The Most Romantic Things to Do for Couples in Philly
Love is always in the air in the City of Brotherly Love.
Ever the underdog, the City of Brotherly Love is highly underrated when it comes to all things romance. But whether you’ve just met someone new or you’ve been together for years, there’s plenty to discover—about the city and each other—with a help from a few favorite Philly destinations. From soaking up the nightlife or soaking up the coziness, take your pick for your next date night. Check out where to spend some time together in Philly.
If you’d normally hit up a bar or restaurant
Wharton, Prices vary
Come to Bok Bar at sunset for shimmering views of the city that are a bucket-list item for anyone in Philly, visitor or otherwise. This rooftop bar offers a mix of local beer, cocktails, wine, and other drinks, plus an alternating round-up of some of the city’s most buzz-worthy chefs, giving you the chance to sample everything good in Philly right now. If it’s too cold for rooftop days, simply head downstairs to Irwin’s for Sicilian fare and the same understated, laid back ambiance.
Queen Village, Prices vary
Traverse all that’s weird on South Street before making it to this cozy nearby French restaurant (with upstairs wine bar Le Caveau). It’s a charming spot that taps into that relaxed, romantic way the French seem to have nailed dining, but without any stuffiness. Dig into elevated tavern fare at a little booth in the back, where you and your date can share buttery escargot and camembert, or stop by for happy hour for a round of oysters, martinis, and bubbly.
Various locations, Prices vary
In a town that loves its beer, there’s no shortage of incredible breweries to sample. Start things off at Brewery ARS, the garage brewery with a cult following thanks to its small-batch roots, knowledgeable staff, and Belgian-influenced dark beers, saisons, and hoppy brews. You can opt to visit the original location on West Passyunk Avenue, or the Frankford Avenue location in the heart of Fishtown.
If you want to explore the Philly art scene
Fairmount Park, $15 per person
Get to know one of the city’s most iconic locations after hours. Every Friday the Philadelphia Museum of Art keeps its doors open late for DJs, musicians, and other performers to do their thing in the Great Stair Hall. You can chill there and enjoy some locally sourced light bites and drinks, or romantically wander through the dim museum galleries without the crowds.
Old City, $46–$62 per person
Get a whiff of creativity when you and yours make custom candles over a bottle of wine. This BYOB candle bar lets you craft your own custom scent, complete with a cute candle jar, for a souvenir you’ll actually use when you return home. With more than 50 different aromas to choose from the scent cellar, you can mix your own hybrid blend that will remind you of your trip to Philly each time you light it.
Queen Village, $15 per person
It’s no secret that Philly is deservedly well-known for its hundreds and hundreds of murals throughout the city. Visit artist Isaiah Zagar’s Magic Gardens for an up-close-and-personal at this prolific mosaic muralist’s most famous destination and tour of this work of art. The bi-level outdoor garden is meticulously adorned with handmade tiles, mirrors, and more, and a self-guided tour is the perfect way to soak up the ambiance and the romance.
If you’re feeling outdoorsy
Old City, Free
From PA to NJ, this stroll across the Ben Franklin Bridge gives way to scenic moments that set a not-too-shabby romantic backdrop. Take in views of the Delaware River, as well as the Philly and Camden waterfronts, during the mile-and-a-half walk from end to end. Just don’t get too swept up in the moment, though, or else you’re bound to clash with the joggers who like to run the bridge on nice days. Access the walkway from Philly at 5th and Race Streets.
Penn’s Landing, $15 per person
If you prefer boats to bridges, make the trip from Philly to Camden by taking a Riverlink Ferry. You can hop off right near the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion and catch a show, or hop back on to see the skyline from both sides. On the Philly side, the ferry is the perfect starting place to explore Cherry Street Pier, Spruce Street Harbor, and everything else Penn’s Landing has to offer.
Various locations, Free
The Wissahickon offers more than 50 miles of trails throughout East Falls, Germantown, Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, and Roxborough, with plenty of options for getting lost (but not too lost) in the woods together. Forbidden Drive is a popular trail that runs just under five and a half miles, and you’re sure to see plenty of people swimming in the adjacent lake on hot days. If you and your partner are interested in more challenging hikes, try the Orange Trail and White Trail.
If you like to play games
Headhouse Square, Prices vary
You and your teammate can indulge your inner board game nerd at this expansive board game cafe stacked with every kind of game you can imagine—from the complicated ones that will take hours just to learn the directions of, to classic options like Monopoly. Take your time finding the perfect game before facing off over rounds of game-themed cocktails and vegetarian-friendly bar bites.
Francisville, Prices vary
Indoor mini golf gets a much-needed twist at Libertee Grounds, where you can putt between rounds of cocktails, local beer, and Asian bar grub. Make a day of it by starting here for brunch and sharing a Stateside Bucket or partaking in bottomless mimosas, both of which are sure to help your aim while playing one of the two nine-hole mini golf courses.
Marielle Mondon is a contributor for Thrillist.