Philadelphia, PA
- If you're considering visiting Philadelphia, you may be wondering which hidden gems to see. There are plenty to choose from, including the National Liberty Museum, Rodin Museum, John F. Collins Park, and Village Whiskey.
Best Keep Secret Places in Philadelphia
There are plenty of unique places to visit in Philadelphia to give you a true taste of the city. Many of these are free or easily accessible by public transportation. While you should visit as many of the touristy places as possible, you should also consider visiting some of these lesser-known spots.
Reading Terminal Market
The Reading Terminal Market is the best-kept secret in a city full of tourist attractions. One of the oldest in the US, this Market is hidden under a historic train station. It was once an open market but was moved indoors to improve sanitation and street overcrowding. The owners hoped that foot traffic around the trains would boost business. However, the railroad company folded in 1976, leaving only a few food vendors. Today, the market is a bustling beehive of activity.
James G. Kaskey Memorial Park
Located on the University of Pennsylvania's campus, James G. Kaskey Memorial Park is an ecological oasis surrounded by campus buildings. This beautiful park has been a sanctuary for city dwellers and wildlife for over a century. The Bio-Pond, cascading waterfall, and singing birds are among the highlights of this hidden park.
9th Street Italian Market
There's a secret place in Philadelphia that is just as authentic and delicious as it is historical. The 9th Street Italian Market, a 10-block historic market, has been a Philadelphia favorite for more than a century, and it's not hard to see why. This place is not only a great place to find delicious food, but it also has a visitor center and food vendors. Plus, it was featured in the "Rocky Movie"
Pavilion in the Trees
"Pavilion in the Trees" is an architectural marvel. The roof is curved to reflect the curvature of the sky above the earth, and the canopy catches light and breeze. A beautiful view of the city awaits you, so be sure to explore it! This is a hidden gem that not everyone knows about, but a must-see if you have some time.
Bartram's Garden
You might have heard of Bartram's Garden, but have you visited it? This beautiful Garden is located in Wissahickon Valley Park and offers free boating and community gardening experiences. The gardens are a unique historical and natural site that offers both free and membership benefits. Here, you can visit a greenhouse and seasonal blooms. The Bartram's Garden is also a wonderful place to get hands-on and learn about gardening.
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
You can visit Edgar Allan Poe's house in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for free. You might even find a few hidden treasures. The house was home to Poe and his wife, Virginia Clemm, and it is now a National Historic Site. The house is a replica of a Victorian-style house and has modern bathrooms, including running water. Visit the Poe House, where Poe wrote his most famous poem, "The Raven," and get a feeling for what it must have been like to live there.
John F. Collins Park
In Center City, John F. Collins Park is a beautiful pocket park with ivy-covered walls and benches. Guests can enjoy the view from a cascading fountain and take in the scenery. It's a lovely place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you're planning a wedding, the park is the perfect location for a small and intimate ceremony.
Hidden Gems in Philadelphia
Rodin Museum
Although many tourists flock to the city to experience the art scene, there are a few hidden gems that deserve a closer look. The Rodin Museum is one such hidden gem. Located along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the museum is home to the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris. The museum's authentic cast of The Thinker is among the most popular displays. Still, the museum also offers dozens of other works of art.
Benjamin Franklin Museum
Located in the city's historic district, the Benjamin Franklin Museum features the finest American artists from the country's founding to the present day. You can also learn about Philadelphia's famous son, Benjamin Franklin, at the museum's underground location. The museum offers a multimedia experience that combines art, science, and history. A visit to this museum is guaranteed to highlight any visit to Philadelphia.
National Liberty Museum
The National Liberty Museum is located in the heart of Philadelphia's historic district. The museum's mission is to inspire civic responsibility, good character, and respect for all people. The museum offers exhibitions that breed thought and emotion throughout its four floors. The exhibits tell the story of the European colonists who made the Americas their home. The stories of the people who fought for this freedom are woven into the museum's audiovisual stories.
Village Whiskey
If you're looking for a great whiskey bar in the city's center, you've probably heard of Village Whiskey. It serves more than 100 whiskeys and offers three flights, so you can sample them all before committing to the full bottle. In addition to whiskey, Village Whiskey also serves burgers and various bar snacks.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
The Thaddeus Kosciuszo National Memorial is one of Philadelphia's lesser-known gems, occupying less than two acres of land. Operated by the National Parks Service, the small building is a colonial schoolhouse. The site pays homage to the Polish-Lithuanian freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a military engineer who played a crucial role in the American Revolution. While not a major attraction, it's worth visiting if you love history.
