Philadelphia, PA
- If you love the whimsy of life, people-watching is the perfect pastime in Philadelphia. You can do it at your own pace, on your own time, and with no money out of your pocket. Not to mention, it's an excuse to turn off your phone and decompress from the day.
Where To People-Watch in Philadelphia
In addition to being a fun and relaxing pastime, people-watching is a great way to clear your head and recharge your batteries. You might even find a new idea or inspiration during this activity.
Rittenhouse Square
Daniel Wolf: Rittenhouse Square Park is the de-facto place to people watch in Philadelphia
Whether you're in town for a business meeting or just want to spend the afternoon people-watching, you'll find many people-watching opportunities in Rittenhouse Square Park. Rittenhouse Square always has something to do, whether you're looking for a lively farmer's market or an old Japanese couple playing traditional instruments. There's something for everyone, from a woman walking a cat to a man wearing a coin-covered suit. The area has ample lawn space and shade for people-watching, making it an ideal location for a sunny afternoon with friends.
John F. Kennedy Plaza
LOVE Park is officially known as John F. Kennedy Plaza. Still, locals call it the "LOVE Park" due to its large 1970 sculpture by Robert Indiana. You can people-watch in this public park in Center City, Philadelphia, as the crowds are usually lively. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, too. For the most part, you'll see locals and visitors mingling.
Those looking for the best places to people-watch in Philadelphia should head to the city's downtown area. A walk down Broad Street is a great way to observe the city's culture. You'll also see the AMOR sculpture at the entrance of Benjamin Franklin Parkway. This sculpture is a landmark for Philadelphia and is one of the city's most popular photo ops. Like LOVE Park, you can find food trucks parked near the plaza.
Art Museum Area
If you're looking for a place to people-watch in Philadelphia, the Art Museum area is your best bet. The steps at the museum are a great place for people to watch life roll by, but it's also a hot spot for tourists, penthouse dwellers, and college students. You can get a great view of people as they walk up the famous Rockey the steps and enjoy street performers and a nearby fountain. The area also hosts a variety of live musical performances.
McGillin's Olde Ale House
McGillin's is Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating pub, and it's the perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of city life while people-watching. The pub serves up traditional pub fare and features karaoke. This Philadelphia landmark has welcomed crowds since the early 1860s. It has a beautiful, historic interior with high ceilings and a roaring fireplace. The bar is made from antique mahogany, and the atmosphere is just as historical as the drinks. If you're visiting Philadelphia, make sure you go early to get a good spot.
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Laurel Hill Cemetery is a historic garden and rural cemetery in Philadelphia. It was the second-oldest rural cemetery in the United States, after Mount Auburn Cemetery in Boston, Massachusetts. It's also one of the best places to people-watch in Philadelphia. Its tranquility and peacefulness make it so unique.
Bring your camera while visiting Laurel Hill Cemetery because you will likely see some pretty exciting people watching. Laurel Hill Cemetery also overlooks the Schuylkill River. You can watch as many as 30,000 cars pass through Kelly Drive every day.
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Bill Zimmerman
Publisher
Publisher / Webmaster at Philly Bite Magazine.
