Tips for a Perfect Day in Philadelphia from Streets Dept Founder Conrad Benner
Conrad Benner, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, stands as an influential figure within the city’s vibrant street art scene. As the founder and editor of the well-regarded blog “Streets Dept,” Benner has dedicated himself to promoting and exploring the city’s extensive mural culture. In addition to curating projects for Mural Arts, he hosts the podcast “Art Outside” on WHYY, produces videos that showcase local artists, and recently launched the fourth annual edition of Streets Dept’s magazine. Benner’s commitment to the arts and community has made him a prominent voice in Philadelphia’s creative landscape.
A perfect day in Philadelphia for Benner begins at 10 a.m. with a stroll to the Bok Building, where he enjoys a simple iced coffee from Two Persons, a local café noted for its friendly staff. Following his morning caffeine fix, he retreats to his studio within the same building to engage in his artistic endeavors.
At 3 p.m., Benner heads to South Street via the Broad Street subway line, which he affectionately notes needs a little love. Recognized worldwide as a mural capital, Philadelphia is home to around 4,000 murals scattered across various neighborhoods, including some of the city’s most artistic pockets. South Street, known for its vibrant atmosphere, is among these areas. He takes a break at Tattooed Mom, a unique spot that serves as a semi-permanent art gallery while offering a vegetarian-friendly menu and the opportunity to immerse himself in local street art culture.
Next, he visits South Street Art Mart, an establishment praised for its curation of local artists’ works at various price points. This is followed by a stop at YOWIE, a boutique known for its eclectic selection of Philadelphia-centric merchandise. Here, Benner typically finds a new hat and a stylish home accessory.
As the afternoon approaches 5 p.m., Benner seeks out green spaces around the Society Hill Towers, where he appreciates the tranquil environment, a quiet refuge away from the city’s hustle and bustle—a perfect spot for contemplation or video editing.
At 5:30 p.m., Benner checks into Paradigm Gallery in Old City, one of Philadelphia’s premier galleries supporting local artists. With its three levels of exhibits, the gallery often showcases work that resonates with both residents and visitors. He then heads to the 48 Record Bar, a cozy venue that hosts live music, where he values the chance to discover new sounds in a personal setting, a rarity in an era dominated by algorithm-driven playlists.
As the day winds down, he walks to Barcelona Wine Bar on East Passyunk Avenue for a late dinner, where he relishes the quality food and wine in a lively atmosphere. The 45-minute stroll back from Old City allows him to remain vigilant for art—in any form—leaving him inspired for future projects or reflections on the dynamic artistic landscape of Philadelphia.
