While Rittenhouse Square is well known for its shopping district, some of Philadelphia’s most exciting and unique things to do are located east of Broad Street in the Midtown Village, often affectionately called the Gayborhood and overlapping Washington Square West.
Some of Philly’s hidden gems can be found in the small, Center City neighborhood lined with highrise apartments and stunning architecture from generations past. From the incredible selection of restaurants to a highrise bowling alley, there are plenty of things to do for all ages in Midtown Village.
Quick tip: Look up! As one of the oldest areas in the city, some of Philadelphia’s most iconic and unique architecture and exterior design can be found in Midtown Village. You’ll find centuries-old rowhomes and decades-old department stores sharing a block.
Pastries at J’aime French Bakery
Bonjour! And welcome to Midtown Village. Whether you’re grabbing a light breakfast or mid-day treat, this local bakery brings all the taste – and smells – of a Parisian bakery right to Center City. The bakery offers outdoor or indoor seating and serves an array of crepes, breads, quiches, and sandwiches to be paired with La Colombe coffee and espresso drinks.
Brunch at Green Eggs Cafe
Ask any local where to grab a savory brunch and we can almost guarantee Green Eggs Cafe is at the top of their list. The Philadelphia staple has grown to multiple locations throughout the city for good reason: they’ve perfected American breakfast fare. For the hungriest of guests, their notorious “Kitchen Sink” is a culinary experience fit for an Eagle’s offensive lineman.
Shop Macy’s and Explore the Wanamaker Building
While the American Revolution is at the heart of Philadelphia’s historical significance, you may not know that at the corner of Broad and Market Streets stands the oldest department store in American history, The Wanamaker Building. First home to John Wannamakers groundbreaking department store (opened in 1877), the stunning architecture of the building now houses a large Macy’s store. While browsing, be sure to get a glimpse of the Wanamaker Organ and 2,500-pound Wanamaker Eagle sculpture.
Spare some time at Lucky Strike
Bumpers or not, you’ll have a blast at Philly’s downtown bowling alley, Lucky Strike. Featuring dozens of bowling lanes, an arcade, billiards, ping pong and more, Lucky Strike is a great spot for both kids and adults to let loose. With plenty of food and drink options, there’s a little something for all ages to enjoy making lucky strick one of Midtown Village’s best things to do with kids.
Potions Class (Cocktails) at The Cauldron
Wands at the ready! Get a taste of the wizarding world at the new Harry Potter-themed bar “The Cauldron.” In this one-of-a-kind experience, you’ll mix cocktails or mocktails with your magic wand and experience the magic of mixology. The family-friendly bar requires reservations that can only be made from the website!
Happy Hour at McGillians Old Ale House
The longest continuously operating bar in the city limits is located right in downtown Philly. McGillians Olde Ale House first opened its doors in 1860 and has been providing good times to Philadelphians ever since. The bar also houses a collection of historic signage from local businesses they’ve (proudly) outlasted. We recommend beating the late-night crowd for their great happy hour specials.
Catch a show at The Wilma
Philadelphia’s performing arts scene has no shortage of magnificent performances with The Wilma Theater as a well-known venue for up-and-coming productions. Located a quick walk down South Broad St from City Hall, you can’t miss the neon lights draping down the theater’s facade. While many larger productions aim for venues like the Walnut Street Theater or the Kimmel Center, the Wilma Theater hosts small to medium-sized productions, akin to NYC’s off-broadway productions.
Find a hidden gem at Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co.
Sports fans rejoice: Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co. is a Philadelphia-based purveyor of high-quality sports apparel and streetwear. Dating back to 1904, the company was once the manufacturer of Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies uniforms. Their “throwback” style puts a unique twist on often boring sportswear. Whether you’re grabbing a new DeVonta Smith jersey (Go Birds!) or want to shop their vintage collection, you’re sure to find something fresh in the racks at Mitchell & Ness.
Nightcap with live music at Time
A local favorite, Time is a Midtown Village bar that features live music performances almost every night, making it the perfect spot for a nightcap after exploring downtown. While the upstairs can get busy, the ground floor offers plenty of room to relax and unwind, listening to the sounds of local musicians while sipping one of over 200 whiskeys. Check the website for the nightly schedule.
Antipasto at Little Nonna’s
Italian culture runs deep in Philadelphia – with Little Nonna’s serving as an unofficial ode to the roots that built much of the city. From in-house-made pasta to staple Italian dishes like Chicken Parmigiana, everything at Little Nonna’s is made in the traditional fashion that tastes straight out of the boot-shaped motherland.
Dinner at Vedge
Vegan or not, the culinary experience at Vedge will have anyone craving a second helping of veggies. Jokes aside, the James Beard Award-nominated chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby are the masterminds behind Vedge, a fully vegan restaurant that uses seasonal vegetables paired with organic beverages to create incredible meals for all to enjoy.
Dessert at Scoop DeVille
More than just your average ice cream shop, Scoop DeVille is a Philly-based ice cream parlor that delivers a full menu of different cold and creamy treats. With milkshakes, sundaes, cakes, and almost any topping you can imagine, Scoop DeVille is truly a must-visit to curb that sweet tooth. They even let guests create their own flavor of soft serve on the spot. It’s certainly the coolest way to end a great day in Midtown Village, Philadelphia!
