49 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Philadelphia - Atlas Obscura
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Philadelphia

49 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Unusual Attractions in Philadelphia

Unique Food & Drink in Philadelphia

Explore Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Launch Map

Upcoming Events Near Philadelphia

Fairmount Water Works (1860-1880)
May 20
Philadelphia

Secrets of the Schuylkill & Fairmount Water Works

Experience behind-the-scenes access to a Philadelphia landmark, and learn why "We Are Drinking Coal Dust and Water."
'Bring out your dead' tour at Pennsylvania Hospital.
Jun 8
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Bring Out Your Dead: A Walk Through Plagues, Madness, and Medicine in Philadelphia

Join health and science journalist Elana Gordon on a fascinating journey through the rise of modern medicine and psychiatry in America.
Cuttlefish with ticket.
Jun 28
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cephalopod Movie Night With Science Friday

Join us for an evening of talk, tentacles, and talent, featuring four original short films from Science Friday and a panel of scientists.
The Franklin Fountain Exterior.
Aug 8
Philadelphia

How Are You, Imposters?

Tracing and tasting the origins of the ice cream soda.
Deluxe special edition.
Nov 22
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Ascend Ascend: A Poetic Performance

Experience a public ritual for personal transformation with poet Janaka Stucky.

Recent Philadelphia Activity

lauraanneholloway wants to go to Eastern State Penitentiary
raivio wants to go to Maillardet's Automaton
roadwayrescue roadwayrescue wants to go to Fort Mifflin
roadwayrescue roadwayrescue wants to go to Elfreth's Alley
millerjes16 wants to go to Mount Moriah Cemetery

Stories About Philadelphia

A sweet sampler.

Why a Museum Owns a Chocolate Company's Embroidery Collection

The Whitman Sampler Collection is pretty sweet.
by Anne Ewbank
February 15, 2019
Plants grow in graves at Woodlands Cemetery, Philadelphia.

A Year Gardening the Grave of a Stranger

At Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia, green-thumbed volunteers participate in a unique program.
by Sydney Schaedel
October 25, 2018

Lists Featuring Philadelphia

The World's Most Fascinating Displays of Preserved Brains
Braaaaaaaains
Edward Bradford Titchener's Brain

The World’s Most Fascinating Displays of Preserved Brains

The mind is a terrible thing to waste.

8

Including Cushing Brain Collection, Mammalian Brain Collection, and Brain Museum

Novus Ordo Seclorum: 14 Places to Unearth Masonic Secrets
View from inside the cave
The House of the Temple.
Statue of George Washington

Novus Ordo Seclorum: 14 Places to Unearth Masonic Secrets

Your best bets for gaining insight into the real history of Freemasonry.

14

Including Zedekiah’s Cave, Masonic Lodge of the Andaz Hotel, and House of the Temple