Philadelphia, PA exudes a fascinating fusion of historic richness and concrete attract, drawing newcomers from everywhere in the U.S., searching for houses on the market or residences for lease in Philly. Past its iconic skyline, Philadelphia affords a various cultural expertise in and across the metropolis, set towards a backdrop of pure wonders and a vibrant neighborhood that elevates residing within the metropolis. On this Redfin article, we consulted locals to uncover distinctive actions in Philadelphia. Their insights reveal a metropolis adorned with hidden treasures extending nicely past its famend historic websites and cultural choices. Listed below are 22 issues that locals advocate doing in Philadelphia.
1. Stroll Rittenhouse Sq. Park
“As a lifelong Philadelphian resident, one in all my favourite issues to do on the weekend is stroll round Rittenhouse Square,” says Joe Solomon from Midtown Management, a neighborhood enterprise specializing in customized service to property homeowners. “The park is surrounded by among the metropolis’s most elegant and historic buildings, outlets, cafes, and eating places. It’s a phenomenal vacation spot with a vibrant ambiance.”
2. Culinary treasures
“Strive a few of Philly’s greatest hidden culinary treasures within the far Northeast. Two must-try spots are Uzbekistan and Georginan Bread,” recommends TrustArt Realty. “Uzbekistan enchants with Central Asian flavors like succulent kebabs and fragrant plov, whereas Georgian Bread serves up Georgian delights, together with mouthwatering khachapuri and savory khinkali. For an genuine style of Philly past the vacationer spots, these spots are a should, offering a novel and unforgettable expertise.”
3. Sunday brunch at Valley Inexperienced Inn
J&A Wedding Photography suggests, “Nestled alongside the Wissahickon Creek in Fairmount Park, the Valley Green Inn serves as a comfy retreat all year long, with welcoming porches in the summertime and heat fireplaces within the winter. This historic inn, in-built 1850, has many mountaineering and biking trails surrounding it and is the proper spot for an intimate marriage ceremony tucked away within the woods. Serving a inventive tackle New American delicacies, the Valley Inexperienced Inn is nice for any meal all through the day and particularly Sunday Brunch with actions to work up a starvation.”
Courtesy of J&A Wedding Photography
4. Run up Rocky’s Steps
“Certainly one of my favourite spots is the highest of the Philadelphia Art Museum steps, which I wish to name ‘Rocky’s Steps.’ It’s the location of the enduring scene from the film Rocky,” recommends Zave from Zave Smith Photography. “The spot has a powerful view of our vibrant metropolis and is at all times full of individuals and constructive vitality.”
Courtesy of Zave Smith Photography
5. Eat at Studying Terminal Market
Zave additionally mentions that her “subsequent favourite place to hang around and seize a meal is the Reading Terminal Market. Established in 1893 as Philadelphia’s premier contemporary meals market, it continues its legacy. Again then, trains from the countryside introduced contemporary meat and produce, and residents of Philadelphia would come to the market, proper beneath the prepare platforms, to buy and mingle. Right this moment, a century later, it stays the identical—an excellent place to buy contemporary meals, take pleasure in a chew, or just watch the parade of individuals flowing by.”
Courtesy of Zave Smith Photography
6. Try Outdated Metropolis
Lastly, Zave suggests, “The third spot I wish to wander in is Old City. Nestled between Independence Mall and the Delaware River, Outdated Metropolis was as soon as a bustling port full of warehouses and workshops. Philly is stuffed with fantastic neighborhoods, every distinctive in
their flavors and tradition.
Right this moment, it boasts an eclectic mixture of historic buildings, boutiques, galleries, and eating places the place vacationers and locals seamlessly mingle. Strolling alongside Third or Vine Avenue, previous its outlets and historic landmarks, you’ll be enticed by Outdated Metropolis’s appeal. Within the late afternoon, earlier than the bars and golf equipment begin buzzing, you’ll discover its residents attention-grabbing and pleasant to speak with. It’s Outdated Metropolis’s appeal that makes it an exquisite place to wander, store, or share a meal with mates.”
Courtesy of Zave Smith Photography
7. Take images at Bartram’s Backyard
“Certainly one of my go-to pictures spots in Philly is Bartram’s Garden,” recommends Zara Neifield, a neighborhood photographer. “It’s a completely stunning open house free to the general public and offers you with a number of backdrops that may take your images to the following stage. From an outdated swing hung from a big tree, little winding paths with wildflowers and many house to discover, Bartram’s is a Philly favourite. Because the oldest botanical backyard in America, the phrase ‘charming’ doesn’t do it justice.”
8. John F. Collins Park
Zara additionally recommends ”John F. Collins Park, which can also be a spot I like to {photograph} and spend time in. A hidden gem tucked away within the sky scrapers of middle metropolis, the tiny park is a bit of slice of inexperienced in a downtown procuring space. It has gorgeous structure that blends nicely with the greenery and you’ll actually take a second right here to take a seat again and benefit from the quiet in what’s often a louder space.“
Courtesy of Zara Neifield Philadelphia Photographer
9. Stroll the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk
“Certainly one of my favourite locations to seize the individuals of Philly is the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk,” says Matthew from Matthew Hamilton Visuals. “It blends each a glossy city surroundings with pure environment to create an excellent place to seize the individuals of Philadelphia. This location is ideal through the early hours of the day because the solar begins to hit the Schuylkill River and the town wakes up. An added bonus of the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk is that it’s so near different areas, making it an excellent starter location on your photoshoot.”
10. Take within the views at Cira Inexperienced Rooftop Park
Matthew goes on to say, “In addition to simply being an amazingly stunning place to hang around, the Cira Green Rooftop Park is a superb place to seize the surroundings round you. With many distinctive angles to the house you’ll find a unique spot each time! The house actually thrives on a shiny summer season day to assist showcase each the plush greenery and the water areas. It’s for certain one in all my favourite pictures spots in philly!
11. Spend the night on the Belmont Plateau Path
“I’m at all times in search of distinctive and exquisite locations in Philadelphia for photoshoots,” says Philadelphia family photographer Olive and Grace. “Certainly one of my favourite locations to go to is the Belmont Plateau Trail. This park has the proper combination of metropolis and nature, with extensive open fields and lovely views of the town skyline (pro-tip: go to at dawn). This park is a favourite for spring and summertime lunches, exploring alongside the paths, and visiting throughout one of many many pop-up occasions held all year long.”
Courtesy of Olive and Grace Photography
12. Stroll via Fairmount Park Horticulture Heart
Carmen Smargiassl from MODA Photography says, “Certainly one of my favourite pictures spots in Philadelphia is the Fairmount Water Works. The Water Works overlooks the Schuylkill river behind the enduring Philadelphia Museum of Artwork. The historic structure is spectacular with a 360 diploma view of the Museum of Artwork, well-known boathouse row the place many rowing golf equipment name residence and the Philadelphia metropolis skyline”
Courtesy of MODA Photography
13. Go to the 18th Century Backyard
“The 18th Century Garden is quietly nestled between buildings and historic alleyways in Outdated Metropolis Philadelphia,” says Annemarie, a neighborhood photographer specializing in household pictures. “It affords shade, a gazebo, benches, and seasonal flowers that make for a picturesque stroll. Wandering alongside the gravel paths, many individuals take pleasure in strolling via the gardens. Whether or not you might be working in Heart Metropolis or simply visiting the historic landmarks, it solely takes a number of moments to take pleasure in this stunning historic backyard.”
Courtesy of Annemarie Photography
14. Immerse your self in nature at Stoneleigh
Annemarie additionally suggests, “If you’re excited about different inexperienced areas simply exterior of the town, I like strolling Stoneleigh in Villanova. It is a gorgeous pure backyard with strolling paths and all types of flowers and distinctive timber. It’s an excellent spot to take anybody to flee the hustle of the town and discover mom nature.”
Courtesy of Annemarie Photography
15. Mattress and breakfast at Verdant View
“If you’re craving much more of a county vibe close to Philadelphia, it’s important to make a journey to Verdant View Bed and Breakfast in Paradise, PA,” recommends Annemarie. “Not solely is the house cooked breakfast top-of-the-line in Lancaster (every little thing is made in-house), you may as well discover the livestock and study life on a 4th technology working farm. There are at all times lovely kittens on the farm to entertain as nicely.”
Courtesy of Annemarie Photography
16. Enjoyable at Promenade and Gazebo
“The Promenade and Gazebo subsequent to Philadelphia Water Works, has probably the most stunning views,” shares Laura McCarney Photography. “Positioned on the Schuylkill River, you’ve obtained views of the town skyline and boats coming and going. The most effective time of day to be right here is at sundown, the sunshine reflecting off the water offers probably the most stunning golden gentle. The Gazebo in itself, is a phenomenal construction and the promenade makes for the proper place to unwind, soak up all of the sights or take pleasure in a put up dinner stroll. It is a location the place you possibly can nonetheless see all the town sights within the distance, but it’s quiet and serene and may actually provide the better of each worlds.
Courtesy Laura McCarney Photography
17. Expertise the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork
“The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a really well-known landmark in Philly that’s boasting historical past and guests,” says Laura. “Nonetheless, the encompassing grounds are stunning in their very own proper. Whereas strolling across the Artwork Museum, we got here to this stunning staircase surrounded by nicely manicured greenery. The steps, golden sundown gentle and exquisite greenery made this for an exquisite location to take engagement portraits. In a metropolis with plenty of hustle and bustle, this was a quiet location with principally individuals strolling their canines or studying a e-book. It’s an excellent spot if you happen to’re in search of a quieter space of Philadelphia to calm down and unwind.”
Courtesy Laura McCarney Photography
18. See the skyline at South Cliffside Path
“When you’re in search of a location that may give you a metropolis skyline in addition to greenery and appeal, the South Cliffside Path will be the good place,” suggests Laura. “Each of those images are taken inside a number of toes of one another, one giving skyline views whereas the opposite is full of greenery and romantic appeal. This isn’t a big path, these images had been solely taken about 15 toes aside. This location may give you a whole lot of selection with out a whole lot of strolling to completely different areas. This path has a hefty incline in some areas and many curves alongside the best way. This makes it a preferred location for train lovers who take pleasure in a view.”
Courtesy Laura McCarney Photography
19. Try Callowhill and Strawberry Mansion’s murals
Lori Goldstein and Alison Verplaetse from Western States Art Federation shares, “One of many best elements of residing in Philadelphia is its prolific public artwork — organized by one of many nation’s oldest and most esteemed public artwork nonprofits, Mural Arts Philadelphia, vibrant murals narrate the town, celebrating its wealthy historical past via visible imagery on buildings, bridges,
rooftops and different public areas at each flip and all through each neighborhood. It’s arduous to decide a prime spot when there are over 900 artworks to discover on the Public Art Archive’s interactive map of the town’s murals, however two of our favourite areas to change into immersed in Philly’s road artwork are the Callowhill and Strawberry Mansion neighborhoods.”
Courtesy of Western States Art Federation
Courtesy of Western States Art Federation
20. Henry Avenue Bridge
“The world beneath the Henry Avenue Bridge is a hidden gem for exploration and pictures,” suggests Sam Lustig Photo. “Barely rugged and full of graffiti, it’s a putting dichotomy from the encompassing Wissahickon park that surprised me the primary time I handed underneath it. There’s something in regards to the underside of issues, these locations that weren’t meant to be seen, the scaffolding of the utilitarian infrastructure above, that’s endlessly fascinating to me. Getting there additionally, you will cross via one of many extra secluded areas of Wissahickon park with dense forest and nicely trodden single observe trails.”
Courtesy of Sam Lustig Photo
21. Spend the day at Lorimer Park
Sam additionally recommends, “One other space, simply north of the town, is Lorimer Park. It’s a beautiful park with a big grassy space, a phenomenal stream, and a superb quantity of wooded trails, however the gem of this park for me is the massive and apparent overhanging boulder that’s prominently displayed as you descend into the primary entrance of the park. For rock climbers like myself, this particular boulder is kind of distinctive as it’s extremely featured on its underside, permitting for a lot of top quality climbing routes which were established by the native climbing neighborhood. It’s a place the place many skilled rock climbers go, particularly in the summertime months, to boulder, have enjoyable, and keep their health. It’s also a putting background for a portrait or motion shot of some climbing.”
Courtesy of Sam Lustig Photo
22. Discover Philly’s nightlife
“We might like to advocate U, Me and RnB,” says Melanie Weitzenkorn from BeauMonde Originals. We’re resident photographers of the nightlife expertise in Philadelphia, and it’s a recurring R&B occasion to not miss. You could find it popping up at Franklin Music Hall, The AVE, a New Years occasion taking place at The Fillmore, and others.”
Courtesy of BeauMonde Originals
