Philadelphia is an exciting city for nightlife. When the sun goes down, the city stays awake at its many establishments, from bars and clubs to speakeasies and outdoor events. If you’re a Philly resident looking for more fun events at night, or if you’re visiting Philadelphia on a vacation or weekend trip, there is plenty to do. You can consult a Philadelphia events calendar for weekly event updates, or you can enjoy any of Philly’s main nighttime attractions. Check out the top things to do in Philly at night to make the most of your night out in Philadelphia!
Philadelphia Nightlife
Philadelphia nightlife offers something for everyone. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to find a fun way to spend your evenings. Check out these top nightlife picks:
- Best Bars in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Nightclubs
- South Street, Philadelphia
- Seasonal Nightlife in Philly
Best Bars in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is home to abundant bars, taverns, and pubs to fit anyone’s tastes. One of the most popular bars in the city is McGillin’s Olde Ale House. McGillin’s is the oldest bar in the city, established in 1860, but it still pulls big crowds even on weeknights! The bar is also famous for cheap beer specials, some of the best wings in the city, and more delicious comfort bar food.
If McGillin’s isn’t your cup of tea (or pint of ale), there are plenty of bars to check out. For a classic speakeasy, visit Hop Sing Laundromat in Philly’s Chinatown. This speakeasy has rules to maintain privacy, so be prepared to hand over your phone to enjoy unusual cocktails.
Trendy Fishtown bars like Johnny Brenda’s, Barcade, and Garage are hotspots for 20-somethings. Barcade even has old-school vintage video games like the original Pac-man. Spin is one of the newer bars in Center City’s bar scene, where you can pair your drink with a game of ping pong.
Philly has everything: classic pubs, sports bars, dive bars, upscale cocktail establishments, and any other watering hole you can think of. Take a walk and stumble upon a new favorite, or do some research to find a place that fits your taste.
Philadelphia Nightclubs
Are you more of a club person? Worry not, Philadelphia has a great club scene as well. If you’re looking for some dancing, check out a Philadelphia nightclub.
Philly clubs play everything from standard club hits, house music with popular DJs, and many even have theme nights like 90’s night, emo night, and so on. Even within the club scene, there’s something for everyone.
Some of the biggest names in the Philly club scene are NOTO, Down, and Woody’s. For a Latin twist, check out Cuba Libre in Old City. Looking for a more hip, laid back vibe? Check out the Dolphin Tavern in South Philly or The Barbary in Fishtown.
South Street, Philadelphia
South Street is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, both during the day and at night. This street, south of Center City, Philadelphia, is home to an abundance of restaurants, bars, shops, and culture. Many flock to South Street to eat, drink, shop, and people-watch.
Some of the most popular bars on South Street include Tattooed Mom, Milkboy, and Manny Brown’s, each with their own aesthetic. For food, grab a giant slice from Lorenzo’s or one of the Philly’s best Philly cheesesteaks at Jim’s Steaks. There are plenty of cultural options on South Street as well. Taramind is known for some of the best Thai food in the city, and Marrakesh for its Moroccan cuisine. South Street Souvlaki has some of the city’s best Greek food, or check out Serpico for an artistic twist on global cuisine.
Seasonal Nightlife in Philly
If you’re a resident of Philadelphia, you know that the city hosts various seasonal events throughout the year. For visitors, depending on when you’re visiting, there will be plenty of seasonal options and pop-ups to choose from!
Summer
In the summer, Philly is home to a wide variety of rooftop bars, beer gardens, and outdoor parks with special events. Every Wednesday of the summer, Center City bars participate in Center City Sips, a happy hour special ranging across the city. Some notable summertime rooftop bars to visit include Attico, Cira Green’s Sunset Social, and Bok Bar in South Philly, located on the roof of an old Catholic high school, long closed. Penn’s Landing, which sits on the Delaware River in South Philly, is home to the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. Go rollerblading, enjoy carnival games, or grab some food. A short ways away, Spruce Street Harbor Park serves more food and drink outdoors
Fall
In the fall, Philadelphia has plenty of autumn activities, as well as spooky season attractions! Eastern State Penitentiaryis one of the country’s most famous and potentially haunted prisons. They host historical tours year-round, but in the fall they also hold scary, haunted tours with actors and special effects. Fall is also a big season for Philly sports, so catch a game from the Phillies, Eagles, 76s, Flyers, and Union teams. For more fall fun, the city hosts a few different Oktoberfest celebrations.
Winter
The winter is a great time to visit Philly, aside from the cold. Dilworth Park and JFK Plaza host pop-up shops, called Christmas Village, for unique homemade goods to give as gifts. The holiday season is a great time to be in Philadelphia. At night, you can enjoy the lights throughout the city on Founding Fathers’ Holiday Lights Tour.
Spring
In the spring, enjoy the opening of some of Philly’s outdoor bars and venues as the weather warms up. Catch some of the Phillies’ opening games on a cool spring night. You can participate in Philly’s Wine Weekin April, or see Franklin Square illuminated by the Chinese Lantern Festival in May.
Enjoy a Night Out in Philadelphia
No matter what you do, a night out in Philadelphia is sure to be memorable. Grab friends and grab drinks, or explore some of the city’s seasonal pop-ups after hours!
