Hidden gems and off beat ideas in Philadelphia?

PYTis a great place to go that has really interesting burgers and they're pretty reasonable. Green Eggs Cafe is another one of my faves. I'm not the best person to ask about shopping because I don't get to go shopping in the city that often.

As far as nightlife, I've heard from quite a few people that icandy Nightclub is a really awesome nightclub in the gayborhood! Hope that helps and have a great time!

Go to the Masonic Temple - It's really interesting and beautiful.

Check out the Museum of Pizza Culture and have a slice at Pizza Brain.   Little Baby's Ice Cream shares the space in the Fishtown section.

http://www.pizzabrain.org

Cool stores: Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction for clothes, sunglasses from local Warby Parker, and pick up of bottle or two of their unique liquors: sage, root, ginger snap, and rhubarb. S U G A R C U B E ® has the latest and greatest clothes with a Philadelphia style flair, and Ubiq is cool to check out for rare shoes, even if you're not a sneaker head.

Grab a beer outside at Morgan's Pier or an evening cocktail at Sassafras. There is always a line at The Franklin Fountain but for good reason, some of the finest ice cream ever. Swing by Race Street Pier which is never crowded but completely beautiful. Khyber Pass Pub is the spot in the area for beer and elevated pub grub.

My favorite restaurant in the city is Dim Sum Garden which is perfect for groups and always seems to have available seats. The soup dumplings are a must and the menu has something for everyone and vegetarians. Best of all, it's BYO so pick up some wine or beer before hand and bring it in for no charge. I dare you to stuff your faces and spend more than $15 including tip per person, this place is such a value.

In the Gayborhood/Wash West area, Graffiti Bar, Drury Beer Garden @ Opa, Brü Craft & Wurst, Tria, Dirty Franks Bar (ask for the "special", i.e. pony beer and a shot).