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

Unusual Attractions in Philadelphia

Unique Food & Drink in Philadelphia

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Explore Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Launch Map

Upcoming Events Near Philadelphia

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.
Albert C. Barnes and his wife, Laura Barnes, on board a steamer to Europe (1925).
Jul 11
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Behind the Barnes

Explore the complicated history of art collector Albert Barnes through his renowned Barnes Foundation archives.
'Bring Out Your Dead' tour at Pennsylvania Hospital.
Jul 13
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.
Anatomical tools of yesteryear.
Jul 20
Philadelphia

The Return of Dissecting History at The Legacy Center

Spend an afternoon exploring the secretive and sometimes sordid world of 19th century anatomical dissection at two historic Philadelphia medical schools.
Funeral Director Amy Cunningham.
Jul 21
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

Pushing up Daisies: Green Death Salon

Learn about 'death positivity' and 'green' funerary practices in the historic West Laurel Hill Cemetery.
The Franklin Fountain Exterior.
Aug 8
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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.

Philadelphia Leaderboard

Recent Philadelphia Activity

emmalieblakemore emmalieblakemore wants to go to Swann Memorial Fountain
2tintinnabulary 2tintinnabulary wants to go to Wagner Free Institute
2tintinnabulary 2tintinnabulary wants to go to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
2tintinnabulary 2tintinnabulary wants to go to Eastern State Penitentiary
2tintinnabulary 2tintinnabulary wants to go to Mütter Museum

Stories About Philadelphia

A German map from 1759 shows the border between East and West Jersey, separating the pink and yellow areas.

Central New Jersey Doesn't Exist, But Don't Tell Central Jerseyans That

Exploring what makes a region distinct.
by Dan Nosowitz
June 04, 2019
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

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