Perched on a hill above bucolic Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River, Laurel Hill Cemetery is the resting place of some of the city’s most important families. It was one of the first garden-designed cemeteries in the US, a peaceful and sprawling green space that doubles as an arboretum.
I love to meander among the stately graves of its inhabitants. It was established in 1836 and is designated as a Historical Landmark. Solemn stone and statuary studs its rolling green acres, and you can find important Philadelphia names like Rittenhouse here. Look for temples, cherubs, and lots of obelisks, which were in vogue in the latter half of the 19th century thanks to the construction of the Washington Monument in DC. All the wealthy families wanted one!
Guests can walk the grounds on their own, and the cemetery offers an app that will help guests find their way around and make sense of the stone. Self-guided walks include Art & Architecture, Pop Culture & Contemporary Stories, and Lore & Legend.
The cemetery also organizes a robust schedule of events and guided walks around seasonal events, like love stories for Valentine’s Day, ghost walks for Halloween, and even a Classy Broads and Daring Dames talk for Women’s History Month.
Equal parts public garden, sculpture park, historical campus, and graveyard, Laurel Hill is a special spot, at once peaceful and buzzing with stories of a city’s complicated past. Rest in peace in shade of its trees and enjoy its views over the river.
3822 Ridge Avenue
Free:
USD
free
+1
2152288200
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The "Fabric Workshop and Museum" in Philadelphia is one of the best places to see contemporary art - it's a central overlooks gem!
by
"Material Culture" in Philadelphia isn't just a store. It is a world. A global journey. An aesthetic trek through history & cultures...
by
"Duross & Langel" is a Philadelphia soap shop. Scented with fruit and herbs, I'm afraid they're works of art almost too beautiful to use in the shower...
by
The "Penn Museum of Anthropology" in Philadelphia would be a marquee attraction in a smaller town. Don't overlook this jewel and its collections, trust me.
by
The "Woodmere Art Museum" and its mansion tell the story of Philadelphia and its artists from the 1800s to now. Don't miss its gift shop or back gallery!
by
"Greene Street Consignment" in Philadelphia makes it easy to find great pieces on their tidy, colorful shelves. My recommendation: check the clearance racks!
by
The "Simeone Foundation" Philadelphia is one of the finest private collections of classic cars in the US. This out-of-the-way treasure is a must see...
by
"Hokka Hokka" in Philadelphia is the sushi bar/restaurant my husband and I start so many of our dates. This balance of tasty and beauty is something else.
by
"Tria" Philadelphia is my favorite sophisticated yet cozy bar to explore the divine trinity of wine, beer and cheese. Perhaps my favorite is Sunday School.
by
How "Night Kitchen" get its cinnamon rolls to absorb so much butter is one of the great mysteries of Philadelphia. It's my favorite bakery in Chestnut Hill.
by
Besides the packed schedule of shows, they are also a daytime coffee shop that opens its bar at noon. They have a great (rotating) wine selection as well!
by
You probably already know Philadelphia is famous for its cheesesteaks, but who has the best? It's "Dalessandro's Steaks & Hoagies" in Roxborough...
by
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips