Assuming you and your significant other are planning a romantic day trip to Philadelphia, known as “The City of Brotherly Love”, is surely exciting and promises an unforgettable experience. While Philly may be best known as being the birthplace of American democracy with iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, you’ll discover there is much more this vibrant city has to offer than its historic significance alone.
Philly boasts an active culinary scene, with top chefs producing exquisite gastro pub cuisine that pushes classics such as cheesesteak to new heights. You’ll also find ethnic neighborhoods offering authentic international fare; vibrant farmers markets with Amish goods from Lancaster and Bucks Counties; as well as artisanal chocolate and beverages galore!
Philly boasts world-class museums, an amazing arts scene, fabulous shopping districts and vibrant nightlife. As you romantically stroll the city streets together, be sure to take time for selfies in front of over 100 public art installations that adorn its streets!
From historic landmarks to hipster hangouts, Philadelphia offers plenty of fun activities for couples. Get ready to experience this vibrant City of Brotherly Love together! Here are 15 exciting activities you should experience with your special someone!
Don’t Visit Philadelphia Without Exploring Its Historic Past
While touring Philly is essential, take the time to experience its fascinating past at least once!
Old City is the ideal starting point to experience American history and heritage, and Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19106) provides the ideal starting point. Next step should be purchasing tickets for the Independence Hall Tour to explore rooms where Founding Fathers met to draft and sign the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.
Step inside Signers’ Hall for life-size bronze statues depicting each signer and their desk, frozen in that pivotal moment – you’ll get goosebumps! Next stop? Liberty Bell Center to witness its iconic cracked bell that symbolizes American independence.
Add an historic finish to your historical tour by stopping at Elfreth’s Alley (126 Elfreth’s Alley Philadelphia PA 19106) for just a moment or two – it is one of America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential streets!
Spend Your Vacation Cruising LOVE Park
A trip to Philadelphia would not be complete without visiting LOVE Park and taking photos in front of Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture, designed as part of his iconic American pop art work.
John F. Kennedy Plaza (also known as Love Park in Philadelphia) offers the perfect setting for this iconic sculpture that represents Philadelphia: City Hall which lies directly across the street.
Once your Insta op is over, take a stroll through LOVE Park before relaxing together on the steps overlooking JFK Plaza Fountain with some Philly street fare like soft pretzels or water ice as you snack away!
At Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (1020 South Street Philadelphia PA 19147) you’re guaranteed an enchanting and whimsical visit. Established by Isaiah Zagar in 1994 as an elaborate folk art garden, its 3000 square-foot mosaic garden contains glass bottles, tiles, mirrors, bikes toys and found objects crafted into gorgeous mosaic designs that span across 3000 square feet of floor area – perfect for romantic date ideas! Additionally you can explore two indoor galleries, multi-layered walls and the bi-level outdoor sculpture garden to take in its captivating displays and take in its artistic displays!
Spend an enjoyable hour wandering the outdoor labyrinthine walkways and indoor galleries, uncovering something delightfully new with every turn. Make a wish at the Wishing Well, hunt for secrets among Bottle Wall bottles, or pose for photos inside Human Kaleidoscope – something delightful awaits around every turn!
South Street icon The Magic Gardens remains open late, and for something extra special they offer their Twilight in the Gardens series every fourth Friday from May through October from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Here you and your partner can experience Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens after hours while listening to live music and participating in guided art workshops – perfect for couples! Bring along your picnic blanket!
Enjoy Amazing City Views While Savoring Delicious Dinner
For delicious dining with breathtaking city views, reserve a window table at one of Philadelphia’s sky-high restaurants. Assembly Rooftop Lounge (1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia PA 19103) offers one of the hippest ambiances, sitting 500 feet in the air on top of Logan Hotel and offering globally inspired small plates such as charcuterie and flatbread alongside craft cocktails; for dessert try ordering their Dark Chocolate Fondue served with Coconut Marshmallows Palmiers Raspberry Linzer Cookies as it makes for romantic dessert.
Irwin’s (800 Mifflin Street Philadelphia PA 19148) offers exquisite Sicilian cuisine on the eighth-floor of South Philly’s Bok Building and boasts stunning rooftop bar and restaurant views of city skylines, majestic bridges and waterfront; perfect for couples seeking an romantic date night! Their menu offers items like crudo, calamari, gnocchi swordfish milanese and agrodolce chicken served alongside natural wines and cocktails; they even offer decadent tiramisu or cannolis with candied orange!
Are you in search of an unforgettable dining experience on the water? Look no further than Moshulu at Penn’s Landing (401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19106) – home to one of the oldest and largest four-masted tall ships turned restaurants that provides breathtaking views of Philadelphia and Delaware River!
Moshulu offers American and Seafood cuisines with a contemporary flair, featuring dishes like lobster bisque, jumbo lump crab cakes, tuna tataki, filet mignon and other delectable options available from its raw bar menu. Dine indoors or on one of their spacious outdoor decks offering spectacular panoramic views and cozy ambience – they have something for every appetite at this destination restaurant.
Have a Mind-Blowing Interactive Art and Mixed Reality Experience at Otherworld
Want an unforgettable multi-sensory date activity that is unlike anything you have experienced before? Look no further than Otherworld! Here, visitors will experience interactive art installations and mixed reality.
At Otherworld in Philadelphia, you’ll enjoy an immersive art experience that also doubles as a virtual reality arcade. Here, you can discover, play, and create in over 40 unique rooms featuring interactive installations designed to astonish you – be it diving into neon waters, walking through forests of glowing mushrooms, or escaping haunted mansions; Otherworld has something special in store for everyone and should plan to spend up to 3 hours here!
Explore Philadelphia Museum of Art Get lost together as you explore one of the country’s largest collections: Monet, Picasso, Matisse and Van Gogh are featured here as are avant-garde postmodern statements; gaze into each other’s eyes realizing you may both be their favorite works of art!
Enjoy art with a flair at their Friday Night Lounge event series from 5 to 8:30 on Friday evenings! While sipping craft cocktails made from locally sourced spirits and wines, savor tasty small bites, and live music performances; then roam through galleries discovering incredible art from artists around the globe.
Don’t forget to recreate Rocky’s famous Rocky jog up the Museum steps before leaving, then walk together down Museum Mile’s urban trails, passing sculptures, fountains, and architectural eye candy along your journey.
Bring Your Partner Along For An Italian Cooking Class
Do you and your significant other love Italian cuisine? Do something different together by learning to create fresh pasta, ravioli, gnocchi and other Italian delicacies at La Cucina at the Market (1206 Arch St, Philadelphia PA 19107) on date night for an Italian cooking class together.
Experience an extraordinary multi-course culinary adventure at Philly’s Reading Terminal Market! Choose from themes like “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “From Rome with Love.” Classes last approximately 2 hours and sell out quickly – reservations are required!
Old City Kitchen (218 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106) offers Italian-themed cooking classes in Philadelphia. Their classes cover cheese making as well as pasta making with authentic Italian sauces – book here now to check their list of classes!
Philadelphia Escape Rooms Looking to challenge each other outside your comfort zone? After taking in all the sights, gather clues to break codes, solve puzzles and escape themed rooms for an exciting date night at one of Philly’s top-rated escape rooms!
Here are some of the most sought-after escape rooms near Philadelphia:
MindEscape (521 S 4th St, Philadelphia PA 19147): Engaging escape game featuring themes like Alice in Wonderland and Jack the Ripper.
Amazing Escape Room (1528 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102): Choose from six creative and challenging themes such as Game of Stones, The Illusionist and Top Secret!
Gotham Escape Room (1425 Arch St Level B, Philadelphia, PA 19102) is an unforgettable and adventurous escape game featuring themes like Game of Stones, Chamber of Horrors, Lust & Lace and Sleeping Spirits.
Olde City Escape Games (221 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19106) won multiple awards as one of Philadelphia’s premiere escape rooms and was even named the number one escape room by fans and professionals alike.
Playing against locked doors and timers to create themed rooms and unlock them by means of teamwork can be an excellent way to build an appetite before dinnertime.
Experience Philly’s Comedic Scene
Affinity for laughter is often the key to connection, so why not plan a date night to experience Philly’s unique comedy scene. ComedySportz (2030 Sansom St, Philadelphia PA 19103) guarantees laughs through its innovative brand of improv theatre: two teams compete against one another using audience suggestions to perform hilarious scenes and songs tailored towards audience suggestions.
Helium Comedy Club (2031 Sansom St, Philadelphia PA 19103) showcases top names like Jim Gaffigan, Ali Wong and John Mulaney alongside emerging talent. Sansom Street Oyster House provides Louisiana cuisine combined with stand-up acts by local comedians. No matter where your laughter takes you – spending an evening laughing together would certainly make for an excellent romantic date night!
Experience Penn’s Landing’s Sunset Sails
Want panoramic views of Philadelphia set against soft pink skies, gentle breeze ruffling your hair, and cuddling up alongside someone special for an intimate wine tasting session? A romantic sunset sail on the Delaware River could be just what’s needed – most depart from iconic Penn’s Landing.
Book an intimate luxury tour with Sea Philly (215 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106) on their renovated all-wood 1961 27-foot Chris Craft picnic boat named ARGONAUT for an intimate sunset cruise that will last ninety minutes and offer views such as Philadelphia skyline, Ben Franklin Bridge, Petty Island and docked naval ships. This private charter can accommodate six or less people for maximum romantic experience!
Patriot Harbor Lines Yacht offers the Philly Lights Spectacular Cruise (211 S Christopher Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia). Cruise the Schuylkill River – known as “River of Lights,” nestled between Center City skylines such as Ben Franklin Bridge and Spruce Harbor Park; Spruce Harbor Park and Penn’s Landing are just a short ride away. While on board enjoy their fully stocked bar for beer, wine, or mixed drinks to help pass the time while sailing downriver.
Wander Through Winter Wonderland at Dilworth Park
When your date takes place during the winter months, bundle up and prepare to enter a magical winter wonderland! Dilworth Park (1 South 15th Street Philadelphia PA 19102) transforms into an entrancing holiday hub that’s ideal for romantic strolls; one of Philly’s most highly anticipated annual events!
Start off your evening gazing up at City Hall’s glittering light show before hitting the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink for a skating session. Don’t miss selfie opportunities in front of Cabin made entirely out of lights – be sure to get them! After skating, warm up under heated tents serving seasonal drinks and bites at Lodge before riding the carousel horses or Ferris wheel!
Philly Bike Tours’ award-winning cycling tours (2015 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia PA 19130) make pedaling around Philly easy! Choose between Classic City Tour, Bikes + Beers or Murals Manayunk & More Tour options to create unforgettable memories together on two wheels!
Put Your Competitive Spirit to the Test at Philadelphia Adventure Parks
Unleash each other’s ultra-competitive sides at one of Philadelphia’s adventure parks! Zip, jump, flip and wipe out at Sky Zone Trampoline Park (9490 Blue Grass Rd Philadelphia PA 19114) to put your hops to the test on wall-to-wall connected bouncy surfaces!
Urban Air Adventure Park (1260 E Woodland Ave, Springfield, Pennsylvania 19064) offers thrill seekers an exciting way to harness adrenaline at its fullest – by free-falling off a 60-foot rope course just outside of city limits! Experience it yourself.
Create Your Own Masterpiece Together
Looking for something fun and creative to do together? Bring out your inner Davinci at Painting With a Twist (611 South St, Philadelphia PA 19147 or 8500 Henry Ave Philadelphia PA 19128) where corks pop while an instructor guides you in recreating vibrant artwork onto canvases, from abstract landscapes to pet portraits – the goal here is not perfection but simply leaning in and having an adventure together making something extraordinary together!
Want a Luxe Spa Experience at Night
Are You Searching for an indulging and romantic way to end your evening? Look no further than the Night Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia (1 N 19th St, Philadelphia PA 19103) for the perfect solution. This exclusive spa experience provides couples a chance to indulge in a 60-minute massage of their choice before having exclusive access to its gorgeous 57th Floor spa and heated Infinity-edge Pool.
Experiences include a complimentary bottle of champagne, delectable pastries and one dozen long-stem red roses – perfect to enjoy while admiring breathtaking city views from above the clouds and lit candles. Night Spa experiences run from 10:30 pm – 1:00 am, providing the ultimate way to spoil yourself and your partner in Philadelphia – City of Brotherly Love.