Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is often filled with tourists flocking to its iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the famous cheesesteak stands. While these places are undeniably impressive, the truth is that many of Philadelphia’s hidden gems remain relatively unknown to the average visitor. I’ve made it a point to explore these off-the-beaten-path attractions, finding the best spots for photography while avoiding the crowds. I’ll share my experience with these lesser-known places, provide photography tips, and give you practical advice on how to make your visit to Philadelphia both more enjoyable and memorable.
1. Fairmount Park: A Serene Escape from the Hustle
Location: Near the Schuylkill River, Philadelphia, PA
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon (Golden Hour)
Fairmount Park is a true gem in the heart of Philadelphia. Spanning over 2,000 acres, it’s one of the largest urban parks in the United States, yet it often feels like a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Most tourists are unaware of the park’s beauty, as it is often overshadowed by the more famous attractions in the city.
Best Photo Spots:
- The Boathouse Row: This iconic row of Victorian-style boathouses along the Schuylkill River is one of Philadelphia’s most picturesque sights. Capture the boathouses with the water reflecting the architecture, especially during sunset when the colors in the sky add a magical touch to your shot. A wide-angle lens will help you capture the full beauty of the scene.
- The Japanese Tea House: Located within the park’s Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, this tranquil spot is perfect for capturing the zen beauty of nature. The traditional wooden structures surrounded by vibrant greenery and koi ponds provide a peaceful, almost otherworldly backdrop for your photographs.
- Wissahickon Creek: For more nature-focused shots, head to the Wissahickon Creek section of the park, where you’ll find scenic trails, waterfalls, and striking forest landscapes. The mist around the waterfalls, especially early in the morning, creates an ethereal quality for your photos.
Photography Tips:
- Golden Hour Magic: To get the best lighting, head to Fairmount Park either early in the morning or just before sunset. The light during these times is softer and more flattering, perfect for landscape and portrait shots.
- Use a Polarizing Filter: When photographing water reflections (especially at Boathouse Row), a polarizing filter will help reduce glare and bring out the colors of both the sky and the water.
- Bring a Tripod: For capturing waterfalls or long-exposure shots, such as those at Wissahickon Creek, a tripod is essential to avoid any motion blur and to get those silky-smooth water effects.
Getting There:
Fairmount Park is easily accessible via public transportation, including buses and the Broad Ridge Line subway. However, if you want to explore the park’s more remote sections, like Wissahickon Creek, I recommend renting a bike or taking a ride-share for a more convenient experience.
2. Mural Arts Philadelphia: The City’s Colorful Outdoor Gallery
Location: Various locations throughout Philadelphia
Best Time to Visit: Anytime, though early morning is less crowded.
Philadelphia is often called the “Mural Capital of the World,” thanks to its expansive public art program that includes over 3,000 murals throughout the city. While many tourists head to the major tourist spots like the Liberty Bell, they often miss out on the unique and vibrant street art that tells the story of Philadelphia’s diverse history.
Best Photo Spots:
- The “Philadelphia Muses” Mural: Located at 15th and Chestnut Streets, this mural is a massive tribute to the city’s artistic and intellectual contributions. The colors pop beautifully against the urban backdrop, making for a striking photo.
- The “Tree of Life” Mural: Found at 8th and Spring Garden Streets, this mural features a beautiful, intricate tree that represents life and rebirth. The vivid greens, oranges, and yellows are especially vibrant when shot on a sunny day, so you’ll want to capture this during midday for the best contrast.
- The “Common Threads” Mural: Located in West Philadelphia at 4600 Spruce Street, this mural celebrates the multicultural aspect of the city. Featuring symbols from different cultures and communities, it’s a powerful and vibrant shot for photographers looking to capture the diverse spirit of Philadelphia.
Photography Tips:
- Capture the Full Mural: When photographing murals, it’s best to shoot from a distance to capture the full artwork. A wide-angle lens is especially useful for these shots.
- Look for Reflections: Many murals are located on buildings with glass windows or mirrors. You can get creative with reflections to add an extra layer of depth to your photos.
- Street Photography: Mural arts are often in the heart of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. Try capturing local life around the murals for a dynamic combination of street and art photography.
Getting There:
Mural Arts Philadelphia offers guided walking tours that can help you discover the best murals, and I highly recommend taking one. If you’re exploring independently, the murals are well-documented on the Mural Arts website, with maps that can guide you to the best spots. Many murals are within walking distance from the city center, so I recommend using public transportation to get there, or simply exploring on foot.
3. Schuylkill River Trail: The Urban Escape
Location: Along the Schuylkill River, Philadelphia
Best Time to Visit: Sunset
The Schuylkill River Trail is another stunning location that’s often overlooked by the typical tourist. Stretching for over 30 miles, this multi-use trail runs along the river, offering views of the city skyline, the Boathouse Row, and the lush greenery of Fairmount Park.
Best Photo Spots:
- Boathouse Row (From the Trail): One of the most beautiful perspectives of Boathouse Row comes from the Schuylkill River Trail. Capture the row of historic boathouses with the city’s skyline in the background, and the lighting at sunset will make for a dramatic shot.
- Schuylkill Banks Park: This park near the trail provides excellent photo opportunities, especially if you capture the contrast between the modern city buildings and the lush park space in the foreground.
- The Waterworks: The historic Waterworks building located on the Schuylkill River Trail is another hidden gem. The neoclassical architecture against the flowing river makes for a stunning photo, particularly at sunset.
Photography Tips:
- Golden Hour for Skyline Shots: Just like at Fairmount Park, sunset along the Schuylkill River provides a golden light that’s perfect for cityscape photography. If you have a tripod, it’s also great for capturing the long exposures of the river with the city lights reflected in the water.
- Try Drone Photography: If you have access to a drone, this is an ideal spot to get some aerial shots of the river, the city, and Boathouse Row. The symmetry of the area makes it a great location for overhead photography.
Getting There:
The Schuylkill River Trail is easily accessible from various points in the city. Public transportation via bus or subway can get you close to the trail. Once you’re near the river, you can explore on foot or rent a bike to enjoy the full stretch of the trail.
4. Eastern State Penitentiary: Haunting History and Architecture
Location: 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (for fewer crowds)
Eastern State Penitentiary is a former prison that now serves as a museum. Known for its haunting architecture and eerie atmosphere, the prison is one of Philadelphia’s most fascinating attractions. While it’s popular among history buffs, it’s still less crowded than other tourist destinations in the city.
Best Photo Spots:
- Cell Blocks: The dimly lit, crumbling cell blocks offer fantastic photo opportunities. The shadows and textures in the prison’s deteriorating walls create a haunting atmosphere that’s perfect for both black-and-white and color photography.
- The Courtyard: The prison’s central courtyard, surrounded by high stone walls, offers a stunning, slightly eerie shot, especially when the light plays on the stone surfaces.
- The Warden’s Office: The lavish Warden’s Office, contrasting with the rest of the prison’s dilapidation, is a beautiful yet strange juxtaposition for photographs.
Photography Tips:
- Use HDR: The lighting inside the penitentiary can be tricky with its low natural light. Using an HDR (High Dynamic Range) technique allows you to capture more detail in the shadows and highlights.
- Capture the Texture: The crumbling architecture of Eastern State is its own form of art. Focus on the textures of the old walls, the rusted doors, and the weathered wood to tell a story through your images.
Getting There:
Eastern State Penitentiary is easily accessible from downtown Philadelphia by bus or taxi. The museum is quite walkable, so be prepared to explore on foot once you’re inside. I highly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid lines.
Tips for Avoiding the Crowds
- Visit during off-peak times: If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, try visiting attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, and visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) often offers a more peaceful experience.
- Use public transportation: Philadelphia’s public transportation system is efficient and cost-effective. The subway, buses, and bike-sharing options can get you to these spots without the hassle of parking.
- Rent a bike: Many of the best hidden spots in Philadelphia are located along bike-friendly routes like the Schuylkill River Trail and in Fairmount Park. Renting a bike can help you cover more ground and make your experience more convenient.
Philadelphia is a city full of history, culture, and hidden gems. By exploring these lesser-known attractions, you’ll not only avoid the crowds but also capture some of the most beautiful, unique photographs of the city. From the serene beauty of Fairmount Park to the eerie charm of Eastern State Penitentiary, each of these locations offers something special for both photographers and travelers alike. So pack your camera, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to discover Philadelphia like never before.