Philly’s Best-Kept Secrets: 7 Unusual Places to Visit
TLDR: Skip the Rocky statue – Philly’s got seven cooler spots including America’s oldest candy store and a trippy 40,000-square-foot art maze.
Philadelphia is an amazing city, full of fun and unique experiences. If you check most lists of things to do in Philly, you’ll find a lot of the same places: visit the Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, check out Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, eat a cheesesteak at Pat or Gino’s.
There’s a lot more to the city than that, though! Here, we’ll be taking a look at some “hidden gems” that you might not have heard of but absolutely won’t want to miss. If you’re new to town – or are just looking for some ideas about places you might have missed – this list is for you!
The Philadelphia Masonic Temple, Library, and Museum
Philadelphia is a haven for architecture enthusiasts, offering everything from classical Greek designs like the Philadelphia Museum of Art to eclectic masterpieces by Frank Furness. However, one of the city’s most opulent yet overlooked gems is the Philadelphia Masonic Temple, located across from City Hall. Its stunning Norman-style exterior and lavish interiors, designed by George Herzog, showcase a blend of architectural styles including Gothic, Renaissance, and Egyptian.
The temple’s intricately adorned rooms, frescoes, and Masonic relics, including George Washington’s apron, are an incredible window into the city’s past. Daily tours reveal its grandeur, making it a hidden treasure for architecture lovers.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Though this might be the best known spot on the list, nevertheless Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia is a fascinating historical site and a remarkable example of how preservation can turn a decaying building into an educational and inspiring space. Opened in 1829, the prison was designed by John Haviland with a unique hub-and-spoke layout, aimed at encouraging penitence through isolation and reflection.
Visitors can explore its eerie beauty, from the iconic cell blocks to areas still in arrested decay. The site hosts exhibits on prison reform, art installations, and even a popular haunted house in the fall. Eastern State stands as a symbol of hope for change, preserving both the complex history of incarceration and the building itself.
The Independence Seaport Museum
The Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia is a fantastic opportunity to make a fascinating journey through the city’s maritime history. Founded in 1961, the museum is located in the former Port of History Museum, and its exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from the city’s role in trade and immigration to the slave trade and underground railroad. Visitors can tour historic ships like the USS Olympia and USS Becuna, explore maritime disasters and rescues, and discover art and archives related to Philadelphia’s nautical past.
The museum also offers engaging programs like boat-building workshops and water quality testing. While a bit tucked away from Old City, it’s an excellent place to learn about life on the water and explore Philadelphia’s riverfront heritage. Whether you’re interested in history or just looking for something new, this museum shouldn’t be overlooked. The freedom to explore the USS Olympia and submarine USS Becuna are worth the price of admission alone!
Shane Confectionery
While you’re in the area of the Independence Seaport Museum, don’t miss Shane Confectionery! Located in Philadelphia’s Old City, Shane Confectionery is America’s oldest candy store and a delight for both candy lovers and history enthusiasts. Founded in 1863, the shop has preserved its original charm, including gleaming curved glass windows and antique cabinets. Owners Eric and Ryan Berley, who took over in 2010, continue to craft chocolates by hand using traditional methods, making real chocolate from cocoa beans – almost a lost art in today’s mass-production world.
The store also functions as a mini museum, with beautifully crafted candies accompanied by historical explanations. The Berleys’ commitment to authenticity extends to sourcing ingredients from small, local, and fair-trade companies. For a sweet treat with a side of history, Shane Confectionery is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss when in Philadelphia – it’s worth visiting even if you don’t have a sweet tooth.
The Franklin Fountain
Speaking of sweets, The Franklin Fountain, located a few doors away from Shane Confectionery, is a must-visit for ice cream lovers and history buffs alike. Founded by brothers Eric and Ryan Berley, the parlor offers a nostalgic experience with its old-fashioned décor, including pressed tin ceilings, antique displays, and a bust of Benjamin Franklin. The menu features a wide variety of ice cream sodas, sundaes, milkshakes, and dozens of homemade flavors, including vegan and seasonal options, all crafted with the freshest local ingredients.
The store’s commitment to quality makes it stand out in a world where mass-produced desserts often dominate. The Franklin Fountain’s charming, historic setting makes it a memorable stop—whether you’re enjoying a classic sundae or simply soaking in the vintage atmosphere. It’s a sweet experience you won’t want to miss when visiting Philadelphia!
Otherworld Philadelphia
Otherworld Philadelphia is a mesmerizing 40,000-square-foot art installation that opened in 2023, featuring over 200 artists and more than 530,000 LEDs across 55 rooms. Unlike more traditional art experiences, it immerses visitors in a surreal labyrinth of interactive, multi-sensory environments. With a loose theme of exploring another planet, the installation blends projected images, ambient sounds, and stunning visuals, offering a variety of experiences to explore. While there’s no clear narrative, the diversity of rooms ensures that there’s something for everyone, making it a unique adventure. Ideal for those who enjoy interactive art, it’s a fun and expansive experience, especially for families or groups.
With ample time to explore, it’s easy to appreciate the creativity behind this truly unique space. For those looking for a sensory-rich, visually stimulating experience, this is an exciting and worthwhile attraction in Philadelphia.
Bell’s Market
Though it’s a bit out of the way if you’re exploring Center City (it’s close to Otherworld, though!), Bell’s Market in Northeast Philadelphia is a hidden gem offering authentic tastes of Eastern Europe. Established in 1995 to serve the local Soviet Jewish community, the market boasts an impressive selection of Russian and Eastern European foods, including unique juices, cheeses, meats, pickled goods, and an extensive honey section.
The deli counters are a great way to sample regional dishes like plov and khachapuri without the need to cook. Don’t miss the dessert case with over 40 varieties of cakes, including traditional Russian and popular treats like tiramisu! While the store may not be visually striking, its charm lies in the variety of offerings and its affordability. Bell’s is a true reflection of the diverse and vibrant food culture found in Philadelphia’s urban landscape, making it a great place to explore for food lovers looking to try something new and exciting.
Plan Your Trip
Philadelphia Historical Experiences
Philadelphia: Revolution and The Founders History Tour
Philadelphia Adventure Experiences
Philadelphia Official Sesame Place
Travel Tips
- Seasons: Spring and fall are ideal for walking tours, with mild weather and fewer crowds
- Footwear: Bring comfortable shoes—many of these hidden gems are best explored on foot
- Navigation: Public transit and walking are the easiest ways to access most attractions in Center City
- Timing: Visit places like Shane Confectionery and The Franklin Fountain during off-hours to avoid lines
- Photography: Indoor spots like the Masonic Temple and Otherworld Philadelphia offer unique photo ops—bring a camera with low-light capabilities
Historical Note
Philadelphia’s hidden treasures reflect the city’s rich tapestry of American history and innovation. From the ornate Masonic Temple to the immersive modern art of Otherworld, these sites showcase the evolution of cultural expression and civic design. Each stop offers a lens into the people, movements, and stories that have shaped the nation’s first capital and continue to inspire its transformation.