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Philadelphia Nightlife

Philadelphia's bar scene is alive with a mix of dives, stylish bars and the bohemian hangouts. If live music is your thing, there’s a wealth of options with major bands and indie upstarts lighting up Philly's stages. The city is a haven for great jazz and blues, the famous Philly Sound still a major influence on many contemporary artists. South Street, between Front Street and Seventh Street, is a trendy nightlife area, with comedy clubs, jazz and rock clubs. Other popular nightlife spots can be found on Columbus Boulevard, along the Delaware River, around Penn's Landing.

The main daily newspapers containing nightlife listings are the Philadelphia Inquirer (www.philly.com/philly/entertainment) and the Philadelphia Daily News. Entertainment listings can also be found on Discover PHL (www.discoverphl.com), Philadelphia Weekly (www.philadelphiaweekly.com) and Philadelphia Magazine's Going Out Guide (www.phillymag.com).

The performing arts have deep roots here - the city lays claim to both the country's oldest music hall and oldest theatre. South Broad Street, known as the Avenue of the Arts, is crammed with theatres, concert halls and performing arts schools.

Bars in Philadelphia

2nd Story Brewing

Craft beer fanatics coming to Philly need look no further than this funky, second floor hangout. These guys brew their own ales, which have been rightly lauded as some of the best in the United States. The vibe is chilled and the snacks and pub grub are far more than just fodder.

Address: , 117 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 19106
Telephone: +1 267 314 5770.
Website: http://www.2ndstorybrewing.com

Cuba Libre

The name is a bit of a giveaway. Watch Cuban expat pros do their thing and groove to salsa and merengue while sinking a few drinks. Once the show is over, jump on the dance floor and try to emulate their moves. On Friday and Saturday they really kick it up a notch when DJs begin to play Latin fusion music until 2am.

Address: , 10 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, 19106
Telephone: +1 215 627 0666.
Website: http://www.cubalibrerestaurant.com

The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co.

Philly’s hottest spot for cocktails, the Franklin takes its name from a Prohibition-era alcohol ring. The door’s unmarked, but once you wangle your way in, we promise you’ll want to stay for the whole evening. Make sure you check out the tiki bar upstairs.

Address: , 112 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, 19103
Telephone: +1 215 467 3277.
Website: http://www.thefranklinbar.com

a.kitchen+bar

Great for small plates and locally brewed beers, the atmosphere in this joint is always lively, but never too hectic. A handpicked array of fine spirits and natural wines add to the propitiator’s precision in crafting a world class drinking spot – just make sure you try the food as well.

Address: , 135 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, 19103
Telephone: +1 215 825 7030.
Website: http://www.akitchenandbar.com

Clubs in Philadelphia

Silk City

Part-diner, part-dance club, Silk City is now one of the hottest clubs in Philly. Once the chefs have done their thing (the pub grub is really good here), it’s down to national DJs and local acts to rock the dancefloor. Its hippy patio and garden also has the odd sunset set too.

Address: , 435 Spring Garden Street., Philadelphia, 19123
Telephone: +1 215 592 8838.
Website: http://www.silkcityphilly.com

The Barbary

This cash-only club is the place to dance your feet off after a day on the tourist trail. It’s billed by many as a hipster joint and is one of the most welcoming clubs in the city, with great DJs and excellent tunes.

Address: , 951 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, 19125
Telephone: +1 215 634 7400.
Website: http://www.barbarylive.com

Live music in Philadelphia

Boot and Saddle

This hip 150 capacity venue has quickly earned a reputation as one of Philly’s finest hangouts. Come for the latest cutting edge bands, which pass through town, stay for the huge array of beers and the gut busting burger. Happy hour is between 1800 and 2000 every Tuesday to Saturday.

Address: , 1131 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 19147
Telephone: +1 267 639 4528.
Website: https://www.bootandsaddlephilly.com

Union Transfer

Union Transfer is Philly’s best spot for catching the finest new local indie bands and touring acts. Its wraparound balcony means you can kick back with a beer while watching the action. Alternatively, take it down to the pit and mosh with the best of them. Don’t worry about getting drinks from a crowd bar, there are three bars to choose from.

Address: , 1026 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, 19123
Telephone: +1 215 232 2100.
Website: http://www.utphilly.com

World Cafe Live

For an excellent line-up of world music, head across the river to WorldCafé Live, boasting two lovely performance spaces set in an old art deco factory. Downstairs is where the big acts roll up and get the party grooving, while its intimate café is where live radio broadcasts are recorded.

Address: , 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 19104
Telephone: +1 215 222 1400.
Website: http://www.worldcafelive.com

Classical music in Philadelphia

Dance in Philadelphia

Theatres in Philadelphia

Music and Dance in Philadelphia

Culture in Philadelphia

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Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

Situated in the Philadelphia’s tallest tower, the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia offers a unique experience and magnificent views of Philadelphia. Facilities include an infinity pool and fitness centre (on the 57th floor), several restaurants and a spa.

Opens in August 2019

Penn’s View Hotel

Just a short walk from the historic sights of the old city, and with views over the Delaware River, Penn’s View is one of Philly’s most underrated overnight gems. The rooms are designed in a traditional style, with exposed brick walls and warming fireplaces. Stump up a little extra for a whirlpool bath, ideal for winding down before hitting the excellent Il Bar downstairs or the Panorama Wine Bar upstairs.

Hyatt at the Bellevue

Crowning the top seven floors of the landmark 1904 Bellevue Building, the Hyatt ranks among the most elegant hotels in Philadelphia. Opulent retailers (like Tiffany & Co) are set among the marble and mosaic-filled ground floor. From there an elevator whisks you to the glitzy, domed lobby on the 19th floor. Rooms are decorated in classic old-world style with all the modern luxuries, including goose-down duvets, Wi-Fi access and handsome marble bathrooms.

Rittenhouse 1715

Set on a leafy street near the Rittenhouse Square, this charming, painstakingly renovated 1911 carriage house is a paragon of unrivalled elegance. With just 23 guest rooms, the Rittenhouse 1715 has a boutique feel and aims for European-style luxury in its beautiful interior design. The rooms feature cream-coloured Berber carpets, with a mix of antiques and reproduction Chippendale or Louis XIV furniture. The breakfast room looks like a Parisian cafe and a European breakfast is served on china.

The Gables Bed and Breakfast

Built in 1889, The Gables is the former home of a prominent doctor from the turn of the century. Today, this large Victorian mansion is set in a leafy, tree-lined suburb with a bus stop conveniently located outside the front door. Restoration of the home in 1993 by innkeepers Don Caskey and Warren Cederholm, turned this Victorian home into one of Philadelphia’s best bed & breakfasts. This 10-room inn may be vintage but the amenities are modern including Wi-Fi, private phones, cable TV, bathrobes and a bounteous breakfast.

Thomas Bond House

The charming Thomas Bond House is a cosy alternative to high-rise hotels. This bed and breakfast is set in a converted Georgian style home that dates back to 1769, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 12 guest rooms are handsomely furnished with period antiques, and two of the rooms have fireplaces and Jacuzzis.