Philadelphia

HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP MUST SEE (PHOTOGRAPHY WORTHY) SITES IN Philly

and in its outskirts & some extra food locations:

Photo: Instagram Post @marinamouraphotography. Click on image to redirect.

Ahhh… Philly! I’ve been here a couple times before, but this was an extra special trip because it was fully dedicated to exploring and photographing! It was also a trip that I challenged myself to shoot with a kit lens. If you don't know what that means, a kit lens is one of the cheapest lenses that will usually come with your camera. This lens is usually judged because of its not great low light capability and for the higher chances of shots coming out with chromatic aberration. Well, my goal is to prove people wrong: YOU CAN create beautiful images with these lenses! So lets do this!! I organized this “tour” by distance from one place to another, so just screenshot the list above and enjoy your trip! But in case you’re a map person… here’s the map view of this trip:

1

Schuylkill Banks - This part of the trail is right off the Schuylkill River Park. It was our first stop. We didn’t walk the whole walkway to save on time, but we were still able to get a couple nice shots of the view!!

“The Schuylkill River Trail is a popular multi-use trail that runs from the heart of the city of Philadelphia northeast through urban, suburban and rural areas in Pennsylvania. Currently, more than 60 miles of the trail are complete, and there are plans to extend the trail to about 130 miles from Philadelphia to Auburn, Pa.”

Address:

2501 Walnut St

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Photo: Marina Moura. Sony A7iii, 28-70mm 3.5-5.6.

Photo: Marina Moura. Sony A7iii, 28-70mm 3.5-5.6. Crossing Market St, by 30th st station.

2

30th Street Station - To me, one of the prettiest views of the town. Not to mention how pretty the station itself is, both inside and outside. Great opportunity for some architectural shots!

A fun fact about this location is that the station was featured a in a few movies and TV shows! learn more about it.

Address:

2955 Market St

Philadelphia, PA 19104

3

City Hall - The Classic stop! A little tricky to park here. If you’re just there for a quick snap, street parking should do it! Make sure to go around the whole building for photos of every angle! You may also see City Hall from other parts of town. If you do, make sure to frame it in your photo!

“Philadelphia City Hall is the seat of the municipal government of the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, housing the chambers of the Philadelphia City Council and the offices of the Mayor of Philadelphia.”

Address:

1400 John F Kennedy Blvd

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Photo: Marina Moura. Iphone 11. View of City Hall (center) from the rocky steps at Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Photo: Natália Arena. Iphone 11. Mural Art by: **Jessie Unterhalter & Katey Truhn**

Photo: Marina Moura. Iphone 11. Mural Art by: **Jessie Unterhalter & Katey Truhn**

4

Spring Garden Street - Although directions might sound a bit complicated, this wall art will be hard to miss! The address for this mural is the intersection of Spring Garden Street, Ridge Ave and N 12St.

5

BoatHouse Row - You'll find this location right behind The Philadelphia Museum of Art. if you walk forward you’ll see this beautiful view of house after house overlooking the river. However, Behind me on this photo, there’s a lot of grass space where you can lay down a picnic blanket and chill for a while.

At night, all of the boathouses light up, creating a beautiful reflection on the river. If you’re there to see the lights, I recommend you go on a night that there’s no wind, so you can get perfect and still reflection on your shots!.

Address:

1 Boathouse Row

Philadelphia, PA 19130

6

Shofuso - I unfortunatly did not have time to go to this beautiful Japanese garden, it is still on the list for when I next go back to philly! Here is a little backgroud on its history:

“Designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura, Shofuso was built in Japan in 1953 using traditional techniques and materials. It was shipped to New York and exhibited in the courtyard of the Museum of Modern Art in New York before moving to West Fairmount Park in 1958.” Shofuso - Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia

Get tickets here

Address:

Lansdowne Dr & Horticultural Dr

Philadelphia, PA 19131

7

Front Street Walls - Right outside of Honeygrow and underneath Philadelphia's Market/Frankford Line, you will find this row of wall art after wall art. Beautiful background for some urban portraits! here are some examples:

Address:

1601 N Front St

Philadelphia, PA 19122

Photo: Natália Arena. Sony A7iii, 28-70mm 3.5-5.6.

8

Elfreth’s Alley - Want to feel in a 1700-1800 hundreds movie for a second? Come visit this cute narrow street located only a couple of blocks from Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

“Elfreth’s Alley is an “exceptional example of early American structures built between 1720 and 1830” according to the historic marker designated in 2016. The Elfreth’s Alley Museum (located at houses 124 and 126) celebrates the working class of America who helped build this country through sweat and commerce. The alley is still a thriving residential community which is home to artists and artisans, educators and entrepreneurs, and everything in-between.”

Address:

126 Elfreth's Alley

Philadelphia, PA 19106

9

Race Street Pier - Another photographic angle to shoot the bridge! Because sun was setting fast I decided to go on top instead of under but I’m sure the view is dope from down there as well. This is a very popular spot for weddings and various photoshoots.

“Yet another of Philadelphia’s amazing outdoor spaces, Race Street Pier on the Delaware River Waterfront is a relaxing respite in the heart of the city.” - Visit Philadelphia
“At high tide, the river comes just 4.5 feet from the lower level of the pier, bringing you right up to the water’s edge.”

Address:

N Christopher Columbus Blvd

Philadelphia, PA 19106

10

Benjamin Franklyn Bridge - This bridge is just unbelievable! If I had to pick only ONE place of Philly to go back to, it would be the bridge. Why? Well, take a look at these pictures and see it for yourself! You not only get an incredible view of the city but if you focus on the details of the signs, the metal, the cords, the lights, the brick structure holding it and THE!! COLOR!! of!! this!! bridge!! I mean… W-O-W! There’s so much here! I completely fell in love for it. This is easy one of my favorite bridges I’ve shot so far!

“The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, originally named the Delaware River Bridge, is a suspension bridge across the Delaware River connecting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey.”
“The bridge was designed to accommodate six lanes of traffic, two tracks for subway/elevated trains, two track areas for streetcar/trolley operation, and two walkways for pedestrians. The walkways are one of the more popular parts of the bridge for bicycle riders, walkers, and people jogging across the bridge.” - DRPA

Address:

1 Benjamin Franklin Bridge

Philadelphia, PA 08102

11

Spruce Street Harbor Park -

Spruce Street Harbor Park makes for cool, Summertime memories, with colorful hammocks, floating gardens, beautiful trees adorned in technicolored lights, local craft beers, and delicious food from some of Philadelphia’s most popular restaurants. Whether you want to chill with friends under the illuminated trees or enjoy the fresh breeze out on the floating barges, Spruce Street Harbor Par has is all. - Delaware River Waterfront

Address:

301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd

Philadelphia, PA 19106

12

Philadelphia Magic Garden -

“Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (PMG) is an immersive mixed media art environment that is completely covered with mosaics. The creator, Isaiah Zagar, used handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirror, and international folk art to chronicle his life and influences. The space is made up of two indoor galleries and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden.” - Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Address:

1020 South St

Philadelphia, PA 19147

13

geno’s Steak - Okay, I’m gonna sound so mean right now but it’s not the intention. I just want to be transparent: This was not the best Philly Cheesesteak, and it was not great service either. They got my order wrong and didn’t do anything to fix it. Oh Well, maybe I was just there at a bad day. HOWEVER, just across the street there’s Pat’s King of Steaks, which I’ve heard good reviews about it. Nonetheless, this is still a great location for photos!

Be aware though: they only accept cash here. There’s an ATM nearby but you’ll pay a fee. So if you can, bring some cash.

Address:

1219 S 9th St

Philadelphia, PA 19147

14

Percy Street Project -

“The permanent installation in paint and Low-energy flexineon LEDs is the first phase in turning a neglected block in South Philly’s Passyunk Square into a major civic asset. Low-energy flexineon LEDs bend with the curve of the paint on the 30-by-15-foot wall spanning the backs of two residences. The installation uses more than 200 feet of light, hooked up to a program that Billiau can control from his computer. The project uses artistic intervention to make the block a neighborhood attraction that ultimately enhances safety by attracting pedestrian traffic to a previously under-used public space.” - PERCY STREET PROJECT

Address:

S Percy St

Philadelphia, PA 19147

(1300 block of South Percy Street (between Wharton and Reed, 9th and 10th in South Philly)

A Further Drive Away…

I would love to make it to the rest of the locations on this list. I haven’t had the opportunity to do it yet, but I will still leave links to photos that inspired me to write them on my list. I hope it inspires you too!!