The Park is operational from Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. There is an abundance of alternative terms we can use, rather than calling something a "hidden gem". What else would you expect from one of the prettiest college campuses in America, according to Architectural Digest? Because there are absolutely no signages, one has to look for the red lantern to actually reach Royal Izakaya. Royal Izakaya is a Japanese pub and a must-visit hidden gem to visit when in Philadelphia. Address: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 12. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Commuting by Splendour is Cheaper than Metro n Time Saving. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor. High above the Schuylkill River in University City is Cira Green, located 12 stories up and 95 feet above the Cira Center South Garage. You can reach here nay from Tuesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. The Pavilion in the Trees is an observation deck and one of the most beautiful places in Philadelphia. In 1986, Foster's Main Street Tavern opened. An Untapped Treasure. No reservation, thus walk in and grab yourself a seat. I love it . Cherry Street Pier. Oh, and dont miss High Falls, the countys largest waterfall. This area is rich in maritime history and remains home to several piers and structures originating from the city . Dont miss the charming garden outside. You can reach here at Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park and can spend some time enjoying the views. Instead, visitors are encouraged to engage in conversation with the gardeners themselves. Bella Vista, Philadelphia. It is the most discrete and inconspicuous spot in the city that will send you in confusion and shock. Museum of Ice Cream. Any day near the Smith Memorial Arch in Fairmount Park, consider checking out the Whispering bench. Featuring nearly a dozen themed treehouses, three ziplines and a bevy of outdoor activities, West Chesters Treehouse World offers both relaxing play in the sun, as well as some (light) thrills. The gallery doesnt hit the auction circuit or borrow from private collectors to bolster its display, instead offering makers the opportunity to create on-site. With 2 days in Philadelphia, you can visit some of the most important historical sights in the country, watch a professional sports game, peruse public markets, check out the excellent museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks! The most unreached wonder in Philadelphia is the Pizza Brain. Note that tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance. Im glad we could add to your list! Cherry Street Pier Located on the Delaware River, Cherry Street Pier is a public space that offers events, concessions, flea markets, and classes. jason wolfe. There are plenty of restaurants in the area as well, including the citys most famous cheesesteak joints: Pats and Genos. The cascading waterfall and singing birds almost make you forget about the busy city barely a block away. The original garden and stone house can still be visited. Stay over. 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. It is our mission to change the way the world perceives and utilizes our resources and inspire the discovery of life's hidden gems. The trek to this bridge is a 10-mile hike round trip and uses several river fords along the way. Participate in an authentic chanoyu tea ceremony demonstration; tour the interior to learn about Japanese temple living, art and architecture in the 1600s; and feed the fish in the pond. . Imagine stumbling upon Dr. Js size-15 high-tops at the Temple University Podiatry Schools Shoe Museum. 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. 6'1" | ATH | 2025 South Philadelphia. This pocket park just off 17th Street occupies a narrow space between Chestnut and Ranstead. In the center is a statue of William Penn that was provided to the hospital by Penns grandson. 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. 130. However, due to dark and moody space, people often fail to find it. Its free to visit and many people dont know that its open to the public. While walking down the lane, look for Ranstead room behind a nondescript door, dedicatedly a black metal door. Royal Boucherie somehow manages to be everything to everyone: a brasserie for the business lunch crowd, a welcoming bar for the late-night set in the neighborhood, a fine dining experience for those who love French-inflected cuisine, and its even got a garden for summer nights that demand champagne and oysters. Freshman from all over are moving to Philadelphia for the first time. The big attractions near the hotel, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Mall, are all technically part of Independence National Historical Park, although they look like theyre just part of the cityscape. The Magic Gardensa whimsical, artistic experience surrounded by mosaics and reclaimed objectsis one of the top attractions in the city. Shane Confectionery pays homage to that history in its offerings of old-fashioned candy and chocolate alongside modern products. There's a reason that Philadelphia is listed among the myriad of "best cities to live" and "most interesting places to visit" lists. Beautiful John F. Collins Park is located on Chestnut Street, but it's easy to miss! Philly has scores of hidden gems for those in the know and you, friend, are about to be one of them. The Rodin Museum is the smallest museum on the parkway, and it is so underrated. It also has a garden patio that has a vibe that's hard to find elsewhere in Philly. Philadelphia has a long history of art and artists working in the medium of wood, which is on prominent display at Old Citys Museum for Art in Wood. Heres where youll find the Italian Market, one of Americas oldest open-air markets. Gifted to the American people by Japan after World War II, the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center is an oasis from the city in the heart of West Fairmount Park. We apologize, something went wrong on our end. Mural Arts offers maps so you can take your own self-guided walking tour. It's modeled after a Prohibition-era speakeasy, so you have to be in the know to head here for a drink. Head back upstairs to take in the view overlooking Independence Hall that many rooms offer. Its creator artist Isaiah Zagar is a prolific artist beyond his greatest known work, however. The best way to dig deeper, though, is on a walking tour with the organization. Hidden gem locations to check out in Philadelphia 1. For the outdoor lovers of Los Angeles, this abandoned bridge is a local treasure. Engaging exhibits throughout the 1,000-piece collection spotlight shoes from various times and cultures. Check them out - they're located off of Avenue of the Republic. Some of the prettiest houses in the city are in the Spruce Hill and Cedar Park neighborhoods at the edge of University City. If you are a local Philly, you would have crossed by the John F. Collins Park once in your lifetime. The bridge to nowhere is an anomaly located in the San Gabriel National Forest of Los Angeles. ADVERTISEMENT. Turtle Rock Lighthouse was built in 1887 by Frank Thurwanger for $2,663 right next to the historic Boathouse Row. Their rooftop hangout is always full of events categorized into art, taste, move, spark, and whatnot. Reviews on Hidden Gems in Philadelphia, PA - Hop Sing Laundromat, Creme Brulee Bistro & Cafe, Isot Mediterranean Cuisine, Heung Fa Chun Sweet House, Treble & Bass Bar, Xun Yu Si Kao, Siu Kee Duck House, Bartram's Garden, Perla, La Nonna Dating back to 1771, Fort Mifflin is the oldest active military facility in the nation and Americas only operating base predating the Declaration of Independence. Weekend in Philadelphia The Secret Sights of Historic Philadelphia Its got a prime location just across the street from Independence Mall, and yet it was surprisingly quiet during my recent weekend visit. 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. I lived in Philly all these years and never heard of these places. 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. Menu is similar to Basile's other restaurant (Old City's Radicchio Cafe), offering inexpensive . Flowers, trees, and plants adorn this peaceful lushness amidst the concrete jungle. 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. array(192) { [0]=> object(WP_Post)#5196 (29) { ["ID"]=> int(415533) ["post_author"]=> int(4675) ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-08-15 12:45:28" ["post_date_gmt . Theres also a small water feature tucked somewhere in the corner. 'Freya Stark", Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. Dinner one evening was at Amelia Island Brewing . Housing more than 100,000 books and manuscripts some over 5,000 years old the Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Collection is one of the largest public library special collections in the nation. Thats just one of many new things I learned at the National Museum of American Jewish History, which isnt hidden so much as hidden in plain sight. More places to explore this summer. 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. Now, it's a wide open park that shows off some of the best skyline views around. It was built in 1755 and is the first-ever hospital America owned, even before the American Revolution. Cafe Diem. 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. With towering 350-year-old live oaks, semi-tropical plants, and waterfront views, this place is nothing short of otherworldly. Bartram's Garden is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. The menu of breakfast and lunch (it opens at 7 a.m. for those getting an early start on the day) is made up of well-priced sandwiches (BLT, chicken salad, egg salad), wraps, and breakfast dishes, and there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, including tempeh bacon. The back of the building features a gorgeous garden with azaleas, wisteria, and towering colorful trees that dates back to the hospitals founding. Join the locals for a jog, walk, or bike ride along the Schuylkill River Trail, which follows the river for about 10 miles through Philadelphia, passing by the Museum of Art and the University of Pennsylvania along the way. Rising through the trees is the eight-story (you read that right) Kids Castle, a massive wooden play structure with labyrinthine passages, twisty tube slides, drawbridges, overlooks and a kids elevator, all protected by a giant dragon. 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). This is the best kind of neighborhood restaurant: welcoming and friendly with an approachable menu. Stars of "Hidden Gems," Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff answer questions about their new movie. Locals of Pennsport often choose it as their go-to brunch spot, especially for the cheesesteak hash. The Japanese house, heavenly garden, and koi pond are the definition of a Philadelphia hidden gem. Added in 2022: two inclusive play areas for children with a variety of abilities. One of the most unique things to do in NYC located in Brooklyn Heights is head to Hotel St. George. The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is tucked away in Fairmount Park just a few miles from Center City. The house was built in Japan during the 1950s before it made the journey first to NYC and then to Philadelphia. Opened in 2015, the elevated park is a year-round urban green space for visitors to stretch out and relax while enjoying some of the best views of Center City. Visit Philadelphia: Black Greek Edition Golf Outing, Greater Philadelphias Hidden Bars & Restaurants, Worlds Most Beloved Independent Bookstores, Baldwin's Book Barn, 865 Lenape Road, West Chester, The Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Collection, Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Collection, Free Library of Philadelphia Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, 8046 Frankford Avenue, The Shoe Museum at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Shoe Museum at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 148 N. 8th Street, Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 West Montgomery Avenue, The Fabric Workshop and Museum, 1214 Arch Street, Museum for Art in Wood, 141 N. 3rd Street, Wharton Esherick Museum, 1520 Horse Shoe Trail, Malvern, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Kids Castle Central Park, 425 Wells Road, Doylestown, Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Road, Upper Black Eddy, Treehouse World, 1442 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, Fountain Street Steps (Water Under The Bridge), Fountain Street Steps, 4800 Umbria Street, Peace Valley Lavender Farm, 802 New Galena Road, Doylestown, Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Lansdowne Drive & Horticultural Drive. The refuge also hosts year-round plant and bird walks. The John F. Collins Park is a stunning landscape hidden somewhere in the bustling business district of Central city. The 38 Essential Restaurants in Philadelphia. 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 . Whats your favorite Philly secret? At ground level, non-arboreal activities include rock climbing, ax throwing, bungee jumping and zip lining (across three skill levels). Hi, I'm Jen! Unlike other crowdy spaces, it is quieter and comforting. Tweet LinkedIn Like Share. Fall is now in full swing. SUMMER NIGHTS 2022 MOVIES . The concept of an all-day caf is ingenious, but there arent a whole lot of places where you can feel as comfortable with a cappuccino and sourdough waffles at 7:30 a.m. as you can with a glass of natural wine at 4 oclock or a romantic dinner of handmade pappardelle with spiced crab at 8 p.m. High Street on Market is that place, though: perfect for dates, lazy lunches, and days when you just want an (exquisitely made) sticky bun. Once youre done creating your stone song, explore the rest of the sprawling 123-acre park, a dense forest for hikers, walkers, bikers and picnickers. 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. One of our favorite things about driving around the city (especially in South Philly) is finding the unexpected Zagar mosaics. Visitors can explore the collection on their own during library hours or take the daily 11 a.m. guided tour. Where: Baldwin's Book Barn, 865 Lenape Road, West Chester. Originally, it was powered by gas,. The city is teeming with parks and gardens, unique spaces, and other hidden attractions that even long-time residents may not know. Its ivy-covered walls, wooden benches, and tables are welcoming for the lunch crowd or anyone looking to rest their feet for a moment in Center City. Graffiti Bar 377 Lounges Looking for a weekend getaway full of culture, scenic drives, tasty eats, and unique souvenirs? You can explore all of that and the mansion. 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. The space can be accessed via the garages pedestrian entrance on 30th Street just south of Chestnut Street. Though if you are a traveler in Philly, you might not have even heard or seen the Dutch. Occasional pop-up events turn the terrace into a beer garden with one of the best atmospheres in the city. For the less squeamish, the Butterfly Pavilion side is a 7,000-square-foot greenhouse where you can interact with 60 species of free-flying butterflies, which love to perch on those wearing bright colors. It offers Philadelphias most admirable skyline views, especially when the city is glowing during the night hours. (The lavender lollipops come on a plantable seed-laced stick! Pull up a seat at the long bar, order some farro risotto and a glass of Italian red, and feel right at home. Here is a list of six (somewhat) hidden gems that are undoubtedly worth checking out. The benches at the Smith Memorial Arch in Fairmount Park are designed in such a way that you can sit on one end, whisper quietly, and be heard loud and clear on the other end. 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. More from the Movie. The Pavilion is here since 1993, and since then, several wanders have made their way searching for this space. There are few better places to appreciate the skyline than from Bok Bar. This phenomenon is known to happen due to the parabola effect, known in physics. Go to the back door of the spa, press the buzzer, tell the person on the intercom that you are there to see a man about a . Philadelphia is packed with things to do. 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. 16 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia. Now simply turn towards the stone and start murmuring. For the similar, Pizza Brain has marked its name in the Guinness Book of World Records.