The most Instagrammable places in Philadelphia

Andalusia Historic House, Gardens, and Arboretum is a 50-plus-acre picturesque estate overlooking the Delaware River just 13 miles north of Philadelphia. Built as an early 19th-century Greek Revival home, this National Historic Landmark is surrounded by stunning formal gardens with pops of pink, purple, and white as well as native woodlands and sculptures. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic day trip.

Next time you’re enjoying some sunshine and A-plus people-watching in Rittenhouse Square, look for Billy near the 19th Street and Rittenhouse Square entrance fo the park. Created by Philly-born sculptor Albert Laessle, the bronze statue was placed there in 1919 and continues to enjoy ample headrubs and the occasional kid climbing on his back. Snap a pic, then rub his horns for good luck.

Photograph: @this.is.home.philly

When you need a moment of Zen, visit this authentic Japanese house and garden to enjoy the koi pond, tea garden, and house. Your Instagram followers will thank you for it. Your likes will skyrocket if you snag a photo during cherry blossom season in April when the trees are abloom with gorgeous pink leaves.

Photograph: @alexscottfel

One of the city’s most stunning rooftop views exists on top of a former high school in a quiet Southeast Philadelphia neighborhood. It’s only open during the summer and early fall, so you’ll have to time your snapping accordingly. Once you’re up there, switch to the panoramic mode feature on your phone for a jaw-dropping shot of the city from West Philly all the way to Ben Franklin Bridge.

Photograph: @ania_m_k_

This dreamy outdoor installation at 2nd and Race Streets in Old City, near the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, has been a mystery for over 15 years. Recently, the team at Streets Dept uncovered its history, including the story behind the billboard’s creators. Consider this photo opp challenge: Visit when the clouds on the sign match the clouds in the sky.

Photograph: @theamericanfrenchy

The historic red-and-gold Fo Shou Temple is one of the most striking buildings in Chinatown. The exterior has four large columns decorated with ornate relief art scenes of yellow-gold dragons protecting the double door entry. A shrine to three Buddhas can be seen inside from the outside doors, and on Sunday mornings, you can catch ceremonies of worship where members chant the Bhaisajyaguru Sutra (to Medicine Buddha) to relieve illness and suffering, followed by a vegetarian meal.

For one of the best waterfront views on the Delaware, grab a seat at the end of Cherry Streer Pier to admire the Ben Franklin Bridge just 100 feet away. The 64,000-square-foot open-air Municipal Pier 9 also contains shipping containers converted into artist studios, food trucks, rotating gallery exhibits and installations from local photographers and artists, a seasonal pop-up market, and pocket gardens.

Named after the vibrant yellow flowering plant of the spring season, Forsythia is a stylish contemporary French restaurant nestled on Chestnut Street in Old City. The interior is decked out in black, white, and mossy green color patterns, dripping flora, and a white marble bar that all evoke a European cafe meets a luxurious garden room.

FDR Skate Park is where local pros like Willy Akers, Chuck Treece, Bam Margera, and Kerry Getz once cut their teeth. The City gave 16,000 square feet under I-95 in South Philly back in the '90s, but the space has since been built up into a large-scale park with a 60-foot-long 11-foot-high wall, multiple ramps and domes, with just about every square inch covered in graffiti and street art.

Legend has it that, in 1694, a Transylvania-born mystic by the name of Johannes Kelpius set up camp in this cave in Wissahickon Valley Park, because he was convinced the world was about to end. Thankfully it didn’t, and the cave is still there—just waiting for a debut on your IG feed. You can access it by traveling up the hill from Hermit Lane and Barnes Street in Wissahickon Valley Park.

Photograph: @mejadesign

This vibrant outdoor art gallery underneath the Market-Frankford El in Fishtown was kick-started by local restaurant chain honeygrow to brighten up the grimy Front Street corridor. Work by some of the best street artists in Philly lines its walls, and it gets updated fairly regularly.

Photograph: @ftg143x0

What was once a poorly lit, rather sketchy spot to catch a train has now become a glowing work of art. The concept was dreamed up by Delaware River Waterfront Corporation—the folks behind Spruce Street Harbor Park—and a local design firm. The colors and intensity of lighting change throughout the day, so you’ll have multiple chances to snap this subway stop in all its glory.

Photograph: @patrickmcgettigan

Facing Rittenhouse Square, Parc’s outdoor café is a vision straight Paris’s bustling Left Bank—with tables lined up along the sidewalk and maître d's swishing by carrying cheese plates and carafes of wine. Snap your photo on a sunny day, and then grab a table to enjoy some French-bistro fare and some of the best people-watching this side of the Seine.

Photograph: @judituck

The cemetery went viral for posting signs that read, “No dumping! Violators will be prosecuted… and haunted by the interred.” This was the original burial place of Betsy Ross, who was dug up and reburied at the Betsy Ross House in 1976.

Photograph: @im_batman__311

You can get La Colombe coffee at a slew of restaurants and even markets selling cans of its well-regarded draft lattes. But if you want the full photo-worthy experience, step into one of the four café locations throughout the city, order up something with foam and swoon over the cutesy design the barista creates on top.

Photograph: @macyyu

Everything comes giant-sized at this Jewish deli that’s been in Queen Village for more than 80 years—we’re talking salads, sandwiches, everything. A particular standout on the menu is the hot corned beef sandwich, which comes with your choice of one side and could feed a family of six. Bring friends!

Photograph: @phillyfoodlove

Chef Michael Solomonov is best known for his takes on modern Israeli cuisine at his spots Zahav and Dizengoff, but there’s more in his arsenal than just hummus. He has proven to have a way with the fryer, and at his popular four-location restaurant Federal Donuts, he turns out immensely craveable baskets of fried chicken and some of the prettiest artisanal doughnuts in town. Take a pic, then taste your way through the rainbow.

Photograph: @federaldonuts

Local artists David Guinn and Sarah Anton created the neon-lit Electric Street mural to keep riffraff out of a dark South Philly alley. (But folks coming by to snap away is A-OK.) It’s located just around the corner from the equally luminous Pat‘s and Geno’s, so swing by there for a cheesesteak or cheese fries after you post.

Photograph: @astronautelaine

This transportation hub on 30th Market Street is one of the most stately structures in Philadelphia. Opened in 1934 and then remodeled in 1989, the station still retains some of its grand historic elements, such as the soaring statue of Archangel Michael in the terminal and the cool time board that flickers when train schedules are updated. For a sweeping shot, step outside and point your lens up at the massive columns of the portico—just keep your eyes peeled for taxis and Ubers zooming by to pick up passengers.

Photograph: @wanderlusttheworldandi

Geno’s Steaks may not be one of our picks for the best Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia, but a trip to this lit-up corner—shared with its slightly less-flashy rival Pat’s King of Steaks—is prime IG material. Go at night, then opt for a head-on shot of Geno’s from the corner of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue to capture the full in-your-face effect.

Photograph: @thatcreativeguy