Being a person who doesn’t love sports can be difficult in the City of Brotherly Love. With professional baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and hockey teams, you’re a little outnumbered if you don’t like watching at least one of those. Have no fear, we’re here to help. You’ve probably been to the Philly staples — Independence Mall, Reading Terminal Market, and the Liberty Bell — but there’s so much more to explore here. These are the best cultural things to do in Philadelphia that don’t involve a field, a rink, or a court.
9th Street Italian Market
Spanning 20 city blocks, the 9th Street Italian Market is home to more than 200 individual businesses. Vendors and merchants line 9th street from Wharton to Fitzwater Streets, many of them owned by immigrants for more than 100 years. And it’s no surprise; this is the oldest continuously operated outdoor market in the nation. Stroll through the market on a sunny weekend, or be Italian for a day at the annual Italian Market Festival, which happens every May.
Pride
Let your pride flag fly and celebrate one of the most, if not the most, colorful weekends of the year. The annual Pride Festival kicks off Friday, June 7th this year with a block party from 6pm to 10pm on 12th and Locust Streets. Taking place in Philly’s Gayborhood, the Pride Parade is always held on the Sunday of Pride weekend. This year’s parade will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots, and it’s not one to be missed.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Another annual event, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is your chance to experience Chinese culture. Now in its third year, the festival draws thousands of visitors and locals to Franklin Square from May 1 through June 30. Check out 29 brand new Chinese lanterns, watch dance performances, and interact with art installations during this unique, cultural activity.
National Museum of American Jewish History
Take a trip to this museum and learn about Jewish migration to America. Located on Independence Mall in Old City, one of Philly’s best neighborhoods, the NMAJH explores the history and heritage of Jewish Americans through exhibits, programs, and educational resources.
Mural Arts Philadelphia
You might not know it, but Philadelphia has the nation’s largest public art program. Mural Arts Philadelphia sees more than 150,000 visitors take tours to view its outdoor artwork every year. In addition, the organization’s restorative initiatives offer project-based learning opportunities for thousands of youth and adults. Artwork for a good cause? Now that’s something to get behind.
World Cafe Live
Music lovers should get tickets to a show at World Cafe Live, a bi-level music venue with a restaurant and full bar. The downstairs area, The Downstairs Live at World Cafe Live, features three tiers of seating and unobstructed views from nearly any seat. It also offers food and beverage options from the in-house restaurant and bar. Upstairs Live at World Cafe Live is smaller than the downstairs, and fits half the number of people. It might be smaller, but that just means you’ll get to see your favorite musicians up close and personal. Plus, you can still enjoy food and drinks from the restaurant.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia
Take a trip to the AAMP and explore four exhibition galleries that tell the rich history and culture of the African American community in the United States. It was founded in 1976 and was the first institution funded and built by a major city to preserve African American history. With rotating exhibits that use videography, drawing, performance, photography, and interactive art, the museum promotes a dialogue and brings community together to learn about the heritage of African Americans.
See, there are still plenty of things to do in Philadelphia that don’t require you to be a sports fanatic. Ready to make the move? Find your next apartment on Zumper and start planning your weekends with these activities.
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