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Top 10 Things To Do & See on a Romantic Date in Philadelphia

Posted by Leticia, 08 Jan

They call Philadelphia ‘the city of brotherly love’ and it is not difficult to see why. This relaxed and friendly corner of the world is the perfect place to take a load off and watch life go by. It is a city of many firsts – the first US fire department, the first ice cream company, and of course, the first capital city of the USA.

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It does not matter whether you were ‘born and raised’ in Philadelphia, or whether ‘on a playground you spent most of your days’ – local or stranger, you are guaranteed to get a warm welcome here. If you are looking for things to do and see with your sweetie, you are in luck, because Philly is packed full to the brim with great ideas for romantic dates.

You might wonder how to define romantic. These days, although corny is good, romance is about fresh ideas, new ways of being together, and something even a little off beat. To make a date romantic, it needs to be well thought out. Remember the little touches, like making sure she gets home safely, small gifts - such as a handful of postcards bought at the gift shop of the place you are visiting - and a general air of having chosen this place, this occasion, because you know it will please her very much.

This guide to the top 10 romantic yet fun date ideas which you can enjoy in Philadelphia will help you plan the perfect city adventure.

1. Feel the Love at JFK Plaza

There is a good reason why so many young couples take the trip to JFK Plaza every year, though only one of them might know it at the time. It is a very popular spot for guys who want to pop the question, so if you stroll around here, keep an eye out for romantic proposals. If you are familiar with the area, you might want to give the statue a wide berth (it will be surrounded by tourists) and watch the skateboarders pull some moves instead.

2. Get Lost In Longwood Gardens

If you have a nature loving friend, it would surely be a crime to keep them away from Longwood Gardens. This staggeringly beautiful spot can be found just outside the city limits and it is home to more than 11,000 different species of plant. This makes it one of the largest and most varied public gardens in the world. You really do have to see it to believe it, so take the train or the bus west of Philly and prepare to get seriously green.

3. Step Back In Time At East Pen.

For anybody with a taste for the more unusual, Eastern State Penitentiary offers intrigue in spades. This hulking great prison was first opened in 1829 and it was the first real penitentiary in the world – the building itself was designed to inspire penitence. It is easy to see why; take a tour around this fascinating landmark and learn all about the lives of prisoners and their deaths too. Oh, and the guided tour is narrated by none other than Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi (also known as Nucky Thompson to fans).

4. Chow Down On a Cheese Steak

It does not matter whether you are a local or a visitor, there is nothing quite like an authentic Philadelphia cheese steak, especially with a special friend. If you plan to chow down on this city institution, however, make sure you have a free afternoon – no really, you are not going to want to move for a while. You should have no problem finding a cheese steak in Philly, but for some of the best, head on over to Jim’s Steaks on South Street.

5. Dance All Night At The Time Bar

In Philadelphia, the fun does not stop once the sun has gone to bed. If you enjoy a bit of jazz, get down to Time Bar and Restaurant – it hosts live music in its downstairs bar and a whole host of speakeasy style delights in its super exclusive upstairs lounge. To get in, you will need to find the secret entrance. Once you do, you will be treated to a sumptuously decorated bar, filled with amazing cocktails, and stylish revelers - a traditionally romantic spot.

6. Try Amish Food at Terminal Market

Ever since 1892, the Reading Terminal Market has been a hub for locals and visitors seeking fresh produce from the surrounding countryside. These days, surprisingly little has changed, apart from the fact that the treats on offer are a lot more varied. For example, on any given day, you can pick from a broad selection of Asian, American, and Middle Eastern snacks. The real winner here though, and not all visitors are aware of its existence, is the northwest corner – the Amish produce. (They make really great cakes!).

7. Kick Back at Penn’s Landing

If you are planning to meet up with friends for a relaxed spring or summer evening, you could always stroll on over to Penn’s Landing. This beautiful spot, right by the water, is always filled with life and energy. Throughout the year, it hosts everything from outdoor film screenings to concerts, magic shows, live music, and much more. Plus, there is nothing stopping you from whipping up some sandwiches and having yourself a picnic.

8. Swap Gifts on South Street

For a great casual date idea in Philadelphia, why not spend some time browsing in the boutiques, stores, and gift shops along South Street? In fact, even if you are on a tight budget, window shopping in this lively district can be just as fun. There are over 300 stores on the South Street strip and many of these stay open until midnight. With plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars in the area too – you do not have to worry about working up an appetite while you shop.

9. Get Weird at the Mutter Museum

This unique Philadelphia attraction is perfect for anybody with a curious mind and an eye for the stranger things in life. It is not for everybody, but thousands of tourists visit the Mutter Museum every year and revel in its lurid glory. In this museum of medical oddities, you can spot pickled fetuses, petrified limbs, conjoined twins, and – no really – the brain of Albert Einstein. If the prospect of another straight-faced historical tour leaves you cold, try something a little different at the Mutter Museum. Not for the faint hearted though. Romantic? Well, maybe not in the usual sense of the word, but if she has a love of the weird, it's going to show that you have truly catered for her tastes!

10. Make Like Rocky at the Museum of Art

And last but not least – how could you talk about all the great things to do and see in Philadelphia without mentioning one of the most iconic? For locals and repeat visitors, this landmark may no longer require excited selfies, but it loses none of its allure. And, considering the world famous Philadelphia Museum of Art is right behind it, you are going to want to make more than one visit anyway. For first time visitors, there is nothing quite like running up ‘those’ steps, in full on Rocky mode – Adrriiaaaaaan!