Rooftop sun deck with skyline views at The Rittenhouse Spa & Club in Philadelphia

Do Summer Like a Philadelphia Local

Welcome to Philadelphia—a vibrant city full of history, culture, and delicious food. With summer around the corner, we want to help you experience the city like a local, so you can get to know all the hidden gems the city has to offer. Here are some tips and recommendations to make the most of your summer stay in Philadelphia, with The Rittenhouse Hotel as your home base.

Create a Custom Cocktail

If you’re the type who believes that cocktails should be more of an experience than a drink, then you won’t want to miss the next installment of our Courtyard Cocktails series with our friends at Hendricks Gin. On June 13 from 5 to 7 p.m., our expert team at Library Bar will lead you to our immersive botanical garden setup in The Rittenhouse courtyard. Here, you’ll be guided through different juice and tonic options, along with herbs and fruits, and you’ll ultimately create your own Hendricks Gin cocktail to never forget.

Enjoy a Dinner Under the Stars

In honor of our Forbes Five Star recognition, embark on an intimate evening of culinary delights beneath the night sky at The Rittenhouse’s open-air courtyard. Lacroix, our award-winning French dining experience, welcomes you to its new Dinner Under The Stars event on June 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. Featuring celestial-inspired cocktails and a freshly curated five-course menu by Executive Chef Eric Leveillee, guests can gaze up at the stars while indulging in plates like tomato carpaccio, stuffed morsels of spinach and walnut, confit eggplant, Berkshire pork chop, chocolate tart, seasonal fruit trifle and more. The meal is served family style and costs $165 per person. Tickets are required and can be purchased here

Indulge in an Astrology-Inspired Massage

Starting in June, we invite you to experience our astrology-inspired massage program on our outdoor terrace under the stars at The Rittenhouse Spa & Club. You will have the option to select a treatment from our curated guide based on the four elements, fire, earth, air, and water, that categorize the 12 zodiac signs. Each element has been expertly paired with a treatment best suited to complement the characteristics of its corresponding zodiac signs. We also offer customizable add-ons like warm oil, intended to support the traits associated with the zodiac signs to promote balance and harmony for you. Our astrology massage sessions can accommodate up to two guests, and you may pick the pre-selected treatment best suited to you based on your zodiac sign, or choose a different experience from our menu at The Rittenhouse Spa & Club.

Local Philadelphia Entertainment

Philadelphia is known for its vibrant arts scene, and summer is no exception. If you’re a fan of classical music, be sure to catch Beethoven’s 9th at the Mann Center this May. Alternatively, artists like Noah Kahan, Young the Giant, and Charlie Puth will be performing at the same venue. If you prefer something a little more low-key, head to one of the many outdoor movie screenings in the city where a variety of film genres will be on display for everyone to enjoy.

Celebrate Independence Day

Philadelphia has a full and rich history, making it the perfect place to celebrate Independence Day. Be sure to check out the Wawa Welcome America Festival which includes dozens of exciting events, free admission to over 20 museums, and the largest free live music concert in America. This 16-day festival culminates with a spectacular Independence Day firework show over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

The Salute to America Parade is another event you won’t want to miss. It begins at Independence Hall and runs all the way to America’s Most Historic Square Mile. It’s full of historic reenactments, vibrant floats, and marching bands, all to celebrate this important holiday.

Philadelphia is a lively city that offers a variety of local happenings for summer travelers. Whether you want to relax with a massage, celebrate a holiday, or explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, The Rittenhouse is here to help you make the most of your summer in the city, just like a local.