The Essential Rocky & Creed Tour of Philadelphia

On par with a visit to the Liberty Bell or a cheesesteak at Pat’s, one of the most iconic Philadelphia experiences is taking a run up the Rocky Steps fronting the East Terrace of the esteemed Philadelphia Museum of Art. Race up the 72 stairs as Stallone first did in the original and celebrate by spinning around with fists raised to take in the spectacular view down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (cue Gonna Fly Now). The dolomite staircase has been featured in every Rocky (excepting Rocky IV), plus Creed and Creed II.

Originally commissioned for Rocky III, sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg’s Rocky statue — a larger-than-life interpretation of the triumphant boxer — stands in a grassy nook at the bottom of the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (across from Eakins Oval). Previously located at The Spectrum (the precursor South Philly’s Wells Fargo Center), the statue was installed outside the museum in 2006, with Stallone himself presiding over the rededication ceremony. The eight-foot-tall statue makes a cameo in Creed and Creed II, and visitors line up for selfies alongside their hero every day of the year.

Down South 9th Street is South Philadelphia’s Italian Market, the internationally renowned curb market where decades-old produce vendors and purveyors line blocks of awning-covered sidewalks between Fitzwater and Wharton streets. During the famous training scenes in Rocky and Rocky II, Balboa triumphantly runs past (and then with) curious onlookers, which Adonis mirrors in Creed. Today, those groceries, fishmongers, fromageries and butcher shops are joined by newer and more diverse bistros, bakeries, cafés, and taquerias at the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor market.

The centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park is world-famous Independence Hall, where America’s Founding Fathers gathered to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Eleven years later, representatives from the new states returned to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution. One of Philadelphia’s most popular destinations, the site also features the now-famous park bench (behind the hall in Independence Square) hurdled by Rocky during the training sequence in Rocky II. If you wish to visit Independence Hall itself, that requires free advance timed tickets (with $1 service charge).

To many, no stroll is more Philly than a rove through gorgeous Rittenhouse Square, centerpiece of the chic neighborhood of the same name. The Beaux-Arts style French garden’s diagonal wheel-and-spoke walkways and central oval are regularly filled with amblers, sunbathers, readers, families, dog-walkers, artists, produce vendors and people-watchers. The park is also the site where Rocky and Adrian contemplate their pending parenthood after leaving the doctor’s office in Rocky II. Fun fact: A young Sylvester Stallone lived in the Chateau Crillon apartment house just off Rittenhouse Square during the late 1950s.

Aligning the Schuylkill River east bank are the 15 19th-century private social and rowing clubhouses that make up iconic Boathouse Row. Gorgeous any time of day, the National Historic Landmark comes alive at night covered in 6,400 glittering LED lights that frame the buildings and reflect off the river’s surface. The site’s area along scenic Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River Trail — which also attracts runners, walkers, cyclists, rock climbers and rollerbladers from across the city — can be spotted in Rocky Balboa.

While it makes for a cinematic ’80s movie montage, diehard Philadelphians know the iconic training run in Rocky II doesn’t exactly follow a logical path, with estimates that the circuitous run would be over 30 miles in reality. During the scene, Rock runs through a riverfront industrial tract and past an old ship. That area is Penn’s Landing, which today is home to warm-weather seasonal attractions, museums, concerts, new parks and plenty of exercise enthusiasts. The ship is the Moshulu, a 120-year-old steel barque that’s now a popular floating restaurant.

Two century-old Laurel Hill Cemetery is a 74-acre garden burial ground adjacent to Fairmount Park dotted with 33,000 gravesites of soldiers, luminaries and colonial Philadelphians. The National Historic Landmark is featured during the touching moments when Rocky visits Adrian and Paulie’s graves in Rocky Balboa, Creed and Creed II. Despite being the final resting place of war heroes, dignitaries and celebrities, fans can visit the “graves” of both of Rocky’s compatriots (next to the Gatehouse at Laurel Hill East in Section M) featuring original prop headstones used in the films.

America’s first zoological garden, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to nearly 1,900 animals … and the engagement of Rocky Balboa to Adrian Pennino in Rocky II, where he memorably proposes in the snow in front of the tiger exhibit (with an actual tiger in the background!). Today, tigers and other animals roam freely through throughout the park via Zoo360, the world’s first animal travel and exploration trail system, mesh-enclosed pathways enabling big cats, primates and others to move above and across visitor concourses — even if someone is proposing below.

One of the most beautiful strolls in all of Philadelphia, the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk is a 2,000-foot-long over-the-water pathway carrying the Schuylkill River Trail recreational path from Locust Street to South Street, featuring scenic overlooks and stunning riverside views of Center City and West Philly. The site is also seen three times in Creed during Adonis’ first training session with Rocky as he runs down the 15-foot wide trail, stopping to do pull ups from the shady canopy over one of the overlooks while his trainer watches from the CSX Connector Bridge.

Why is Nordstrom Rack in a Rocky article? The spot where the Center City store now stands was a flagship location for retailer Bonwit Teller & Co in the 1970s. In the second film, Rocky “parks” his Trans Am on the sidewalk, runs to the display window and shows Adrian (in the passenger seat) the black tiger jacket and fur coat he buys for them. Bonwit Teller closed in 2000, but keen observers can still see the name painted atop from Chestnut Street.

Rocky couldn’t resist a trip to Pat’s King of Steaks for an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak during his training — and you shouldn’t either. Home of the original cheesesteak, Pat’s is still owned and operated by the legendary Olivieri family, whose eponymous patriarch and founder invented the first steak sandwich in 1930 (then added cheese later) on its way to becoming one of the most famous restaurants in the world. The open-24/7 shop makes a brief cameo in the original film, with the spot where Rocky stood now marked with a special plaque.

North Philly’s neon-lit Max’s Steaks takes its star turn in Creed as the spot where Bianca takes Philly newbie Adonis to get his first cheesesteak on their first date. The couple banters with the cooks before grabbing their steaks to move next door to Eagle Bar, where she teaches him the meaning of the word jawn — Philly slang for … just about any noun. Both Nicetown locales return in Creed II during the scene where the two first hear of Viktor Drago’s challenge for a fight while downing more steaks from Max’s.

For more than a century, Esposito’s Meats has been the go-to butcher shop in the Italian Market. While it’s doubtful visitors will be able to practice sparring on a side of beef (you probably wouldn’t be the first to ask), feel free to peruse the fresh cuts of high-quality meat, pork, poultry and sausages that — along with its artisanal approach and traditional preparation practices — have made Esposito’s one of Philadelphia’s favorite butcher shops.

One of America’s most memorable Italian dining experience can be found at South Philly’s Victor Café. Besides serving deliziosa Old World Italian classics, every 15 to 20 minutes the waitstaff — also classically trained opera singers — emerge to perform traditional a capella arias for diners. The century-old South Philly trattoria plays a very important role in Rocky Balboa, Creed and Creed II, doubling as Adrian’s Restaurant, owned and operated by Rocky himself, and appearing in numerous scenes, including the long-awaited reunion of The Italian Stallion and his old rival Ivan Drago.

Located right across the street from the aforementioned Victor Café, popular breakfast, lunch and brunch outpost Green Eggs Café in East Passyunk is known for its whopping portions, eco-friendly sensibilities, locally sourced produce and an eclectic menu loved by carnivores and vegans alike. Featuring both classic and inventive new dishes — like crème brulée French toast, fried chicken Benedict and the eponymous Dr. Seuss’s book inspiration — the restaurant offers a half-dozen local locations, including this one, which makes an appearance in Creed.

A beloved local spot to grab a pint, Irish Pub in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood has provided a classic pub experience — down to the wood furnishings and vintage décor — since 1980. The casual authentic menu (think shepherd’s pie, pub burgers and fish & chips), wide selection of drinks and convivial atmosphere put guests in a very social mood — just as it did for Rocky’s son Robert (played by Milo Ventimiglia) while hanging with his buddies in Rocky Balboa.

With the introduction of Tessa Thompson’s Bianca — a Philly singer on her way up and influenced by locals like Jill Scott, John Legend and The Roots — the city’s music scene became more important to the franchise. The first time we see Adonis’ future girlfriend, she’s performing the song Grip with her band at the popular 250-capacity bar/restaurant/music venue Johnny Brenda’s in Fishtown. The spot looks just as it did in the film, with seasonal American plates, local craft brews and billards downstairs and nightly live touring bands and artists upstairs.

In 1995, the new Electric Factory opened in Callowhill after three decades in Center City. A who’s-who of artists have performed at the 3,000-capacity venue, including Bianca in Creed. (The venue is also the site of Adonis’ backstage fistfight with Tone Trump.) Since the film premiered, the hall — one of the greatest American music venues ever, per Consequence of Sound— has changed names to Franklin Music Hall, but still showcases some of the best live music in Philly. Catch the venue’s exterior and famous Ben Franklin logo on the marquee and side of the building in the film.

Fast forward to Creed II, and Bianca is now a headliner, performing Time Tick on stage at The Fillmore Philadelphia to a sold out 2,500-capacity crowd while Adonis is confronted by Viktor Drago’s promoter in the balcony. The gorgeous scene showcases the beauty of the industrial Fishtown venue (inside a former metal factory) which kickstarted the revitalization of the neighborhood campus in 2015 around its Canal Street location. Nearby, visitors and residents can explore The Foundry, Brooklyn Bowl Philly, the comedy club Punch Line Philly and Other Half Brewing.

The fictional Mighty Mick’s Gym (see below) plays a pivotal role throughout the Rocky/Creed franchise, which is why it was significant when Rocky recommends moving Adonis to the very real and very famous Front Street Gym, which has operated in Port Richmond since the 1950s. Known as “one of boxing’s most famous gyms,” the old-school sparring spot is featured heavily in Creed, including the location of the end of Adonis’ training run following Rock in his van and the emotional locker room cancer diagnosis scene between the two. Note: This is a private business, so please call ahead if you’re interested in visiting inside.

The scene in Creed featuring Adonis’ first fight (covertly billed as Donnie Johnson), which comes against Leo “The Lion” Sporino, is set to look as if it’s in one of Philly’s real-life classic boxing venues like 2300 Arena or Blue Horizon. But in reality, that’s the Temple Performing Arts Center (TPAC) on North Broad Street on the university’s main campus. When not doubling as a Hollywood set, TPAC hosts concerts, theater productions, film screenings and dance performances, particularly from students in the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts program.

The world’s most famous boxing gym isn’t real — and isn’t even a boxing gym. Many of the franchise’s iconic scenes took place at the fictional Mighty Mick’s Gym — which appeared in Rocky, Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky V, Rocky Balboa and Creed — which was originally owned by Burgess Meredith’s character, then Rocky himself. In real life, the 125-year-old red brick building is a corner store under the El on Front Street in Kensington. If you visit, see if you can spot the boxing gloves painted on the Front Street side for Rocky V.

Why not take a Rocky tour with The Italian Stallion himself … or a close facsimile? Stallone-endorsed Rocky expert (and part-time impersonator) Mike Kunda guides The Yo, Philly! Film Tour past many real-life sites from the films on a private, three-to-four-hour van excursion. Along the tour, Kunda shares vast amounts of Rocky trivia, anecdotes from his time on set and stories from Stallone himself while visiting many of the sites above, plus other shooting locations like Rocky’s apartment, Lucky 7 Tavern and Adrian’s Pet Shop, concluding at the Rocky Steps.

In his celebrated training run, Rocky Balboa would have trekked 30 miles across the city (nearly the equivalent of a 50K!) if followed in the real world. But if you want to recreate the run yourself, try this less daunting DIY 5K variation.

Start at 9th Street and Washington Avenue in the Italian Market where Rocky ran through the bustling corridor. Continue north to Spruce Street, make a left and follow the beautiful wide sidewalks to 16th Street. Take a right and follow 16th to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and toward the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Finish like Rocky, bounding up to the top of the museum’s 72 Rocky Steps where you can stand on the bronze footprints that mark the spot where the boxer turned around and viewed the stunning skyline with fists in the air. Bonus: Wind back down to the Rocky statue at the base of the staircase to give The Italian Stallion a high five (and take a selfie).

Yo, Philly! In 2023, on the 47th anniversary of the Rocky movie premiere, Sylvester Stallone returned to Philly’s famous Rocky Steps to announce Rocky Day as the city’s newest holiday. The event is set to be celebrated annually in the fictional boxer and real actor’s hometown each December. Check the Independence Visitor Center’s official site for more info about the event.

For a more formal timed race to follow in Rocky’s footsteps, sign up for the official Rocky Run race, with 5K, 10 mile and half-marathon 13.1 “Italian Stallion Challenge” versions. The annual fall event, which attracts over 7,500 runners, starts and ends in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with the 5K turnaround past Girard Avenue Bridge and the 10-mile turnaround before the City Avenue bridge. Participants not only compete for best times in the individual races, but also for best costume, best team costume and largest team.

The Statue podcast focuses on Rocky Balboa, “the greatest Philadelphian who never lived.” Correction: It focuses on the Rocky Balboa statue that stands proudly in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A production of WHYY Digital Studios, the six-episode series, hosted by Paul Farber, director and co-founder of Monument Lab, digs into the history of the statue, why millions of people visit it each year and what the statue says about how some stories are memorialized over others.