Philadelphia is a city that is quick to find its way into the hearts of many – and may even help you seal the deal with your love interest.
Philly is one of the east coast’s premier locations due to its diverse dining culture, accessible cityscape, lively entertainment scene, and rich historical fabric. With all these things combined, Philadelphia is a destination known to make both its inhabitants and its visitors beholden to all the possibilities the city has to offer – an energy that will work in your favor come “date night.”
Our Travel Noire Family has searched far and wide, and even asked a couple experts (read: over competent Philadelphians) to give you the best and most notable that Philadelphia has to offer.
Hike Forbidden Drive/Valley Green Inn
For active couples, those who enjoy nature, or those who like to escape the city without leaving the city – this is a great date for you. The five-mile trail was just crowned the “2018 Trail of the Year” by Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Forbidden Drive runs parallel to the Wissahickon Creek – allowing you to and your partner to sit or picnic by the water, or to simply just admire. During any season, you can reward yourself at the conclusion of your hike with a meal at the Valley Green Inn, a historical inn-now-restaurant that serves well-priced & locally sourced american fare making it a great spot for brunch or dinner.
Lunch at Reading Terminal Market
Are you a foodie couple? Then Reading Terminal Market is just the place for you! One of America’s largest and oldest public markets since 1893, the Market offers an incredible selection of diverse restaurants, locally grown & exotic produce, locally sourced meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and confections.
The Market showcases the best tastes of Philly as well as a diverse mix of cultures and flavors that makeup the city’s population. Located in Center City, the Reading Terminal Market is a convenient spot to visit amidst your multitude of Philadelphia adventures and a great place to get lost in the mix with your special someone.
Drinks galore at Yards Brewery
Located around the Spring Garden area, Yards Brewery offers a warehouse-meets-biergarten vibe for you and your significant other. The venue offers 20 beers on tap, a full kitchen, longer hours, live music on Fridays, and an outdoor space that pairs delightfully with all the entirety of their drink selection. Plus, tours of the brewery run every 30 minutes at only $5 a person.
Bike or walk along the Schuylkill River (and beyond)
Looking for a walk with a view? Rent bikes or walk along the city’s waterfront on a self-guided tour of the Schuylkill River. The running path offers miles of expansive views, cozy picnicking spots, and up-close experience with some of Philadelphia’s most scenic and notable spots such as Boathouse Row or The Philadelphia Waterworks building & restaurant which is located just below the Philadelphia Art Museum.
“Pay what you want nights” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is iconic for many reasons – you may recognize it’s famed steps from the feature film “Rocky” – or by the sheer massiveness of the pantheon-like structure sitting adjacent to the Schuylkill River. The museum hosts a variety of different rotating exhibits, as well as hosting permanent asian, early christian, contemporary, and fashion exhibits. As the art museum facilitates a mission of making the arts more accessible, make sure to capitalize on their “Pay What You Wish Admission” on the first Sunday of the month 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and every Wednesday 5:00–8:45 p.m. What does Pay What You Wish mean? We suggest you start at a penny but support with whatever amount you wish!
Dinner and a movie: Positano Coast & Ritz Theaters
Looking to reinvent a classic date night? Look no farther than this double feature: Positano Coast, a restaurant, crudo and wine bar specializing in pairing excellent wine with the best tastes of the Amalfi Coast. After a decadent meal, head across the street to the Ritz Theaters, which specializes in screening independent films as well as all your box office favorites! Located in Old City, these venues sit parallel to each other and are located at 212 Walnut Street.
Paris Bistro & Jazz Cafe
Step through the glass front door and descend the mosaic tiled stair into the dining room and bar – you’ll be transported to another time and place – a Parisian bistro in the 1930’s – found on any avenue in any of Paris’ 20 arrondissements. Rich red leather and velvet upholstery and large, ornate mirrors give the room a warm, lived-on look.
Travel down one flight of stairs from the dining room and bistro bar to the stylishly appointed jazz cafe where Thursday through Sunday, Philadelphia’s best jazz musicians will play the standards, selections from the Great American Songbook and music of the Jazz Era. Pick a cozy table for two or grab a seat at the bar – there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
‘Adult’ shopping at the Velvet Lily
Looking to get down to business? The Velvet Lily Sex Toy Store for adult erotic toys is a female-owned and operated erotic boutique conveniently located in Center City Philadelphia, blocks away from the Reading Terminal Market and The Philadelphia Convention Center. At the Velvet Lily, find ways to enhance your experiences between the sheets. Book a one-hour private shopping session at Philly’s poshest X-rated shop. It costs $300, with the fee going toward a $500 spending minimum.
Fiume Speakeasy
For a lowkey date night vibe, above Abyssinia Ethiopian restaurant in West Philly is Fiume, a damn-near-authentic speakeasy with no phone number, website or signage. Settle in on Thursdays for live bluegrass by the Citywide Specials ($5 cover charge) and the drink deal for which they’re christened — $5 for a Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of whiskey.
Dinner at Lacroix
Dress the part for your deliciously upscale dinner at Lacroix. In addition to French-influenced fusion cuisine (indulge in the well-worth-it $130 chef’s tasting menu), you’ll enjoy a picturesque view of Rittenhouse Square outside the glass windows of this fine-dining spot.
South Street
Philadelphia’s famous street bustles with restaurants, galleries and a whole lot more
Long known as the edgiest street in Philadelphia, South Street is a melting pot of groups and cultures. Residents and visitors, teenagers and adults, preppies and punks, artists and attorneys all mix seamlessly together on the storied boulevard. Shoppers searching for a statement-making look, visitors hungry for a real Philly cheesesteak and music lovers who want to catch an up-and-coming band all head to South Street in droves.
By Iman Floyd-Carroll