small, but devotion to Saint Rita continues strong among people near and far.
Fante
Fante's is one of the oldest and most distinguished shops for kitchenwares. This site is extensive and not to be missed (online or in person)
http://www.fantes.com/italian_market.htmÂ
About 9th Street Italian Market
http://www.phillyitalianmarket.com/market/9thstreet.htm
Anastacio Coffee
http://www.anastasiocoffee.com
The Spice Corner - In the World Famous Philadelphia Italian Market
904 South Ninth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Dibruno House of Cheese
Danny and Joe DiBruno proudly introduced the House of Cheese to Philadelphia's Italian Market in April 1939. Initially, the store stocked only a small variety of Italian cheese and grocery items. However, Danny realized that in order to compete with the larger and more established grocers in the area, he needed to specialize. After a vacation to Switzerland, Danny determined that cheese was the vehicle that would make the DiBruno name famous. He introduced the largest selection of imported and domestic cheeses available to Philadelphians.
To complement the selection of over 400 cheeses, Danny keenly tapped into the great demand for high-quality olives, olive oils and vinegars, which have certainly made the flagship store a one-stop, gourmet shopping destination.
Termini Brothers :: http://www.termini.com
A FAMILY TRADITION FOR MORE THAN 80 YEARS
As our family bakery business continues to grow, we never forget its foundation in family tradition. We believe that our children and grandchildren will be serving our grandfather's recipes to our customers for generations to come!
Our authentic Italian pastries contain no artificial flavors, artificial colors, or preservatives. We encourage you to enjoy them as soon as they arrive.
D'Angelo Brothers Meat Market
D'Angelo Bros. has been at the same location for over 70 years and we have a reputation of excellence. D'Angelo Bros. produces a pure product with no nitrates or any other preservatives. In addition there are no artificial colors added or fillers.
D'Angelo Bros. offers these products and more: FRESH GAME PREPARED MEATS SAUSAGES PÂTÉ HIDES / FURS ROASTS MAIL ORDER
D'ANGELO BROS. offers mail order to anywhere in the Continental U.S.
For mail orders please call:
215-923-5637
909 South 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Ralph's Italian Restaurant
Ralph's in South Philadelphia is well-known not just locally, but all over the United States. When Frank Sinatra wrote his book, "The Way I Wear My Hat", he listed the restaurant as one of his three favorites in Philadelphia
Many famous diners, including Theodore Roosevelt, have eaten at the three-story brownstone in the Italian Market area. Francesco Dispigno and his wife, Catherine, opened the restaurant in May 1900. They named it after their 10-year-old son.Â
Since then, four generations of the family have continued the tradition. A fifth generation is now coming into the picture.
960 South Ninth, Philadelphia, PA
15-627-6011
http://www.ralphsrestaurant.com/inframes.htm
 Antique Row - between 10th and 12th Streets
The Deal
Along the south side of Pine Street, between Pennsylvania Hospital and Kahn Park, 15 antique shops open and close their doors when they want. Collectors, historians, art aficionados and just plain packrats own these places, and most of these owners keep hours that are as inimitable as their collections.
"Just Arrived: Shipment from France," a permanent sign declares from one dealer's window. In others, see 200 year-old samplers, thick, leaded stained glass, giant white Art Deco vases, or perfectly preserved china tea sets. Treasures are too numerous and too various to list, from tiny silver salt dishes to mammoth Colonial chiffoniers. Each store claims a specialty that might not be apparent by window-shopping alone. Try the knob; if not, then the bell. With any luck, they'll let you in.
Jewelers Row - Sansom Between 7th and 8th and 8th between Chestnut and Walnut 
The blocks that intersect at Eighth and Sansom have a fair claim to the title of Philadelphia's glitziest spot--there's more diamonds per square foot than a post-Oscar party. Jewelry stores squeeze into every available space, both above and below street level, ranging from tiny family businesses that handcraft every piece to shiny, spacious showrooms full of the latest designer wares. Along this brilliant block stroll cash-flashing businessmen, mink-clad society ladies, couples picking engagement rings and women of all ages wistfully gazing into store windows.
You'll find jewelry and gemstones to suit every taste, from simple stud earrings and classic solitaires to unique Victorian estate pieces and flashy baubles that scream "Rich boyfriend!"
Tony and Tina's Wedding
Venice Plaza :: 18th & Snyder :: Philadelphia, PA
Ticket Sales and Information: 1-800-660-TINA
"Tony n Tina's Wedding" is the wildest, wackiest wedding you've ever experienced. Join the happy couple as they tie the knot. Then on to the reception, featuring a dinner buffet and dancing to the melodious strains of "Donnie Dolce and Fusion". You can throw rice, kiss the families and interact with a vivacious variety of loveable lunatics, zany relatives, and far out friends. It's a fun time for everyone.
Be Smart - Be Safe
Philadelphia is a very large city - the population consists of millions and there are visitors daily. The link is the Philadelphia Police Department's recommendations for ensuring your safety while visiting the City of Brotherly Love -
During a blizzard in the 90s a bus broke down in South Philly. It was obvious the City was paralyzed and would remain so for a few days. Philadelphia is not well equipped for large amounts of snow removal. It just so happens that the bus was in Little Italy; needless to say, the passengers were well fed during our blizzard and recovery as those who reside in Little Italy opened their kitchens and their hearts to total strangers.Â
Philadelphia - The Place That Loves You Back!!! Â
http://www.pcvb.org/ab_phil/index.asp