Philadelphia / 12 photo spots
12 Instagram spots in Philadelphia worth stopping for
Brick alleys, mosaics and one well-known staircase: Philadelphia mixes early American streets with loud public art. These 12 spots cover both sides of the city.
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Photo spots on the map
6 of 12 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Elfreth’s AlleyApproximate area
- Rocky StepsSourced place
- Rocky StatueSourced place
- Philadelphia's Magic GardensApproximate area
- Rodin MuseumSourced place
- Independence HallSourced place
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Elfreth’s Alley
Thirty-two brick houses from the early 1700s line this short cobbled alley. Shoot down its length in the morning, before parked cars fill the frame.
Open in Google MapsLOVE Sculpture
Robert Indiana's LOVE letters have stood in JFK Plaza since 1976. Frame the sculpture with City Hall behind it for the two landmarks in one shot.
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Rocky Steps
Seventy-two steps run up to the art museum, ending in a straight view down the parkway. Run them for the photo, then turn around for the skyline payoff.
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Rocky Statue
The bronze boxer stands at the foot of the museum steps with his gloves up. Pose beside it in the early morning to skip the line.
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Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Mosaics of tile, bottle and mirror cover the walls and floors of this half-block art site. Buy tickets online in advance and allow an hour for the details.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
City Hall
The Victorian pile on Penn Square carries a statue of William Penn on its tower. Shoot the carved facade from the courtyard, or the whole tower from the street.
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Mural Arts Philadelphia
The city's mural program has painted thousands of walls since 1984. The densest clusters sit around Center City and South Philly; check the program map for current pieces.
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Rodin Museum
Rodin's Thinker sits at the gate of this small 1929 museum. The garden and reflecting pool give quiet shots of the bronzes.
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The Liberty View - Independence Visitor's Center
The rooftop terrace looks over Independence Hall toward the skyline. It works as an event venue, so check public access hours before going.
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Independence Hall
The brick hall where the Constitution was signed in 1787 anchors Independence National Historical Park. The garden side gives the cleanest full-building shot.
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S Camac Street
A narrow block of brick rowhouses shaded by street trees. The short length fits in one frame from either end.
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Race Street Pier
This pier park looks across the Delaware with the Ben Franklin Bridge upriver. Sunset puts the bridge and the water in warm light.
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