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7. Relax & Rejuvenate with Philadelphia’s Top Wellness Experiences

Philadelphia is a hub for wellness activities.

Philadelphia offers several opportunities that blend healthy practices for your physical and mental well-being while on vacation. Wellness activities and self-care habits such as yoga or spas add to your overall Philadelphia experience promising a fulfilling time in the city.

Run up and beyond the Rocky Steps: Get your heart rate up and feel like a world champion by running up the iconic “Rocky Steps” from the famous film series. The 72 steps frame the entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art — an additional excursion for art lovers.

For those looking to continue their Rocky run, there are two running paths beyond the Philadelphia Museum of Art. To the east is Kelly Drive, a paved path that travels through Boathouse Row, passes Laurel Hill Cemetery, and concludes in the East Falls neighbourhood. On the west side is the Schuylkill River Trail, a scenic path winding through agricultural and industrial landscapes.

Rejuvenate at a Hotel Spa: Philadelphia’s iconic hotel spas are havens for those looking to unwind and relax. The city is home to two prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Spas. The Spa at Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Center surrounds guests with serenity. Over 700 pounds of healing crystals are encased in the Spa’s walls, surrounding guests as they are pampered at the highest point of the city. The Rittenhouse Spa & Club at The Rittenhouse Hotel is a tranquil oasis, complete with a barbershop, grooming station, and nail salon.

The AWAY Spa offers bespoke treatments and wellness sessions at W Philadelphia. Alternately, you can experience luxury while relaxing in the renowned Turkish Baths at the Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon at the Lowes Philadelphia. Also, rated #1 for wellness centers & spas in Philadelphia, The Underground Spa & Wellness at the Logan Hotel is another must-visit, designed to replenish the mind, body, and spirit collectively.

The eco-friendly Element Philadelphia offers its Ritual for health and wellness-focused travellers. Element guests can enjoy complimentary hand-held massage balls, a digital detox lockbox, yoga amenities, and guided meditations with noise-cancelling headphones. The hotel also has a Bikes to Borrow program, where guests can rent a bike for free and explore Philadelphia and its trails.

Outdoor Yoga Classes: Meditate while taking in the awe of iconic Philadelphia sites. Unwind underneath Robert Indiana’s LOVE statue at LOVE Park, which hosts seasonal free yoga classes and events. Yoga is also a staple across the street at Dilworth Park, where visitors can take free classes in the shadow of historic City Hall. In West Philadelphia, environmentally-friendly Cira Green regularly hosts morning yoga for residents and visitors alike. Yoga on the Banks offers complimentary morning yoga classes on the Schuylkill River Trail — a recreational path along the Schuylkill River.

Explore Philadelphia’s Green Spaces: Philadelphia founder William Penn envisioned the city as a “green town” — a vision still maintained today. Penn established five green city squares, where visitors unwind and play. Dilworth Park —originally Centre Square — is home to City Hall and seasonal activities such as a roller rink and maker markets. At Franklin Square, visitors can play one-of-a-kind Philly Mini Golf and ride the carousel. Logan, Rittenhouse, and Washington Squares are all steeped in history and offer a stunning environment with their green lawns and fountains.

With over 2,000 acres of parks and green spaces, Fairmount Park makes for a perfect wellness getaway inside the city limits. The park offers many places to explore, such as the six historic mansions known as the Park Charms.

Embrace the beauty of an authentic Japanese house and garden at the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center. The house was built in 1953 and moved to Fairmount Park in 1957. Visitors can stroll the garden, tour the structure, and unwind at the koi pond.

The Navy Yard, Philadelphia’s hidden gem of a park, lies south of the sports complex. Certified as a Level-1 arboretum, the Navy Yard prioritizes efforts to preserve and enhance its green spaces. With over 20 acres of parks and a mile-long waterfront trail, these open areas offer visitors ample opportunities to rejuvenate.

Cover image caption: Dilworth Center City Fit Yoga Photography by Marisa Fischetti