The Complete Philadelphia Bachelor Party Guide

There are a few things that come to mind with Philly: the local sports culture, the Liberty Bell, the storied Rocky Steps, and the city's pride and joy—cheesesteaks, both affordable and outrageously indulgent. It's what makes the City of Brotherly Love so convenient and ideal as an East Coast destination. A Philadelphia bachelor party has much to offer to groups, especially when it comes to wedding-related festivities between fine dining options, craft breweries, and sprawling suburban golf courses. Here's our guide to planning and throwing the absolute best bachelor party in Philly, vetted by an editor who was born and raised in the city.

Philadelphia Bachelor Party Planning in this Article:

• What Are Some Philadelphia Bachelor Party Ideas?
• What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in Philadelphia?
• Where Should I Stay in Philadelphia for a Bachelor Party?
• Philadelphia Bachelor Party Nightlife
• Expert Philadelphia Travel Tips

What Are Some Philadelphia Bachelor Party Ideas?

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If he's a Philly sports fan, there's really no better place to be. But that's not all this lively city has to offer: Pick between its fantastic food and beer scene, its historic sightseeing options, or its rowdy nightlife. Or have a little bit of everything. (And don't forget to thank the rest of the crew for showing up with gifts from The Knot Shop.)

For the Beer Enthusiast

Not only are there a ton of craft breweries to check out throughout the city (consider booking a tour), but there are also a number of beer gardens, beer halls, and hole-in-the-wall spots where you can sample the region's best crafts.

For the Night Owls

Philly offers a lively nightlife scene across its various neighborhoods. Bars range from casual sports bars and Irish pubs to Vegas-style nightclubs with bottle service, live DJs, light shows and plenty of dancing.

For the Foodies

Whether it's the battle of the cheesesteak or just the delicious fare you're seeking, Philly has a ton to offer the foodies on your trip, including Reading Terminal Market and Franklin's Table Food Hall where you can sample a bit of everything.

For Sports Fans

Time your Philadelphia bachelor party to make it to your favorite team's home game. Philly is home to the Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Phillies, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Philadelphia Eagles. All four teams play in the city's South Philly stadium complex region.

What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in Philadelphia?

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Using our three-day Philadelphia bachelor party itinerary you can experience the best the City of Brotherly Love has to offer.

Day 1

Morning: Start the weekend off right with breakfast at Federal Donuts. Along with a sampling of their signature donuts (try the sticky bun and blueberry cheesecake flavors), don't skip out on their breakfast sandwiches, a loaded egg, cheese, and bacon delight on a delicious potato roll.

Afternoon: Get to know the city through its beer. On an all-inclusive City Brew Tour, you'll sample 16 beers across four different breweries, plus have interactive beer lessons and behind-the-scenes tours. If you'd rather guide yourself around the city, Yards Brewing Company, Crime & Punishment, and Evil Genius are good places to start.

Evening: Barclay Prime, in the historic Barclay Building, offers a modern steakhouse vibe with menu options like chilled Maine lobster cocktail, wagyu beef carpaccio, rack of lamb, and 12 types of steak, including Japanese Waygu options. It's a must-do for a nice dinner out. From there head to McGillin's Olde Ale House, which has been serving beer on tap since 1860. It's a must-hit for a fun evening with 30 rotational beers on tap.

Day 2

Morning: Keep things light today and just go for some coffee and a small bite, because the rest of the day is all about stuffing your face. Try Function Coffee Labs for fresh brews and pastries, toasts, or overnight oats.

Afternoon: We hope you're hungry. You can't go to Philly without trying its famous cheesesteaks, but we're not going to tell you which spot is the best—that's a far too controversial decision. Instead, have a bite from five different cheesesteak venues on a two-hour Viator Philly Cheesesteak Tour by Segway, where you'll be shuttled to the best of the best and cast your own vote in who makes the top-notch sandwich.

Evening: If you have room for dinner, consider Butcher Bar, where you can go light with snacks like pretzel monkey bread, homemade beef jerky, and confit duck wings, or all-in with grilled Korean short ribs, herb breaded lamb chops, or beer braised pulled pork toast. Then it's all about hitting Philly's wild nightlife. Take your pick from Concourse, a fun spot for dancing with an ice bar, ball pit, and 80s and 90s nights on select weekends; The Trestle Inn, where you'll find a nod to the 60s and 70s and burlesque dancers; or Silk City, which offers a garden nightclub with a live DJ and fairly priced drinks (plus a diner attached for late night bites).

Day 3

Morning: El Vez offers a Mexican-style brunch that should not be missed, with favorites like the breakfast burrito, huevos rancheros, and avocado toast made on a torta roll with housemade guacamole.

Afternoon: Spend the day exploring what you haven't seen downtown, from Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell. When you've had enough sightseeing, park yourself at the Independence Beer Garden, where you'll have views of some of the sights you just visited, along with 40 taps of regional and domestic craft beers and tasty food that ranges from popcorn and buffalo wings to al pastor tacos and spicy fried chicken.

Evening: For a different kind of fun, make your way to Barcade where you'll find craft beers and cocktails, as well as original arcade games. When you're ready for dinner, grab a bite at Laser Wolf, which offers Israeli-style grilled meat like beef kabob, chicken shashlik, and shabazi wings, along with beer, cocktails, and wine. Then end the night just steps away at either Murph's Bar, a classic Irish pub right in Fishtown; R&D for a swankier cocktail space; or Bottle Bar East, a gastropub offering craft beers on tap.

Where Should I Stay in Philadelphia for a Bachelor Party?

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Philadelphia is a big city, so aim to stay in either Fishtown or Center City, depending on your priorities. If not, expect to take Ubers or public transportation to get to a lot of your destinations.

Best Philadelphia Bachelor Party Hotels

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown: This Marriott hotel offers the perfect location, modern rooms, an in-hotel Starbucks, and an indoor pool… all for an affordable price tag.

Bellevue Hotel: For modern luxury in a mid-budget range, this option is located on Philadelphia's lively South Broad Street. This property falls under the Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

Element by Westin: In Center City Philadelphia, this option offers a prime location with complimentary breakfast for those on a tighter budget.

The Rittenhouse: Arguably one of the swankiest stays in the city, next to the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton, this luxury property is perfect for groups who prefer a scenic stay with all the service and amenities attached.

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia: Speaking of which, Philly is also home to a Four Seasons property located at the Comcast Center. If your group wants to indulge and relax (bachelor parties deserve spa treatments too), then booking a stay at this luxury accommodation is encouraged. After all, how else will you gain access to the infinity pool?

Pro tip: The Knot has partnered with Hotel Planner to help you secure the best group hotel rate and get free hotel advice from an expert travel planner.

Best Philadelphia Home Rentals

There are plenty of housing options for a Philly bachelor party, so check out TripAdvisor, VRBO, Airbnb, Expedia, and Hopper Homes. Pro tip: If you're looking to supplement your vacation rental stay with some hotel amenities such as a swimming pool or a fitness facility, you can secure Philadelphia hotel day passes on ResortPass.

Rittenhouse Square Rowhome: Located along Philly's most luxurious neighborhood, this option is a short distance away from just about everything the group will need, including bars, restaurants and prime people-watching.

The Executive in Penn's Landing: This option sleeps up to six and comes with a sauna. Perfect for groups who want to be centrally located, the Penn's Landing property straddles both Fishtown and Old City.

Three-Bedroom Apartment in Callowhill: This option sleeps up to 10 and has an open floor layout so you all can spend quality time together. There's also a jacuzzi and it's less than a mile from the center of town.

South Philly Luxury Apartment: Large groups (up to 20) will like this four-bedroom option complete with futons, and twin and bunk beds.

Stylish Home in East Passyunk: Up to nine guests can stay at this rental that's situated close to the sports stadiums and the town center for your convenience.

Philadelphia Bachelor Party Nightlife

Fill the boys up with meats smoked, fried, and roasted at Philly's top eateries, then get lit at the city's rooftop bars and not-so-secret speakeasies.

Best Philadelphia Bachelor Restaurants

Barclay Prime: Home to the indulgent nearly, as of print, $140 cheesesteak, this centrally located steakhouse is great for groups who enjoy the finest fare the city has to offer.

Kim's BBQ Restaurant: Once you've had Korean BBQ, the regular sort just won't cut it. That's at least true at Kim's in Olney. The casual Philly restaurant grills its meat with hardwood charcoal for a unique smoky flavor that'll make eyes pop (in a good way). Order the boys a few bottles of the easy-to-drink, yet lethal, soju, and you'll tick off lining stomachs and pre-gaming in one sitting.

Fork: As one of Philadelphia's beloved new American restaurants, an evening at Fork is a wise choice for a group of gentlemen craving rib-eye and a glass of red wine. This is also a classic space from which to raise a toast to the groom and mingle with friends old and new before the mains come out. There's a great weekday happy hour… Friday, included.

Vernick Food & Drink: From local superstar chef, Greg Vernick, a reservation at Vernick Food & Drink will impress even the most discerning of foodies. The specialty here is the roast, whether that's fish or double-cut pork chop, though, with so many excellent choices the best thing to do is to sign the party up for the tasting menu. It features six courses of chef's selection at $155, with a recommended option to pair five styles of wine at $90.

Best Philadelphia Bachelor Party Bars

Bok Bar: With one of the best city skylines in the nation, you'll want to take in all that Philly awesomeness from the rooftops. Bok has the charm, without the hefty price tag. This casual terrace pours beers, wines, and cocktails, including the canned variety, and serves delicious street food snacks to boot. Events include country line dancing to DJ sounds and sunset drag shows. No reservations are required.

Oscar's Tavern: Bars like Oscar's Tavern will make you glad you didn't blow the budget on NYC. The dive bar is perched right by Rittenhouse Square, and depending on the season, guests can choose between casual indoor or outdoor seating. All your staple pub comforts are here too, like cheap beers and cheesesteaks, and there's even a jukebox to take the boy's bachelor party requests.

Hop Sing Laundromat: This speakeasy is so good, that they want people to stop raving about it. (Seriously.) Yet, here we are with yet another glowing endorsement. There are a bunch of rules to get into the concealed Chinatown cocktail den. No shorts or sneakers—make an effort; No taking out your phone, not even for photos; and pay in cash only. The hush-hush has only driven demand. Space is limited, so this is one for small groups. Pro tip: Arrive right when it opens at 5 p.m. to ensure a seat.

Expert Philadelphia Travel Tips

Many of the party will arrive via Philadelphia International Airport, but the city is also easy to reach via Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses, especially from neighboring NYC. There is no need for a car here; Philadelphia's excellent transit system will suffice to get around. You're also good to get around on two feet as downtown is highly walkable. As with many Northeastern cities, the best time to visit is spring and fall. Summers and winters are not to be ruled out entirely, however, especially if you'd like to enjoy outdoor festivals or winter ice skating.