Mentioned by Visit Philadelphia
35 Must-See Exhibitions In Philly This Winter
"Take a 75 to 90 minute guided excursion of Independence Park and Society Hill, led by a costumed narrator. You’ll see everything from haunted houses and spooky graveyards to eerie abandoned gardens and narrow streets. Learn about the secrets of “America’s most haunted city” as you’re escorted to places of real documented hauntings."
"Independence National Historical ParkPhiladelphia, PA 19106(215) 965-2305. Nicknamed as the cradle of American democracy, this 55-acre park boasts some of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Philadelphia."
"The National Historical Park includes Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall."
"If you visit Philadelphia, everyone will tell you about City Hall and Dilworth Park. Located right in the middle of the city, it provides so much more than just the repeated photo on the divider in the middle of Broad Street. People from all walks of life come together here: tourists, doctors, lawyers, you name it."
"One of the most beautiful city halls in the country, the Philadelphia City Hall is a marvel of architecture and history. Older kids will like the 548-foot tower and an observation deck—accessible during guided tours—that provides a panoramic view of the city."
"Topped by a 37-foot bronze statue of William Penn, City Hall was Philadelphia's tallest building until 1987; you can study the trappings…"
"The free-to-stroll-through Elfreth’s Alley was home to the 18th-century artisans and tradespeople who were the backbone of colonial Philadelphia. While a modern city has sprung up around it, the alley now preserves three centuries of evolution. Philadelphia citizens still occupy these homes, with their old-fashioned flower boxes, shutters, Flemish bond brickwork and other architectural details."
"Since 1976 and across its 157,000 sq ft and six interactive exhibit zones, the Please Touch Museum has proven itself to be Philadelphia’s premier Children’s Museum. The museum’s mission to enhance children’s lives with cultural awareness and hands on learning has become the delight of kiddies of all ages, including the four specifically designed areas for tots of three and under. Each fun filled area is packed with hands on children’s’ delights, from playing croquet with the Queen and sipping tea with the Mad Hatter in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to enjoying nursery rhymes in “Fairytale Garden” and so much more."
"The Please Touch Museum is every kid's dream - a place where they can "look with their hands" instead of just their eyes. This completely interactive museum encourages kids of all ages to learn through play, giving them the chance to explore history, fantasy worlds, space, and the big wide world around them. Exhibits such as the kid-size city include costumes they can use to play the part while experimenting with different professions."
"The Please Touch Museum inspires learning through interactive play in kids aged seven and under. Spread over two floors, eight exhibits follow themes of public transportation, architecture, space exploration and more, all of which are scaled to pint-sized explorers. The "Wonderland" exhibit is particularly popular, offering Alice in Wonderland-inspired mazes and optical illusions."
"The Rail Park — a quarter-mile stretch of green space situated on the elevated former Reading Railroad tracks — is the completed first phase of a plan to transform a three-mile section of abandoned lines into an overhead greenway. Free and open to the public, the Callowhill park boasts rustic plantings, industrial artwork, plenty of benches and some very cool giant wooden swings. Where:Rail Park, Broad and Noble streets to 11th and Callowhill streets"
"The Rail Park is an urban park space built on an unused rail line that previously served the Reading Terminal. Phase 1 of the park is currently open, which features open green space, bench swings and great views of the city."
"Noble Street, N Broad StPhiladelphia, PA 19123(215) 440-5500. The Rail Park is a one-of-a-kind sitting atop unused rail lines. This beautiful space offers panoramic views of the scenery."
"When on South Street, this classic is a good alternative to the Rita’s across the street, with lines that aren’t as long and a cool interior in which to wait. Cones, cups, sundaes, this ’80s classic has it all."
"On the western side of Philadelphia’s center city (in the Grey’s Ferry neighborhood) is an exceptional park that stretches along the Schuylkill river, called Schuylkill Banks. Just steps away from the hustle and bustle of University City, this park is home to the Grays Ferry Crescent Trail that offers solitude, several walking trails, and scenic spots to enjoy birdwatching and pretty views of the river. Locals are often found running, picnicking, and soaking in the natural beauty."
"Last but not least, we have the popular and easily accessible Schuylkill River Banks. The best part about this outdoor area is that it’s easily accessible from Center City. This outdoor area that spans along the length of the Schuylkill is a widely-loved spot for running, walking, yoga, biking and picnicking."
"Schuylkill Banks is a lovely riverside park that is also one of the best photo spots in Philadelphia. You can capture here grass together with the modern skyscrapers of the city. This combination is lovely to capture."
"The Bishop White House is the home of the Reverend Dr. William White, a beloved rector of Christ Church and St. Peter's Church for many years. The house has been restored to reflect the lifestyle of upper-class Philadelphians during the late 18th century. Many of the items in the house actually belonged to the Bishop, including the book he was reading right before he died in July 1836."
"The eatery features neon colored booths lit from within, wavy bamboo walls and ceilings, and funky little tables in the lounge that give the place a super stylish, modern atmosphere. You may recognize chef Morimoto from his Iron Chef days, or even from Nobu in NYC. The menu includes a number of entrees, including several dishes from Nobu, but for a truly unique Morimoto experience, you must order the Omakase."
"There are many solid sushi choices to choose from in this city and Morimoto is proof that Philly really does care about sushi. Located in Washington Square West, this upscale restaurant specializes in sushi bites that are meant to blow your taste palette away. The menu is prepared by Food Network star and Iron Chef, Masaharu Morimoto."
"Thanks to the restaurant’s relationship with Gran Caffe L'Aquila, the gelato at the Philly outpost of Rome’s Alice Pizza is made by award-winning gelatiere Stefano Biasini. Try a classic Italian flavor, like amarena cherries or hazelnut. View this post on Instagram"
"The Italy-connected team behind Gran Caffe L’Aquila (see below) branched out with this taglio-style pizza shop. As a complement to the scissors-cut, airy-crust slices, there’s a full assortment of rich Italian gelato made at the sister location."
"Old CityJose Garces’ reinvention of the former Bookbinder’s space has been offering a solid seafood legacy in Old City for a few years now, with a current outdoor dining menu featuring a towering display of raw bar selections, seafood rolls, and a few entrees to be complete with suitable sides of tater tots and crab fingers. Equally summery is the to-go cocktail batches you can score to enjoy at home, including the Olde Bar Bloody Mary (extra ingredient: clam juice) or the peachy Fish House Punch.How to order: Order pick-up or reserve for outdoor dining by calling (215) 253-3777, or order takeout online. Delivery available through Caviar, Uber Eats, GrubHub, and DoorDash."
"Set in the Old City space that housed the esteemed seafood house Bookbinder's for more than a century, this Jose Garces-helmed cocktail den has a long culinary history of luring celebrities, politicians and assorted glass-clinkers. In this game, it's great to be friendly, but better to be fast, and the apron-sporting bartenders here are both, navigating a fat list of classic and contemporary drinks, like the colonial staple Fish House Punch (three kinds of rum, brandy, peach cordial, lemon) and the off-the-wall Harissa Explains It All (vodka, Aperol, grapefruit liqueur, citrus and a syrup made from the namesake North African spice blend)."
"Jose Garces’ Olde Bar revives the Old Original Bookbinder’s, a mid-20th century landmark Philadelphia restaurant. Keeping the early seafood house’s spirit alive, a full raw bar greets guests upon walking in the door, and a catalog of crab cakes, Cape Cod mussels, lobster rolls and more fill the menu of delicious eats. Where:The Olde Bar, 125 Walnut Street"
"Next up is Rittenhouse's CSz Philadelphia - Home of ComedySportz, situated at 2030 Samsom St. With 4.5 stars out of 51 reviews on Yelp, the comedy club has proven to be a local favorite. For those who are unfamiliar, this show, which has been running for 25 years, features two teams of improvisers competing for points by playing a series of improv games, similar to what you may have seen on TV’s "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" The show includes a referee, governs the action, calling the fouls and keeping the match moving at a blistering pace, per its website. Some fans will even wind up on stage."
"Located at 2030 Sansom St. in Rittenhouse, this is the highest-rated comedy club in Philadelphia, boasting 4.5 stars out of 88 reviews on Yelp. Visitors can expect shows that are entirely unscripted with lots of audience participation. According to its website, The N Crowd has performed over 800 times in Philadelphia as well as at improv festivals in Toronto, Richmond, Baltimore and North Carolina."
"Named best Comedy Club in 2008 and 2010 by City Voter,The N Crowd is a short form improv comedy troupe that has been performing since April 2005. Since then, The N Crowd has performed over 700 times in the Philadelphia area and has appeared in multiple improv festivals."
"11th St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the comedy spot 4.5 stars out of 43 reviews. Visitors can expect a BYOB black box theater that houses up to four wildly different live comedy shows per night, including stand-up, sketch, improv, storytelling and everything in between."