Local Highlights

9 Romantic Date Ideas in Philadelphia, PA

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Philadelphia: a city that’s home to the iconic LOVE Sculpture. With inspired activities, events, and sights to see, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better city to spark the flirtatious flame. After all, the City of Brotherly Love is jam-packed with tasty treats, gorgeous settings, and all the right ingredients to create a strong connection.

Whether you’re looking to win their heart through the foods of Philly or are hoping for a rooftop view that’ll knock them flat, these 9 date ideas in Philly will put you in your finest light and are guaranteed to ensure a fantastic night.

Essential Philly dates for longtime residents and new initiates

Don’t call it a second city. Philly folks have long prided themselves on their city’s storied history, as the winner of NBA and MLB championships, a food mecca (Wiz Wit, anyone?), and as the original home of the nation’s capital.1

Whether you’re looking to impress a newcomer or flex your knowledge of the city’s ins and outs, these essential Philly dates will wow and delight insiders and outsiders alike.

#1 Sample delicious delicacies at Reading Terminal Market

Located just blocks from Philadelphia’s stunning City Hall, Reading Terminal has long been a source of some of the tastiest snacks and mouth-watering-est meals the area has to offer.

And while an upscale food court may sound like a casual affair, for the true aficionado, wandering among the plethora of culinary vendors advertising their wares is one of the most romantic things to do in Philadelphia. Once your stomach is grumbling, locate a new favorite food, like:

  • Tommy DiNic’s – You haven’t had roast pork until you’ve had it here. Loading up on long hots, broccolini, and that oh-so-scrumptious au jus. Pro tip: Grow closer with your amore by splitting a sandwich (at nearly the length of your arm, you’ll struggle to finish one on your own).
  • Tambayan – Get a taste of Filipino flavors with longtime Reading Terminal worker and business owner, Kathy Mirano. With recipes inspired by Kathy’s grandma and warm dishes like Tapsilog (marinated beef, fried rice, and sunny-side-up eggs), you’ll bond with your loved one while filling up on yummy goodness.
  • Famous 4th Street Cookie Company – An Iconic staple in the Philadelphia dessert scene, these 100% preservative-free, hockey puck-sized goodies are mind-meltingly good. Grab a freshly baked macadamia nut, chewy oatmeal raisin, or famous chocolate chip cookie, or better yet, snag a dozen.

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#2 Take them out to the ball game

This may be a seasonal option, but the baseball season is so long that we must include this summer favorite. Head down to the ballpark early to enjoy a brew at Xfinity Live Brewpub, then head into the stadium to root, root, root for the home team.

Tickets range in price from $17 on up, so this is a great option for all. And while we’re sure you’ll be splurging on peanuts and cracker jacks, don’t forget to add on classic Philly snacks like Chickie & Pete’s Crab Fries and Old City Creamery soft serve to keep you fueled and cool in that sultry Philadelphia weather.

#3 Do the rocky run and see some art

This one’s a twofer—a high-low blend of activity and culture. Fans of the 1976 film will get a kick out of running up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum to recreate the movie’s most iconic scene.

After posing with the Sylvester Stallon statue, head inside to check out some of the finest art this side of the Delaware River, including pieces by the likes of Paul Revere, contemporary masterworks by Cy Twombly and Jasper Johns, and stunning collections of Chinese and Korean ceramics.2

Gorgeous Getaways, Inside Philly and Out

When it’s time to take dating to the next level, make a statement by hitting the road. This clever Philly date idea will feel a world away from the Birthplace of America, even when you’re smack dab in the middle of the city.

#4 Explore Historic Phoenixville

Country comfort and small town atmosphere are just a forty minute drive northwest of the city. Phoenixville, a formally industrial town repackaged as an ideal Saturday date destination, features a darling Main Street with a variety of shops, Philadelphia breweries, and eateries worth your time, such as

  • Stable Hill Brewery, a great place to grab a bite and catch the game
  • Maddie’s Castle, a pet store with gifts for softening up your loved one’s most loved one—their pet
  • Browse thrillers, romance, and historical fiction at Reads & Company, an independent bookstore staffed by friendly, knowledgeable bookworms

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can venture a few blocks out of town to enjoy biking and walking and hiking in Philadelphia.

#5 Take a soak in the Southampton Russian & Turkish Baths

Enjoy sizable pools, airy courtyards, and an assortment of saunas at the Southampton Russian & Turkish spas, located just forty minutes north of the city. Day passes are only $55 per person, and if you’re looking to upgrade, peruse an a la carte menu of services including:

  • Scrubs and massages
  • Oxygen steam baths
  • Hydrotherapy

#6 Get Lost in the Italian Market

Even seasoned South Philly residents would have a hard time eating their way through all of Italian Market, the sprawling historic district of food stands, restaurant options, produce vendors, and more.

Win your date’s heart with a salami and cheese-laden gift basket from Di Bruno’s. Or, join the queue of families and foodies flocking to the heart of “Puebladelphia” to enjoy succulent carnitas at the James Beard winner South Philly Barbacoa.3

Lavish Philly date ideas

These next ideas are for the big spenders at heart—you want to make an impression and we support you on that decision. When they’re worth opening your wallet for, here are three oh-so-exclusive ideas to get you started.

#7 Enjoy omakase in Fishtown

Impress even the saltiest of seafood lovers with a trip to trendy Fishtown for some of the freshest sushi you’ve ever tasted. Hiroki is an exclusive Japanese concept steeped in tradition yet wonderfully approachable, right in the heart of the once-tiny fishtown turned hipster mecca.4

Head chef Hiroki Fujiyama has a wealth of experience as a former protege of the legendary Masaharu Morimoto and his emphasis on fresh ingredients and fastidious technique make for an experience to remember.

#8 Relax in the Four Seasons Spa

Take in the sights of the city from the comfort of a rooftop spa. Philadelphia’s only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Spa, the Four Seasons offers comfort in abundance in the form of:

  • Soothing facials
  • Personalized massage treatments
  • Rejuvenating hair care
  • Energy healing

And for a very romantic evening, book the night spa and enjoy a private infinity pool, complimentary champagne, and extravagant mood lighting. Pro tip: Make your way down to Vernick Fish afterward for a cocktail and some crudo to die for.

#9 Slip Into an Exclusive Speakeasy

From German industrial cool to quaint, throwback vibes, Philly’s speakeasy scene offers a lot of variety beyond the mustached, suspendered secret bars that tend to dominate the category. Find your niche with options like:

  • The Pen & Pencil Club – A former press club straight out of the Prohibition era with a chill vibe and plenty of fraternal feeling. You may struggle to get onto the members-only list, but once you do, you’ll impress your date by rubbing elbows with the city’s elite.
  • Hop Sing Laundromat – You may not locate the unmarked door, but you will see the line of patrons sprawling down the block. With a heroic liquor collection and a no-phones policy, this chic underground space is the epitome of cool.
  • Blind Barber – Yes, you can enjoy a fresh fade alongside a refreshing beverage. Behind an unassuming storefront is a treasure-filled seasonal cocktail menu, light bites for nibbling, and happy hour cocktails and drink specials Wednesday through Friday.

Make date night special in the Big City, with Common

Maybe you’re meeting that girl from Hinge for the first time. Or perhaps you’re hoping to rekindle a spark with your long-time beau with fun things you can do together. Choosing the perfect atmosphere is the first step to creating an intimate ambiance, so figuring out your setting is key. Luckily, we’ve already done your homework for you.

That goes for finding your new home, too. At Common, we’re making city living easy by taking the guesswork out of finding the perfect apartment. Whether you are looking for a fully furnished, all-inclusive coliving suite or a private apartment in hot spots like Fairmont or Fishtown, you will have access to a built-in community, incredible amenities, and included perks like discounts to local and national brands.

Learn more about coliving in Philadelphia and renter life with Common today.

 

Sources:

  1. National Constitution Center. How Philly lost the nation’s capital to Washington. https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/how-philly-lost-the-nations-capital-to-washington
  2. Philadelphia Museum of Art. Collections. https://philamuseum.org/collection
  3. NBC Philadelphia. ‘Puebladelphia’: Philly’s Italian Market Gets New Nickname Thanks to Immigrants. https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/business/puebladelphia-phillys-italian-market-gets-new-nickname-thanks-to-mexican-immigrants/3364732/
  4. Philadelphia Magazine. Fishtown: An Oral History (So Far). https://www.phillymag.com/news/fishtown-oral-history-philadelphia/

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