10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Philadelphia

If you are looking to tap into Philadelphia’s vibrant arts scene, a great place to start is Cherry Street Pier. Situated in the shell of a century-old municipal pier on the Delaware River, Cherry Street Pier is a public art space that hosts a revolving cohort of artists and artisans. Artists create exhibits, workshops, and unique experiences.

Visitors can also check out handmade and locally sourced goods, including jewelry, home décor, and artwork. Meet the makers behind the works and see them create. Cherry Street is sure to offer a flavor of Philadelphia art.

One of the coolest spots to hang out in Philadelphia in the warmer months is Spruce Street Harbor Park. Lie back and relax riverside on one of the hammocks, while watching the dazzling, cascading lights hanging from the trees above. The hammocks are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also rental options in the riverside lounge.

There are also numerous, rotating concession stands that offer an array of snack options, and there’s always at least 1 stall open during park hours. You can pick from fries and quesadillas to beer and ice cream.

Much of Philadelphia’s Historic District overflows with visitors during daytime hours. Visiting after dinner gives you a chance to stroll the same streets as the founding fathers. The Historic District spans from the Delaware River to 7th Street and from Vine Street to Lombard Street.

The center of the Historic District is Independence Hall, not open to tours in the evening, but is stunning to see and snap some photos. Visitors can also see the Liberty Bell from outside the glass building.

Franklin Square is 1 of Philadelphia’s 5 original squares when William Penn designed the city. Admission to the square is free, but participation in some attractions requires a fee. The centerpiece of the square is the 185-year-old water fountain, the oldest functioning public water fountain in the United States.

Franklin Square also hosts family-friendly fun with its Parx Liberty Carousel, Philly Mini-Golf, an 18-hole course featuring Philly landmarks, like the Liberty Bell and the LOVE statue. Franklin Square also hosts seasonal exhibitions, such as the Chinese Lantern Festival.

The Founding Footsteps Beer & Band Tour is a great way to hear some music while exploring Philadelphia’s many brew pubs. The tour sets out from the historic Betsy Ross House. Musicians play music in between stops and even play a bit of music-themed Quizzo. They change up the stops on every tour, but past stops have included Victory and Craft Hall.

You can also support a good cause. The tour operators donate 15 percent of all ticket sales to Rock to the Future, a free after-school program that helps urban youth by providing homework help and music lessons.

If you are looking for a bit more of an adrenaline rush, Kick Axe Throwing might be the spot for you. The bar has a cozy lodge and cabin theme where you can grab a bite to eat or have a drink. Those who wish to partake in the axe throwing get paired with an axe pro, who will teach the basics of axe throwing.

After a quick lesson, visitors get to try their hand at it themselves, under the guidance of their axe pro, who will stick around and offer advice on throwing technique. If tossing sharp objects isn’t your thing, the bar also offers a variety of board games and music.

The Fillmore Philadelphia features 3 concert venues within 1 sprawling former industrial space. There’s the main room, with a capacity for 2,500, but there’s also the “club within a club,” also known as the Foundry, which is a more intimate concert experience. There’s also a bar and lounge, called Ajax Hall, where visitors can just grab a drink or a bite to eat.

Live Nation converted the former Ajax building to channel the vibe of the original Fillmore club in San Francisco. The industrial structure also has glass chandeliers, exuding somewhat of an urban elegance. It’s a great place to hear live music.

Milkboy Philly is a one-stop shop for food and drink in the Center City District. Milkboy Philly calls itself a restaurant, bar, café, and live music venue. It’s got 2 full bars and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Located near several local hospitals, the venue offers a full food and drink menu starting in the morning, catering to night shift workers looking for an off-hours happy hour.

Milkboy Philly was created by Tommy Joyner and Jamie Lokoff, both of Milkboy Recording Studio.

If you are looking to hear some indie music in a small space, Kung Fu Necktie is the venue for you. KFN, as the locals call it, is located in the hip Fishtown neighborhood. It’s got 2 floors with capacity for about 100 people in the main bar, with more room on the patio.

Kung Fu Necktie is full of gritty, urban character, from its low-profile façade to its shiny, red booths. Open since 2008, it’s hosted independent rockers from around the globe.

If hitting the dance floor is on your list of things to do, Concourse Dance Bar won’t disappoint. This literal underground bar is located near Suburban Station train depot, in Center City. This club has a retro vibe and features a rotating list of DJs spinning ‘90s and ‘00s music. They have a menu of craft beers and cocktails to choose from.

There are other activities here to help you channel your inner child. Take a dive into the ball pit and swim around like a kid. There’s also a huge ice room, featuring ice sculptures, and a vintage photo booth.