Before you start hitting the stores, stop at Continental Midtown for an enormous salad (they’re big enough to share) or a creative sandwich to fuel your first day of shopping. And since it’s after 12, why not order a few of the city’s best martinis?

Once you’ve exhausted the Chestnut Street possibilities, cut down to Walnut Street on Broad. Right at the corner of Broad and Walnut you’ll find a humongous Banana Republic for your shopping pleasure.

Just across the street from there are the Shops at the Bellevue. The historic Bellevue building, which anchors Rittenhouse Row and the Avenue of the Arts, features such designer shops as Nicole Miller, Polo/Ralph Lauren and Williams-Sonoma — and if you've got a sweet tooth, take a well-deserved break at Teuscher Chocolates. World-class restaurants include The Palm, XIX, Bliss and JL Sullivan’s Speakeasy.

After The Bellevue, continue west on Walnut Street and shop at internationally acclaimed galleries, haute couture boutiques, luxury salons, spas and other fine stores. You’ll find Kenneth Cole, Tiffany, Urban Outfitters, Lucky Jeans, Coach and Burberry, as well as longstanding Philadelphia boutique Knit Wit and Philadelphia favorite Ubiq, where you'll score some classic Nikes.

Walnut Street, part of the Rittenhouse Row District, is booming with some seriously superb drinking and dining spots. Depending on the weather, an outdoor table at Alma de Cuba or Brasserie Perrier is the perfect way to decompress from five hours of hard shopping.

After a drink or two, take a little time to head back to your hotel, unload your buys and change into one or two of your new pieces.

For dinner, we suggest you try Parc, the new French-style bistro on Rittenhouse Square. And we really mean on Rittenhouse Square — lovely and breezy sidewalk seating overlooks the ritzy passers-by and is truly the most coveted group of tables in Philadelphia.

If you’re not in the mood for champagne and escargot, walk over to 20th and Sansom for a meal at Tinto, a Spanish tapas place that’s pretty much caught the city by storm since it first opened.

The rest of the evening is yours for wandering and finding your own scene. If you’re looking for low-key, cab it down to Society Hill to catch an art house movie at one of the three Ritz theater locations. If you want to see and be seen, check out the scene at Denim on Walnut Street. But if a quiet dessert and nightcap is more your style, check out SnackBar on the Rittenhouse outskirts.

It’s time to explore Macy's, the huge department store located just east of Broad Street. Originally the home of Wanamaker’s, this lovely old store will take you back to the days when a trip downtown to shop was a very special occasion. For the music lovers in your party, make sure to stay until 12 noon to catch the Grand Pipe Organ’s daily recital.

Now you’re going to take a right on 13th Street to find Midtown Village, a seriously up-and-coming (and very gay-friendly) dining and shopping district that gets more vibrant every year.

Some of the highlights here are: Sailor Jerry, the flagship location for the tattoo-and-rum inspired clothing chain; Duross & Langel, where you can both buy and make handmade soaps, shampoos and lip balms; Open House, the place to get cool stuff for your abode; and Scarlet Fiorella, where hipster kids in the making can find infant-sized rocker tees.

Since you splurged on breakfast, you can take it easy for lunch with authentic Philly sandwiches at Campo’s and Sonny’s. Campo’s is your one-stop hoagie shop, while Sonny’s, just down the street, is the local authority on cheesesteaks. Take your pick, then eat either in-house or at a shady spot in historic Old City.

Northern Liberties is home to many a Philadelphia artist and the shopping opportunities in the neighborhood reflect that. Stop in at Closet Fever to sate your one-of-a kind shopping lust and check out Very Bad Horse to satisfy your inner rockstar. Conspiracy Showroom is the spot where local designers flaunt their stuff and Art Star offers the best from area artists.

Standard Tap is the crown prince of Northern Liberties bars. Said to have kicked off Philly’s gastropub trend, Standard Tap exemplifies the art form with outstanding upscale bar fare (like chickpea and sprout sandwiches and chicken pot pie) and a wide smattering of local beers on tap. Stay here for dinner if it tickles your fancy — and if the weather’s nice, try to nab some second-story outdoor seating.

If you’ve had your fill of the Tap, walk a few doors up 2nd Street to Mexican outpost Cantina Dos Segundos. This is the newly opened younger sibling to South Philadelphia’s Cantina Los Caballitos, which is one of the hottest Mexican spots in town. Order up a pitcher of margaritas and settle in.

After dinner, stroll over to North Bowl for a little physical activity to work off the chips and salsa you inhaled at Dos Segundos. This hip bowling alley will be hopping on a Saturday night, so if you have to wait a while for a lane, check out the pool tables and the bar to pass the time. And if you’re still hungry, their nostalgic menu of corn dogs, macaroni and cheese and bagel bites will keep you satisfied until breakfast.

Transportation

If you're traveling from New York, New England, DC, Baltimore, Harrisburg, etc., Amtrak is easy — and you can get 50% off a companion fare when you use our special discount code V454. Book online at Amtrak or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Driving

If you drive here, stash your car off-street until you leave. Though you might enjoy an occasional cab, trolley or carriage ride, there’s nothing you can’t reach on foot. Parking regulations are enforced in the historic area, and you may find yourself getting towed with un-municipal efficiency.

Accommodations

You can’t get much more young and fun than the aloft Philadelphia Airport, which combines modern design, interactive resources and lots of cool extras to make your Philly stay fresh and affordable.

The Independent, meanwhile, is a new boutique hotel right in Center City. Each guest room features its own unique design, while the building — an example of Georgian-Revival architecture — is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Hyatt Regency is one of the historic area’s newest hotels, a tower right on the Delaware River. You can sit at the outdoor bar and listen to the creak-creak of moored boats.

The Philly Overnight® Hotel Package is a popular getaway — and a terrific deal. It’s available throughout the year and gives you free parking (worth $50 or more) and special offers and discounts - in addition to deluxe accommodations in Center City Philadelphia. Check out the package, then pick your favorite hotel.

More food and drink, please!

Of course, what we've recommended is just a sample of the amazing range of food and drink in Philadelphia. Take a closer look at the city's Dining and Nightlife offerings and pick your favorites.