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What makes a Philly LOVE Story?
It’s the story of how the couple churning out your favorite food first met, about how BFFs-turned-business-partners always have each other’s backs and how an only-in-Philly first date turned into a love that lasts a lifetime … and so much more.
Meet the people redefining what it means to be a part of the City of Brotherly Love in Philly LOVE Stories — real stories about real love in America’s realest city.
Visit the Philly LOVE Stories Activation
Wanna share your love story? Stop by Fashion District Philadelphia (enter at 9th and Market streets) to visit our pop-up Philly LOVE Stories activation from June 1 to 30, 2026.
Write a note to tell the world about a moment, place or person that made you fall in love with this city!
There are beloved traditions, and then there’s the greased-pole climbing competition at the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival.
Chadford Jung is a member of the Philadelphia Suns, a Chinatown-based youth organization with more than 500 active members in the Philadelphia region.
The group serves as an important resource and support system for Philly youth from all backgrounds and is widely known for their lion dance performances.
Tony Royster might be the most famous Philadelphian you don’t know by name. The man behind the mask — or rather, a giant red Elmo head — is the founder of Philly’s Positive Movement Entertainment (PME) drumline.
When does a holiday tradition become a miracle? Ask the folks who live on 13th Street in South Philadelphia.
Former Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin knows what a championship team means to Philadelphia. He sees the energy, unity and pride that fills every corner of the city after a big win.
The Philadelphia Citizen’s 2025 Block Captain of the year, Dianna Coleman is on a mission to make her stretch of South Paxon Street more livable, beautiful and welcoming for all.
Carolos Aponte, founder and executive director of We Love Philly, sees Philadelphia as the soul of the country — a place centered on friendship where love can truly thrive.
Ian Morrison’s Philly LOVE Story is one of presentation, visibility and authenticity. Better known as Brittany Lynn, Morrison is one of Philly’s most famous drag performers, regularly leading the city’s Pride celebrations and hosting drag queen story times at schools, libraries and museums throughout Philadelphia.
Established in 1860, McGillin’s Olde Ale House is the oldest pub in Philadelphia and one of the oldest bars in the entire country.
For many, “meet me at McGillin’s” has a more literal (and more romantic) meaning. Mike and Nisha and Frank and Monica are just two of the more than 200 couples who met each other at this enduring Philly icon — as recorded in the bar’s official book of “Love Letters.”
Mike Hagen is Scuba Santa — err, a special friend of Scuba Santa — a deep-diving version of St. Nick who spreads smiles at Adventure Aquarium. Located just across the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey, the aquarium is home to more than 15,000 aquatic animals and one very special visitor from the North Pole during the holiday season.
Joshua Mitchell is always trying to reach people through his music. The Philly recording artist came out of the womb singing, according to his mother, and has his sights set on global superstardom.
Philly is big in Japan — thanks in large part to Kosuke Chujo and his wife Tomomi, owners of Nihonbashi Philly. The Tokyo-based bar is something of a love letter to the city of Philadelphia; its walls adorned with SEPTA route maps, Liberty Bell artwork and Philly sports memorabilia. And on the menu: What else? Cheesesteaks.
After falling out of love with life behind the barber chair, B. Jawuan Jones found a renewed passion for his craft by hitting the streets and offering free haircuts to those experiencing homelessness.
In this Halloween edition of Philly LOVE Spooky Stories, Laurel Hill Cemetery tour guide Sarah Hammil highlights the mystery surrounding the death and disappearance of Martha Drennan.
Sami Aziz is a street photographer whose viral portraits of residents and visitors on South Street have made him an Instagram sensation in Philadelphia — and beyond.
Like many couples, Linda and Anthony met at work — right here at Visit Philadelphia, in fact. The former Visit Philly staffers met on the job in 2005 (back when we were still called the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation).
Rasheedah and Tanisha are lifelong friends and founders of Philly Girls Jump, an inclusive jump-rope group on a mission to spread joy while building community in the City of Brotherly Love.
Meet Danielle and Alexandra — friends and co-owners of Modrn Wellness — a holistic and alternative wellness spa in Center City. Their Philly LOVE Story is one of support and community, of women having each other’s backs.
Jessica and Ricky’s Philly LOVE Story is a literal LOVE story. One of the couple’s first dates took place at the Christmas Village in LOVE Park. And their first picture together? You guessed it: taken right under the iconic LOVE sculpture.
Alyse and Lexi Scaffidi are the self-described bite-sized sisters who launched the DreamWalk Fashion Show. Their Philly LOVE Story is one about self-love, body positivity and celebrating the beauty in each of us.
Arnold Ford is the assistant principal at Mastery Charter Mann Elementary in West Philadelphia. His Philly LOVE Story is all about promoting positivity and leading with love.
Meet Phila and Rachel, owners of Mawn — the celebrated bring-your-own-bottle spot serving up Cambodian flavors in South Philly.
As you can see, love and romance thrive in Philadelphia — and who doesn’t love a good love story?
Let us help you write the next chapter in a Philly Love Story of your own …
Friday Saturday Sunday — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
Philly restaurants do romance well. From classic steakhouses like Alpen Rose to adventurous dining experiences like the omakase at HIROKI, these fine dining eateries have all the ingredients — impeccable dishes, ambiance, settings and presentations — for an incredible meal and unforgettable memory. Whether it’s the first date or the 70th, a special day or a Tuesday, these 12 spots elevate any occasion.
Crossing Vineyards and Winery — Photo by A. Sinagoga for Visit Bucks County
Hop in love bugs: The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection’s penchant for romance doesn’t stop at restaurants. Couples (and couples-to-be) have their pick of ways to spend special time with that special someone. Explore a new neighborhood or nearby countryside town. Reconnect over your shared love of sports, music, or Dungeons and Dragons. Or unwind together with a spa treatment or wellness moment.
Barnes Foundation — Photo by C. Smyth for Visit Philadelphia
Philly offers enough dreamy dining experiences, activities and attractions to fill a lifetime, let alone a day. If you have three, let us help you decide how to mix and match everything there is to do and see in the city to create the perfect romantic excursion.
Race Street Pier — Photo by J. Miczek for Visit Philadelphia
With wonder and romance hidden around every historic corner of the city, Philadelphia has the makings of an epic movie. We are casting you in the starring role with this list of swoon-worthy cultural sites, museums, outdoor attractions and photo ops that are just waiting to be discovered by lovebirds like you.
It’s Philly’s biggest year yet!
Make the most of it by booking the Visit Philly Overnight Package, which comes with free hotel parking and complimentary tickets to some of the most popular attractions in each of Greater Philadelphia’s five counties including Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute, the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Longwood Gardens in Chester County, the Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County and Elmwood Park Zoo in Montgomery County.
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