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!

Knowing Philadelphia in and out!

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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

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Check out our latest hidden gems in Philadelphia

Things to do in Philadelphia

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

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Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 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

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Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Interstate Draft House

New American/Southern

"Interstate Draft House" is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar. I highly recommend ordering the Fishtown Tea cocktail there, similar to a Long Island Ice Tea.

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Bars
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Restaurants
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Snacks

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Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Lloyd

Whiskey, cocktails, & fine fare

"Lloyd" Philadelphia is my bar of choice when I need a stiff scotch (80+ types) or a finely crafted cocktail. The style definitely makes me feel at home.

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Bars
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Restaurants
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Snacks

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Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Tuna Bar

Japanese raw bar in Old City

Tuna Bar near the Ben Franklin Bridge is my go-to raw bar in the Old City in Philadelphia for exciting sushi rolls and Japanese-style appetizers!

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Bars
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Restaurants

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Holly

Miller

Apr 25, 2025

Long in the Tooth Record Store

High fidelity

"Long in the Tooth Record Store" in Philadelphia is a family-owned business that reminds me of one of my favorite films, High Fidelity...

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Shopping

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Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 18, 2025

Abstract Mural Callowhill

Artist Tim McFarlane

Philadelphia’s Mural Arts has helped create literally thousands of gorgeous murals all over. I'm in love with the new abstract mural by Tim McFarlane...

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Art & culture

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Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 18, 2025

Bio Pond U. Penn

Urban oasis in West Philly

The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park in Philly (known by locals as the Bio Pond) was University of Penn’s first botanic garden. Makes for a romantic date...

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Relaxing

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Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 17, 2025

Stina Pizzeria

Delightful Mediterranean fare

"Stina Pizzeria" in Philadelphia offers an enticing blend of pizza but also the best spanakopita I've ever tasted and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes...

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Restaurants

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Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 16, 2025

The Modern Republic

Midcentury home decor

"The Modern Republic" in Philadelphia is a midcentury modern home decor shop that is colorful, ebullient, high-ceilinged, and tastefully curated!

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Art & culture
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Shopping

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Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 16, 2025

Lil Nas X Mural Gayborhood

LGBTQ icon

"Lil Nas X Mural Gayborhood" in Philadelphia is 36-feet-large and portrays the early 21st-century LGBTQ+ icon that's conquered the world...

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Art & culture

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Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 16, 2025

Dream Garden

Beautiful free art

When you see it for the first time you are struck by its size.

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Art & culture

by

Jeff

Landis

Apr 11, 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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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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