Quiet first dates in Center City
Key facts
| Reading Terminal Market | Open daily, 8am to 6pm |
|---|---|
| Schuylkill Banks boardwalk | About 2,000 feet, Locust Street to South Street |
| Art museum Fridays | Pay what you wish after 5pm |
| Getting there | Subway, trolley and Regional Rail all reach Center City |
Center City bars get loud fast on a Friday. The trick is to pick a place where talking is the point. These three work for a first meeting and leave room for a second stop.
Reading Terminal Market at lunchtime
The market is open daily from 8am to 6pm, so it suits a weekend lunch or a weekday break. Share small plates from different stalls. Go before the noon rush if you want a seat.
Source: Reading Terminal Market, checked 8 November 2026
The Schuylkill Banks boardwalk
The boardwalk runs over the river from Locust Street to South Street, with a wide promenade and four overlooks. It is calm, public and well used. Walking side by side takes the pressure off.
Source: Visit Philadelphia: Can't-miss experiences on the Schuylkill River Trail, checked 8 November 2026
A Friday evening at the art museum
The Philadelphia Museum of Art offers pay what you wish entry every Friday after 5pm, through June 25, 2027. You choose what to pay, and there is music and events. Pick one gallery each and swap notes after.
Source: PhillyVoice: Pay what you wish Friday nights extended through June 2027, checked 8 November 2026
Questions
Where should I go on a first date in Philly?
Somewhere busy, public and not too loud. Reading Terminal Market at lunch or a walk on the Schuylkill Banks boardwalk both work well.
Is a museum a good first date?
Yes, if you both like it. The art museum's Friday evenings give you plenty to talk about without much cost.
How long should a first date be?
An hour or two is plenty. Plan one place, and add a second only if you both want to.
Read next
Our sister site Smooch has more first date ideas. WhichDating, our sister review site, has a guide to first date tips.