blog

Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Center City

Article last updated on February 7, 2024

Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to explore all that Center City has to offer. A world-class dining scene, arts & culture, the oldest diamond district in the country… what’s not to love? Check out our top picks for a date night done right for couples, friends and families! 

fdp amc r1 1

Image courtesy of the Fashion District

 

Fun at the Fashion District

Market East’s multi-level shopping center is so much more than just shopping. On the top floor, a massive AMC DINE-IN™ theater offers a full bar, snacks and comfy reclining seats. Snuggle up with some popcorn and enjoy a big screen blockbuster before heading over to Round1 Bowling & Amusement, a bowling alley and arcade.  

Perfect for: Couples, Friends, Families

📍 1001 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
🔗 Website

 

Make a Love Potion at The Cauldron Philly

Make magic this Valentine’s Day at The Cauldron Philly, a wizard-themed bar in Midtown Village. From February 9-18, their special Love Potion class will allow guests to brew their own alcoholic concoctions, including the signature Cupid’s Cauldron.  

Perfect for: Couples, Friends

📍 1305 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
🔗 Website

351b7701 2

Image courtesy of the Cauldron Philly

acroand dsc04874 website

 

Acro& Workouts for Besties and Lovers

Acro& is an innovative fitness program blending elements of yoga, gymnastics and weightlifting that typically requires the help of a partner. On February 10, two special classes will be hosted for lovers. In addition to the fitness class, expect a complimentary glass of bubbly and a relaxing partner massage. 

Perfect for: Couples, Friends

📍 Concierge Ballroom, 30 S. 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
🔗 Website

 

Love on Ice at Dilworth Park

Surprise your sweetie on February 14 with date night at Dilworth Park, starting with food and drink specials at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin, followed by a couples’ skating session on the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink. Finish the night with a “love” igloo photo-op, live jazz, and complimentary caricaturist drawings and love poems!     

Perfect for: Couples

📍 1 S. 15th Street, (west side of City Hall), Philadelphia, PA 19102
🔗 Website

vday blog dilworth skating
vday blog theater

 

Enjoy Dinner and a Show

Center City is the epicenter of Philadelphia’s arts & culture scene, including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the historic Walnut Street Theatre and many more venues located along the Avenue of the Arts. Upcoming productions in time for Valentine’s Day include Mrs. Doubtfire at the Academy of Music, Cost of Living by Philadelphia Theatre Company at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, and Groucho: A Life in Revue at the Walnut Street Theatre. Before or after the show, enjoy a romantic dinner at one of Center City’s best restaurants

Perfect for: Couples, Friends, Families

📍 Various

 

Window Shop in Jewelers' Row

Diamond engagement rings, solid gold necklaces, watches, gemstones and pearls — luxury pieces are a stone’s throw away in the country’s oldest diamond district: Jewelers’ Row. Take a stroll along its cobblestone streets to find the perfect gift for your special Valentine. While you’re in the neighborhood, treat yourself to something sweet at Lore’s Chocolates! 

Perfect for: Couples

📍 Walnut to Market streets and 7th to 9th streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106
🔗 Website

vday blog jewelers
hotel palomar sweuu1xwbcwvz1g6hhpmxur18q0ablzbh rgb l

Image of the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, courtesy of J. Fusco/Visit Philadelphia

 

Book a Staycation

Enjoy a night of romance and relaxation at one of Philadelphia’s most luxurious hotels. Order room service, grab a drink at the lobby bar or take a dip in an indoor heated pool; with Visit Philly’s Overnight Package, you’ll find the best deal and added perks for you and your partner 

Perfect for: Couples

📍 Various

 

Relax with a Galentine’s Spa Day 

Spend Galentine’s Day with your closest friends by being pampered with facials and pedicures at the newly reopened Rescue Spa in Rittenhouse Square. This flagship location spans 9,700 square feet, which includes 15 treatment rooms, a nail lounge, hair salon, brow room and a makeup boutique. 

Perfect for: Friends

📍 1811 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
🔗 Website

1811frontdesk

Image courtesy of Rescue Spa

chi venue cheers 2

 Image courtesy of City Winery Philadelphia

 

Shake It Up with a Bartending Class at City Winery  

Enjoy an evening of cocktail making with your sweetheart at City Winery during “Bartending 101 – Sweet Endings” on February 13. During this class, you’ll learn how to make three dessert cocktails, which you can savor with a selection of accompanying light bites. 

Perfect for: Couples

📍 990 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
🔗 Website

Get in the Valentine’s Spirit at Pink Elephant 

Rose-covered walls, dangling heart-shaped lights, and an Insta-worthy“love” throne have transformed the White Elephant Bar into the Pink Elephant for Valentine’s Day. While visiting, try themed beverages like the Be Mine Margarita or the Main Squeeze Mocktail.  

Perfect for: Couples, Friends 

📍 1500 Locust Street 
🔗 Instagram 

dsc05477
dsc00310

 

Play Vintage Games at Barcade  

Enjoy a nostalgic date night at Center City’s newest bar-meets-arcade! Get your game on this Valentine’s Day with over 70 vintage games, a full food menu, and plenty of craft beer options.   

Perfect for: Couples, Friends  

📍 1326 Chestnut Street 
🔗 Website 

 

 

Shop at the Make Love Market at LOVE Park  

Find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift from local artists and artisans as Now + Then Marketplace brings a curated market to LOVE Park on February 14 from 12-5pm. After the market, stick around for speed dating from 6-8pm, curated by Steph Irwin Events.  

Perfect for: Friends 

📍 16th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard 
🔗 Instagram 

cork candle

 

Make a Unique Present at Cork & Candles

Celebrate with your special someone by grabbing a bottle of wine and creating a custom candle featuring a selection of 70+ clean-burning fragrances. The space will be decorated for Valentine’s Day so be sure to snap a few photos in this cozy space!    

Perfect for: Couples, Friends 

📍 1315 Walnut Street 
🔗 Website 

 

Rock Out at Howl at the Moon  

On February 16, Howl at the Moon will host a Valentine’s Day Party with drink specials, giveaways, live music, special packages, and more. Show some love to your friends or partner and rock on!   

Perfect for: Friends 

📍 258 South 15th Street 
🔗 Website 

howl at moon
image000000

 

Buy a Box of Chocolates  

Show some love to Center City retailers while getting sweets for your sweetheart! Midtown Village’s Kilwins has fresh, chocolate-covered strawberries and Verde features prosecco truffles and raspberry dark chocolates with Philly-themed designs. Near Jewelers’ Row, family-owned chocolatier Lore’s Chocolates have a “Heartbreaker”  hollow chocolate heart that you break open to get the raspberry and caramel truffles inside!  

Perfect for: Couples, Friends

📍 Various 

 

Dinner for Two at Bank & Bourbon 

Located inside the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, stop by Bank & Bourbon for their special three course menu, featuring selections like the Oysters Rockefeller, the flat iron steak, and a chocolate truffle cheesecake! 

Perfect for: Couples

📍 1200 Market Street 
🔗 Website 

149545121 valentine s day 5464x8192

Looking for More Inspiration in the City?

So many fun ways to spend a day in the city, so little time! See other ways you can explore our city here, and  tag us at @centercitydistrict on Instagram to share how you spent your day in Center City!