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Many of the museums and attractions in Philadelphia’s Historic District close at night, but the area’s appeal doesn’t wane when the sun goes down. Nightlife across the area offer visitors a ton of options, including craft beer bars, age-old ghost stories and avant-garde theater.
Eateries like The Franklin Fountain and Moshulu revel in history, and hangouts like Mac’s Tavern offer an authentic taste of today’s local scene.
And while venues like Franklin Square and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest offer fun for the whole family, other spots encourage an adults-only night out on the town.
No matter what you’re in the mood to do tonight, do it in one (or many) of the awesome spots in our Historic District guide below.
Look for the colorful lights along the Delaware River and find Spruce Street Harbor Park, which offers a mix of outdoor areas to relax and play. After a day of sightseeing, rest in one of the many colorful hammocks and Adirondack chairs spread throughout the space or unwind with a brew or frozen cocktail. Note that the park is open seasonally from spring through fall.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Celebrated local restaurants like Distrito and HipCityVeg operate casual outlets at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Grab a bite and enjoy it in the Oasis, a section of the park that includes floating gardens, landscaped barges and a Caribbean-style net lounge.
At Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, guests can strap on a pair of skates and go for a spin just steps from the banks of the Delaware River. After the skates come off, head inside to the air-conditioned “crab shack” from Philly’s celebrated eatery Chickie’s and Pete’s. (Note that RiverRink Summerfest is open seasonally from late spring through late summer. Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest opens (with an ice rink!) during the colder-weather months.)
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
When post-bar hunger sets in, engage in one of Philadelphia’s favorite pastimes: late-night cheesesteaks. Sonny’s Famous Steaks serves hot, fresh sandwiches along with a hearty side of great people-watching until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Where: Sonny's Famous Steaks, 228 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
The scents that waft from the many restaurants throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District are enough to make a hungry sightseer’s mouth water. Area eateries include grab-and-go bites, five-star dining experiences and more.
Where: Various locations including Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks, 214 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Nothing says romance like a moonlit riverside stroll. Race Street Pier offers incredible sunset and nighttime views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which connects Philadelphia to Camden, New Jersey. Other great viewing points include Morgan’s Pier and Cherry Street Pier.
Where: Race Street Pier, Race Street and North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
This creative arts hub and mixed-use public attraction in the shell of a century-old municipal pier offers dramatic views of the Ben Franklin Bridge, plus a full schedule of festivals, concerts, exhibitions, fairs, food and drink.
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Who says grown-ups can’t act like kids once in awhile? At Franklin Square, visitors of any age can putter around the Philly-themed miniature golf course, ride the historic Parx Liberty Carousel and dine on burgers and milkshakes at SquareBurger, the park’s eatery. Park hours do vary by season — and in conjunction with special events — so be sure to check current hours before heading out to the park after dark.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
With 15 beers on tap, a deliciously approachable menu, and a stock of board and lawn games, Independence Beer Garden has been a neighborhood favorite every summer since its first season in 2014. The venue is directly opposite Independence Mall and steps from the Liberty Bell Center.
Where: Independence Beer Garden, 100 S. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s thriving beer scene is as old as the city itself, and the Tippler’s Tour: Colonial Pub Crawl is the perfect way for guests to drink their way through history. Led by a knowledgeable guide outfitted in period costume, the weekly event visits modern-day watering holes and a colonial tavern. Tours vary by season, so be sure to check the current pub-crawl offering.
Where: Tours depart from the Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Go behind Independence Hall’s velvet rope on an Independence After Hours tour. Participants enjoy a colonial-style dinner at City Tavern before eavesdropping on our Founding Fathers at Independence Hall. Tour availability varies by season.
Where: Various locations including Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Get a bird’s-eye view of Philadelphia’s Historic District while sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar in the neighborhood. Stratus Rooftop Lounge attracts chic crowds who come for cocktails and live DJ sets, while the open-air Deck on the Moshulu offers up waterfront breezes alongside culinary refreshment.
Where: Various locations including Moshulu, 401 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
The old-fashioned decor and costumed servers are just part of the appeal at The Franklin Fountain, which is open until midnight seven days a week. This Victorian-inspired ice cream saloon tempts people of all ages with its handmade ice cream, banana splits, thick shakes, sundaes and flavored phosphates and fountain drinks — all served by soda jerks. During colder months, there’s hot chocolate, hot milkshakes and homemade pie.
Where: The Franklin Fountain, 116 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Located within walking distance from Independence National Historical Park, Morgan’s Pier feels miles away from the city. Just below the Ben Franklin Bridge, leafy trees, a gourmet picnic menu and a beer garden unite at this seasonal dining destination. Earlier in the evening, people enjoy brews and food during sunset; later on, they listen to live music or DJs while taking in the waterfront view.
Where: Morgan's Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Thanks to organizations like the Arden Theatre Company and Christ Church Neighborhood House, arts and culture flourish in Philadelphia’s Historic District. These intimate theaters each contain less than 400 seats and showcase some of the region’s talented actors, singers, dancers and creative professionals.
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Shack at La Peg, a casual outdoor beer garden, sets up shop each spring and remains open as long as the weather is fine. The menu features classic crowd-pleasers like burgers, pulled pork sandwiches and lobster rolls, paired with beer, wine or cocktails. The best part of the offerings? All of the food and drink comes with a side of spectacular views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Where: La Peg, 140 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
On the first Friday night of each month, the Old City Arts Association hosts First Friday, an open-house-style event at dozens of the neighborhood’s shops and galleries. Members of the public sip wine, stroll from storefront to storefront and interact with artists and business owners.
Where: Various locations including The Clay Studio, 139 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Two interesting restaurants in Philadelphia’s Historic District offer seating not just near the water but on the water. The Spirit of Philadelphia tour takes guests on a scenic Delaware River cruise, while diners who prefer to remain closer to land opt for Moshulu, a permanently docked historic Tall Ship.
Get ready to salsa and spin at Cuba Libre and Brasil’s, two of the hottest spots in the Historic District. Both venues evoke the spirit of Latin America with festive decor, drinks and dancing.
Where: Various locations including Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - Philadelphia, 10 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
For intriguing theater and special events, head to FringeArts, which is headquartered in a stunning historic building on the Delaware River waterfront. Inside, a 232-seat performance space hosts cabaret, works-in-progress and acts that defy categorization. After the show, grab a cocktail at La Peg, the venue’s inviting bar and restaurant.
Where: FringeArts, 140 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
With great history comes great mystery, and Philadelphia is packed with both. Explore the city’s supernatural side on a candlelit stroll through the back streets of Old City with Ghost Tours of Philadelphia.
Want to see where the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia hangs out when they’re in town? Head to Mac’s Tavern, an Old City gastropub co-owned by Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson, two of the show’s stars.
Where: Mac's Tavern, 226 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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