Explore these hidden gems of Philadelphia that’ll leave you amazed

Philadelphia is also known as the city of brotherly love; it is a beautiful city located in the south east of Pennsylvania. It is a city whose American history and inspiring culture collide at every turn and has iconic landmarks and deep historical roots. Although the majority of tourists gather around such renowned sites as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, the number of little-known, yet equally exciting sites to be explored is enormous.

Philadelphia is not a city that lacks secrets and artistic soul, architecture and oddities. Be it that you are an art follower, a history buff, or merely somebody looking to experience something new, these unacknowledged wonders will reveal to you a whole new dimension of the city, one that is creative, personalized, and infinitely fascinating.

These are some of the hidden gems that you cannot afford to miss when in Philadelphia -check out this list.

1. Philadelphia’s Magic Garden

One of the most remarkable places of interest is the Magic Gardens in Philadelphia, a mosaic fantasy of a local artist, Isaiah Zagar. It is a half-block immersive art installation that is a cacophony of colors, textures, and fantasy – a maze using mosaic tiles, broken mirrors, glass bottles, ceramics and used materials.

You can also explore (or rather get lost in) its rambling paths and side streets and you will find elaborate designs that narrate a visual account of ingenuity, passion, and strength. All walls, all the avenues are living, shining in the sunshine, and are ideal to take a picture that reflects the artistic spirit of the city. It is never a mere gallery, it is an experience to make you enter into the imagination of a person.

2. Mutter Museum 

The Mutter Museum is a treasure trove to people who are interested in the strange and the genius. This museum contains preserved anatomical specimens, antique surgical instruments and even body parts preserved; the museum also houses one of the most extraordinary collections of medical items in the world.

The exhibits of the strange array of human skulls, of the notorious Soap Lady, whose body had become adipocere, give an interesting (and, at times, chilling) tour of the history of medicine and human biology. It is a museum that leaves one curious and awe-inspired at the same time – certainly not the museum one is used to visiting.

3. Elfreth’s Alley 

The Alley of Elfreth is charming in no other part of the United States. This narrow cobblestone alleyway is the oldest residential street that has been in continuous use in the country with quaint colonial-era houses that date back to the year 1703.

When I am walking here, it is like walking through time. All the bricks and door frames are a narration of old American settlers and this provides a view of the way life was in Philadelphia back in the past. You should not miss the little on-site museum where you can see artifacts and the stories that help you feel like you are in this historic neighborhood.

4. Rodin Museum 

The Rodin Museum is a paradise of the lovers of art where the sculptures of Auguste Rodin are present in one of the biggest collections in the world, outside France. The quiet nature of the building, coupled with its beautiful garden court makes it a quiet getaway amidst the streets that surround it.

It is possible to enjoy such masterpieces of the world as The Thinker and The Gates of Hell here, being surrounded with blooming flowers and quiet fountains. The French classical architecture has inspired the building of the museum, which is an ideal match to expressive sculptures of Rodin, a perfect match between art and tranquility.

5. Masonic Temple 

The Masonic Temple, which is based close to the City Hall, is one of the most breathtaking architectural masterpieces in Philadelphia. This large stone building was finished in 1873 and appears more like a European castle than a downtown building.

Internally, the individual rooms have each been styled with their own theme and each one represents a different culture and historical influence – Egyptian motifs, Gothic arches and Renaissance flourishes. The detailed carvings, stained glass and murals put one into a different time period in each hall. Guided tours are a very interesting experience to know about Freemasonry and the meaning of the design.

6. Shofuso Japanese House & Garden

The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is a serene retreat in Fairmount Park that presents traditional Japanese culture. The architectural design of this wooden house was in the original style of Japanese architecture during the 17th century and is beautifully constructed against a koi-filled pond and well-landscaped gardens.

Tourists have a chance to walk along cherry blossom shaded routes, observe the koi fishes in the serene waters or have the chance of attending a classy Japanese tea ceremony. This is because the combination of nature, architecture, and artistry makes it one of the most tranquil and spiritual places in the city, a hidden treasure and where time appears to have frozen.

7. Philadelphia Distilling 

When you are interested in something a bit more modern and spirited then you should go to Philadelphia Distilling which is among the first craft distilleries located in the country, having been founded in 2005. It has a famous Bluecoat American Dry Gin, a citrus-dominant, fragrant gin that has gained popularity all over the world.

There are guided tours where visitors are able to know the complex process of distillation, grain to glass. Subsequently, have a tasting flight or a handmade cocktail in their industrial tasting room. It is the ideal combination of the history of Philadelphia and its modern-day innovation.

Final Thoughts

The magic of Philadelphia does not stop with the well-known places but exists in its smallest details, artistic locations and old streets that are disregarded by the majority of the tourists. By visiting these hidden treasures, you get to know the heart and soul of the city better.