When life gets busy, every now and then I carve out a “me day” in Philly — small indulgences, peaceful spaces, and spots that make me feel reset. Here are my favorite hidden gems for self-care in the city: nurturing spas, quiet bookstores, wellness-c...
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Hidden Gems
Sensory Experiences
Outdoor Experiences
Food & Drink Experiences
Spas & Treatments
Museums
Hidden Gems
Discover my favorite hidden gems in Philadelphia from cozy bookstores to unique experiences like glass blowing class.
Independent bookstore + event space. Cozy, welcoming, and full of character — ideal for winding down with a good read & a cup of coffee.
A Novel Idea on Passyunk
Treat yourself (or a friend) to a hands-on creative class like glassblowing or pottery. Working with your hands is relaxing and leaves you with a unique keepsake.
Philadelphia Glass Blowing - Create Artistic Masterpieces
Sensory Experiences
A one of a kind sensory dinning experience!
A one-of-a-kind evening where you eat a gourmet meal completely blindfolded. This immersive sensory experience sharpens taste and smell, and turns dinner into mindful self-care.
Dining In The Dark Experience - Philadelphia
Wander through interactive art installations, mixed-reality rooms, secret passageways, and surreal scenes. A sense-awakening visual playground.
Otherworld Philadelphia
Outdoor Experiences
Reconnect with nature and explore the local forest or visit a botanical garden.
A dedicated service offering shinrin-yoku sessions to balance mind, body, and spirit through intentional forest immersion.
Nature's Balance Forest Therapy
Join a guided forest bathing experience (shinrin-yoku) led by certified guide Jess Gregan and reconnect with nature in Philadelphia’s parks.
Meet Jess Gregan: Leader of our Forest Therapy Walks!
Travel just outside the city to Longwood Gardens for a guided “nature therapy” session—slowing down and exploring inner calm in botanical surroundings.
Therapeutic Horticulture
Food & Drink Experiences
Get ready to sample the best local bites in Philadelphia or opt for a dinner cruise with music, drinks, and breathtaking views.
Walk through historic neighborhoods and sample the best local bites on a guided culinary tour. A fun way to slow down and savor the city’s flavors.
City Food Tours - Philadelphia | Philadelphia
A self-guided day out exploring hidden corners of Philadelphia. Solve clues to collect gourmet picnic items from local shops, then enjoy your feast in a secret outdoor spot.
Mystery Picnics in Philadelphia
Wellness-focused café with herbal remedies, sea moss, health-minded food options, etc. Quiet space, good for reflection.
Holistic Jawn
Fresh juices, smoothies, and simple, clean eats. Great spot to refresh after a spa treatment or just for a nourishing reset.
Crate & Press Juice Bar
Glide past Philadelphia’s skyline while enjoying a dinner cruise with music, drinks, and views — a refreshing alternative self-care evening.
Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise
Join a hands-on cooking class (pasta, sushi, baking, etc.) led by Philly chefs. A mindful, creative break and delicious payoff.
Old City Kitchen
Spas & Treatments
Treat yourself to a spa day at one of these amazing spas in Philadelphia.
Descend beneath the city’s bustle into The Underground Spa at the Logan Hotel. They offer facials, body wraps, massages, and full spa packages in a luxe, sensory retreat.
The Underground Spa & Wellness at The Logan Hotel
More than just a beauty store: luxury treatments, laser- & rejuvenation services, and a relaxing, upscale vibe for pampering.
A lush, tranquil spa that feels like a mini getaway. Great massages, facials, and even acupuncture & stretch therapy.
Remedy Spa & Wellness
Museums
Step into one of the nation’s most iconic art museums. The Philadelphia Museum of Art houses masterpieces from around the world, from Impressionist paintings and medieval armor to contemporary works. Wander the galleries, recharge in the sculpture ga...
Philadelphia Museum of Art
A peaceful sculpture garden escape. This intimate museum houses one of the largest collections of Rodin’s works outside of Paris. Stroll through the tranquil outdoor garden (free to enter) or step inside for a dose of quiet inspiration.
Rodin Museum
Live Music
A multi-sensory musical experience.
An unforgettable evening of live music by candlelight. Step into a stunning Philadelphia venue illuminated by thousands of flickering candles and experience classical, jazz, or modern hits performed by talented musicians. The intimate glow and rich a...