Wanna up your skyline game?? There are quite a few spots around the city that have an amazing view of the Philly skyline – the prettiest city skyline in existence. (Am I biased? Nahhhh) Here is my list of some of the best places to watch the sun set on the skyline (or for pictures with the skyline), from most obvious to hidden gems!!!

Art Museum Steps

This is probably the most obvious. But how often do you actually make the trip out there to take in the Philly skyline? If you don’t want to be surrounded by tourists sprinting up the steps, I recommend this spot near sunrise.

Cira Green

If you want to drink a beer while watching the sun set over the skyline, this place is for you. ‘Nuff said.

Benjamin Franklin Bridge

If you don’t mind getting some steps in & you’re not terrified of heights, this is a beautiful spot to take in the beauty of the Philly skyline!!! It’s one of my favorite places to run when I want a beautiful view. Ladies (and some dudes), just make sure you have your hair tied back because it can get a bit windy!

Waterfront Park in Camden

So the view from the bridge sounds nice, but you’d rather stand on solid ground … I gotchu. This is a super similar view, you just need to get yourself to Jersey!

Water Works Gazebo

In keeping with the Art Museum theme, this is a great place to see the Philadelphia skyline and the river come together. If you’re near Boathouse Row, this is a must!!!

South Street Bridge

Runners, this one’s for us. While the iconic South Street Bridge is the beginning of many a group run, it also boasts a fantastic view of our favorite city. If you’re walking along the trail, be sure to hit up the dog park bridge at Spruce Street for another great view!!

MLK Drive Bridge / Spring Garden St Bridge

This one is a personal favorite 🙂 I run/bike on MLK bridge allllll the time and the view of the river leading up to the skyline is just unparalleled, in my humble opinion. Every time a couple books a session at the Art Museum, I bring them to this spot!!! (Right above this bridge is the Spring Garden Street Bridge; I prefer MLK Drive because there are no cars!)

Edit: The MLK Drive bridge is closed for construction. The Spring Garden Street bridge is the next best thing – just be careful with the cars!

Belmont Plateau

Even though I said MLK Drive is my favorite skyline view, this is my favorite place to watch the sun set over the skyline. You can bring a blanket, have a picnic, catch up with friends, you name it! Just don’t expect peace and quiet … it’s a pretty popular spot!!

Lemon Hill

Another must if you’re near Boathouse Row!! This doesn’t capture the full skyline of Philadelphia, but it does offer more peace & quiet. My boyfriend and I brought a blanket & picnicked here before a Phillies game and it was LOVELY.

Not having a 10th spot is bugging me so if you know of another place, please let me know in the comments!!!

If you’re looking for Philly date night spots OR places around the city for your engagement session, you came to the right freaking place!!! Check out this blog post for garden style engagement photo locations around the city, as well as these blog posts featuring the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Old City, Center City and Rittenhouse Square!