15 Fun Things to do in Philadelphia at Night
Looking for fun things to do in Philadelphia at night? You’re in luck! Philly has a killer nightlife scene, no matter what you’re into. Whether you’re a night owl or just looking for a fun way to end your day, the City of Brotherly Love knows how to keep things exciting after dark.
So, get ready to discover the best things to do in Philadelphia at night—your evenings are about to get a whole lot more exciting!
Introduction
As someone who grew up in the suburbs, one of the things I was most excited about when I moved to Philadelphia, was having access to round-the-clock fun things to do.
And because going out at night meant paying for a babysitter, I was very picky about what I wanted to spend my time doing. Just another restaurant or bar wasn’t going to cut it!
In this list, you’ll find a diverse mix of things to do in Philadelphia at night. I’m giving you chill hang out spots, fun history lessons, things to make you laugh out loud, opportunities to learn a new skill – and so much more!
Enjoy!
01. Stroll Around Spruce Street Harbor Park
If you are looking for some cool things to do in Philadelphia at night, you have to check out Spruce Street Harbor Park! This place is awesome, especially after the sun sets. It’s got this whole urban beach vibe with food trucks, drinks, and tons of places to just chill on the Delaware River waterfront. They even have hammocks scattered all over the park!
Picture this: all these colorful little lights twinkling in the trees, Adirondack chairs to relax in, maybe a little live music playing… it’s the perfect spot to spend a warm Philly night. And if you’re feeling adventurous, they have kayaks and swan boats you can rent to paddle around the river. They’ve even got a beer garden, a boardwalk, and a floating restaurant!
Honestly, Spruce Street Harbor Park is one of the best ways to spend the night in Philadelphia. It’s this awesome mix of relaxing and lively that you won’t find anywhere else.
02. See the Lights of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge
When it comes to picking fun things to do in Philadelphia at night, seeing the Benjamin Franklin Bridge all lit up is a must-do. This bridge isn’t just any bridge—it’s a piece of history! They built it way back in 1926 for a big expo, and for a while, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Plus, it’s named after Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, who lived right here in Philadelphia.
You can even walk across the bridge for a cool perspective as the sun sets. They even host events and festivals there all year round. It’s a great way to experience a lively part of Philadelphia at night.
03. Take a Dinner Cruise on the Delaware River for a Unique Philly Night
A dinner cruise on the Delaware River is a fantastic way to experience the city in a whole new light (literally!). Imagine this: cruising along the river with amazing views of the city skyline, the Ben Franklin Bridge all lit up, and other cool landmarks—it’s totally picture-worthy.
These cruises usually leave from Penn’s Landing, and the best part is that they often have all-you-can-eat buffets. Plus, a lot of cruises have a DJ onboard, so you get dinner and a little party on the water. If you’re lucky enough to be in Philadelphia during a holiday like New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July, a dinner cruise is even more special!
04. Explore Old City on an Art Gallery Crawl on the First Friday Night
If you’re into art (or even just a cool scene!), you can’t miss First Friday in Old City. The First Friday Art Gallery Crawl is one of the best things to do in Philadelphia at night.
Stroll down historic streets bustling with people checking out art, shops with their doors open late, and live music spilling out from cafes. It’s such a lively, artsy vibe! Sure, the bars and restaurants will be packed with fellow art lovers, but it honestly just adds to the excitement.
05. Spend a Spooky Night Out at Philadelphia’s Historic District on a Ghost Tour
If you’re down for a little spine-tingling fun, you’ve got to check out the ghost tours in Philadelphia’s Historic District. These nighttime tours take you through all the old, kind of creepy parts of the city. Think dark alleys, maybe a haunted house or two—the whole deal!
They’ll dish out all the best ghost stories—the ones that have been passed down through the years about stuff happening in Philadelphia. The Ghost Tours of Philadelphia even spill the tea on spooky sightings of famous people like Ben Franklin! So, if you’re looking for something a bit different and totally spooky to do in Philadelphia at night, a ghost tour is definitely a good time.
06. Experience Philadelphia History with a Twilight Tour
Another awesome thing to do in Philly at night is a Twilight Tour of Independence National Historical Park. This isn’t your average history tour; they take you back in time! Depending on the night you go, you will walk through historic Old City, learn about the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and so much more.
The tours are seasonal from May to September and start at 6 pm every evening. The absolute best part about these unique nighttime history tours is that they are F-R-E-E!
07. Head to Philly’s Coolest Outdoor Hangout, the Independence Beer Garden
You won’t find a place quite like the Independence Beer Garden to spend the night in Philadelphia. Think of a less fancy restaurant and a more super chill hangout with a ton of character. We’re talking rocks, boulders, and they’ve even got shipping containers as part of the setup!
Obviously, they’ve got your drinks covered—craft beers, cocktails, whatever you like. Plus, their food changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try. But the real magic is in the atmosphere. Twinkly lights, fire pits, those big communal tables… it’s the perfect spot for catching up with friends or a low-key date night. Oh, and did we mention it’s right by some major Philly landmarks?
Check out the Liberty Bell Center and the Independence Mall, then head over for drinks!
This is a seasonal location, open during the Spring and Summer months
08. Try Ice Cream Like It’s 1900 at Franklin Fountain
No list of things to do in Philadelphia at night would be complete without trying ice cream at the Franklin Fountain. The place is all decked out in fancy 19th-century trimmings and they’re open until midnight so you can satisfy that late-night sweet craving.
They’ve got all the classic ice cream stuff—cones, sundaes, shakes—but what makes Franklin Fountain special is their flavors. Think teaberry gum, cotton candy, and even Franklin Mint Chip! Don’t feel like ice cream? No worries! Franklin Fountain has you covered. In the colder months, they whip up delicious hot chocolate, homemade pies, and even hot milkshakes.
It’s the perfect combination of cozy and fun, making for a truly delightful night out in Philly.
09. Grab a Drink at Cherry Street Pier
If you’re looking for a cool spot to grab a drink and soak up some Philly vibes, Cherry Street Pier is where it’s at. They took an old shipping pier and turned it into this artsy hangout right on the Delaware River. Imagine hanging out with friends, sipping a drink, enjoying awesome views of the river… and maybe even catching some live music while you’re at it.
Cherry Street Pier has a mix of local artists, little shops, and performers, so there’s always something interesting going on. Plus, they have cool events all the time like outdoor movies or food fests! Basically, if you’re searching for some things to do in Philadelphia at night with a chill yet lively atmosphere, Cherry Street Pier is a must-visit.
10. Bowl, Dance, and Play the Night Away at Lucky Strike
If you’re looking for things to do in Philadelphia at night that’ll keep the party going, Lucky Strike is the spot. This isn’t your average bowling alley—more like a Vegas nightclub with a side of bowling lanes. They’ve got a DJ bumping tunes, a dance floor, plus pool tables and table tennis to keep things interesting.
Lucky Strike stays open until 2 AM, so you can really make a whole night of it. Whether you’re out to get those strikes or just want to let loose and have some fun, Lucky Strike is guaranteed to be a good time.
11. Laugh Your Heart Out at the Philly Improv Theater
Ready for some side-splitting laughs? Check out the Philly Improv Theater (or PHIT, for short) for a night of fun in Philadelphia. This place is all about the laughs, with improv shows, sketch comedy, and even stand-up at the Arden Theatre’s Hamilton Family Arts Center in Old City.
Want to join in the fun? They even have classes covering everything from improv to stand-up comedy. And PHIT’s been part of Philly’s cool arts scene since 2006—they even trained Kent Haines, who won the city’s biggest stand-up contest! Whether you’re a comedy newbie or a seasoned fan, you won’t run out of things to do in Philadelphia at night.
12. Kick Back at Morgan’s Pier: Where Drinks, Views, and Good Times Flow
The Morgan’s Pier is another seasonal hot spot that has got it all—drinks, views, and enough energy to power a whole weekend. First, the location: it’s named after the guy who first crossed the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and sits right below it! So yeah, the views of the bridge and the city lights are pretty amazing. Next, the drinks: it’s a beer-lover’s paradise with tons of craft brews from local companies.
Best part? Most Saturdays they have live music or DJs, so the vibe is awesome, especially on those warm weekend nights. The breeze off the Delaware River is super refreshing too. Plus, you’re only a hop, skip, and a jump away from exploring Old City and other cool Philly spots.
13. Blow Your Own Glass Creation at Jim Loewer Glass Company
This is one of the best things to do in Philadelphia at night for someone who craves something different from the usual bars. Jim Loewer Glass Company isn’t just a place to admire beautiful glass art—they also offer beginner-friendly glassblowing classes!
You’ll get to play with molten glass (if you choose a class without BYOB), try out the glassblowing tools, and even create your own little masterpiece to take home. It’s a super cool way to learn something new and unleash your inner artist. And, if you’d rather just watch, they’ve got demonstrations by the amazing Jim Loewer himself.
Best part? It’s BYOB, so you can bring along your favorite drinks and have a blast with friends on a Saturday night.
14. Bounce, Glow, and Dance the Night Away at GLOW
Looking for a wild night out that’s guaranteed to be a blast? Philly’s got the perfect place for you: GLOW. Every Friday and Saturday night, Skyzone Trampoline Park transforms into a neon-drenched paradise for epic blacklight dance parties. Think blacklights, thumping music, and the chance to bounce, flip, and let loose like never before.
For just $25, you get to channel your inner kid again. Jump as high as you want, try out some fun flips, and dance the night away in the coolest blacklight atmosphere. And hey, all that bouncing is a sneaky workout—perfect for burning off those delicious Philly cheesesteaks!
15. Explore Art After Dark at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Last but not least, if you’re looking for things to do in Philadelphia at night, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a must-visit on Fridays. They’re open until 8:45 pm on Fridays. Seriously, imagine wandering around these huge rooms filled with amazing art from all different time periods.
Paintings, sculptures, even cool stuff from ancient times—it’s like a giant history and art lesson, but way more fun. They even bring in special exhibits with famous artwork from other museums, so it feels like something new every time. So, if you’re feeling a little bored with the usual Friday night routine, head over to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
FAQs Related to Things to Do in Philadelphia at Night
Does Philly have a good nightlife scene?
You bet! Philly’s got a hopping nightlife scene, with tons of bars, clubs, and spots playing live music. Whether you’re into low-key jazz joints, packed dance floors, or chill indie hangouts, you’ll find your jam here.
What part of Philadelphia has the best nightlife?
That depends on your vibe! Center City, Old City, and Northern Liberties each have their own unique energy.
What’s it like in Philly at night?
The city lights up—literally! The skyscrapers, bridges, and historic streets all get this cool glow. Want to see for yourself? Head down to the Delaware River waterfront at nigh—the view is awesome. Whether you’re catching a concert, exploring landmarks, or just hanging with friends, Philly at night is a different experience.
Is it safe to walk around Philly at night?
Generally, yes! Popular spots like Independence Mall and around the Delaware River are usually well-lit and have people around. But, like any big city, just be smart. Stick to familiar areas, avoid walking alone in dark or empty places, and always be aware of what’s happening around you.
Wrap Up!
You’ll never get bored in Philly! There’s a treasure trove of things to see and do, day or night. And with new events and spots popping up all the time, there’s always something new to discover. So, the next time you think Philly’s just about cheesesteaks and history, remember all these fun things to do in Philadelphia at night that await you!
P.S. Want to plan for a full day in Philly? Check out this article here. Have two days in Philly and want a complete itinerary for your stay – check out my previous itinerary for spending 2 days in Philadelphia! With either itinerary, you’ll get a taste of the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks alongside some hidden gems.