Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Right in the middle of Philadelphia’s most polished neighborhood—where glass towers loom and fashionably dressed locals pretend not to notice each other—Rittenhouse Square is a slice of greenery that refuses to be outshined. It’s been here since 1825, named after homegrown Revolutionary-era brainiac David Rittenhouse. The layout you see today, with its neat diagonal paths converging toward the center, took shape in 1913, along with many of the bronze statues that quietly observe everything… and judge a little.

But let’s be honest—history aside, a lot of people are here for a different reason: Rocky II. This is where Rocky and Adrian take that soft, slightly awkward stroll along the southeast corner after hearing they’re expecting a baby. It’s one of those rare moments where the Italian Stallion slows down—no punching, just feelings...

From there, they drift south toward 18th and Locust. If you’re feeling cinematic, keep an eye out for the Barclay Condominium—the stone-faced building behind Rocky and Adrian when they stop and face each other. Yes, that’s the one tied to the unforgettable line, “I never use ’em.” Back when the scene was filmed, it had a modest green awning; today, it’s traded that in for a much grander, upscale frontage, self-aware of its status.

And curiously enough, almost too on-the-nose: before the fame, before the running up steps, even before the punches—Sylvester Stallone actually lived right here in the late 1950s, at the Chateau Crillon Apartments. Not only that, in between filming of Rocky II and Rocky III, he stayed at the Barclay Hotel itself. So, yes, when Rocky walks through this square, he’s not just acting—he’s practically coming home...