Slip onto Quince Street near Jefferson Hospital, walk a few steps, and you'll find yourself in a picturesque, pedestrian-only enclave of classic Philly rowhomes. The winding street is lined with tall trees and is so picturesque you'll forget you're in the heart of the city.

Welcome to Rodin Museum, the smallest and most relaxing art museum of the trio that line the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It's pay-what-you-wish, but the beautiful courtyard is open to all. Pull up a chair and grab a book, or just stare into the pool of water in the middle of the courtyard. You’ll be in good company in your reflection: The thinker statue has a permanent home there.

Walk past the long line of tourists waiting to get a photo with the Rocky statue and head to the back of the art museum. There are two gardens there to sit, relax, and think. First, there’s the sculpture garden, which offers benches and a great view of the Schuylkilll River. Then, head down closer to the river and take in the sites from the Philadelphia Water Works and surrounding gardens. There’s plenty of space to meander around in peace.

Hop on a bike or the trolley (the 36 will take you right there) and head over to Bartram's Garden in West Philly. The historic garden is pretty incredible and the garden unveiled a mile-long stretch of trail called “Bartram’s Mile” in 2017. You can also take a stroll within the garden grounds along the Schuylkill River.

This quiet park down in Pennsport is located on an abandoned pier that used to serve as the arrival point for immigrants. Today, it's an ecological escape that offers plenty of shade and access to the water.

Walk too quickly and you might miss John F. Collins Park, tucked away in an alley at 1707 Chestnut Street. Despite being sandwiched between two big buildings, it's a lush, shaded park with plenty of benches and a small fountain. It’s a real getaway right in the middle of the city.

It's much more chill at this spot on the Schuylkill River compared to the Schuylkill Banks by South Street Bridge. Also make sure to bring your camera for this one—you get a good look at the city as you wander the banks.

If you want to check out the iconic Boathouse Row, but don't want to deal with the crowds, cross the Schuylkill River via East Falls Bridge and continue walking down Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive instead. It runs along the west bank of the river and offers more quiet, yet just as beautiful, views of Boathouse Row, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Center City skyline.

Last summer, when the Rail Park first opened, it was flooded with people eager to take in the beauty of the industrial aesthetics of the space, and the views of the city. Now, the beauty is still there but it’s not nearly as jam-packed. Take a stroll along the park, stop by a swinging bench, and feel like you’re somehow away from everything, while still smack-dab in the middle of the city.