Two hot spots that visitors tend to enjoy when they come to Philadelphia are the Art museum and the beautiful Boat House Row. But there is a place perched right between the two that often gets missed, the Fairmount Water Works. The building dates to 1815 when it supplied water for the city of Philadelphia. It was decommissioned in 1909 and was left vacant for most of the 20th century. Through the generosity of the public, the building was restored and reopened in 2003.
The Water Works houses a small museum which highlights its history, but what I like most about the place is its beautiful location on the banks of the Schuylkill. I took my kids there when they were young just to run through the columns and out onto a long platform that at times hosts parties and weddings.
The area also features gardens and walkways along the river and serves as a peaceful contrast to the rest of the city which lies just on the other side of the Art Museum. And when you are there, make sure to take the steps up the hill to the Gazebo, where you can get a 360 view of the river and the city. It is worth the climb!
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
When you see it for the first time you are struck by its size.
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"Contrafuerte" in Philadelphia is Miguel Antonio Horn's latest sculpture which comprises of eight entangled nude bodies holding a small concrete bridge...
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Beer lovers have lots to celebrate in Philadelphia! Enter "ARS Brewery", a South Philly Garage Brewery (complete in an old garage and visible distillery).
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These old farm ruins outside Northern Philadelphia are covered in graffiti and belong to a now-abandoned prison...
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"Two Persons Coffee" in Philadelphia is in a building that used to be a public vocational school, and its furniture was salvaged to complement the cafe...
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My favorite building in Philadelphia is the Merchant Exchange, conveniently located across the street from my favorite movie theater...
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"Sally" in Philadelphia is a casual and friendly restaurant that's also been named the Best New Restaurant of 2021...
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"Chris Jazz Cafe" in Philadelphia has been keeping the jazz flames alive in Center City for over 30 years. A night here is an absolute event...
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"Herman’s Coffee" is in a former auto repair and car wash garage in Philadelphia. It's much more than just a coffee shop with espresso & yummy pastries...
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The "Rosenbach Museum" in Philadelphia will almost make you expect the residents to saunter out in Victorian garb! A must for literature lovers...
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"St. Marks Episcopal Church" in Philadelphia is just beautiful. Even though I'm not religious, I have enjoyed many free classical music concerts here...
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When I tasted one of "Function Coffee Labs" buttery flaky sourdough-based croissants in Philadelphia, I knew I'd found pastry bliss...
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156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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