Jan 15, 2025

Laurel Hill Cemetery Philadelphia

I see dead people

""Laurel Hill Cemetery" in Philadelphia is equal parts public garden, sculpture park, historical campus and graveyard. It's a truly special spot..."

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.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

3822 Ridge Avenue

Free:

USD

free

+1

2152288200

Explore Philadelphia like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Philadelphia guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia

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...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 16, 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...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 16, 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...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 15, 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...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 14, 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!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 14, 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...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 14, 2025

Dream Garden

Beautiful free art

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

002-building
Art & culture

By

Jeff

Landis

Feb 9, 2025

Contrafuerte

Outdoor sculpture

"Contrafuerte" in Philadelphia is Miguel Antonio Horn's latest sculpture which comprises of eight entangled nude bodies holding a small concrete bridge...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 7, 2025

ARS Brewery

Beer paradise

Beer lovers have lots to celebrate in Philadelphia! Enter "ARS Brewery", a South Philly Garage Brewery (complete in an old garage and visible distillery).

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 5, 2025

Poquessing Creek Trail Ruins

Prison farm ruins

These old farm ruins outside Northern Philadelphia are covered in graffiti and belong to a now-abandoned prison...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Holly

Miller

Feb 5, 2025

Two Persons Coffee

Excellent coffee zen space

"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...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 4, 2025

Merchant Exchange

Greek Revival architecture

My favorite building in Philadelphia is the Merchant Exchange, conveniently located across the street from my favorite movie theater...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 4, 2025

Heading to Philadelphia?

156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Philadelphia?

156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Philadelphia

Get to know our other Spotters from Philadelphia