The Philadelphia skyline is breathtaking, iconic and quite something to behold. Visitors become a part of the vista at these five observation points, some with fine dining and entertainment, and all with spectacular views.
Fantastic Views in Philadelphia
City Hall
Located at the intersection of Market and Broad streets, City Hall has been Philadelphia’s municipal headquarters for more than 100 years. In fact, this stunning architectural marvel still holds the record of being the largest of its kind in the country. For a special view of the city, visitors can head to the observation deck, which sits just below the 37-foot bronze statue of William Penn atop the building’s clock tower. Two-hour public tours highlight the art, architecture and history of the building.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Perched atop The Logan hotel, Assembly Rooftop Lounge provides a sophisticated urban escape with expansive views of Philadelphia’s prominent cultural district. Guests can enjoy a stylish atmosphere with a variety of bubbly drinks, seasonal cocktails, and small plates, complemented by the warmth of fire pits on cooler nights. The venue offers a refined experience for both locals and visitors, whether they’re seeking a relaxed evening or a vibrant night out with a spectacular backdrop of the city’s landmarks.
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Just steps from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Loews Hotel boasts 581 stylish guest rooms and suites, as well as mesmerizing views of the city. This building was actually the first skyscraper ever constructed in the United States, and the hotel’s Art Deco décor and historic photos pay homage to the structure’s rich past. On the 33rd floor of the hotel, guests can view modern-day Philadelphia from a high-up vantage point. Peering out the windows that look to the northwest, visitors find themselves almost at eye-level with the famed William Penn statue atop City Hall. Plus, if it’s not being used as part of a private function, a 1,100-square-foot terrace enables guests to breathe in the air high above the hustle and bustle of the city streets.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Benjamin Franklin Parkway offers a dynamic and ever-changing perspective of Philadelphia’s urban core. As you stroll along this grand, tree-lined boulevard, the view shifts from the cultural institutions that flank its sides—including the Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum—to the dramatic architectural terminus at City Hall. The symmetrical design, inspired by the Champs-Élysées in Paris, creates a stunning visual corridor, with the grand statue of William Penn atop the City Hall tower serving as a distant, yet prominent, beacon. This vantage point provides a unique sense of scale, connecting the city’s artistic and educational heart with its historic governmental center.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
From the top of the grand stairway leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, visitors are treated to a magnificent panoramic view of the city. The iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway stretches out below, a wide boulevard lined with trees, statues, and museums. In the distance, the distinctive skyline of Center City rises, with Philadelphia’s City Hall and its statue of William Penn serving as a striking focal point. This vantage point offers a picture-perfect vista that captures the urban landscape and is a must-see for anyone visiting the museum.
