So you and your special someone are headed to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love for a romantic day. Sure, Philly is known historically as the birthplace of American democracy with iconic symbols like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, but trust me: this vibrant city has much more to offer.
Philly rocks a thriving foodie scene thanks to top-notch chefs cranking out epic gastro pubs with inventive takes on classics like the cheesesteak. You’ll also find ethnic neighborhoods serving authentic dishes from around the globe, vibrant farmers markets filled with Amish and local goods from Lancaster and Bucks Counties, and artisanal everything – from chocolate to booze.
Philly also has world-class museums, a stellar arts scene, fabulous shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife. As you romantically stroll through the city, you’ll want to take selfies together in front of over 100 creative public art installations.
From historic haunts to hipster havens, below are 15 fun things to do in Philadelphia for couples. Get ready to experience the City of Brotherly Love with your #1 love!
Take a Tour of Historic Philadelphia
You can’t visit Philly without paying homage to its iconic history at least once.
The best place to start is at Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106) in Old City. Next, grab tickets for the Independence Hall Tour to explore the rooms where the Founding Fathers hashed out and signed the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.
Afterward, swing through Signers’ Hall to see life-size bronze statues of the signers and the desks they sat at, frozen in that pivotal moment. You’ll get goosebumps! Then pop into the Liberty Bell Center to see the famous cracked bell that symbolizes American Independence.
For a few minutes, cap off your history tour with a stop at the charming and Historic Elfreth’s Alley (126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106). It’s the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America.
Stroll Through LOVE Park, Hand in Hand
No visit to Philadelphia (especially a romantic one) is complete without a photo in front of the iconic LOVE sculpture designed by famous American pop artist Robert Indiana.
Located in John F. Kennedy Plaza also known as Love Park (1501 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19102), this city’s beloved sculpture is set against the stunning backdrop of City Hall which is just across the street.
After your Insta op, take a romantic stroll through LOVE Park, and then cozy up together on the steps overlooking JFK Plaza fountain while snacking on Philly-favorite street fare like soft pretzels and water ice .
Wander Through Magic Gardens’ Mosaic Wonderland
Perfect for a romantic date, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147) is a unique and whimsical place to visit in the South Street neighborhood. This jaw-dropping folk art “garden” created by Isaiah Zagar starting in 1994, is a 3000 square foot wonderland of mosaics crafted from glass bottles, tiles, mirrors, bikes, toys, and found objects. A unique destination you won’t find anywhere else, here you can explore two indoor galleries, multi-layered walls, and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden.
Spend an hour exploring the outdoor labyrinthine walkways and indoor galleries, discovering something delightfully new around each turn. Make a wish at the Wishing Well, hunt for secrets among the Bottle Wall, and take photos inside the Human Kaleidoscope.
This South Street icon stays open late, but for something special, check out their Twilight in the Gardens series every fourth Friday, May through October from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. On these nights, you and your love can experience Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens after hours while you enjoy live music and guided art workshops. Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic.
Take in Stunning City Views While Eating a Delicious Dinner
For delicious food with dazzling views book a window table at one of Philly’s sky-high restaurants. For the trendiest ambiance, snag a reservation at Assembly Rooftop Lounge (1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103), set 500 feet in the air atop the new luxury Logan Hotel. You’ll swoon over unmatched panoramas of Philly from this chic, lushly landscaped setting while dining on globally inspired small plates like charcuterie and flatbreads as you sip craft cocktails. For a romantic dessert to share, order the Dark Chocolate Fondue served with coconut marshmallows, palmiers, and raspberry Linzer cookies
On the 8th-floor of South Philadelphia’s Bok Building, Irwin’s (800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA, 19148) serves incredible Sicilian cuisine in South Philly. And with a rooftop bar and restaurant offering stunning views of the city skyline, majestic bridges and waterfront, it’s the perfect spot for couples looking for a romantic night out. Irwin’s menu features dishes like crudo, calamari, gnocchi, swordfish milanese, and agrodolce chicken, served alongside natural wines and cocktails. For something sweet don’t miss the decadent and creamy tiramisu or the cannoli with candied orange.
If you’re looking for a unique, romantic and unforgettable dining experience on the water, check out Moshulu (401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106) in Penn’s Landing. It’s the world’s oldest and largest four-masted tall ship turned restaurant that offers stunning views of Philadelphia and the Delaware River.
Moshulu serves American cuisine and Seafood with a modern twist with a raw bar menu and dishes like lobster bisque, jumbo lump crab cakes, tuna tataki and filet mignon. They have a vegetarian-friendly menu as well. Dine in the elegant indoor dining room, or on the outdoor decks that offer panoramic views and a cozy ambiance.
Have an Out-of-this-World Interactive Art, and Mixed Reality Experience at Otherworld
For a whimsical multi-sensory date activity unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, head to Otherworld.
At this ultimate immersive art experience slash virtual reality arcade in Philadelphia, you can explore, play, and create in over 40 different rooms with interactive installations that will blow your mind. Whether you want to dive into a neon ocean, walk through a forest of glowing mushrooms, or escape a haunted mansion, Otherworld has something for everyone. Plan to spend up to 3 hours here.
Get Your Culture Fix at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Wander vast galleries and get lost together while exploring the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130) creative collections with over 12,000 pieces. It’s one of the largest collections in the country. Marvel at masterpieces from Monet, Picasso, Matisse and Van Gogh. Wax philosophical over avant-garde postmodern statements. Gaze into each other’s eyes realizing you’re each other’s favorite work of art.
For art with a mood, check out their Friday Night Lounge event series. On Fridays from 5 to 8:30, you can enjoy craft cocktails, locally sourced spirits and wines, tasty small bites, and live music performances. Then stroll the galleries discovering incredible art and artists from around the world.
Don’t forget to recreate the famous Rocky jog up the Museum’s iconic steps before you leave. Then stroll hand in hand down Museum Mile’s urban trails past sculptures, fountains, and more architectural eye candy.
Take an Italian Cooking Class Together
Who doesn’t love Italian food? Spice things up and get handsy together making your own fresh pasta, ravioli, gnocchi and more Italian specialties for a date night cooking class at La Cucina at the Market (1206 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107).
An unforgettable multi-course culinary experience located in Philly’s iconic Reading Terminal Market, choose from class themes like “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “From Rome with Love.” Class times last about 2 hours and sell out quickly. Reservations are required.
Another Philly favorite spot for Italian themed cooking classes is Old City Kitchen (218 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106). Class topics here cover cheese making as well as pasta making, with a variety of delicious different sauces from around Italy. Book here to see their selection of classes.
Challenge Each Other at Philadelphia’s Escape Rooms
Want to give your relationship a playful push outside the comfort zone? After taking in the sites, gather clues to break codes, solve puzzles and ultimately escape from themed rooms for an adrenaline-pumping date night at one of Philly’s top-rated escape rooms.
Here are some of the most popular escape rooms around Philadelphia:
MindEscape (521 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147): A fun and immersive escape game with themes like Alice in Wonderland and Jack the Ripper.
Amazing Escape Room (1528 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102): Choose from six different creative and challenging themes, including Game of Stones, The Illusionist, and Top Secret.
Gotham Escape Room (1425 Arch St Level B, Philadelphia, PA 19102): A mysterious and adventurous escape game with themes like Game of Stones, Chamber of Horrors, Lust & Lace and Sleeping Spirits.
Olde City Escape Games (221 Chestnut St FL 300, Philadelphia, PA 19106). This award winning escape Room in Old City, was voted the #1 escape room in the city.
Pitting your wits against locked doors and ticking countdowns as you voluntarily “trap” yourselves in themed rooms is a great way to work up an appetite for dinner.
Get Your Laugh On at Philly’s Comedy Scene
They say laughter is the shortest distance between two people, so why not go on a date night taking in Philly’s stellar comedy scene. ComedySportz (2030 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103) guarantees hilarity with its signature brand of improv featuring two teams battling in hilarious scenes and songs based on audience suggestions.
Helium Comedy Club (2031 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103) draws huge names like Jim Gaffigan, Ali Wong and John Mulaney along with up-and-coming talent. Sansom Street Oyster House combines savory Louisiana cooking with stand-up shows from local jokesters. No matter where your funny bone takes you, spending an evening cracking each other up sounds like the perfect romantic time to me!
Take a Sunset Sail on Penn’s Landing
Sweeping views of the Philly skyline sparkling against dusky pink skies? Check. A gentle breeze rippling through your hair? Check Relaxing back with a glass of wine snuggled beside your sweetie? Double check! Experience all this romance and more on a peaceful sunset sail along the Delaware River. Most depart from iconic Penn’s Landing.
For an intimate luxury tour, book a sunset cruise with Sea Philly (215 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106) on their restored all-wood 1961 27-foot Chris Craft ‘picnic boat’ named ARGONAUT. This private charter accommodating 6 people or less, will take you on a ninety minute romantic cruise as you take in views like the Philadelphia skyline, Ben Franklin Bridge, Petty Island and docked naval ships.
For a two-hour nighttime river tour step aboard a Patriot Harbor Lines yacht for their The Philly Lights Spectacular Cruise (211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106). Cruise the Schuylkill River known as “River of Lights,” surrounded by the Center City skyline, Ben Franklin Bridge, Spruce Harbor Park and Penn’s Landing. While you’re spending quality time cruising on the water, enjoy a drink from the yacht’s fully-stocked bar which has a great selection of beer, wine, and mixed drinks.
Wander Through Winter Wonderland at Dilworth Park
If your date is in the winter months, bundle up, take your sweetheart’s gloved hand in yours and lose yourselves in a magical winter wonderland! From late November through February, downtown’s Dilworth Park (1 S 15th St Philadelphia, PA 19102) transforms into a twinkling holiday hub perfect for romantic strolls. It’s one of Philly’s most anticipated yearly events.
Gaze up in childlike wonder at the glittering light show illuminating City Hall, then hit the ice for a skate session beside the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink. Don’t miss selfies in front of the adorable Cabin made completely of lights! Après skate, warm up underneath heated tents serving seasonal drinks and bites at the Lodge before jumping on the carousel horses or the Ferris wheel.
Pedal Your Way Through Philly
For the #1 rated outdoor activity on TripAdvisor, cycle your way into each other’s hearts on a breezy bike tour with none other than Philly Bike Tours (2015 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130). They offer guided tours of the city’s most iconic landmarks, historical sites, and hidden gems. You can choose from different routes and themes, like the Classic City Tour, Bikes + Beers and the Murals, Manayunk, & More Tour
Get Competitive at Philadelphia’s Adventure Parks
Bring out each other’s ultra-competitive wild sides at one of Philly’s adventure parks! Zip, jump, flip and wipe out together at Sky Zone Trampoline Park (9490 Blue Grass Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19114) testing your hops on wall-to-wall connected bouncy surfaces.
Launch upside down embracing adrenaline rush free-falls off a 60-foot rope course just outside the city at Urban Air Adventure Park (1260 E Woodland Ave, Springfield, PA 19064).
Make a Masterpiece Together
For a fun activity together, unleash your creativity and channel your inner Davinci at Painting With a Twist (611 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 or 8500 Henry Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128) Corks pop as an instructor guides you through recreating vibrant artwork onto canvases to take home. From abstract landscapes to pet portraits, what you make is less important than leaning into laughter making something special side by side.
Unwind with a Luxe Spa Experience at Night
If you’re looking for a luxurious way to end your night with a touch of romance, look no further than the Night Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia (1 N 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103). This exclusive spa experience gives you and your partner a chance to enjoy a 60-minute massage of your choice, followed by private access to the stunning 57th-floor spa and heated infinity-edge pool.
The experience also includes a complimentary bottle of champagne, delicious pastries and a dozen long-stem red roses to enjoy as you admire the breathtaking city views from above the clouds surrounded by lit candles. Night Spa experiences run from 10:30 pm – 1:00 am. This is the ultimate way to pamper yourself and your loved one in the City of Brotherly Love.
