Philadelphia may be known as “The City of Brotherly Love,” but beyond that, it’s also a city for lovers! From its historic charm to amazing international and local cuisines, romantic getaways in Philadelphia are always bound to be a win.
So if you’re planning a romantic getaway in Philadelphia for your loved one and aren’t sure where to start, here are some fabulous ideas for getaways for Philadelphia couples, both within the city and just outside.
The first step is, of course, to book a romantic hotel – something that has unique qualities and special couples’ offerings like views or spas. The next step is to plan some fancy meals and cool things to do around the area. Finish it off with some special gifts or surprises, and you’ve got the best romantic getaway Philadelphia can offer!
First, here are some of the best hotels to stay in for your romantic getaway:
Best Time of Year for a Romantic Philadelphia Getaway
Honestly, Philadelphia is gorgeous year-round, but spring and fall are PEAK romance.
April through June gives you blooming gardens, perfect strolling weather, and outdoor dining season kicking off. Fall (September through November) brings those incredible leaf-changing colors along the Schuylkill River Trail and cozy sweater weather.
Winter has its charm too, especially around the holidays when Love Park lights up and the Christmas Village opens in City Hall — there’s something about sipping hot chocolate while wandering through a European-style market that just FEELS romantic. Just bundle up because it gets cold!
Summer can be hot and humid, but if you don’t mind the heat, then take full advantage of all the waterfront activities at Spruce Street Harbor Park and Penn’s Landing. There are waterfront bars and cute swan pedal boats making for a perfect summer date.
Best Couples Philadelphia Romantic Getaways at a Glance
Philadelphia is full of stunning, historical, and most importantly, romantic getaways. I’ve included the best hotels, charming guesthouses, and of course, the top romantic things to do in Philadelphia so you can plan with ease.
Here’s a snippet of some of the romantic Philadelphia getaways I’ll be sharing in this list:
- The Rittenhouse — Luxury dining and spa in the Rittenhouse neighborhood.
- Rittenhouse 1715 — Boutique hotel with historical-themed rooms and nightly wine receptions.
- Lokal Hotel Old City — Intimate 6-room property in historic Old City.
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco — #3 Mid-Atlantic hotel with vintage soaking tubs.
- The Bellevue — French-Renaissance 1886 hotel with affordable luxury.
- Kimpton Palomar — Boutique hotel with in-room jacuzzis available.
- La Reserve B&B — Historic townhouse B&B with an Escape Package.
- The Logan Philadelphia — Cultural hub location with a spa and rooftop bar.
Best Romantic Hotels in Philadelphia for a Couples Getaway
Philadelphia may be known as “The City of Brotherly Love,” but beyond that, it’s also a city for lovers! From its historic charm to amazing international and local cuisines, romantic getaways in Philadelphia are always bound to be a win.
Check out these hotels below for some of the most unique, romantic, and luxurious getaways for couples who want to experience the city together! If you need more options, check out even more unique Philadelphia stays here.
Guild House Hotel
I wanted to start off this list with one of the most creative and intimate of romantic Philadelphia hotels: The Guild House. The Guild House carries the essence of Philadelphia’s story, as it’s considered a National Historic Landmark, built in 1855.
Located in the heart of the city on 13th and Locust Street, the Guild House Hotel has 12 rooms and suites, each with their own personality. Beyond a truly unique accommodation, you’ll also have the chance to explore local Philadelphia products and goodies, provided for guests.
And the whole house is even bookable, especially for things like *cough* *cough* weddings.
The Rittenhouse
The Rittenhouse in Philadelphia is the spot for a Philadelphia weekend getaway you can take with your partner to enjoy the finest of Philadelphia travel. Offering travelers the best-personalized experiences from luxury dining, spa treatments, and rooms and suites, couples won’t have to worry about a thing as the Rittenhouse has it all.
The hotel is located in Rittenhouse, one of Philadelphia’s finest neighborhoods so it’s easy to indulge in the finest dining and enjoy a charming neighborhood. In addition, the Rittenhouse is located only a few blocks from the Schuykill River, perfect for a romantic evening walk with views of the city skyline.
The Franklin on Rittenhouse
If you’re looking for a more trendy romantic getaway in Philadelphia, the Franklin Rittenhouse will delight you and your partner! Each room in this boutique hotel is designed around historical figures and eras, such as actress Maude Fealy or architect Gustave Eiffel. Seriously, we haven’t seen such a thoughtfully designed boutique hotel before! Some rooms even have fireplaces!
With wine receptions every night, this hotel is the perfect place to settle in, get cozy, and enjoy a decor unlike any other. In addition, the hotel is located in Rittenhouse, so it’s easy to seek out great restaurants and visit parks such as Rittenhouse Square.
Lokal Hotel Old City
The Lokal Hotel Old City is one of the most relaxed, romantic Philadelphia getaways when you just want to feel at home, away from home. With 6 rooms in this historic building, the Lokal Hotel in Old City gives visitors space away from a bustling hotel vibe, making for an intimate stay right in the heart of Philadelphia’s Old City.
Along with the comfortable apartment-style rooms, the location is just perfect. If there’s anywhere in Philadelphia that’s charming, it’s the Old City with its beautiful rowhouse architecture, boutique shops, and cafes and restaurants. Plus it’s near the Ben Franklin Bridge, which is an excellent spot to take a short walk up and catch the sunset over the city skyline.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Despite being located in the center of the city’s top attractions, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is designed so well that you might not even want to leave your room, making it one of the ideal getaways for couples in Philadelphia.
Rated the #3 Hotel in the Mid-Atlantic by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Award 2021, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco offers a variety of rooms so you can select what’s perfect for you – from the view you want to having a vintage soaking tub (yep, you heard that right).
Located in Old City, it’s the perfect spot for exploring Philadelphia’s history with your partner and walking distance from Spruce Street Harbor Park, which features paddle-boats, a roller-skating rink, hammocks (in the summertime!), and many more enjoyable activities along the Delaware River.
The Bellevue
The Bellevue is a peak location for romantic getaways in Philadelphia. Built in French-Renaissance style in 1886, the hotel’s spacious 14-foot-high ceilings, gorgeous city views, and sophisticated style will welcome you to stay and relax all day. In that case, you’ll want to take advantage of their room service!
With a central location, couples that enjoy eating their way through places will be delighted to know the Reading Terminal Market is only a few blocks away. The Reading Terminal Market hosts an array of international and local delicacies perfect for enjoying on the spot or for taking home.
The Bellevue has incredible historic charm and is also one of the more affordable romantic hotels in the area.
Kimpton Palomar
The Kimpton Palomar is an ideal hotel for romantic getaways in Philadelphia due to its style, location, and amenities. Titled one of the best hotels in Philadelphia in 2021 by U.S. & World Report, this boutique hotel embraces the city’s history and creativity in its design.
If you and your partner love active travel, the location is perfect for exploring the city from Rittenhouse. With a bike share, you can explore the city on two wheels from Rittenhouse to Old City to West Philly, making for a great day adventure. Plus, nearby are lovely restaurants and cafes, so you don’t have to go far to have a romantic meal out.
This is one of the Philly hotels where you can book a jacuzzi spa in your room or even a presidential suite that will really impress your partner.
La Reserve on Pine Bed & Breakfast
A stay at La Reserve on Pine makes for one of the most unique romantic getaways in Philadelphia. Situated in two four-story townhouses, the historic decoration of the rooms will feel unlike any other hotel in Philadelphia.
While not the height of luxury, La Reserve will make for an unforgettable experience, as it’s a quaint and personal B&B. They even offer their own “Escape Package,” so when you arrive, you’ll be pleasantly greeted with a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries in your room.
Located in Rittenhouse, you’ll have no trouble finding quaint cafes and restaurants to enjoy with your partner, and you can easily enjoy a stroll in Rittenhouse Square or along the Schuylkill River.
The Logan Philadelphia
Couples seeking sophisticated and trendy Philadelphia weekend getaways can’t go wrong with The Logan Philadelphia. Located in the cultural hub of the city along the Ben Franklin Parkway, visitors will love being close to Philadelphia’s top museums such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, and the Rodin Museum.
The location is just perfect for a day of museum hopping in the city as a daytime Philly date idea! The Logan Philadelphia is also near destinations such as Love Park, City Hall, and the Reading Terminal Market, where lovers can take in historic Philadelphia sights and enjoy some of the best eats the city has to offer, from street food to Michelin-star dinners.
One of the best getaways for couples, the Logan Philadelphia offers yoga classes, a spa with couples massages, an indoor pool, and a rooftop bar for winding down and enjoying views of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the distance.
Best Philadelphia Romantic Getaways near Philadelphia at a Glance
While I have more in-depth coverage of each romantic getaway near Philadelphia below, here’s a short bit about what to expect with each. If any stands out to you, don’t forget to look closer into them!
- Inn at Bowman’s Hill — Located in New Hope, about 1 hour north of Philadelphia; offers spa packages and a heated pool.
- Glasbern Inn — Set on 150 acres near Allentown; known for its farm-to-table dining.
- Harry Packer Mansion — Historic mansion hotel in Jim Thorpe.
- The Jim Thorpe Inn / Victorian Mansion Experience — Victorian-style lodging known for murder mystery weekends.
- Gettysburg Historic B&Bs — Romantic bed-and-breakfast options in the historic town of Gettysburg.
Romantic Getaways Near Philadelphia
Nothing quite says “secluded getaways for couples” more than these small-town romantic getaways near Philadelphia. With spa and romance packages, beautiful natural foliage, and activities, couples will find peace, comfort, and luxury in these destinations.
Inn at Bowman’s Hill New Hope
Outside of the bustling city, the Inn at Bowman’s Hill New Hope is one of many romantic getaways near Philadelphia not to be overlooked. Located about an hour north of the city in New Hope, this Inn is an escape from it all and an invitation to enjoy the beauty of Pennsylvania.
Situated in small-town Pennsylvania, couples can easily enjoy experiences like kayaking, hiking, live music, wine tasting, and more in the area. But not to worry, this Inn has it all on-site, including chef-prepared breakfasts, a heated pool, and beautiful gardens.
Trust us, the Inn at Bowman’s Hill is already expecting you – they offer romantic packages for special events such as anniversaries, engagements, honeymoons, and even babymoons!
Glasbern Inn Fogelsville
Located on 150 acres outside Allentown (about a 90-minute drive from Philadelphia), the Glasbern Inn offers locally produced food, incredible natural sights, and luxury accommodations.
The Glasbern Inn even has lodging perfect for couples, from their Farmhouse Suite, which includes an oversized soaking tub and fireplace, to their Garden Cottages, secluded from everything and ideal for getting away from it all to be together.
The grounds are the ideal location for romantic getaways near Philadelphia where you can immerse yourself in peace, enjoy luxury and local dining, and even spa treatments to enhance your stay. Don’t forget to check out their packages, which include special welcome and relaxation packages.
Harry Packer Mansion Jim Thorpe
If you live in Philadelphia and truly want to escape it all, the Harry Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe (about 2 hours Northwest of Philadelphia) may be one of the perfect weekend getaways near Philadelphia for you!
Situated overlooking the small town of Jim Thorpe, a stay at this Victorian-style mansion will be unforgettable! With 15-foot high ceilings, fireplaces, and antique decorations, visitors will feel transported back in time while still enjoying conveniences such as WiFi and Whirlpool tubs.
The Harry Packer Mansion has everything for a Philadelphia romantic getaway that offers something for everyone. Enjoy nature? The area offers whitewater rafting and hiking. Enjoy boutique stores, amazing restaurants, and museums? A stroll through town will take you there!
The Harry Packer Mansion even hosts murder mystery weekends, an awesome activity for couples that love to enjoy cocktails and a good show!
Take a Weekend Getaway to Gettysburg
For a Pennsylvania romantic getaway a bit further from Philly, try Gettysburg. This historic town is absolutely full of historic, romantic, and CUTE B&B’s that come with home-cooked breakfasts, sprawling nature, and more. Check out these unique places to stay in Gettysburg for ideas.
Things to Do for Couples Romantic Getaways in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is loaded with things to do for couples, including walking along the Schuylkill River, enjoying skyline sunsets, and strolling through the city’s many parks. But the activities below are not only perfect for Philadelphia weekend getaways — they’re unique romantic experiences you can ONLY have in Philly!
Cruise the City in a Vintage Golf Cart
As Philadelphia is a historic city, there’s nothing better than hopping onto a classic set of vintage wheels to explore the city. A guide will cruise along the cobblestone streets and past iconic spots, giving you the stories behind it all.
Because it’s a private tour, it really complements a romantic Philadelphia getaway. Trust me, while the big red tour buses are fun, they’re often pretty crowded. Make it more intimate and romantic this way instead!
Love Park
Having the name “Love Park” comes with a territory, and the famous Love Park in Philadelphia is a must-visit for couples, even if just to take a photo with the famous sculpture! Fun fact: this sculpture is the original! Yes! We’re sure you’ve seen this artwork before in other places, but let it be said that this is the original.
The artist Robert Indiana never copyrighted it, hence why we see versions of it around the world, but after all, Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love, so why not share it?
For the majority of the year, Love Park is frequented by locals passing through to go to work, skaters, and tourists visiting this famous Philadelphia symbol. It’s the perfect spot to view Philadelphia’s Museum of Art at the end of the Ben Franklin Parkway, and during the holidays, the park hosts vendors selling local foods and handmade goods – we highly recommend visiting here during the holidays!
Philadelphia Magic Gardens
No Philadelphia romantic getaway would be complete without a visit to the Magic Gardens! Creator Isiah Zagar, who devoted himself to creative projects in the South Street neighborhood, is a known artist in Philadelphia, with the Magic Gardens being his most famous known prime art location. Rest assured, though, you’re likely to see his art all around the city!
The mosaics include mixed media such as bottles, broken tiles, and mirrors, showing off great creativity and the reuse of materials to create something beautiful!
The Magic Gardens even hosts a “Twilight in the Gardens” after-dark evening with live music. It happens every fourth Friday from about May to October. It
Ice Skating in Dilworth Park
Every winter, Dilworth Park converts into an ice skating rink right in front of City Hall. This is my dream date in Philadelphia, especially around Christmas time when the market has sprouted up there and in LOVE Park.
Adults Only Haunted Night Tour
This Philadelphia romantic getaway tour is perfect for those couples who love the dark, creepy side of things. Perhaps…the rated-R side of things? Okay, weird joke, I know! But unlike most historical dark tours that are child-friendly, this adults-only night tour gets into the gritty, uncensored side of Philadelphia.
Romantic Dinner Cruise on the Delaware
This Philadelphia romantic dinner cruise checks all the boxes for a beautiful evening: skylit city views, live entertainment, and a dinner buffet. The dinner buffet doesn’t skimp either, with a variety of salads, entrees, and desserts, all finely prepared to impress. Check the button below to view the full menu on the booking page.
The dinner cruise even passes underneath the Ben Franklin Bridge, a personal selling point for me, aside from the food, of course.
You can also hang out on the deck for clear views and fresh air, but do consider the weather, as it can be chilly outside of summertime.
As the cruise sets off from Penn’s Landing, come early to spend some time on the waterfront if you haven’t already!
Most Romantic Photo Spots in Philadelphia
You’ll want to document this trip, trust me! The LOVE statue at Love Park is the obvious one (and yes, you have to get your photo there), but some of my favorite romantic photo spots are a bit more hidden.
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge at sunset is absolutely stunning — walk out onto the pedestrian walkway from the Old City side, and you’ll get incredible skyline views with that purple-pink glow.
Rittenhouse Square in spring when the flowers are blooming is so pretty, especially the fountain area.
And if you’re visiting in the evening, the Philadelphia Museum of Art all lit up at night is ridiculously romantic (way better than the daytime Rocky shot, in my opinion). For a unique photo spot, the Magic Gardens gives you the most colorful, artistic backdrop you could ask for.
We hope you have ALL the romantic getaway and Philly date weekend ideas you could possibly need! Let us know in the comments which one you chose.
Best Places to Eat on Your Romantic Philadelphia Getaway
Honestly, half the romance is in the food! Philadelphia has some INCREDIBLE spots for a special dinner, and I’d definitely make a reservation at one of these before your trip.
For an intimate, candlelit vibe, you can’t go wrong with Talula’s Garden in Washington Square — the seasonal menu and garden setting are perfect for anniversaries.
If you want to really impress your partner, Vetri Cucina in Center City is one of those once-in-a-lifetime tasting menu experiences (and yes, totally worth the splurge).
For something a bit more casual but still super romantic, Friday Saturday Sunday in Rittenhouse has that cozy neighborhood bistro feel that makes you want to linger over wine for hours.
See also:
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.