Philadelphia, PA - Atlantic City isn't known as America's Playground for nothing. This city is perfectly geared up for tourists who want to be constantly entertained. From the thriving casino scene, to the funfair of the Steel Pier, the speakeasy vibes of the bars, to the indulgent menus in the restaurants, Atlantic City provides the very best of life to the most hedonistic of customers. At just over an hour away from Philadelphia, it’s the perfect destination for a wild weekend away. So, if you're looking to get away on a short break then you could do much worse than a trip to Atlantic City. Here are our tips on making sure that you get the most out of your weekend.
Stay at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
First things first, you're going to need somewhere to crash at night and the Hard Rock Hotel provides all of that and a little more. It's mid-priced, depending on the time of year around $120-$180 per night, but for that, you get to stay in a four-star hotel, right in the center of things, that has its own truly brilliant casino. There are a whole lot of slot machines to choose from here, as well as plenty of table games.
Table games can be great fun, but if you're a little rusty when it comes to your card-playing skills then it's worth getting in a little practice online first. You'll feel more confident when you hit the tables that way. If you're signing up to a site for the first time then check out casinobonusca to find out if they have a sign up bonus available. That way you might be able to instantly give your bankroll a boost. Whether you choose to put the online practice in or not, once you're settled into your room and feeling confident in your card playing head down to the casino and let the weekend commence.
Eat at Chef Vola's
There are plenty of places to choose from when it comes to eating well in Atlantic City, but Chef Vola's is such an institution that we’ve actually written about it before, and you'll likely need to place a reservation months in advance. Whilst this might seem a little excessive, the food here is great, the portion sizes tremendous, and the setting is just beautiful. You'll feel right at home the second you're seated in this petite Italian restaurant. It's got heaps of speakeasy references, because it used to be one, and interestingly enough, it's a BYOB venue today, so the vibe carries on to this day.
The menu is compact and focuses on Italian-American classics, but the veal parmigiana is a best seller for good reason, it's simply delicious. Crisp breadcrumbs, perfectly tender veal and a rich tomato sauce that feels like it must have been flown over from Italy. Make sure to save room for dessert, there’s a homemade tiramisu that might have been sent straight from heaven.
Visit the Famous Steel Pier
The Steel Pier has been a staple of Atlantic City's entertainment scene since 1898, so it's essential to go and check it out. There are some great rides on here, including the famous Freedom Flyer that sends you soaring up into the air, all the way over its steel struts and back down to Earth. Our advice is to make sure that you leave a good couple of hours after that veal parm before attempting any of the upside down stuff.
The Steel Pier is an Atlantic City Institution
The good news is that there are carousels, teacups and an enormous wheel to try out beforehand. The wheel gives incredible views of Atlantic City, so it's definitely worth taking the time to queue for. If you still feel like you might need to get your bearings from the land then the tour bus for the city stops at the end of the pier. This is a great way to get to know the city and it has plenty of stops at all the highlights too, so you can get the maximum amount of enjoyment out of your weekend.
