You can come here with a book or your paint and canvas. In the center is a statue of William Penn that was provided to the hospital by Penns grandson. Even though it is free to visit, not many people actually know about it. Pennsylvania Hospital was the first hospital in the United States, built in 1755 decades before the country even existed. Fairmount Park's Pavilion in the Trees is one of the most beautiful places in Philadelphia. It opened in the 1920s and contains the largest collection of Rodin's work outside of Paris! Gifted to the American people by Japan after World War II, the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center is an oasis from the city in the heart of West Fairmount Park. No one ever said Philadelphia didnt have enough Italian restaurants, so it would be easy to pass on Cry Baby but that would be a mistake. Any hidden gem bars in university city? Hotel St George. It is basically a cocktail bar, located only 3 minutes from the mutter museum. If you are a local Philly, you would have crossed by the John F. Collins Park once in your lifetime. Shane is known for its creations like the Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas gift called Clear Toy Candy, its buttercreams based on a 100-year-old recipe, and the creations they make with the honey from the beehives they keep on their store roof. With the weather cooling off, there's no better time to explore the hidden gems that Philly has to offer. Where: Treehouse World, 1442 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester. 15 Places. Dishes like painstakingly hand-made pastas encasing pork stuffing or enhancing rich rag and bite-sized meatballs atop creamy ricotta are elevated by a cocktail list that rivals those of the citys best bars. There is always a great rotating selection of craft beers and bourbons. A wide variety of performers keep things . It is the most discrete and inconspicuous spot in the city that will send you in confusion and shock. The beautiful mansion sits on over 100 acres of well-maintained landscaped grounds. 7 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia Where You Can Grab The Best Burgers . Their rooftop hangout is always full of events categorized into art, taste, move, spark, and whatnot. drinker's), but I have some time to kill before a show at World Cafe Live. You can reach here at Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park and can spend some time enjoying the views. You can take off your shoes and walk through the house to appreciate the murals, created by contemporary Japanese artist Hiroshi Senju. This is the best kind of neighborhood restaurant: welcoming and friendly with an approachable menu. Founded in 1977, the FWM is the only museum of its kind in the world and displays garments, textiles, sculptures, drawings, paintings and more. This list to help you get started in uncovering some of the citys best kept secrets. Besides the building, there is a beautiful garden featuring towering colorful trees, azaleas, wisteria, etc. Where: Free Library of Philadelphia Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street. This hidden gem of a film is all you need in order to vicariously enjoy a sweet little Hawaiian vacation. Deep in the Chester County woods and atop a mountain near Valley Forge National Historical Park lived wood sculptor Wharton Esherick, the Dean of American Craftsmen. Upon his death in 1970, his hand-built, 12-acre rural modernist home, farmhouse and studio a National Historic Landmark for Architecture turned into the Wharton Esherick Museum, an immersive, interactive destination featuring more than 200 of his works on display. The atmosphere is energetic and fun a far cry from the Sbarros of yesteryear. Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to Disney100: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute. Added in 2022: two inclusive play areas for children with a variety of abilities. Below are a few of my favorite Philadelphia hidden gems. 6'1" | ATH | 2025 South Philadelphia. Graffiti Bar 377 Lounges This urban enclave for outdoor recreation features 10 miles of low-lying trails for hiking and biking, as well as four-and-a-half miles of tidal creek (accessible via boat ramps) for canoeing, kayaking and fishing access. This is a far cry from the usual Hallmark of mountains and arctic scenery. Read more about this secret speakeasy. As finding an indie bookstore on a city street becomes more and more like sighting a unicorn, Head House Books reassures us that yes, magic does exist. We spoke about Jaylen Johnson's game in a recent underclassmen post profiling new names to our 2025 rankings. This seasonal bar occupies a space in the former Bok Vocational High School, which opened in 1938. "It's a typical Philadelphia-styled corner bar that's not typical. Pizza Plus pizzaplusplusplus But that doesnt mean youve seen everything the City of Brotherly Love has to offer. Attractions & Museums from $18.00 per adult Cemetery and Serial Killers Walking Tour of Philadelphia 164 Recommended Walking Tours from $35.00 per adult Underground Donut Tour: Philadelphia's First Donut Tour 70 Recommended Walking Tours from $54.00 per adult The area Horticultural and Lansdowne Drs., Philadelphia, PA 19131 Where: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 148 N. 8th Street. The only way to fully experience Philly? One of the most unique things to do in NYC located in Brooklyn Heights is head to Hotel St. George. Hidden in plain sight, this spot is a local fave thanks to its homey feel and laid-back vibe, complete with exposed brick walls filled with colorful work from local artists. Considered "The Metropolis of Brotherly Love," Philadelphia, PA is greatest identified for its wealthy historical past, world-famous cheesesteaks, and vibrant artwork and music tradition. I have been a Philadelphia resident for over 12 years now and grew up just an hour outside of . It's located in a part of the city that's often overlooked, especially when it comes to food. An Underrated Gem. We The Youth Mural 22nd and Ellsworth Streets, South Philadelphia Philadelphia is a city full of intricate murals, all with their own story to tell; and the We The Youth mural is no exception. Where: Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road. Whats your favorite Philly secret? Spread throughout the amusement parks 14 acres: massive treehouses with various themes, from pirates and trains to an enchanted village and birthday cake. Family owned and operated since 1974, they proudly boast being the "Home of the 18 Incher" which is the size of their large steak. Weekend in Philadelphia The Secret Sights of Historic Philadelphia Hidden Gems in Philadelphia - Menu, Photos, Ratings and Reviews of Hidden Restaurants in Philadelphia. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. These remarkably artistic steps connect the Manayunk trail to Umbria Street below two PR bridges. It's the go-to place when you want to explore something you haven't before. Traveling over an hour to Amish country is not necessary when the best hidden gem is located in the Northeast section of Philadelphia. Pick your own lavender for $7 a bunch, sit and enjoy views out over Lake Galena, or explore the shop stocked with unique lavender products. 19 days ago. This area is rich in maritime history and remains home to several piers and structures originating from the city . She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen firesno humans or animals were harmed). Originally established by the Baldwin family in Delaware in 1934, Baldwins Book Barn has been offering used, rare and fine books; manuscripts; maps; paintings; prints; and more in West Chester since 1946. The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia is a book lovers dream. Philadelphia is one of the largest cities in the country, and there are so many parks, restaurants, streets and museums here that are worth exploring. The trek to this bridge is a 10-mile hike round trip and uses several river fords along the way. Opened in 2015, the elevated park is a year-round urban green space for visitors to stretch out and relax while enjoying some of the best views of Center City. You could live here your whole life and still miss out on plenty of hidden gems in Philadelphia, so weve created a list to help you get started discovering Philadelphias best kept secrets. Thats why we hit up the Navigators on-site experts at Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel and asked them to give us their best-kept secrets about where to eat, drink, shop, and play in the City of Brotherly Love, from historic Philadelphia to the hippest neighborhoods. The back of the building features a gorgeous garden with azaleas, wisteria, and towering colorful trees that dates back to the hospitals founding. For the less squeamish, the Butterfly Pavilion side is a 7,000-square-foot greenhouse where you can interact with 60 species of free-flying butterflies, which love to perch on those wearing bright colors. So, for the city adventurers like me, who are always on the hunt for new spots to explore, here are 5 hidden gems for photos in Philadelphia. Here is a list of six (somewhat) hidden gems that are undoubtedly worth checking out. Imagine stumbling upon Dr. Js size-15 high-tops at the Temple University Podiatry Schools Shoe Museum. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 20 Hidden Bars & Restaurants in Philadelphia Visit Philadelphia Uwishunu Article last updated on February 10, 2023 20 Hidden Bars & Restaurants in Philadelphia The top top-secret dining and drinking spots in Philadelphia and the Countryside. Fountain Street Steps Fountain Street Steps, though, are just steps, but the most gorgeous of all. William Penn himself is said to have signed a peace treaty with Native Americans from this very spot. Cant make it for a guided tour? It also has a garden patio that has a vibe that's hard to find elsewhere in Philly. Where: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard. 1. Art lovers and anyone in search of a fun time should keep in mind that the first Friday of every month means a lively neighborhood-wide party, with art galleries and shops throughout Old City staying open late so locals can stroll around drinking wine and checking out the latest creations. 16 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia. Originally, it was powered by gas,. I'll be on bike so most of west Philly is fair game, but I'm already familiar with the offerings on Baltimore. Many of these were created as a part of Mural Arts Philadelphia, which works with artists and local communities to produce up to 100 public art projects each year. Hence the name of the lovely pond at the parks centerthe BioPond. Once youve visited all the top sites, whats next? We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. ", Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia. Philly offers an array of things to do - from museums to pop-up gardens, to festivals, to ice skating - one can always find hidden gems. Is it a bar? Its all those things and more: a space where you can pick up a julep strainer, some sarsaparilla bitters, and a bottle of damson gin before settling in at the copper bar in the back to sample the latest creations from the ever-increasing number of local distilleries. Dont miss springs Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Receive the latest articles, features, news, discounts, and more straight to your inbox. This giant hotel also was a popular spot for long-term residents and famous guests like President Roosevelt, President Truman . This is truly a unique experience - from the rowdy crowd in the front of the restaurant to the quiet, reservation-only sushi bar hidden in the back. Where: Fountain Street Steps, 4800 Umbria Street, The purple beauty and memorable fragrance of lavender are on full display at Peace Valley Lavender Farm, adjacent to Peace Valley Park just west of Doylestown. Instead, visitors are encouraged to engage in conversation with the gardeners themselves. Bartenders at Randstad are one of the best in Philly, and there is no match to their cocktail talent. Located at the Parkway Central Library flagship branch on Logan Square, the collection includes ancient cuneiform tablets, medieval manuscripts, original Beatrix Potter artwork, one of Edgar Allan Poes first printed poems and even Grip, Charles Dickens taxidermied pet bird and the inspiration for Poes The Raven. If all that isnt sweet enough, you can stop next door at the Franklin Ice Cream Bar for a Keystone Bar dipped in chocolate from Shane Confectionery. Come hungry and ready to shop. Insider tip: Lunchtime martinis are just $2 with any entre. This pocket park just off 17th Street occupies a narrow space between Chestnut and Ranstead. The people who work there are the stores best resource: Full of great suggestions, theyre able to figure out the book youre looking for from even the vaguest of descriptions. jason wolfe. A Secret Treasure. Where: Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Road, Upper Black Eddy. February 8, 2022. The Speakeasy at Quintana's. 2200 S. Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights. Commuting by Splendour is Cheaper than Metro n Time Saving. The concept of an all-day caf is ingenious, but there arent a whole lot of places where you can feel as comfortable with a cappuccino and sourdough waffles at 7:30 a.m. as you can with a glass of natural wine at 4 oclock or a romantic dinner of handmade pappardelle with spiced crab at 8 p.m. High Street on Market is that place, though: perfect for dates, lazy lunches, and days when you just want an (exquisitely made) sticky bun. Once youre done creating your stone song, explore the rest of the sprawling 123-acre park, a dense forest for hikers, walkers, bikers and picnickers. Drexel's own Harris Steinberg, executive director of the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation and distinguished professor of architecture and interiors in the Westphal College of The Rodin Museum is the smallest museum on the parkway, and it is so underrated. Skip to content. The National Historic Landmark still serves that purpose, but its also open to the public for hour-long guided tours. Your email address will not be published. Discover The Bridge to Nowhere. Its always fun to discover something new . I love it . However, due to dark and moody space, people often fail to find it. The top top-secret dining and drinking spots in Philadelphia and the Countryside Ahmed Alsoudani, in collaboration with The Fabric Workshop and Museum, I consent to receive email communications from visitphilly.com and agree to Visit Philadelphias, Photo courtesy Wise Owl Media for the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Photo courtesy Wagner Free Institute of Science, Photo by Carlos Avendao for The Fabric Workshop & Museum, Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia, Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia, Photo courtesy Kids Castle Central Park. Picture birdwatching on the shore of a quiet marsh at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge. The Pavilion in the Trees You can check them out on a guided tour by trolley, train, or foot, learning about the artists and inspiration behind each mural. Rodin Museum 1,469 Art Museums By 245randallc A beautiful building and garden that houses a nice collection of Rodin's sculptures. If you haven't made your way down here, you might not even know it exists. With free admission, the arboretum offers both daily staff-led and self-guided tours, as well as lectures, excursions, classes and wellness events. Well, now's the time to plan a trip - just plan to wait if you're stopping by for weekend brunch. That said, here are the best hidden gems in the city of Philadelphia. Definitely don't pass up on their baked goods . Visitors to the estate can enjoy the grounds and learn about the history of the house and the seven generations of the Chew family that lived here. You may have visited several bars in Philadelphia, but if you have still not been to Bok Bar, you are missing something. Hidden gem locations to check out in Philadelphia 1. Johnson has the tools athletic tools to rack up numbers in the Pub. The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park is an ecological oasis on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. The Japanese house, heavenly garden, and koi pond are the definition of a Philadelphia hidden gem. Known as the hidden attraction in Philadelphia, the Fountain Street steps is at Cresson Street. One particularly popular section is the Boardwalk, which continues the trail out over the river from Locust Street to South Street. A Beaux Arts building just behind the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel, the Bourse used to have a mall-style food court with supremely uninspired offerings (think fast food and generic hoagies). A hidden gem in the St. Ben's neighborhood Named for the 100-plus-year-old parish at its center, St. Ben's neighborhood lies on Chicago's north side and is a great area to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago. Chef Mike Solomonov is a local expert who guides viewers on a food tour in the latest edition of Walk With T+L to discover some hidden gems across the city. As you wander around Philadelphia, its not uncommon to turn a corner and happen upon a colorful mural wall overlooking a parking lot or community garden. Did you know that the first permanent Jewish settlers in America came not from Europe but from Brazil, all the way back in 1654? Dating back to 1771, Fort Mifflin is the oldest active military facility in the nation and Americas only operating base predating the Declaration of Independence.