Rainy weather on your trip can be disappointing, but there are a lot of cool things you can do in Philadelphia that are good for a rainy day. Check out some of my suggestions to make the most of your trip to Philly even in bad weather!
Museums
Visiting a museum is the perfect rainy day activity, and Philly has a lot of different ones that you can check out during your trip. Here are some of the museums in Philly that I recommend visiting while you are here.
The Art Museum
The Art Museum is probably one of the most well-known museums in Philly, but it is famous for a reason. Yes, part of that reason is because of Rocky. But, the museum has also gained fame for its impressive art collection. The museum features over 240,000 objects spanning 2,000 years, making it one of the largest art museums in the country. It has various kinds of art work including sculptures, paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, armor, and decorative art. Admission to the museum is $14-$25, but on the first Sunday of every month and every Friday from 5:00 to 8:45 pm, admission is pay what you wish.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary opened in 1829 and became one of the most famous prisons in the country for its radical philosophy about reforming prisoners through strict isolation. The prison closed in 1979 and was named a national historical landmark. Today, you can tour the prison to learn more about the history and the lives of some of its famous inmates, such as Al Capone. Tickets are $15-$19.
The Penn Museum
The Penn Museum is an archaeological and anthropological museum located in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia. The museum contains artifacts from all over the world, such as rare art objects and pieces of architectural monuments. Tickets are $13-$18, and this museum is a must see for anybody visiting Philadelphia who is interested in history.
The Mutter Museum
The Mutter Museum is definitely not for people who are easily grossed out, but it is still a unique museum in Philly that is worth checking out. The museum features medical oddities, and it displays more than 20,000 medical artifacts. Some popular artifacts housed in the Mutter Museum are the skeleton formation of a man who was 7’6” and slides of cells from Albert Einstein’s brain. Tickets are $13-$18.
Food and Drinks
Grabbing a cup of coffee or sitting down to eat some comfort food is my go to when I want to get out of the rain for a little. Here are some of my recommendations for good places to eat or drink on a rainy day in Philly.
La Colombe in Fishtown
There are multiple La Colombe coffee places in Philadelphia, but the one in Fishtown is a cool place to hang out in because of its size. This company was founded in Philadelphia and has branched out to other cities, but its current headquarters are at this location in Fishtown. The Fishtown La Colombe location is in a giant, refurbished warehouse, and it has lots of seating as well as a tasting room.
Dim Sum Garden
Dim Sum Garden is one of the most popular places to eat in Chinatown, and it is definitely worth eating at while you are visiting Philadelphia especially on a rainy day. Their delicious soup dumplings would be the perfect dish to help you warm up.
Bud and Marilyn’s
Bud and Marilyn’s is a retro restaurant that serves good American comfort food. The inside of the restaurant is decorated like a living room from the 1970s, giving it a really cozy feel that is perfect for a rainy day.
Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. It is one of the oldest and largest public markets in the country, and there are 80 different stands covering a diverse variety of food and other products.
Other Fun Rainy Day Activities
Here are some more fun things to do inside in Philly on a rainy day.
Paddywax Candle Bar
Paddywax Candle Bar, in the Rittenhouse area of Philly, is a make your own candle shop. You can make an appointment or stop in during one of the daily candle pouring sessions. You are able to pick from 40 premixed fragrance oils and then pour them into hot wax to create the perfect DIY candle. It’s a fun and cozy activity for a rainy day.
Shopping in Old City
Popping into stores is a good way to get out of the rain for a little, and second street and third street in Old City is a cool place to shop in Philadelphia. Old City is known for its boutiques, and the shops in this area are mostly in converted industrial buildings. If you love to shop, this definitely is an area that you can’t miss while you are visiting Philly.
