Discover our locals' 156 hidden gems in Philadelphia

Let's explore Philadelphia beyond the Liberty Bell with Spotted by Locals! From hidden murals to local eateries, our Spotters show you the city's authentic side. Discover Philadelphia through the eyes of true locals.

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City guides by those who know Philadelphia best!

Travel Guides by these Philadelphia Locals!

Our Philadelphia Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Philadelphia like a local!

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Philadelphia through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Philadelphia

Check out our latest hidden gems in Philadelphia

Things to do in Philadelphia

Dalessandro's Steaks & Hoagies

A local fave

You probably already know Philadelphia is famous for its cheesesteaks, but who has the best? It's "Dalessandro's Steaks & Hoagies" in Roxborough...

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Restaurants

by

Holly

Miller

Jul 8, 2025

Pho Ha

Pho and Vietnamese

"Pho Ha" in Philadelphia is a thoroughly authentic & extremely inexpensive spot. I like getting coconut milk and coffee and I leave satiated every time...

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Restaurants

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Jul 8, 2025

Kim's BBQ Restaurant

Korean BBQ

"Kim's BBQ Restaurant" Philadelphia is one of the most authentic Korean BBQ restaurants in America. I like to order their O-Same Bulgogi and Mauen Kalbi...

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Restaurants

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Jul 8, 2025

Milkcrate Cafe

Coffee & records

"Milkcrate Cafe" in Philadelphia is a bright corner coffee spot that plays great tunes and dishes out healthy sandwiches and new and used vinyl records!

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Coffee & tea
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Music
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Shopping

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Jul 8, 2025

Philly Vintage Bazaar

Cool vintage clothes

“Philly Vintage Bazaar” is a vintage clothes shop that gets everything right!

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Shopping

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Bronwyn

Lepore

Jul 2, 2025

Vault & Vine

Cafe, greenhouse, handmade gifts

"Vault & Vine" in Philadelphia is a cafe inside a greenhouse. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius. I come here almost every weekend with my pug...

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Coffee & tea
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Shopping

by

Holly

Miller

Jun 28, 2025

The Percy Street Project

An electric light mural

"The Percy Street Project" is a public art installation in Philadelphia planned to span the entire 1300 block. Come at night to see 'The Electric Street'.

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Art & culture

by

Holly

Miller

Jun 28, 2025

Nunu

Creative Asian fusion food and cocktails

"Nunu" is an Asian fusion bar/restaurant in Philadelphia. I love it best on a cold day when I'm craving a cocktail and warm snacks. Perfect for dates!

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Bars
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Holly

Miller

Jun 28, 2025

Suraya

Exquisite Levant-inspired dining & market

"Suraya" just might be the best restaurant in Philadelphia right now. If you love the flavors of the Levant, that you're going to love it, too...

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Holly

Miller

Jun 28, 2025

Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion

FUN

My favorite thing about the "Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion" by far is that it's very community-focused: I was toured by a local 4th grader!

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Art & culture

by

Holly

Miller

Jun 28, 2025

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Pop-up summer park

"Spruce Street Harbor Park" is a true gift of the city of Philadelphia to its citizens, an ode to summer itself... I'll be there in a hammock!

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Art & culture
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Bars
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Relaxing
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Restaurants

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Jun 27, 2025

Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup

Food trucks

The "Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup" in Philadelphia appears every Tuesday & Thursday, come rain or shine! Great opportunity to try a few of them at once...

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Jun 27, 2025

Heading to Philadelphia?

156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

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Going to Philadelphia?

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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