Philadelphia is a charming city, easy to get around, with wonderful alleys and roads to walk and discover the city. The city attracts young lovers and couples looking for unforgettable experiences with their loved ones. As a prelude to this month of love, we have curated a list of things to do that will bring out the hidden romantic in most people.
A Romantic Sunrise
Begin your love-filled journey by watching the sunrise from one of Philadelphia’s top vantage points. For scenic views of the Delaware River, Race Street Pier is an intimate spot for picnics and watching the sun rise, just under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Along Philadelphia’s other river, the Schuylkill, watch the sun ascend above the Center City skyscrapers from a picturesque perch on the South Street Bridge. Belmont Plateau in West Fairmount Park also presents stunning views of the surrounding park space as the sun rises over the downtown skyline in the distance.
Walk through LOVE Park
No visit to Philadelphia is complete without a stop at one of the most photographed spots in the city, the famous LOVE Park, with the quintessential public art piece, Robert Indiana’s LOVE statue, located in the heart of the city and just steps away from City Hall. Later, take a stroll along the scenic Benjamin Franklin Parkway to eventually arrive at Fairmount Park.
Admire the Murals
Originally launched as an anti-graffiti program in 1984, Mural Arts Philadelphia now boasts over 4,400 works of community-based public art across Philadelphia. The nation’s largest public art program, Mural Arts Philadelphia offers visitors the opportunity to see some of these murals on guided and self-guided tours.
Treat Your Partner to Chocolates
Found along Market Street in Old City, Shane Confectionery is the nation’s oldest continuously operating candy store, specializing in traditionally made sweet treats. The shop presents its storefront and products in an authentic, turn-of-the-century fashion, with vintage cash registers, display cases, signage, and other antiques.
Romantic West Philadelphia
If you and your partner sit on opposite ends of the Smith Memorial Arch in West Fairmount Park, the monument is designed to carry voices from one person to the other. Rent a bike from a nearby Indego station and explore more of the public art on view throughout Fairmount Park with the help of the Museum Without Walls Audio Tour offered by the Association for Public Art, the country’s first private entity dedicated to public art.
Fun Evening at the Ice Rink
Open throughout the winter, the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at City Hall and the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest alongside the Delaware River welcome couples to hold hands while skating together. Both locations house cosy indoor lounges for pairs to cuddle up and share a hot beverage or cool cocktail. Both these ice skating rinks transform into roller- skating rinks during the summer.
Live Music at the Mann Center
Enjoy a romantic concert under the stars at the Mann Center, a 22-acre outdoor venue in Fairmount Park. The spacious hilltop venue offers plenty of lawn space perfect for picnics set to live music while also presenting one of the most impressive views of the Philadelphia skyline in the distance. You could also upgrade to the VIP Club with private and early entry, dedicated in-seat wait service, and private box seats with more legroom.
Cocktails and Couples’ Massage
Located on the 60th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center — Philadelphia’s first-and-only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel — JG SkyHigh specializes in cocktail-hour experiences with unmatchable city views. The sleek and minimalist-designed hotel occupies the top floors of the impressive 60-story Comcast Technology Center, Philadelphia’s tallest tower offering unobstructed 360° views of the city.
After cocktails, head to the Four Seasons 57th-floor Spa — which also achieved the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating — and settle in for a luxurious couples massage as part of the premier property’s new Night Spa experience.
Get Creative at The Clay Studio
Book a fun date night at The Clay Studio as instructors guide you through an evening of pottery-making by candlelight, complete with light food and champagne. Also, explore the rotating exhibitions of ceramic works in the Studio’s galleries and browse the gift shop to find an assortment of handmade items including mugs, artwork, gifts, and more.
Intimate Dining
Just steps away from charming Rittenhouse Square, The Love — rated one of the most romantic restaurants in America by Forbes — is an intimate restaurant that serves enticing cuisine across a main dining and bar area, plus outdoor seating along 18th Street, and a cozy upper-level loft. A good place to try some ‘love themed” dishes from the menu.
A Night to Remember
At the end of your day, have a nightcap at one of Philadelphia’s wineries. City Winery Philadelphia has nightly shows and entertainment to add sensation to your night out. For couples visiting the countryside, have a glass a Penns Wood Winery, where modern technology meets Old World traditions.
