First dates can be nerve-wracking. You’re putting yourself out there, hoping to make a great impression while trying to figure out if there’s a connection. There’s the pressure of choosing the right place, making interesting conversation, and navigating potential awkward moments. We’re gonna take at least one of those things off your plate – we’ve rounded up the best bars in Philadelphia for a first date, so you can focus on getting to know each other without stressing about the venue. We’ve got the logistics—you bring the charm.

Forget the winter blues and start jingling all the way down Walnut Street because Open Streets: West Walnut is back, just in time for the holidays. Yep, that means no honking horns, no exhaust fumes, and no buses cutting you off mid-crosswalk. Instead, it’s a festive pedestrian wonderland stretching from Broad to 20th Streets where you can walk, talk, shop, and snack to your heart’s content—all without dodging traffic.

If you love a good cocktail and have an affinity for unique experiences, pull up a bar stool because we've got some insights into a one-of-a-kind kinda night out. Each spot welcomes you into its own distinct world – a hidden speakeasy, a wizarding world, or a go-go bar are all on the table and within a mile (if that!) of each other here.

Welcome to the jungle (cue Axl Rose), where Philadelphia Eagles fans know that game day is more than just a few hours – it’s an entire day experience. There's no place like Philadelphia when it comes to celebrating our beloved birds, and with every touchdown pass, the city practically shakes with excitement.  

If you’re gearing up for Eagles game day, there’s no better place to catch the action than in one of Philadelphia’s favorite sports bars with a smorgasbord of tailgate snacks, but not without downing a beer or two first. Strap in – here’s where you need to be to start all those Eagles chants.

Photos from the 2024 Monster March Halloween Bar Crawl through Philadelphia

One little step inside any of Philadelphia’s classic dive bars, and you’ll feel an atmosphere as genuine as its regular customer’s well-worn leather jacket. While Philadelphia’s nightlife often flaunts its cool clubs and trendy rooftops, there's nothing quite like the vibe of a good ol’ dive bar. Dive bars are the soul of the city, offering an unpretentious charm where the drinks won’t break the bank and you can experience the city in its most authentic form.

Now, let’s dive (pun absolutely intended) into what really makes these local watering holes stand out. 

Halloween is that one time of year when adults get to ditch the everyday grind, throw on a wild costume for one incredible evening! And this year, we’re turning Cavanaugh's Riverdeck into a haunted party paradise with a costume contest that’s going BIG! Think your outfit can steal the show? Prove it at our costume contest! We’re handing out $500 in cash, a flatscreen HD TV, and more cool prizes for the best costumes at 9 PM. Go creepy, hilarious, or just plain over-the-top—it’s your time to shine. Plus, everyone who joins the costume contest walks away with some Cav’s Cash. That’s right, we’re paying you to look good!

Just when you thought Philadelphia couldn't get any cooler, boom—say hello to Philadelphia's latest addition: a new Portal! Now, we're not talking about some sci-fi wormhole. Brought to you by the Portal Project, this is more about innovation, creativity, and community spirit—a portal to possibilities kinda vibe.

If you’re just dying for a Halloween celebration with a twist, then you've wandered into the right creepy chronicle. We’ve found a series of hauntingly fabulous drag brunches lined up just in time for the season. With so many themes and performances, there's no end in sight on thrills, chills, and (probably some) spills. 

Are you ready to swap your Netflix binge for some good old pub quiz shenanigans? If so, grab that thinking cap and a team (or just your brilliant self) and head out into the delightful world of trivia nights in Philadelphia. You'll find questions as challenging as deciding between a Philly cheesesteak and a soft pretzel. We won't make you choose, but we will guide you through the most intriguing venues offering trivia nights. With a range of bars hosting trivia nights throughout the week, you might just find yourself hopping from one brain-boosting event to the next!

Halloween is creeping up on us like a black cat in a dark alley, and that means it’s time to get those costumes together for the top Philadelphia costume contests!

For those of you looking to not only dress to impress but also shake it 'til you break it, we've rounded up the hottest costume contests and parties that are really going to be a scream.

Hey, spooky souls of Philly! The ghostly season is upon us and it's time to lock down your plans for Halloween, 2024. If you thought last year was scary, prepare yourself because this October is rolling in with more chills, thrills, and dance spills than ever before.

Philadelphia, often celebrated for its constitutional history and die-hard football fans, has another side—a spooky side that just might raise the hair on your neck. This Halloween, as you wander through the city, you will find more than beautiful murals and Liberty Bell tours. In fact, some of the local bars and restaurants have a reputation for offering more than just a fantastic menu and inviting atmosphere. They're known for their ghostly residents, tales of betrayal, and whispers of the supernatural.

It’s that spooky time of year again, where the spirits come out to play and Philadelphia's nightlife scene gets a haunted makeover. Forget trick-or-treating – this year, it's all about tricked-out cocktails and boo-tiful atmospheres at some of Philadelphia's hottest Halloween-themed bars. Curious which spots made the cut? Let’s get into it!

Philadelphia, of course known for its historical roots, is also a city of restless spirits and eerie encounters waiting to be explored. Feeling brave enough this Halloween season to walk among the restless spirits and phantoms of Philadelphia?

This historic city is home to some of the spookiest ghost tours you'll ever encounter. These tours promise to deliver a spine-tingling experience that will leave you questioning what really goes bump in the night (even if you started out a skeptic). Grab your ghost-hunting gear, and prepare for some spine-chilling tales. 

Are you itching to trade in your swimsuits for hoodies but not quite ready to say goodbye to summer? Looks like Fishtown is right there with you, my fest friends, because the Fishtown Fall Feastivale is seeing off summer in suitable fashion. Happening on September 28th, Frankford Ave will become home to all your favorite Fishtown eats in one convenient place.

Philadelphia is UNDER ATTACK! The atom splitter at the power plant went haywire and started zapping the workers. The government tried to contain the workers but they started turning into hideous beasts. The dangerous Bio-monsters are now making their way to Philadelphia! We're predicting that they'll reach Philly by October 26th at 6pm! The Monster March Halloween Bar Crawl is back!

Truth bomb time: I, a proud Philadephian of over ten years, had never wandered the hallowed halls of some of the most historic buildings in the United States. There was something about the constant proximity of it all that made me think, “It’s always there, I’ll get to it eventually.” Well, this week changed all that. I charted a plan, booked my tickets, and made my way toward the cobblestone streets of Old City’s Historic District to learn a little something about a lot of history. Philadelphia is a city of firsts. It’s where America's story began — and a little tip from me to you?  Philadelphia’s historic landmarks like the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall are absolutely worth your time.

Boo! Did we scare you? Feeling brave this Halloween? If so, face your deepest fears and have the time of your life at Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary, where the past meets the paranormal in heart-pounding fashion. This historic prison transforms into a spine-tingling festival of fright with five main haunted houses, each more terrifying than the last.