Philadelphia Flaunts Its Fancy Side With Opening Of New Four Seasons Hotel

Best known for its cheesesteaks, scrapple, hoagies and Gritty, the award-winning Flyers mascot, Philadelphia has a less obvious—yet long-established—sophisticated side. This August, the city extends its luxury offerings with the debut of the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia in the new, 60-story Comcast Technology Center. Amenities include the 57^th floor’s spa and infinity pool, restaurants by chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Greg Vernick, and two elegant ballrooms. The hotel joins luxury properties such as the AKA Rittenhouse, AKA University City, The Dwight D, Fitler Club, Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Wm. Mulherin’s Sons, Sofitel Philadelphia, The Rittenhouse Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia. In early 2020, the W Philadelphia and Element Philadelphia will join the list.

Here are museums, galleries, restaurants, shops and spas to round out an all-frills trip to Philly:

Arts & Culture:

• Barnes Foundation – Home to the late Dr. Albert C. Barnes’ personal collection of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modernist masterpieces and African sculpture, the 93,000-square-foot Barnes Foundation houses 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes, 59 Matisses, 46 Picassos and seven Van Goghs. For the ultimate elevated experience, guests can book the Barnes’ premier 90-minute tour, hosted by a specially qualified docent while the museum is closed to the public. 20th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 278-7200, barnesfoundation.org
• Curtis Institute of Music – Founded in 1924, Curtis educates and trains a highly selective group of young musicians for professional careers as artists. Elite Curtis students enjoy frequent opportunities to perform, with more than 200 public performances each year, including orchestra concerts, opera productions and solo and chamber music recitals. 1726 Locust Street, (215) 893-5252, curtis.edu
• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) – Frank Furness’ unmistakable architecture is the exterior hallmark of PAFA’s museum building. Inside is American art: a Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington, paintings by classic and contemporary artists Winslow Homer, Kehinde Wiley, John Singer Sargent, Jacob Lawrence, Edward Hopper, Cecilia Beaux and former students Charles Willson Peale, Thomas Eakins Mary Cassatt and Maxfield Parrish. The oldest art school in the country hosts its annual end-of-year student exhibition, where guests can purchase original works by PAFA students. 118-128 N. Broad Street, (215) 972-7600, pafa.org
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – Outside, the impressive architecture of one of the largest art museums in the U.S. sits splendidly at the helm of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Inside, vast collections of Renaissance, American and impressionist art fill the museum’s galleries, which, by 2020, will complete a major upgrade by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The museum offers personalized tours for groups of up to eight people, beginning at a rate of $250 for one hour for non-members. 26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org
• The Philadelphia Orchestra – Led by award-winning Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Philadelphia’s “Big Five” orchestra performs in Philadelphia and around the world. In fall 2019, the orchestra launches its 120th season, which embraces and explores the range, creativity and power of women in music. Various venues, (215) 893-1900, philorch.org
• Opera Philadelphia – Hailed as “one of North America’s premiere generators of valid new operas” by Opera News, Opera Philadelphia delivers productions of both traditional works and innovative new performances. This fall, Opera Philadelphia hosts the third edition of its multi-venue, 12-day festival, O19, and then launches its 2019-2020 season, which spotlights renowned Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris to mark the 20th anniversary of his company debut. Various venues, (215) 732-8400, operaphila.org
• Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum – Assembled over five decades, Dr. Frederick Simeone’s esteemed car collection contains more than 75 historically significant vintage racers from Ferrari, Bugatti, Mercedes, Jaguar, Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin and more. 6825 Norwitch Drive, (215) 365-7233, simeonemuseum.org
• Longwood Gardens – This acclaimed American horticultural display offers 1,100 acres filled with 20 outdoor gardens, 20 indoor gardens, 11,000 different types of plants, spectacular fountains and picturesque meadows and woodlands. The horticultural haven also hosts 400 events each year, including flower shows, gardening demonstrations, educational programs, children’s activities, concerts and musical theater. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org

Dining:

• Barclay Prime – At this handsome, India Mahdavi-designed steakhouse on Rittenhouse Square, plush velvet banquettes, crystal chandeliers and well-dressed diners provide a posh atmosphere. Barclay lives up to the buzz, with the finest cuts and delicious craft cocktails. 237 S. 18th Street, (215) 732-7560, barclayprime.com
• Lacroix at The Rittenhouse – An extensive wine list, elegant décor, a treetop view of Rittenhouse Square and a progressive, international menu make this luxury hotel-based dining room shine. Sunday brunch features a menu of hors d’oeuvres (swordfish bao; Vietnamese beef broth with quail egg; mini chicken pastille with dates), raw-bar specialties, charcuterie, a carving station, wine pairings and a table full of decadent desserts. 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, 2nd floor, (215) 790-2533, lacroixrestaurant.com
• Laurel – Chef Nicholas Elmi serves up inventive, note-perfect French fare, including a seasonal version of his famous ricotta gnocchi, at this pint-size bistro in East Passyunk. In the Valley, Elmi’s handsome bar next door, provides the wine and cocktails, although Laurel patrons may also bring their own bottles. 1617 E. Passyunk Avenue,(215) 271-8299, restaurantlaurel.com
• Morimoto – The streamlined flagship restaurant for Hiroshima’s “Iron Chef” Masaharu serves elevated versions of familiar Japanese fare a la carte, and offers more daring selections on the omakase tasting menu. 723 Chestnut Street, (215) 413-9070, morimotorestaurant.com
• Royal Sushi & Izakaya – Chef Jesse Ito’s hip, highly acclaimed take on authentic Japanese pub dining is known for its sake, sashimi and maki, along with traditional to edgy kushiyaki and yakitori. For maximum indulgence, guests can enjoy a chef’s counter omakase tasting menu in the tranquil back room—if they can score reservation. 780 S. 2nd Street, (267) 909-9002, royalsushiandizakaya.com
• Vetri Cucina – At this special-occasion dining room, James Beard Award winner Marc Vetri presents authentic, elegant Italian cuisine alongside wines from a deep, delicious cellar. The $165 chef-selected, six-or-more-course tasting menu is the sole option for dinner; on Fridays, the restaurant offers an $85, four-course lunch menu. 1312 Spruce Street, (215) 732-3478, vetricucina.com
• Volvér – Philadelphia’s only Forbes Travel Guide five-star restaurant offers seasonal, prix-fixe tasting menus from its stylish space on the edge of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces oversees the open kitchen; there’s also a lively cocktail bar and lounge that’s perfect for before or after a show. 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 670-2302, volverrestaurant.com
• Zahav – Named outstanding restaurant by the 2019 James Beard Awards, chef Michael Solomonov’s Israeli culinary pioneer offers a shockingly reasonably priced tasting menu featuring his signature hummus and laffa. Reservations are required at this Old City establishment. 237 St. James Place, (215) 625-8800, zahavrestaurant.com

Cocktails & Nightlife:

• Assembly Rooftop Lounge – Polished atmosphere, top-shelf cocktails and deep lists of sparkling wines serve merely as backdrops to the star of the show: stunning rooftop views along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Perched atop The Logan hotel, nine-story-high Assembly is open year-round and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 783-4171, assemblyrooftop.com
• Elbow Lane at Harp & Crown – Restaurateur and chef Michael Schulson’s ultra-private underground bowling alley is a far cry from most venues. First, it’s by reservation only ($100 for one hour); second, the vintage-inspired, two-lane hideaway is a stunner, thanks to whitewashed frames hung upon whitewashed brick walls, a grotto of sink-into seating, simply amazing drinks and a serious celebrity following. 1525 Sansom Street, (215) 330-2800, harpcrown.com
• The Franklin Bar – Inspired by century-old speakeasy, this subterranean Rittenhouse destination no longer requires a secret password for entry. Also not required: vast knowledge of craft and old-school beverages made with extreme care, since knowledgeable servers serve as gentle guides. 112 S. 18th Street, (267) 467-3277, thefranklinbar.com
• Hop Sing Laundromat – Concealed behind an unmarked Race Street gate is, according to Esquire, one of 2019’s “Best Bars in America” that “represents a gold standard of elegant sipping.” The Chinatown cocktail hideaway hand-cracks ice and squeezes fruit juice to order for exquisite cocktails; proprietor Lê has strict rules for entry (and re-entry): Patrons must comply with the dress code, turn off their cell phones—and tip well. 1029 Race Street, hopsinglaundromat.com
• Panorama – This romantic Old City restaurant has the world’s largest cruvinet system, allowing Panorama to serve endless flights of wines, especially Italian vintages, by the glass. 14 N. Front Street, (215) 922-7800, panoramaristorante.com
• Rouge – The petite French bistro on Rittenhouse Square that kicked off Philadelphia’s stylish sidewalk dining revolution and, years on, keeps things elegant and cozy with well-poured cocktails, delicate apps and peacock feather wallpaper. 205 S. 18th Street, (215) 732-6622, rouge98.com

Shops & Spas:

• Boyds Philadelphia – For more than 75 years, Boyds has been dressing Philadelphians in a who’s who of well-known global clothing designers, from Alexander McQueen to Ermenegildo Zegna. The royal treatment from the attentive staff includes valet parking and a few dozen tailors. 1818 Chestnut Street, (215) 564-9000, boydsphila.com
• Egan Day & Egan Rittenhouse – Tucked inside and located opposite of each other in The Rittenhouse hotel, are Kate Egan’s two elegant shops: one for jewelry, another for gifts. Egan Day specializes in the former, designed by the likes of Ana Khouri, Annette Ferdinandsen and Rachel Atherley. Egan Rittenhouse offers impeccable locally made gifts: Skeem match cloches, Lostine cheeseboards, Alex Stadler ceramics, plus beauty products, toys and chic floral designs. 210 W. Rittenhouse Square; jewelry: (267) 773-8833, eganday.com; gifts: (215) 433-1632, eganrittenhouse.com
• Erdon – Fashion is an art form in this gallery-like Old City space, featuring women’s clothes, shoes and accessories from European designers such as Sofie D’hoore, Johnny Farah, Trippen and more. 162 N. 3rd Street, (215) 923-0300, erdon.co
• Freeman’s – Philadelphia’s esteemed auction house has offered fine jewelry, art, rare books and antiques since 1805—which means Freeman’s is oldest auction house in the country. A few blocks from Rittenhouse Square, the staid venue hosts more than 20 live auctions per year. 1808 Chestnut Street, (215) 563-9275, freemansauction.com
• Hope Chest – Travel + Leisure calls this wee Rittenhouse Square and Main Line boutique one of the world’s best lingerie shops, and connoisseurs of finest underthings from European and America agree. Fittings available by reservation or by stopping by. 114 S. 19th Street, (215) 665-9169; 379 Lancaster Avenue, (610) 642-4222, hopechestshop.com
• LAGOS – This fine jeweler offers enduring pieces created in Philadelphia by founder Steven Lagos. Statement works incorporate gold and sterling beads dubbed “Caviar” and the Heart of Philadelphia pendant that features elements of City Hall, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art and PAFA. 1735 Walnut Street, (215) 567-0770, lagos.com
• Lapstone & Hammer – Limited-edition sneakers, investment-worthy leather jackets, smart hats, T-shirts and denim and Malin + Goetz grooming products are the stock-and-trade of owner Brian Nadav’s Washington Square West menswear gallery-meets-sneaker-shop. 1106 Chestnut Street, (215) 592-9166, lapstoneandhammer.com
• Joan Shepp – A Philadelphia fashion powerhouse since 1971, named an American style leader by Harper’s Bazaar, Joan Shepp and daughter Ellen stock their 9,000-square-foot store with designer womenswear from Maison Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Comme des Garçons and Balenciaga, along with local designers. 1811 Chestnut Street,(215) 735-2666, joanshepp.com
• Mi Cumbia Organica – The beauty treatments at this rustic-chic Colombian-inspired nail and waxing salon incorporate natural and organic ingredients: Fresh coconut and mango butter go into spa treatments; long-lasting toxin-free polish are part of every long-lasting mani and pedi. 328 S. 17th Street, (215) 735-7980, micumbia.co
• Rennes – This airy atelier showcases designers using both natural fibers and sustainable practices. House-brand leather goods display alongside flowing garments crafted by ethical, international artisanal makers such as Arts & Science, Casey Casey and Maison de Soil. 135 N. 3rd Street, (267) 908-4778, rennes.us
• Rescue Spa Philadelphia – With a following of supermodels and beauty influencers, Danuta Mieloch runs her third-floor day spa known for Biolift facials and all manner of skin care. Manicures, pedicures, massages, hair removal, makeovers and hair services are available too. 1601 Walnut Street, 3rd floor (215) 772-2766, rescuespa.net
• Sophy Curson – Since 1929, the originator of the junior size has been filling the closets of Philadelphia’s most distinguished debutants and doyennes. In addition to colorful wool dresses, cocktail frocks and evening gowns, the shop carries costume jewelry and European sportswear, jackets and trousers, daytime dresses (with sleeves) and cashmere sweaters. 122 S. 19th Street, (215) 567-4662, sophycurson.com
• The Underground Spa & Wellness – Hidden away in the lowest level of The Logan hotel, this serene spa consistently earns the highest of ratings among patrons seeking hydrafacials, couple’s massages and even nail services. Booking a treatment earns all-day entry to the wellness center and indoor pool. 1 Logan Square, (215) 963-1500, theloganhotel.com/spa-wellness

VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.