Philadelphia doesn’t skip a beat when its museums and historic sites such as Independence Hall close at the end of the day. The city’s sidewalks remain busy well into the night with people on their way to James Beard award-winning restaurants, pounding jazz clubs and nighttime fun.

Start the evening with a drink at one of Philadelphia’s outstanding craft cocktail bars like The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. or The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday. The city also boasts several historical pubs, including McGillin’s Olde Ale House, one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating taverns.

After drinks, head to dinner. The city’s offerings stretch way beyond its iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwiches … although, if you want to try one, Italian Market staples Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks serve them around the clock.

Instead, choose from slow-roasted meats at South Philly Barbacoa, modern Israeli dishes at Zahav or Cambodian-inspired dishes at Mawn noodle house. For a business dinner, Talula’s Garden, with its emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients, or Her Place Supper Club, known for a menu that changes tri-weekly, make good choices.

Jazz icons including John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Billie Holiday called Philadelphia home during the 1940s through the 1960s, and their musical legacies live on at music venues such as Time and the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts. On the Avenue of the Arts (Broad Street), Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and other theaters attract Broadway shows and national talent.

For those who can’t visit Philadelphia’s historical sites during the day, ghost tours share paranormal stories as they pass the illuminated Independence Hall and wind through cobblestoned alleys. Some local museums also host evening hours. Check the events calendar for young professionals nights.

As the site of the country’s first major demonstration for gay rights, Philadelphia proves one of the friendliest LGBTQIA+ cities in the United States. Gayborhood — from Broad to 11th streets between Chestnut and Pine streets — boasts its own restaurant row with greats such as Bud & Marilyn’s; nightclubs like Franky Bradley’s, which hosts live music and drag shows; and the oldest continuously operating LGBTQIA+ bar in the city, Tavern on Camac.