I had no idea how special this experience was until I finally took the tour, and wow it completely…read morechanged the way I see the city. Id noticed the murals before just passing by, but seeing them as part of a curated journey gives everything so much more meaning. The guide helped point out details I never would've caught on my own, and it added a whole new layer of appreciation. The artwork is powerful, full of emotion, and spread across the city in a way that makes the whole place feel like an open-air gallery. It celebrates the personality of the neighborhoods and captures stories that stay with you long after you're done. What really stood out to me was how much heart is behind each piece. You can feel the intention, the humor, the honesty, and the love woven into every message along the route. It turns a familiar ride into something unexpectedly uplifting. I left feeling inspired and genuinely connected to the city in a new way. Highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see a different, more meaningful side of Philly.

I love this. They had an initiative in the early 2000s to have graffiti art just work on art…read moreprojects as part of their community service. I believe this project is part of that circle was to have about 2OOO murals up by the mid-late OOs. By the time that happened they were way more than enough it's always nice to see free art as welll.

This hidden gem is the perfect place to pretend you're a model or a photographer. A great, albeit…read moredirty, place to snap some cool pictures. It's also a solid place to set up and fish or to get up to some general mischief. This based on the three types of people I saw in my visit here: photographers, fishermen, and shirtless parkour-ing teens. My best advice is to wear closed toed footwear. This place is littered with broken glass and other assorted garbage. I wore flip flops, and while I managed to avoid injury, my feet were stained with a layer of black dirt. It's kind of a sketchy area of town, but it's worth a visit to up your insta game.

The best view of the city is from here…read more It has come a long way in the past few years as volunteers have installed trashcans and cleaned up a lot of the trash that has been dumped here. Be mindful and whatever you bring, carry it out. I bring my two large dogs back here on walks to the end of the pier for the amazing view that shows the mix of nature taking over old industry against the new industry - the skyline of Philadelphia. Usually, you will see other urban explorers, fishermen, photographers, and artists. But be cautious, last time I was here kids were playing with dynamite and people have been mugged here. Just be smart and pay attention.

Good photo spot me and my boyfriend had a great time only thing is wish it stayed on 24 hrs because…read moresome days if I go it's not on

An Instagram worthy quick place to check out if you're in the Passyunk, Termini's Bakery,…read morePats/Genos area. A neon sign art installation on the side of a building, located down a deteriorated alleyway. Go after dark for the full effect, and get your camera ready to snap away! Park nearby on Passyunk, Reed or 9th streets and then walk down Percy Street. You only really need 5 or 10 minutes here, so swing by next time you're in the area!

With over 85 food trucks, this was the biggest night market yet. Unfortunately, when you crammed…read moreall those trucks into the narrow streets of Old City, it becomes a little harder to enjoy. Oh well, I tried my best! There were at least three yards tents at this event pouring Brawler and its Philadelphia Pale Ale. All seemed to have a system worked out that kept the long lines moving. The port 'o potty situation was surprisingly great. We never waited behind more than three people even though they seemed a little sparse. The crowds are insane. Tip: do not bring your dogs or strollers to this event. You'll just end up carrying babies and dogs due to the crowds. Night market gathers the best and most diverse group of Philly food trucks in one place I've ever seen, so despite the horrific crowds, you'll see me at these events again!

Amazing artwork you can visit for free. It's in the Curtis Building and is a stunning mosaic of…read moreTiffany glass. The shading and lighting are stunning.

It's a Maxfield Parrish mural made of Tiffany glass, commissioned by the Curtis Publishing Co for…read moreits then-new building. It's an impressive piece of public art and is over 100 years old. It's worth stopping to admire it if you are in the area. The staff understands why you're here; as we peeked through the windows one evening, security waved us in to get a closer look. Years ago, when I worked nearby, I'd stop in for a moment of calm on my lunch hour. It's a soothing, romantic image and truly an historic art treasure in the city.

Iconic Philly spot to go and just chill, enjoy being outside, enjoy the view of the city…read moreskyline...unfortunately though the stench of blunt smoke will be prevalent, (the acrid odor marijuana rolled in cigar wraps, seems to be pervasively smoked EVERYWHERE and stinks terribly) ....but good fortune may prevail to find a spot away from such or the breezes my act in your favor. Despite all that, it is worth the effort... (Bias transparency: I grew up as teen with the "Plat" as a favorite spot...and yes, with Philly's favorite son!)

This park has amazing views of downtown. You can see the full skyline during the day or night…read more There is wide open space, grassy hills and shaded tree areas. The park also has baseball fields and walking trails. I had an opportunity to see DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Roots, Lila Downs and Joan Jetts with the Blackhearts as part of our Union convention celebration. There were games and food trucks to indulge in between acts. Had a great time at a great park

I took a class at Cherry Street pier with Bonnie McAllister. The class was fantastic and the…read moreatmosphere is great. I would recommend that anyone go to Cherry Street pier

Have come to the pier a few times to enjoy the different exhibits and artist studios. Super cool…read moreuse of the space. Has always been clean when I've visited. Has cute food trucks and outstanding views! Love the community space being utilized for the aftermath of a local run club! Great way to spend an afternoon!

Climbing fifty stories isn't too bad…read more You don't have to be in tip-top shape to participate in this event, but it's probably a good idea to practice beforehand. In any case, it doesn't take too long to do all fifty floors. Most folks finished in less than ten minutes. There was quite a crowd; we even saw Mayor Nutter. All proceeds benefit the American Lung Association. Can't wait for 2011's Stair Climb!

Is it super cliché to run the Rocky Steps? Maybe. Is it still fun and will it leave you feeling…read morelike a champion? Absolutely. *cue the Rocky training montage music* The timeless film franchise inspired by actual boxer Joe Frazier who ran the steps of the art museum has made this one of the most popular spots for tourists in the city. Worth arriving early if you want an iconic photo with your fists raised in triumph. Even after arriving early in the morning, a crowd formed in less than 10 minutes to get their photo next to the Rocky statue. The steps aren't too steep and not too numerous, so most able-bodied folks can at least walk the steps. Child #3 was not yet 2 years old and he made it up. Slower than his siblings, but still. While there are some ramps on the sides, it doesn't seem that any of them go the whole way up or down, so if you have a stroller or wheelchair, you might struggle getting there. As of this writing, the "original" Rocky statue is in the museum and the similar one at the top of the steps is on loan from the man himself, Sylvester Stallone. Yo, Adrian! I DID IT!

Inspirational on multiple levels…read more - - - - - - - - November, 2025 Visit We were in town for a family baby shower and arrived early to sightsee in Philly. This trip we picked the Rocky steps... we were able to watch some of the movie on the flight; I fast forward to Rocky's scene running across Philly, culminating at the steps to the Philadelphia Art Museum just before deplaning. With that inspiration, when we arrived, our daughter and I raced to the top and were greeted by mom/wife and brother/son for a family photo at the top. The view from there, looking up Benjamin Franklin Parkway, from the George Washington Statue, past all the international flags and art museums, looking toward the park, at the far end, where you can see the iconic LoVE statue... is fantastic. It's great that the city had this statue cast and made it accessible to all. Thank you, Philadelphia & the Art Museum ----- ----- -----

There's so much cool stuff within the city limits that I've committed to trying to explore…read moresomething new (to me) every week. Recently that meant exploring the trolley trails in west Fairmount Park and finding the stone spiral arch bridge. In the early 1900s, a scene trolley took people through the woods. Nature has reclaimed the trolley paths, but in recent years they have been converted into miles of hiking trails. It's not crowded--I only saw 4 other people, mountain bikers, on my visit. It's a great place to explore. It's shaded so the walk was cool. It's pretty level so the hike is easy. And if you know where to go, you can find this beautiful bridge that looks like a brick spiral. The years have taken a toll, so I wonder how much longer we'll get to enjoy it. It's cool to think that in the past so much work was put into creating a beautiful structure that really just needed to serve a simple function. Don't have time for a long hike? You can get to the bridge quickly by entering the trail from Chamounix Mansion. Park by the equestrian building and head in. It's probably less than a 1/2 mile walk to the bridge.

I'm one of those weird Aquarius people who like to explore abandoned buildings, and ancient sites,…read moreso I had to check out Stone Arch Bridge! It is an old bridge that leads to nowhere because it is no longer being used. It is surrounded by a forest, and kind of hard to find. The best way to find it is to stay at Chamounix Mansion, and follow the trail behind the trees. It's worth checking out if you like to post on Instagram, and finding hidden gems that are off the beaten path.