Also you might add the Heinz Wildlife preserve at Tinicum. Ornate gates mark the entrance to the charming John F. Collins Park. 151 S. 24th St., 215-496-9222. 3.2. Literature lovers wont want to miss a stop at The Rosenbach, where you can see a re-creation of the poet Marianne Moores New York City living room, discover the personal letters of George Washington, and marvel over James Joyces Ulysses manuscript. Employees in period dress ring up your purchases at antique cash registers, just as they would have in the old days. This pocket park just off 17th Street occupies a narrow space between Chestnut and Ranstead. Dont miss the charming garden outside. 6'1" | ATH | 2025 South Philadelphia. You can explore all of that and the mansion. In addition to tours, PMG also offers special events including family programs, happy hours, and meditation workshops. The super-friendly servers dont mind if you linger over your fair-trade coffee. The two-floor Insectarium side features mounted displays, live specimens, insect sculptures and an exhibit about extermination poisons. Join. Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package. You can take off your shoes and walk through the house to appreciate the murals, created by contemporary Japanese artist Hiroshi Senju. Bring along your hammer (were serious), climb out onto the field and start banging away on the primordial igneous diabase boulders to experience an unexpected and unforgettable sound: the bell-like tones that give the park its name. One of our favorite things about driving around the city (especially in South Philly) is finding the unexpected Zagar mosaics. Indulge your sweet tooth at Shane Confectionery, which claims to be Americas oldest candy store. Plus, the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel has partnered with Cry Baby Pasta to give guests an exclusive experience: Hotel guests are given a key that entitles them to a specially created drink. hands out samples. Rodin Museum 1,469 Art Museums By 245randallc A beautiful building and garden that houses a nice collection of Rodin's sculptures. Across 35 acres of Delaware County, this botanical pleasure garden features more than 5,000 plants on the grounds of the century-old former Rosengarten manor. Theres even a small animal farm on-site. Oh, and dont miss High Falls, the countys largest waterfall. Royal Izakaya is a Japanese pub and a must-visit hidden gem to visit when in Philadelphia. Cant make it for a guided tour? The definitive list of hidden gems you need to try. Where: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard. "It's a typical Philadelphia-styled corner bar that's not typical. Predating the Civil War, North Phillys Wagner Free Institute of Science is a library, lecture hall and natural history museum, as well as one of the few remaining Victorian-era scientific societies. Surrounded by lavish murals and artistic plants like wild snapdragon, purple iris and lavender Polonia, the Mural Arts-funded installation rises at the intersection of Fountain and Umbria streets and continues across the Manayunk Canal Towpath and Schuylkill River Trail on to Venice Island. 2022 2. Stay over. 52 Fun Things to Do in Philadelphia. 'Freya Stark", Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. A wide variety of performers keep things . The fortress, lying at the eastern edge of Philadelphia International Airport, is also a hotspot for airplane aficionados. Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. Native trees shade the space, and a cascading fountain of concrete pillars is at its center. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Receive the latest articles, features, news, discounts, and more straight to your inbox. Shane is known for its creations like the Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas gift called Clear Toy Candy, its buttercreams based on a 100-year-old recipe, and the creations they make with the honey from the beehives they keep on their store roof. Vietnam & Cambodia: 9-Night, Ultra-Small Group National Museum of American Jewish History, The 10 Best Museums in the World (and How to Skip the Lines), The 8 Best Spots for Shopping in Philadelphia, 22 Amazing Philadelphia Restaurants (That Arent Known for Cheesesteaks). Lively bar serving gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and a substantial craft beer menu! So, for the city adventurers like me, who are always on the hunt for new spots to explore, here are 5 hidden gems for photos in Philadelphia. (The full trail covers some 60 miles, extending well outside the city.) The gardens here are incredible, and the events that the Shofuso House hosts are truly unique. There are craft cocktails made with locally distilled gin, pints of cider, and perfectly pulled espresso shots. Bartenders at Randstad are one of the best in Philly, and there is no match to their cocktail talent. Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel writer who has lived and worked in and around Philadelphia for nearly 20 years. I love it . Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to Disney100: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute. 10 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Philadelphia To adore and adorn all of them, here is our ultimate list of the Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Philadelphia. The big attractions near the hotel, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Mall, are all technically part of Independence National Historical Park, although they look like theyre just part of the cityscape. A land of enchantment for kids 5-12 awaits just south of Doylestown within the 108-acre Central Park. It's hidden in an alley, so you've probably walked by it without even noticing. Located at 1403 Chester Pike in Folcroft, PA, Leo's Steak Shop is another hidden gem located outside of the city. Though if you are a traveler in Philly, you might not have even heard or seen the Dutch. Independence Visitor Center offers lots of information about things to do in the city. Thousands of murals grace the walls and buildings of Philadelphia thanks to the Mural Arts program. Mural Arts offers maps so you can take your own self-guided walking tour. Where: Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 West Montgomery Avenue, The largest ceramic arts organization in the nation, The Clay Studio offers striking clay and ceramic gallery exhibitions showcasing the work of both international artisans and local masters, as well as ceramics workshops and art courses. Visit Philadelphia: Black Greek Edition Golf Outing, Greater Philadelphias Hidden Bars & Restaurants, Worlds Most Beloved Independent Bookstores, Baldwin's Book Barn, 865 Lenape Road, West Chester, The Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Collection, Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Collection, Free Library of Philadelphia Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, 8046 Frankford Avenue, The Shoe Museum at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Shoe Museum at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 148 N. 8th Street, Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 West Montgomery Avenue, The Fabric Workshop and Museum, 1214 Arch Street, Museum for Art in Wood, 141 N. 3rd Street, Wharton Esherick Museum, 1520 Horse Shoe Trail, Malvern, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Kids Castle Central Park, 425 Wells Road, Doylestown, Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Road, Upper Black Eddy, Treehouse World, 1442 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, Fountain Street Steps (Water Under The Bridge), Fountain Street Steps, 4800 Umbria Street, Peace Valley Lavender Farm, 802 New Galena Road, Doylestown, Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Lansdowne Drive & Horticultural Drive. Is it a store? Philadelphia is full till neck when it comes to hidden gems and exciting landmarks. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens 1,131 Art Galleries Art Museums City Center East Hidden Gems Beverage Company is an innovate beverage company that uses science and creativity to create beautiful and exciting drinks from upcycled ingredients. The site features a traditional-style Japanese house that visitors can walk through to see the rooms as well as a collection of murals on display that were inspired by the waterfall on the grounds. The Headhouse Farmers Market is one of the best places around for produce, flowers, and artisanal food and is the best farmers market in the city. The 18th-Century Garden is a faithful recreation of what a typical Philadelphia garden looked like a few hundred years ago, with well-kept paths, pergola, and the same kinds of flowers the founding fathers enjoyed, while the Magnolia Garden is peaceful at any time of year but is in full, colorful bloom in spring. Commuting by Splendour is Cheaper than Metro n Time Saving. Cira Green / Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center / Chanticleer Sort by: Near Me If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. There are plenty of restaurants in the area as well, including the citys most famous cheesesteak joints: Pats and Genos. The Japanese house, heavenly garden, and koi pond are the definition of a Philadelphia hidden gem. You could live here your whole life and still miss out on plenty of hidden gems in Philadelphia, so weve created a list to help you get started discovering Philadelphias best kept secrets. array(192) { [0]=> object(WP_Post)#5196 (29) { ["ID"]=> int(415533) ["post_author"]=> int(4675) ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-08-15 12:45:28" ["post_date_gmt . Come hungry and ready to shop. Required fields are marked *. Enjoy :) Bella Vista. Chef Mike Solomonov is a local expert who guides viewers on a food tour in the latest edition of Walk With T+L to discover some hidden gems across the city. Be sure to go all the way to the back of the shop to the Chocolate Cafe, where you can sip drinking chocolate spiced with cinnamon, orange zest, jasmine petals, or even chili pepper. The Dutch is a little hole-in-the-wall breakfast place that has a reputation for serving the best food in Pennsport. Hidden gem locations to check out in Philadelphia 1. The National Historic Landmark still serves that purpose, but its also open to the public for hour-long guided tours. Founded nearly 50 years ago as a workspace for recent art school grads, the organization moved into its shiny and super-sized space in Kensington in 2022 to further its mission to bring clay as an accessible, tactile medium to a broad range of people., Where: The Clay Studio, 1425 N. American Street. The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is tucked away in Fairmount Park just a few miles from Center City. (2023). Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. An Untapped Treasure. The space can be accessed via the garages pedestrian entrance on 30th Street just south of Chestnut Street. 15 Philly Restaurants With Great Private Dining Rooms. This three-mile, multi-use section of the 120-mile Schuylkill River Trail runs right through the heart of Center City. It is a little hole-in-the-wall breakfast place that serves the most delicious breakfast in the region. In a city full of famous museums, there's one that is still hidden from the tourist trail - and it's the city's tastiest. Address: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 12. Visitors can wander the River Trail and enjoy wildflowers, plants, and trees whose history stretches back centuries. The heavenly garden, Japanese house, and pond perfectly define a hidden gem. 1. Seek out Greater Philadelphias Hidden Bars & Restaurants for in-the-know dining and drinking. Once youre done creating your stone song, explore the rest of the sprawling 123-acre park, a dense forest for hikers, walkers, bikers and picnickers. You can come here with a book or your paint and canvas. Often called simply the Penn Museum, this institution on the University of Pennsylvania campus is the spot to marvel over Egyptian mummies, Middle Eastern funerary relics, Greek pottery, Roman statues, and other treasures of the ancient world. America's most famous museum of medical oddities is home to the remains of Albert Einstein's brain. A Concealed Gem. Thats just one of many new things I learned at the National Museum of American Jewish History, which isnt hidden so much as hidden in plain sight. It opened in the 1920s and contains the largest collection of Rodin's work outside of Paris! The Ranstead Room is one of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars, but it's a little tricky to find. Here, you'll get friendly, quick service and very sizable mouth-watering burritos. The Renaissance-style three-story buildings bright second floor invites guests to meander among the 100,000-item collection, featuring rocks, minerals, fossils, preserved insects, taxidermy displays and mounted skeletons of a buffalo, an English draft horse and the first saber-tooth tiger bone discovered in America. I should know, I lived there for seven years and am very much a foodie myself. This spot has an impeccable pedigree: Its helmed by Nicholas Elmi, of the stellar Laurel, and hes partnered with people behind some of the citys most beloved pubs (Royal Tavern), secret sushi spots (Royal Sushi and Izakaya), and kitschy-but-delicious Mexican hot spots (Cantina Los Caballitos). Formerly known as the Wood Turning Center, the four-decade-old center features temporary and permanent collections consisting of 1,200 wood art-related objects and a 25,000-item research library on the history of woodturning and woodworking. El Jarocho Taqueria, 1138 S 13th St Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-463-2020. In the decades since then, Fosters Main Street Tavern has become a popular local hangout for a good, affordable meal, some live music, and (of course) drinks in Beckley, West Virginia. 848 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 luckyslastchance.com. Instead, visitors are encouraged to engage in conversation with the gardeners themselves. "This is a quaint restaurant in a hidden gem in Philadelphia. Bartram's Garden is the oldest botanical garden in North America, and it's truly a hidden gem in Philadelphia. Bartrams Garden is one of the best places in the city to enjoy the outdoors. Note that tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance. . Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor. This area is rich in maritime history and remains home to several piers and structures originating from the city . The menu (and the customer service) is consistent and consistently good. Featuring nearly a dozen themed treehouses, three ziplines and a bevy of outdoor activities, West Chesters Treehouse World offers both relaxing play in the sun, as well as some (light) thrills. The only way to fully experience Philly? A confectionery has occupied the space at Letitia and Market for over 150 years, making it Americas oldest candy shop. The travelers often choose Philadelphia if they are interested in U.S. history or if National sentiments hold them. Any hidden gem bars in university city? RATED. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Sign up for our free newsletter. Stevens' Prophecy at W Philadelphia Photo courtesy W Philadelphia Sort by: Near Me The back of the building features a gorgeous garden with azaleas, wisteria, and towering colorful trees that dates back to the hospitals founding. Its got a prime location just across the street from Independence Mall, and yet it was surprisingly quiet during my recent weekend visit. I've been digging a few places recently: Fette Sau for their happy hour BBQ offerings, I agree with the suggestion for Cosmi's sandwiches (seeded rolls are bomb), La Rosa on South Broad has some excellent pizza, Rib Rack at Bustleton/Tyson has my all-time favorite ribs, Royal Tavern IS dope, Fountain Porter's burger is a bit disappointing (IMHO) but the beer selection is high-level, I like . 16 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia. If youre really in the mood to feel historic, order the Kite & Key cocktail (get it? The family-friendly National Liberty Museum tells the stories of inspiring figures from around the globe, including Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and the heroes of September 11, 2001as well as ordinary citizens who make a difference such as teachers and firefighters. But thanks to a major overhaul in 2018, the food court has become a food hall. The most unreached wonder in Philadelphia is the Pizza Brain. Weekend in Philadelphia The Secret Sights of Historic Philadelphia Dont miss springs Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. This park is one of the best places to relax on a warm afternoon, surrounded by plants and trees. The stars at Chinatowns Shoe Museum at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine came off the feet of celebrities, like a boot worn by Neil Armstrong on the moon, game-used Mike Schmidt (Philadelphia Phillies) cleats, platforms from Sally Struthers All in the Family wardrobe and Ronald Reagans dress shoes. 19 days ago. Once youve toured, tried or tasted the Philly basics, theres a whole lot more for you to see and do. Where: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 148 N. 8th Street. Fairmount Park is full of hidden gems, and the Shofuso House is one of my favorites. In 1777, the Cliveden estate cemented its place in history when it became the site of the Battle of Germantown, the only Revolutionary War battle to happen in Philadelphia. Stroll the acres of plants, trees, and gardens, and check out the historic home. The enormous complex takes a high-tech, interactive approach to teaching visitors about the American Revolution, with immersive experiences and touch screens for days. The Japanese house, heavenly garden, and koi pond are the definition of a Philadelphia hidden gem. Artwork and Masonic artifacts, many dating back to the American Revolution, round out the offerings. But those celebrated Philly attractions are only half of the story. Join the locals for a jog, walk, or bike ride along the Schuylkill River Trail, which follows the river for about 10 miles through Philadelphia, passing by the Museum of Art and the University of Pennsylvania along the way. This hotel was once the largest hotel in NYC made up of 8 buildings constructed between 1885 and 1929. There's no sign pointing to Royal Izakaya - you'll have to look for the red lantern. Whereas there are lots of well-known points of interest to take a look at just like the Liberty Bell, Independence Corridor, and the LOVE statue, there are additionally many lesser-known hidden [] See our, 111 S Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Walnut St & S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. When here, make sure you try their sushi, oyster, and meat sandwiches. Philadelphia is definitely filled with treasures, but not all treasures are easily spotted. For the last 15 years, Laura has covered US and international destinations for her site Travel Addicts and has written about travel-related topics for various publications and websites. Graffiti Bar 377 Lounges Down a narrow Center City alleyway, off the beaten path in South Philly or tucked away in the nearby countryside, Greater Philadelphia is home to scores of lesser-known attractions that even the hardiest of locals may not be familiar with. New York 212.682.7300; . 7 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia Where You Can Grab The Best Burgers . 7 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia Some of the best hidden gems in Philly include: 1. Did you know that the first permanent Jewish settlers in America came not from Europe but from Brazil, all the way back in 1654? She loves eating her way across the city, cheering on the Union, and uncovering the unique things that make the Philadelphia metro area special. Outside, there is ample space to explore the sections of the garden and the pond. The Pavilion is here since 1993, and since then, several wanders have made their way searching for this space. Where would I find some of these places. Pennsylvania Hospital Garden sounds unusual with its name but is a treasure you should surely dig. It's the go-to place when you want to explore something you haven't before. Its the sort of place every neighborhood needs but not many have: They focus on doing a few things well rather than adding unusual ingredients to everything in an attempt to reinvent the wheel. Check out four of my favorites! Many of these were created as a part of Mural Arts Philadelphia, which works with artists and local communities to produce up to 100 public art projects each year. Insider tip: Lunchtime martinis are just $2 with any entre. Some of the prettiest houses in the city are in the Spruce Hill and Cedar Park neighborhoods at the edge of University City. Rising through the trees is the eight-story (you read that right) Kids Castle, a massive wooden play structure with labyrinthine passages, twisty tube slides, drawbridges, overlooks and a kids elevator, all protected by a giant dragon. [viator_tour destination=906 type=3-mod]. This is a popular spot! The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum just north of Philadelphia International Airport protects the largest freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania. No one ever said Philadelphia didnt have enough Italian restaurants, so it would be easy to pass on Cry Baby but that would be a mistake. The Rodin Museum is the smallest museum on the parkway, and it is so underrated. Read on as we take a deep dive into what awaits you on your weekend visit to Philadelphia. Email Sarah at sschlichter@smartertravel.com. Life sciences and art students use the area as part of their studies and plenty of other people come to enjoy the turtles, koi, and variety of wildflowers. Notoriously, one of those gems is cuisine. Theres also a small water feature tucked somewhere in the corner. Dinner one evening was at Amelia Island Brewing . More than 3,000 lavender plants representing two species and multiple varieties grow on the facilitys sunny hillside. Discover The Bridge to Nowhere. The Speakeasy at Quintana's. 2200 S. Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights. Hidden Gem in Philadelphia. While walking down the lane, look for Ranstead room behind a nondescript door, dedicatedly a black metal door. The house was built in Japan during the 1950s before it made the journey first to NYC and then to Philadelphia. Written by Carlyle Property Management on 2.03.23 . For some snacks, do try their mixture of tasty Mexican food. In the lead-up to the American Institute of Architects 2016 Conference hosted in Philadelphia, some of the city's prominent members are letting us in on their favorite places to visit. For more of Philadelphias hidden gems, check out our list of The 7 Wackiest Restaurants In Philadelphia Where Dining Is A Blast. Where: Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Lansdowne Drive & Horticultural Drive. The pavilion is the result of an artistic vision that came to life in 1993, and has since been a favorite spot for spotting the earliest blooms of spring. Its ivy-covered walls, wooden benches, and tables are welcoming for the lunch crowd or anyone looking to rest their feet for a moment in Center City. Most menu items cost under $10. You can opt for their in-room dining or choose the outdoor sitting as per mood. Around since 2005, this cozy shop in the eclectic Head House District takes a curated approach to the books it stocks, relying more on staff picks than bestseller lists and hosting a packed calendar of readings that are always worth checking out. The Hallmark Channel's newest original movie, "Hidden Gems," premieres on Saturday, June 4, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. They showcase ancient statues, artwork, and artifacts collected from around the world. When walking by the Masonic Temple, you might think that the ornate Norman cathedral-style building on North Broad across from City Hall is another of the citys stunning churches. This seasonal bar occupies a space in the former Bok Vocational High School, which opened in 1938. Shane Confectionery pays homage to that history in its offerings of old-fashioned candy and chocolate alongside modern products. Read more about this secret speakeasy. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden Arch Enemy is one of the best, a large contemporary space where brightly colored, eye-catching images practically jump off the walls. Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Several rooms are set up as they might have been when the Rosenbach brothers lived here. Where: Chanticleer, 786 Church Road, Wayne. Is it a club for people who really, really care about cocktails? Bartram's Garden is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. Few and Far Between. Cherry St. & Race St. Pier. Today the 70 stained glass mosaic steps were once littered and trashed. Your email address will not be published. The Park is operational from Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Zagar began working on the site in 1991, and it opened to the public in 2008. When in Philadelphia, it is a must-visit. Hidden Philadelphia: 10 Under-the-Radar Gems Worth Discovering Sarah Schlichter You've snapped a selfie with the Liberty Bell, toured the hallowed halls where the Declaration of Independence. Although, in this particular article, we will be going over the following terms: A Lucky Find. Or maybe youd prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Drexel's own Harris Steinberg, executive director of the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation and distinguished professor of architecture and interiors in the Westphal College of You can browse the pizza-related toys, books, ads, and other unusual items while munching on pizza topped with brisket, buffalo sauce, or just any other topping your heart desires. Mount Moriah Cemetery An abandoned cemetery lies in ruins as the surrounding forest swallows it. However, due to dark and moody space, people often fail to find it. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park is an ecological oasis on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. The trek to this bridge is a 10-mile hike round trip and uses several river fords along the way. The bridge to nowhere is an anomaly located in the San Gabriel National Forest of Los Angeles. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. Where: Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore. You can reach here nay from Tuesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. All Rights Reserved. However, the artist Paul Santoleri beautified the entire space and brought it to life. 3. Our favorite thing about this spot, though, is the view. Where: Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Road, Upper Black Eddy. If you didnt know to look for it, it would be very easy to pass by this nearly secret spot. There is an abundance of alternative terms we can use, rather than calling something a "hidden gem". Where: Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, 8046 Frankford Avenue. Add to that an impressive list of world-famous pop culture spots from the Rocky Steps to LOVE Park to that glowing South Philly intersection thats home to cheesesteak bliss. This 19th-century townhouse in Rittenhouse Square features a remarkable collection of rare manuscripts and books. When you're searching for a new place to live in Philadelphia, it's always exciting to discover some of the city's hidden treasures. Even though it is free to visit, not many people actually know about it. I lived in Philly all these years and never heard of these places. Beautiful John F. Collins Park is located on Chestnut Street, but it's easy to miss! Created in 2015 by mosaic artist Beth Clevenstine and muralist Paul Santoleri, Water Under the Bridge (better known as the Fountain Street Steps) is an ornate urban staircase in Manayunk featuring 70 brightly colored glass steps creating the illusion of a mosaic waterfall. Youll see everything from a jewelry chest that belonged to Charles II to an unusual clock made by Marie Antoinettes clock maker. Any day near the Smith Memorial Arch in Fairmount Park, consider checking out the Whispering bench. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot 300-plus varieties of resident and migratory birds and numerous land animals, including several endangered and threatened species such as eastern redbelly turtles and coastal leopard frogs. Known as the hidden attraction in Philadelphia, the Fountain Street steps is at Cresson Street. Find the best things to do, see, and eat in Philadelphia. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Now, it's a wide open park that shows off some of the best skyline views around. Tucked away in Philadelphias massive Fairmount Park is Shofuso, a 17th-century-style Japanese house that was built in Nagoya in 1953, exhibited at New York Citys Museum of Modern Art, and then moved to Philadelphia in 1957. But while they are, their freshly baked pies, cookies, cakes, smoothies, and more are sure to keep you coming back. Stars of "Hidden Gems," Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff answer questions about their new movie. It's a chance to explore hidden gems that you won't find anywhere else, from iconic parks to historic buildings, and artsy streets, and discover street art in unexpected places. Where: Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road.