The Real Philly Pork & Promenade

The persistent debate over Philadelphia’s best cheesesteak is a tired narrative designed for national television broadcasts and tourists standing in line at the neon-lit intersection of South 9th Street I got interviewed by the…John's Roast Pork's chee…. Locals know the city’s real culinary soul resides in the roast pork sandwich, particularly the version served at John’s Roast Pork. Established in 1930, this counter-service icon in South Philly is the gold standard for thin-sliced pork, sharp provolone, and sautéed spinach or broccoli rabe The 14 Best Roast Pork S…. While the cheesesteak here is arguably the best in town, the roast pork is the heritage order—provided the kitchen hasn't run out of greens by mid-afternoon John's Roast Pork - Phil…. Transitioning from the industrial gritty edge of South Philly to the water requires a walk along the Delaware River Trail. This isn't the manicured experience of Rittenhouse Square; it is a sprawling, industrial-turned-recreational corridor that offers the most honest views of the Philadelphia skyline and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Heading north toward Old City leads to the 'Spit,' a section of the pier that juts into the river, offering a quiet vantage point far removed from the high-traffic jogging paths and the polished crowds of the historic district The 46 best shopping str…. Old City provides the historical weight of the route, anchored by the 1920s-style aesthetics of The Franklin Fountain. This is where the 19th-century soda fountain tradition lives on with thick egg creams and honeycomb ice cream served in sustainable Chinese-style takeout cartons. The line often snakes down Market Street, but the efficiency of the scoopers makes it manageable for those taking their treats to go. The final leg leads to Spruce Street Harbor Park, a seasonal installation that transforms the Penn’s Landing waterfront into a vibrant social hub. Securing a hammock here is the ultimate city victory, offering a rare moment of repose before the evening concert crowds or the seasonal rush of the 2026 Philadelphia Citizen Calendar events take over the pier 2026 Good Things to Do (….

What to Expect

Expect a three-mile trek that transitions from industrial South Philadelphia to the cobblestones of Old City. John’s Roast Pork is a no-frills environment; it is cash-only and strictly closed on Sundays and Mondays. The walk along the Delaware River Trail is flat but exposed, so sun protection is essential in summer. The Franklin Fountain is entirely outdoors with no seating, while Spruce Street Harbor Park is seasonal (May–September), featuring gravel paths and fluctuating crowds. Public transit is accessible via the SEPTA Blue Line (Market-Frankford) once the route reaches Old City.

The Route

1

John's Roast Pork

81

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity64

Infrastructure82

Terrain99

Safety84

Lighting98

Amenities86

Transit57

"Don't just come for the cheesesteak; the roast pork with sharp provolone is the real star, just pray they haven't run out of broccoli rabe when you get to the window."

30-45 min40 min

40 min · 2.1 mi81

2

Delaware River Trail

81

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity64

Infrastructure82

Terrain99

Safety84

Lighting98

Amenities86

Transit57

"Walk south toward the'Spit'—the best skyline views are at the pier's edge, away from the joggers and the Spruce Street crowds."

30-45 min7 min

7 min · 601 m70

3

The Franklin Fountain

70

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity50

Infrastructure83

Terrain98

Safety85

Lighting96

Amenities55

Transit22

"Skip the long wait for a table and take your honeycomb cone to go—there's no indoor seating, but the generous portions and old-school egg creams hold up while you walk."

30-45 min9 min

9 min · 772 m70

4

Spruce Street Harbor Park

70

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity55

Infrastructure68

Terrain91

Safety69

Lighting90

Amenities78

Transit42

"Grab a Chickie’s & Pete’s crab fry bucket and head straight for the hammocks before sunset to beat the concert crowds."

45 min - 1 hr12 min walk

Frequently Asked Questions