Philadelphia, nicknamed the "City of Brotherly Love" has plenty of history. Not only is it home to the famous National Constitution Center, but it was also once our nation’s capital during the American Revolution. It is also one of the oldest colonies in the United States, founded by an English Quaker in the 1600s.
Philadelphia, PA, is home to many of the nation’s first buildings, such as the first library and first hospital. Historic status aside, this city is famous in the modern era as well for things like the film “Rocky” and other unique venues.
The average temperature fluctuates with the seasons but typically stays between the 60s for lows and mid-80s for highs in spring and summer. They don’t receive as much snowfall as other places, but it can be quite rainy, more so than the US average.
Philadelphia offers many activities for locals and tourists alike. You can snap a photo in front of the historical Liberty Bell, check out the Rocky statue at the museum, eat a Philly cheesesteak, or explore the Reading Terminal Market for more food options.
The city also has a thriving nightlife scene, making it a fun place to party. Aside from nightclubs and bars in neighborhoods, there's also a wide range of venues in Philadelphia that can accommodate any kind of party. From mansions and private residential spaces to art galleries and breweries, you can choose the perfect venue that can match the vibe you're looking for.
Finding party venues in Philadelphia is only part of the work. Once that’s done, you still have to consider the amenities that you'll need to make it enjoyable and successful. Here are some examples of things to remember when throwing a party in Philadelphia.
Photography
If you’re renting an event space and planning an amazing party, you’ll want to find a way to capture memories of the special occasion that you can share with others and cherish for a lifetime. Hiring a photographer is one way to get this done, especially if it's a large party with hundreds of guests. Another option is to rent a photo booth to add fun to any party and capture memories at the same time.
Decor
Picking the right decor for an event space should also be part of your event planning, as it goes a long way to making a party come alive. Whether it’s a birthday party, corporate event, graduation party, retirement party, or just a casual get-together event, why not decide on a fun theme that everyone will enjoy?
Catering
Of course, what’s a good party without great food and drinks? Many event spaces offer services like a bar setup and food options. If catering is not an option, it’s a good idea to see what local Philadelphia restaurants are in the vicinity of the party venue and consider having food delivered. Try out the city's iconic food, such as Philly cheesesteaks and soft pretzels.
You shouldn’t have to plan the whole party by yourself. Besides, you don’t want to leave all the details up to chance anyway. Why not use one of the many party planners in Philadelphia to help make your party a smashing success?
Something 2 Talk About Decor and Design
Something 2 Talk About can help when you want a fun-themed party with lots of unique decorations. They don’t just help you pick the colors and the overall theme; they have several services custom-tailored to make your party as fun as possible. Think photo booth rentals, candy buffets, party favors, and invitations. Whether it's a rooftop terrace or other event venue, they can make it a great space for your gathering.
Rentall Affairs
If you want to make sure your party has a more refined touch, Rentall Affairs is the one you want to go with. They offer services for everything from planning to set up, take down, and coordination of the event on the big day. They are pros at design and decor and truly enjoy the process from start to finish. All you have to do is sit back and let them take care of it all.
Bach to Basic
Bach to Basic is a luxury party planning service that caters to bachelorette parties, corporate events, dinner parties, intimate events, birthday parties, cocktail parties, bridal showers, and more. They handle everything from meal reservations to transportation between events, activity planning, and even decor.
Just like any other city, Philadelphia has its pros and cons when it comes to planning parties, finding event venues, and more. Consider these as you work through the details.
The City of Brotherly Love is friendly
Many people have attested to the friendliness and welcoming attitude of Philadelphians, making it easier to interact with and ask for help from vendors and other people when organizing a party.
The city is full of history
If you're interested in hosting a party somewhere with a heavy historical background, then Philly is your place. There are plenty of historical places to explore once you're done partying—or you can even add sightseeing as an activity to your party!
Philadelphia is a cultural hub
From food walking tours to seeing the city's most iconic public artworks, there are plenty of things to do in Philly to immerse yourself in its culture.
Easy access to all sorts of event venues
Not only does Philadelphia have an eclectic range of event spaces to choose from, but many of them are easily walkable or accessible by bike or car, so your guests won't face difficulties getting to your party.
Robust public transportation
Philadelphia's city center is compact, making the attractions and venues accessible on foot. For those who prefer riding transportation, many cabs and buses are roaming around.
Snow in the winter can hamper a party
Philadelphia experiences mild winters, but the cold and the snow can make it harder for guests to travel around or even enjoy a party.
High cost of living
Although housing costs are cheaper in Philadelphia, food and utilities are 10% pricier than the national average.
The sheer amount of rain
Philly sees more rain than many cities in the United States—it even rains in the summer. The wet weather can dampen the overall enjoyment of guests at a party and can make it more challenging to plan an outdoor event.
Driving is difficult
As a major city, expect that the roads in Philadelphia can get congested often. Drivers in the city are also aggressive, so you need to be calm and cautious when getting in and around the city via car.
Parking can be tough
People flock to the city center because of its attractions, making it hard to find a parking spot. If you're planning a party, make sure you choose a venue with enough parking for your guests.
Liberty Bell Center
The famous cracked bell was once situated in the now-demolished Liberty Bell Pavilion, but it has been replaced by what is now a park and museum known as Liberty Bell Center. Here, you can learn about the creation of the national historic landmark along with other historical facts from the period. You can find it near the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which is one of the best event spaces in Philly for business meetings or networking events.
Independence Hall
As the singular spot where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, Independence Hall is rightly considered “the birthplace of America.” Established in 1753, it offers guided tours with explanations of the history behind the building as well as the historic signings that took place there.
Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rocky Steps
Perhaps more famous for those stairs from the 1979 classic film, Rocky, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a place that attracts tourists who are both fans of art and of the film. The stairs alone are a great draw, but the museum itself features some amazing and inspiring art exhibits that anyone visiting Philly should check out at least once. If you're fond of fine arts, you can also visit Franklin Music Hall or The Franklin Institute, which stands near the Rocky Steps.