William Penn founded Philadelphia centuries ago on the principles of equality and freedom of expression. Today, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection rolls out the red carpet for LGBT travelers from around the world.

But sometimes you don't want to feel like a tourist. Below, we round up 13 ways you can blend in like a local.

Sing A Song Or Two

Every night, a talented pianist takes the helm at Tavern on Camac, a historic watering hole beloved by nostalgic queens. Sit back with friends and sing along with everything from Carole King to Wicked. Sing out Louise!

Just Vedge

Newflash: Philly's cheesesteak spots are tourist traps. Opt for something healthier at vegan eatery Vedge. Husband-and-wife chefs Richard Landau & Kate Jacoby have opened one of the best meat-free eateries in the nation in the historic Tiger Building on Locust. The Grilled Seitan is a fan favorite, but don't miss the "The Dirt List." There is some serious magic happening behind those seasonal vegetables.

Do Dessert With Bud And Marilyn

Post-Vedge, pop over to Bud and Marilyn's, the Gayborhood's newest American eatery. There's a menu of after-dinner cordials to complement a dessert menu home to everything from smoothy silk coconut cream pie to mile-high Funfetti cake and a Fat Elvis sundae. You also get a great view of the rainbow crosswalks at 13th and Locust.

Catch A Drag Show

If you're in town on a Thursday, you're in luck: Bob and Barbara’s, a dive bar in the South Street West neighborhood, is home to the longest running drag show in Philadelphia, hosted by the fabulous Miss Lisa Lisa and attended by everyone from rowdy straight frat boys to drag wannabes. While you're there, order a Citywide Special. Three bucks and change gets you a shot of whiskey and a cold can of PBR. Good luck getting up tomorrow.

Get Tested At A Thrift Store

For ten years, Philly AIDS Thrift has supported local HIV/AIDS service organizations with more than a million dollars from thrift store sales. While you are shopping at the store's flagship location on South 5th St, take advantage of free and confidential rapid testing services.

“HIV testing in a comfortable retail environment, and in such a large and populous neighborhood, can help remove stigmas and break down barriers,” said Philly Thrift co-founder Kallas-Saritsoglou. “We hope to reach a new audience that will make regular HIV testing part of their normal routine.”

Order A Beer In Your Underwear

Hit the Bike Stop, Philly’s hometown leather bar, on Wednesdays for their weekly underwear party. You never know who you'll meet in the dark and cavernous basement. If your courage is up, hit Jock Strap Night on Mondays.

Stop By The Barnes

Relocated in 2012 amid much controversy, the Barnes Foundation is a beautiful 93,000-square-foot, two-story art museum, designed by architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. Founded in 1922 to “promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture,” the collection houses 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes and 59 Matisses, along with works by Manet, Degas, Seurat, Prendergrast, Titian and Picasso.

Do Some Squats

If you're looking to get out of the hotel for a workout, hop over to the gayest gym in the city: 12th Street Gym sells day passes for just $20, offering unlimited access to the gym, pool and fitness classes—plus all the eye candy and stares you can handle.

If cross training is more your game, check out Unite Fitness, where the first class is always free and the trainers are ripped like Nick the Gardener.

Go for a Run—Or A Ride—Along The Schuylkill

The popular Schuylkill River Trail attracts about 19,000 bikers, joggers and walkers a week. The Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, which extends the trail by four blocks to the South Street Bridge, winds over the Schuylkill River and features solar-powered lights and widened vistas for spectacular views of the cityscape, day or night.

If peddling is more your speed, then rent-a-bike at one of the many Indego bike share depots.

Tend To The Gardens

Artist Isaiah Zagar’s masterpiece on South Street, Magic Gardens is an urban oasis of creativity and madness that covers half a city block. The labyrinthine sculpture garden is covered with magnificent mosaics made from bottles, glass, bicycles spokes and other reclaimed materials.

Shop Hyperlocally

Forget the tacky "Made in China" Liberty Bells found in souvenir shops: In historic Old City, Philadelphia Independents features only handmade items from the best talent in the city—jewelry, ceramics, prints, home decor, t-shirts, greeting cards and more. Their inventory is constantly updated, but a regular staple—and must-have item—are the Olliver candles, made locally by Scott Niemet and his partner.

Grab A Coffee—Or Something Stronger

The flagship location for La Colombe, Philadelphia's renowned coffee roasting company, sits in a giant refurbished warehouse in trendy Fishtown (If Philadelphia had a Williamsburg, it would be Fishtown). Part restaurant, part bakery, part bar, La Colombe also houses a distillery here for its signature rum. Java lovers and others enjoy a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections, half-price happy hour drinks and coffee classes.

Get Out!

Every October 11 brings Outfest, an amazing celebration in the heart of the Gayborhood and the largest National Coming Out Day event in the world! With fabulous drag shows, rowdy bar crawls, a street fair and outdoor dance parties. The weekend also includes the Indigo Ball, a benefit for the city's William Way LGBT Community Center.