Meet the Stars. Theyre relatively easy to find when exploring the city. Where: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard. They showcase ancient statues, artwork, and artifacts collected from around the world. Find out more about Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff. . For more of Philadelphias hidden gems, check out our list of The 7 Wackiest Restaurants In Philadelphia Where Dining Is A Blast. The house-cured charcuterie (boucherie means butcher shop) is the must-order. You can take off your shoes and walk through the house to appreciate the murals, created by contemporary Japanese artist Hiroshi Senju. The menu (and the customer service) is consistent and consistently good. 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 Now 27 vendors are turning out gourmet fried chicken, Filipino comfort food, hand-pinched crab dumplings, and Korean tacos. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This spot has an impeccable pedigree: Its helmed by Nicholas Elmi, of the stellar Laurel, and hes partnered with people behind some of the citys most beloved pubs (Royal Tavern), secret sushi spots (Royal Sushi and Izakaya), and kitschy-but-delicious Mexican hot spots (Cantina Los Caballitos). Its free to visit and many people dont know that its open to the public. Calling all sweet tooths! Dont miss springs Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. If youre a visitor with time on your hands or a local looking to explore something off the beaten path, there are lots of hidden gems in Philadelphia. Its creator artist Isaiah Zagar is a prolific artist beyond his greatest known work, however. 4 HIDDEN GEMS TO EXPLORE IN PHILADELPHIA. Where: Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, 8046 Frankford Avenue. 3. Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. 1. Your email address will not be published. Bring along your hammer (were serious), climb out onto the field and start banging away on the primordial igneous diabase boulders to experience an unexpected and unforgettable sound: the bell-like tones that give the park its name. Rodin Museum 1,469 Art Museums By 245randallc A beautiful building and garden that houses a nice collection of Rodin's sculptures. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. "My favorite hidden gem in Philly is the Tap Room on 19th," Kevin McElroy of Philly Rock Radio. 10 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Philadelphia To adore and adorn all of them, here is our ultimate list of the Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Philadelphia. The kid has a ton of room to grow underneath his pads, a crucial step forward needs to be made in that area, he's young. The cast is harmonious in providing a particularly smooth and fun experience in this luxurious pre-wedding atmosphere. 848 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 luckyslastchance.com. Travelers with extra time to explore can head off the beaten path to discover the gems of hidden Philadelphiaincluding vibrantly colored murals, museums full of unexpected treasures, and one of the countrys oldest candy shops. Did you know that the first permanent Jewish settlers in America came not from Europe but from Brazil, all the way back in 1654? The travelers often choose Philadelphia if they are interested in U.S. history or if National sentiments hold them. It offers Philadelphias most admirable skyline views, especially when the city is glowing during the night hours. In the lead-up to the American Institute of Architects 2016 Conference hosted in Philadelphia, some of the city's prominent members are letting us in on their favorite places to visit. It is a little hole-in-the-wall breakfast place that serves the most delicious breakfast in the region. The Old City neighborhood is jam-packed with galleries, ranging from tiny, feisty upstarts to long-established landmarks. ", Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia. Although, in this particular article, we will be going over the following terms: A Lucky Find. 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. The site features a traditional-style Japanese house that visitors can walk through to see the rooms as well as a collection of murals on display that were inspired by the waterfall on the grounds. There are plenty of restaurants in the area as well, including the citys most famous cheesesteak joints: Pats and Genos. Once you make it here, you'll be enjoying the best sushi and sake in the city. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor. It's a chance to explore hidden gems that you won't find anywhere else, from iconic parks to historic buildings, and artsy streets, and discover street art in unexpected places. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. hands out samples. About Hidden Gems. Pennsylvania Hospital was the first hospital in the United States, built in 1755 decades before the country even existed. An Unknown Gem. Unlike other crowdy spaces, it is quieter and comforting. When walking by the Masonic Temple, you might think that the ornate Norman cathedral-style building on North Broad across from City Hall is another of the citys stunning churches. [viator_tour destination=906 type=3-mod]. 7 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia Where You Can Grab The Best Burgers . But thanks to a major overhaul in 2018, the food court has become a food hall. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. 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. Dont miss the charming garden outside. Notoriously, one of those gems is cuisine. All Rights Reserved. Theres even a small animal farm on-site. The house was built in Japan during the 1950s before it made the journey first to NYC and then to Philadelphia. For the last 15 years, Laura has covered US and international destinations for her site Travel Addicts and has written about travel-related topics for various publications and websites. But while they are, their freshly baked pies, cookies, cakes, smoothies, and more are sure to keep you coming back. The bridge to nowhere is an anomaly located in the San Gabriel National Forest of Los Angeles. It is a seasonal rooftop bar located in the former Bok Vocational High School. This 2,000-foot stretch offers four scenic overlooks where you can stop, rest, and take in the city skyline. 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. 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. This 1950s house was built in Japan, put on display at MoMA in New York City, then moved to Philadelphia to be a permanent tribute to Japanese culture. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. This botanical garden is nestled in the heart of the University of . The Magic Gardensa whimsical, artistic experience surrounded by mosaics and reclaimed objectsis one of the top attractions in the city. Or maybe youd prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Stroll the acres of plants, trees, and gardens, and check out the historic home. HIDDEN GEM IN PHILADELPHIA - BARTRAM'S GARDEN - YouTube Come Sail with The Philly Captain as he takes you on a tour of Bartram's Garden in Southwest Philadelphia #phillycaptain. This the only place in the US with a federal reserve in a city! The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum just north of Philadelphia International Airport protects the largest freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania. Located at the eastern edge of Old City, the store has been serving up chocolates and other sugary confections since 1863. The gardens here are incredible, and the events that the Shofuso House hosts are truly unique. While you can spot Zagars mosaic artwork on hundreds of walls across the city, his most celebrated achievement is this unique conglomeration of colorful mosaic tiles and found objects such as bottles and bike tires, covering every square inch of what was once a vacant lot. 1. 15. Bella Vista, Philadelphia. The oldest botanical garden in North America, Bartrams Garden was founded by John Bartram in 1728. The dishes are innovative delicious and." more Outdoor seating Delivery Takeout 3. 619 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (215) 923-9525 Visit Website Red Hook Coffee and Tea Hidden in plain sight, this spot is a local fave thanks to its homey feel and laid-back vibe, complete. I've been digging a few places recently: Fette Sau for their happy hour BBQ offerings, I agree with the suggestion for Cosmi's sandwiches (seeded rolls are bomb), La Rosa on South Broad has some excellent pizza, Rib Rack at Bustleton/Tyson has my all-time favorite ribs, Royal Tavern IS dope, Fountain Porter's burger is a bit disappointing (IMHO) but the beer selection is high-level, I like . Check them out - they're located off of Avenue of the Republic. The Dutch are an indoor and outdoor space popular amongst the locals of the city. The stars at Chinatowns Shoe Museum at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine came off the feet of celebrities, like a boot worn by Neil Armstrong on the moon, game-used Mike Schmidt (Philadelphia Phillies) cleats, platforms from Sally Struthers All in the Family wardrobe and Ronald Reagans dress shoes. Discover short videos related to hidden gems in philadelphia on TikTok. Its Pine Building located on Pine between 8th and 9th Streetis still in use today. Where: Treehouse World, 1442 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester. You can walk through the Japanese house and see all the rooms and murals on display. 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. Be sure to go all the way to the back of the shop to the Chocolate Cafe, where you can sip drinking chocolate spiced with cinnamon, orange zest, jasmine petals, or even chili pepper. If you are an art lover or interested in the quirky stuff, Fountain Street Steps is something you must dig out. Share your thoughts (and photos) in the comments below! High above the Schuylkill River in University City is Cira Green, located 12 stories up and 95 feet above the Cira Center South Garage. Attractions . It specializes in work that engages the imagination, often inspired by comic books and fairy tales, and occasionally hostslocals only shows,which means this is a great place to spot up-and-coming artists (and maybe pick yourself up a nice investment piece). There's a reason that Philadelphia is listed among the myriad of "best cities to live" and "most interesting places to visit" lists. The Dutch is a little hole-in-the-wall breakfast place that has a reputation for serving the best food in Pennsport. With high ceilings and over 1,000 square feet of space, the location offers everything you'll need for a professional shoot. This list to help you get started in uncovering some of the citys best kept secrets. Where: Chanticleer, 786 Church Road, Wayne. This pocket park just off 17th Street occupies a narrow space between Chestnut and Ranstead. Hidden Gems Budget-friendly Good for a Rainy Day Good for Couples 35 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. The definitive list of hidden gems you need to try. In 1777, the Cliveden estate cemented its place in history when it became the site of the Battle of Germantown, the only Revolutionary War battle to happen in Philadelphia. Menu is similar to Basile's other restaurant (Old City's Radicchio Cafe), offering inexpensive . Well, now's the time to plan a trip - just plan to wait if you're stopping by for weekend brunch. The two-floor Insectarium side features mounted displays, live specimens, insect sculptures and an exhibit about extermination poisons. It's modeled after a Prohibition-era speakeasy, so you have to be in the know to head here for a drink. Is it a club for people who really, really care about cocktails? Cherry Street Pier. Reveal is a superior antioxidant-rich, ready-to . You'll never get bored with the many stores to explore, delicious food options, and stunning waterfront views. 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. 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. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot 300-plus varieties of resident and migratory birds and numerous land animals, including several endangered and threatened species such as eastern redbelly turtles and coastal leopard frogs. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. For some snacks, do try their mixture of tasty Mexican food. This charming community is full of independent neighborhood haunts you need to check out. 130. One of our favorite things about driving around the city (especially in South Philly) is finding the unexpected Zagar mosaics. Enjoy :) Bella Vista. The refuge also hosts year-round plant and bird walks. Cherry Street Pier Located on the Delaware River, Cherry Street Pier is a public space that offers events, concessions, flea markets, and classes. 52 Fun Things to Do in Philadelphia. If you stop in, dont miss the variety of drinking chocolates available in the caf in the back. It also has a garden patio that has a vibe that's hard to find elsewhere in Philly. The Park is operational from Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. The original garden and stone house can still be visited. Any day near the Smith Memorial Arch in Fairmount Park, consider checking out the Whispering bench. It's hidden in an alley, so you've probably walked by it without even noticing. When here, make sure you try their sushi, oyster, and meat sandwiches. Isgro Pastries. Looking for a weekend getaway full of culture, scenic drives, tasty eats, and unique souvenirs? This giant hotel also was a popular spot for long-term residents and famous guests like President Roosevelt, President Truman . Several rooms are set up as they might have been when the Rosenbach brothers lived here. 151 S. 24th St., 215-496-9222. ), made with Bluecoat Gin, luxardo maraschino, creme de violette, and lemon juice. With towering 350-year-old live oaks, semi-tropical plants, and waterfront views, this place is nothing short of otherworldly. The museum is a fascinating place for travelers interested in history and culture, telling the stories of Jewish people in the U.S. from the American Revolution to the Holocaust and beyond. Behold: The only lighthouse in Philadelphia. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. You can explore all of that and the mansion. This phenomenon is known to happen due to the parabola effect, known in physics. drinker's), but I have some time to kill before a show at World Cafe Live. Where some of them are overshadowed by the well-preached ones, some attractions are peacefully preserved from the limelight. Where: Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 West Montgomery Avenue, The largest ceramic arts organization in the nation, The Clay Studio offers striking clay and ceramic gallery exhibitions showcasing the work of both international artisans and local masters, as well as ceramics workshops and art courses. Escape the crowds at Center Citys Reading Terminal Market with a stroll down 9th Street in South Philly. Once youve toured, tried or tasted the Philly basics, theres a whole lot more for you to see and do. One particularly popular section is the Boardwalk, which continues the trail out over the river from Locust Street to South Street. Its traditional Japanese garden, complete with a pond, stone lanterns, and a small waterfall, is one of the citys most serene spots. From the deck, you can see Independence Mall, which includes many of the most famous places in Old CityIndependence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Presidents House. Head back upstairs to take in the view overlooking Independence Hall that many rooms offer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com, These 6 Breathtaking Waterfalls Are Hiding Around Philadelphia, These 7 Unique Restaurants In Philadelphia Will Give You An Unforgettable Dining Experience, 9 Things No One Tells You About Surviving A Philadelphia Winter, The Christmas Lights Road Trip Around Philadelphia Thats Nothing Short Of Magical, 10 Fascinating Spots In Philadelphia That Are Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale, The Castle Near Philadelphia That Is Hiding In Plain Sight, Escape To These 9 Hidden Oases Around Philadelphia To Find Peace And Quiet, 7 Cemeteries Around Philadelphia That Will Give You Goosebumps, The 7 Wackiest Restaurants In Philadelphia Where Dining Is A Blast. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden For outdoor enthusiasts, there's the scenic Penn's Landing and the massive Fairmont Park. If youre looking to uncover off the beaten path (but beloved by locals) places in a city, you should probably go straight to the source. Today the 70 stained glass mosaic steps were once littered and trashed. It's the go-to place when you want to explore something you haven't before. Fancy taking a selfie with a stunning butterfly that just landed on your shoulder at the Philadelphia Insectarium. Bartram's Garden is the oldest botanical garden in North America, and it's truly a hidden gem in Philadelphia. The cascading waterfall and singing birds almost make you forget about the busy city barely a block away. The person right in Infront of you might not hear a single word bit; the one at another end can listen to it all loud. The most unreached wonder in Philadelphia is the Pizza Brain. Tweet LinkedIn Like Share. A wide variety of performers keep things . Where to Order Christmas Dinner and More in Philly. Cherry St. & Race St. Pier. Where: Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Road, Upper Black Eddy. Known as the hidden attraction in Philadelphia, the Fountain Street steps is at Cresson Street. Bartenders at Randstad are one of the best in Philly, and there is no match to their cocktail talent. Because there are absolutely no signages, one has to look for the red lantern to actually reach Royal Izakaya. Email Sarah at sschlichter@smartertravel.com. If you haven't made your way down here, you might not even know it exists. The quiet space, which has been here in various forms since 1897, is surrounded by research labs and buildings of the Biology Department. Johnson has the tools athletic tools to rack up numbers in the Pub. Where: Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Lansdowne Drive & Horticultural Drive. Commuting by Splendour is Cheaper than Metro n Time Saving. This DTLA photo studio has got to be one of the best hidden gems in LA for all of your steampunk, dystopian, and apocalyptic photoshoot ideas. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else.". This seasonal bar occupies a space in the former Bok Vocational High School, which opened in 1938. Where: Wharton Esherick Museum, 1520 Horse Shoe Trail, Malvern. You'll never get bored with the many stores to explore, delicious food options, and stunning waterfront views. Stay over. As a city steeped in so much history, Philadelphia is the steward of some of the nations most iconic locales (think the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Valley Forge National Historical Park). Located on the Delaware River, Cherry Street Pier is a public space that offers events, concessions, flea markets, and classes. The atmosphere is energetic and fun a far cry from the Sbarros of yesteryear. . There's no sign pointing to Royal Izakaya - you'll have to look for the red lantern. Though mind it, your mobile signal will not work here; thus, grab a map before to not get lost on the way. Besides the building, there is a beautiful garden featuring towering colorful trees, azaleas, wisteria, etc. The trek to this bridge is a 10-mile hike round trip and uses several river fords along the way. The Speakeasy at Quintana's. 2200 S. Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights. Instead, visitors are encouraged to engage in conversation with the gardeners themselves. Below are a few of my favorite Philadelphia hidden gems. Bartrams Garden is one of the best places in the city to enjoy the outdoors. Stars of "Hidden Gems," Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff answer questions about their new movie. Vegetable-forward, locally sourced, and as creative as they come, the dishes here have won national praise, but the place remains chilled out, unpretentious, and welcoming to all of its Center City neighborhood all day long. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. 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. Their rooftop hangout is always full of events categorized into art, taste, move, spark, and whatnot. Insider tip: Lunchtime martinis are just $2 with any entre. Oh, and dont miss High Falls, the countys largest waterfall. Bartram's Garden is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. At ground level, non-arboreal activities include rock climbing, ax throwing, bungee jumping and zip lining (across three skill levels). ", Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. The exhibits are arranged chronologically and are truly impressive, from the tent George Washington used as his headquarters for much of the war to child-sized slave shackles. I have been a Philadelphia resident for over 12 years now and grew up just an hour outside of . 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