Explore Philadelphia during Cesium DevCon 2026

Philadelphia on foot

Planning to visit these points of interest? Philadelphia is a city best explored on foot: historic landmarks, famous streets, incredible food, and unexpected discoveries, just steps from the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. 

The Loews Hotel 

Cesium Developer Conference headquarters this week, the Loews Philadelphia Hotel was one of the first International Style skyscrapers in the United States. Once home to the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society, the building still showcases its neon “PSFS” sign and remains a a stylish launch point for exploring the city. 

City Hall 

In the heart of Center City, Philadelphia City Hall is one of the largest and most iconic municipal buildings in the world. Completed in 1901, City Hall features ornate architecture, towering archways, and a statue of William Penn overlooking the city. The City Hall Tower Tour takes you 548 feet above the city streets for views of the Philly skyline and beyond. 

0.2 mi, 2 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions

The Love Sculpture 

The world-famous LOVE sculpture by artist Robert Indiana, with bold red letters, has become one of Philadelphia’s most photographed landmarks. The plaza is also legendary in skateboarding culture. Visit to take photos, people-watch, and soak in the energy of Center City. 

0.3 mi, 9 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

The Academy of Natural Sciences 

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is the United States’ oldest natural science museum, founded in 1812.  With massive dinosaur skeletons and immersive wildlife displays, it’s an easy and unforgettable stop. 

(Bonus: The Swann Memorial Fountain and Sister Cities Parks are right across the street.) 

0.8 mi, 18 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

The Franklin Institute Science Center 

Named after Philadelphia’s own Benjamin Franklin, the Franklin Institute has inspired curious minds for generations. Walk through a giant heart model and explore rockets as you get to know the city.  

0.9 mi, 21 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

The Barnes Foundation Art Museum 

The Barnes Foundation is home to an impressive collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings. The works themselves are famous, by artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh, and the arrangements alongside furniture, metalwork, and decorative objects create an experience unlike a traditional museum visit. 

0.9 mi, 23 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

Chinatown Friendship Gate 

Chinatown Friendship Gate marks the entrance to Philadelphia’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood. This elaborate gate was built in 1984 as a symbol of friendship between Philadelphia and its sister city, Tianjin. Beyond the gate, you’ll find restaurants, bakeries, bubble tea shops, and late-night eats. 

0.3 mi, 8 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

Reading Terminal Market 

The location of the Final Night Party for DevCon 2026, Reading Terminal Market is packed with local favorites, fresh baked goods, Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, and global cuisine. Grab a quick snack or a full meal while exploring Center City. 

0.1 mi, 3 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

The African American Museum 

The African American Museum showcases powerful stories of history, culture, art, and community. It’s the first institution funded and built by a major U.S. city to preserve and celebrate African American history and culture. Rotating exhibits, historical artifacts, contemporary art, and interactive experiences highlight the lasting impact and contributions of African Americans in Philadelphia and beyond. 

 0.6 mi, 14 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

The Liberty Bell 

The Liberty Bell Center is home to one of the most iconic artifacts in U.S. history. Originally cast in 1752 and famously cracked soon after, the bell has come to represent freedom and equality. Located in historic Old City, it’s an essential stop.  

0.5 mi, 13 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

Independence Hall 

At Independence Hall, the birthplace of American democracy, both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the meeting place of the Founding Fathers as they shaped the future of a nation. 

0.7 mi, 16 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

The Magic Gardens Museum 

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a kaleidoscope of mosaics, mirrors, and imagination . Created by artist Isaiah Zagar, it’s built from hand-cut tiles, bottles, bicycle parts, and found objects, a living work of art. 

0.8 mi, 18 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

9th Street Italian Market 

The 9th Street Italian Market is full of color and character. Founded in the late 1800s by Italian immigrants, the market stretches through South Philly, serving up fresh pasta, cheesesteaks, and more. 

1.1 mi, 26 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks 

Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks sit directly across from each other in South Philly. Be sure to visit so you can chime in on who makes the best cheesesteak. 

1.5 mi, 33 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

Spruce Street Harbor Park 

Spruce Street Harbor Park is a summertime favorite along the Delaware River, part urban beach, part floating boardwalk.  Head here for hammocks, food, and sunset views. 

1.3 mi, 30 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

Cherry Street Pier 

Once a working industrial space, Cherry Street Pier is now filled with artist studios, large-scale installations, pop-up markets, and seasonal events. This creative hub has an always-changing lineup of local makers and exhibits plus waterfront breezes. 

1.3 mi, 30 min walk from Loews Hotel | Directions 

Cesium colleague Philly favorites

Who better to guide us around Philadelphia than Cesium + Bentley Platform colleagues? Check out these favorite haunts for hanging out, eating well, and exploring. 

Spruce Street Harbor Park 

A fun and super cool park right on the Delaware River, with lots of hammocks to hang out in! Also a few food and drinks options are available. 

Submitted by: Jake Steinerman, Developer Relations 

Skyhigh 

Bar/restaurant with panoramic views from the top of the Four Seasons Hotel. 

Submitted by: Jake Steinerman, Developer Relations 

The Mütter Museum 

The Mütter Museum is America's premier medical history museum, known for its extensive 19th-century "cabinet museum" display of anatomical specimens, pathological artifacts, and, at times, gruesome (i.e., GROSS) medical oddities. 

And if you still have any appetite after, El Merkury is a great Guatemalan restaurant around the block, kinda famous for their Churro sundays. 

Submitted by: Dave Rizzio, Motion Graphics Designer 

El Merkury 

El Merkury is a Central American street food staple in the Philadelphia foodie scene with big dreams of bringing our community together through food. 

Its claim to fame is made-to-order-with-love churros. Looping around in a foot-high circle and stuffed down into smooth soft serve, these churro desserts are a piece of art. 

Submitted by: Dave Rizzio, Motion Graphics Designer 

Zahav 

One of my favorite restaurants, not just in Philly, but in the world. Mind blowing Israeli/Mediterranean cuisine. Reservations basically required. 

Submitted by: Jake Steinerman, Developer Relations 

Positano Coast 

For a fine dining meal. The burrata is one of the best things I've ever tasted. 

Submitted by: Sarah Chow, Writer and editor 

Welcome Park 

A small courtyard with long plaque that gives a brief timeline of the life of William Penn. It's a great way to get a quick snapshot of Philadelphia founding history. 

Submitted by: Sarah Chow, Writer and editor 

Oishii Sushi and Ramen 

Delicious tonkotsu ramen when you need comfort food. 

Submitted by: Sarah Chow, Writer and editor 

Ministry of Awe 

A new, ever-evolving immersive art experience in Philadelphia, housed inside a 19th-century bank and transformed into a surreal world where the only currency is the human spirit. Each act of wonder yields infinite returns. 

Submitted by: Jake Steinerman, Developer Relations 

Museum of the American Revolution 

Spacious and modern history museum presenting interactive exhibits on the American Revolutionary War. 

Submitted by: Sarah Chow, Writer and editor  

Omoi Life Goods 

I first saw this on the map when I started coming to the previous Old City Cesium office. It's a stationery and home goods store carrying many Japanese brands. It's perfect for anyone into quality stationery, independent art, or unique gifts. It's about a 20-minute subway ride from the hotel, so a little far, but good to visit if you're already sightseeing in Old City! 

Submitted by: Erin Ingram, Software Engineer I, Web 3D 

Thank You Thank You 

This is closer to Old City, right next to the Curtis Building. They brew amazing coffee with fair prices for the high quality. The baristas are also very friendly and knowledgeable-- great place in the area to try a fancy pour over. It's about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. I would recommend enjoying your drink in Washington or Independence Square. 

Submitted by: Erin Ingram, Software Engineer I, Web 3D 

Beck's Cajun Cafe (Reading Terminal Market) 

Beck's Cajun Cafe is one of my favorite spots inside Reading Terminal Market, amazing food in a creole style makes me feel like I'm in New Orleans. 

Submitted by: Mike Frederick, Principal Software Engineer and Division Security Lead 

Matcha Cafe Maiko 

A Chinatown dessert place with a specialty of, you guessed it, their matcha. I know it's a controversial flavor, but highly recommend this place if you like it, and they have other great rotating seasonal ice cream flavors too. Great to check out after dinner in Chinatown. It is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. 

Submitted by: Erin Ingram, Software Engineer I, Web 3D 

Pearl and Mary Oyster Bar 

An oyster bar offering fresh delights like a raw bar, crudo, and ceviche, alongside a variety of sandwiches and dishes featuring everything from meat to fish. 

Submitted by: Trent Tinker, Director, Federal BD 

Rival Bros (coffee shop) 

A good coffee shop very close to the hotel with spacious seating. Only a 5-minute walk.  

Submitted by: Erin Ingram, Software Engineer I, Web 3D 

Morris House Hotel 

Great historic building to stay in during your visits to Philly that is also close to Cesium HQ. 

Submitted by: Trent Tinker, Director, Federal BD 

Benjamin Franklin Parkway 

Don't just visit the Rocky steps, but take a stroll all the way down Ben Franklin Parkway to City Hall. Inspired by the Champs-Élysées in Paris, it serves as the city’s cultural core, housing world-class museums, green spaces, and iconic public monuments. 

Submitted by: Trent Tinker, Director, Federal BD 

Schuylkill River Cable Stay Bridge 

This new bridge opened in May 2025. It connects a section of the Schuylkill Banks River Trail that has to move from the banks to travel over the edge of the river to connect back to land on the other side. 

If you want to get your structural engineer on… This bridge has a unique lacing pattern to the suspension cables. Top cable goes down to anchor spot closest to the suspension tower. The 2nd cable from the top goes all the way out to the last anchor. Rinse and repeat.  

Submitted by: Luke McKinstry, Software Developer