Once a tourist hotspot due to its political history, Philadelphia has been attracting more visitors lately thanks to its dynamic fusion of diverse cuisines, cultures, and creativity, writes Zoey Goto for National Geographic.

The city has the second-largest Italian and Irish communities in the country, as well as the fourth-largest African-American community, so it is no wonder that the cuisine is also beautifully diverse and eclectic.

Travelers can visit the beloved bistro Parc for French fine dining and enjoy everything from soul food to shawarmas at the Reading Terminal Market. Here, they can try the delicious street tacos at Casa Mexico and eat fragrant noodle soup at Vietnam, both of which are recent James Beard Foundation Award winners.

The Italian Market is one of the oldest and largest al fresco markets in the nation where visitors can get anything from football-sized artichokes to plump Sicilian olives to artisan cheese.

Great food can also be found at grocery stores, such as Lupita’s Grocery, a Mexican-owned convenience store that offers amazing hoagies, among so much more.

Those who would like to truly enjoy the best the Philadelphia dining scene has to offer can take part in StrEATS of Philly Food Tours.

Read more about the many things Philadelphia has to offer in National Geographic.

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