South Philadelphia
Di Bruno Brothers, located in the Italian Market
Popular Neighborhoods: Passyunk Avenue, Bella Vista, Queen Village, Graduate Hospital
South Street Area: This street has a lot of restaurants and shops that are fun to explore. The shops and restaurants start around 10th and South and continue all the way to South and Front Street.
- The Magic Gardens (10th and South): A mosaic garden designed by muralist Isaiah Zagar
Cost: $5
- Eyes Gallery (4th and South): A shop featuring hand-picked items from around the world with a focus on fair trade art from Latin America. Shop is owned by artist Isaiah Zagar and his wife.
Cost: Free
- Jim’s Steaks (4th and South): One of the top cheesesteak places in the city, it has a reputation that rivals Pat and Geno’s
- Lorenzo’s (4th and South): A well-known pizza place in the area
- 4th Street Deli (4th and Bainbridge): A Jewish deli that is famous for its massive sandwiches, soups, and baked goods. President Obama came here when he visited Philadelphia in 2010.
- The Theater of Living Arts (TLA): A music venue that often features indie musicians
- The Headhouse Market: Although this market is currently closed, the market typically opens in the late spring and sells fresh produce every Sunday morning.
- Thrift Shopping: The South street area is also known for its thrift and vintage shops.
- Green Street Consignment Shop (7th and South)
- Philly AIDS Thrift (5th and Bainbridge)
- Urban Princess (4th and South)
- Retrospect Vintage (5th and South)
- Moon and Arrow (4th and Fitzwater)
- The Mummers Museum (4th and Washington): Go learn more about the Philly Mummers, who are famous for the New Year’s Day and Saint Patrick’s Day parades. While there enjoy some pho at one of the many Vietnamese restaurants in this area.
- Passyunk: Passyunk Avenue, which runs diagonally from 5th and Bainbridge into the heart of South Philadelphia, features many hip restaurants, bars, and shops. Pat’s and Geno’s are at 9th and Passyunk.
- Penn’s Landing: Located along the Delaware River, it features the Blue Cross River Rink (open until March 2nd). It also includes the Independence Seaport Museum and the Moshulu, a restaurant aboard the world’s oldest rigged sailing vessel. Also, did you know that you can walk onto the Benjamin Franklin Bridge? There are some great photo-taking opportunities (access to bridge is at 5th and Race)
Old City
Elfreth’s Alley (source: myphillyalive.com)
Popular Areas: Old City, Society Hill, Penn’s Landing
This neighborhood (sometimes spelled “Olde City”) is the original center of Philadelphia, and where many of the historical sites can be found.
- Independence Hall (5th and Chestnut): Where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were developed and signed. Admission is free (free tickets are available at the Independence Visitor Center on 6th and Market)
- The Liberty Bell (5th and Chestnut): Come see the famous cracked liberty bell and learn its history.
- The Bourse: Grab lunch at this historic commercial complex that features a shopping mall and food court.
- The Ritz Theater: A series of movie theaters in Olde City that feature independent films.
- Elfreth’s Alley: This is the oldest residential street in the U.S., with original historical houses from the colonial period that date back to 1702. It’s a beautiful place to visit, and best of all, it’s free!
- First Friday: On the first Friday evening of every month, art galleries in Old City open their doors for special exhibitions that often feature free wine, cheese, and appetizers. Come view original artwork, listen to music, and explore the area. It’s completely free. Start at 2nd and Arch Street and walk north to find the galleries.
Center City
Rittenhouse Square (source: philadelphiapopevisithousing.com)
Popular Areas: Rittenhouse, Market East, Chinatown
- Reading Terminal Market (11-12th and Arch): Sample authentic produce, chocolate, baked goods, and other food. This market is especially known for its Amish products, seafood market, and a beer garden.
- Rittenhouse Square (between 18th and 19th and Walnut Streets): A park with lots of restaurants and shops.
- The Mutter Museum (22nd and Chestnut): Featuring medical oddities and other unusual exhibits, this museum is not for someone squeamish ($16 admission for students)
- The Kimmel Center (Broad and Spruce): The Kimmel Center also features performances by the Pennsylvania Ballet company, Opera Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
- Mural Arts Tours: Did you know that Philly has the world’s largest collection of outdoor public art? The Philly Mural Arts Program leads walking, trolley, and bike tours around the city to showcase its murals. Go to muralarts.org for more information.
West Philadelphia
Philly Mural Arts Love Series in West Philadelphia (source: muralarts.org)
Popular Areas: University City, Baltimore Avenue, Powelton Village
West Philly features parks, cafes, as well as a thriving food scene with Ethiopian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian foods!
- World Café Live (31st and Walnut): A restaurant that features bands and other artists. Great place to get dinner and entertainment at the same time
- Fairmount Park: Located between Center City and the Schuylkill River, this park goes past the art museum and all the way to the Philadelphia Zoo.
- The Philadelphia Zoo (34th and Girard)
- Directions: Route 15 Trolley or Route 38 Bus
- Price: $20
- The Mann Center for Performing Arts (5201 Parkside Avenue): An outdoor concert venue in Northwest Philly that also features discussion panels and film screenings. Many events are free to the public. Check manncenter.org for more information.
Well-known West Philly Restaurants:
- Saad’s Halal Restaurant (45th and Walnut): Features falafel, chicken shawarma, and even cheesesteaks! This place is well-known throughout the city.
- Manakeesh (45th and Walnut): A Lebanese bakery across the street from Saad’s that features traditional sweets, coffees and teas, and brunch food.
- Ethiopian Restaurants (near 45th and Locust, Baltimore, and Chestnut streets): No one does Ethiopian like West Philadelphia. Check out Abyssinia or Gojo for authentic food.
- Baltimore Avenue: Features local book stores, thrift shops, and a brewery (Dock Street Brewery; located at 52nd and Baltimore)
Northern Liberties
Milkshakes at PYT Burger
An up and coming neighborhood just north of Center City, Northern Liberties (or “No-Libs” for short) has some fun restaurants and shops.
- The Piazza: Lots of concerts and events are hosted in this square. Check out atthepiazza.com/events/
- North Bowl: One of the most affordable bowling alleys in the city. Check website for hours and prices, which vary by day.
Fishtown
Fishtown Mural (source: brokelyn.com)
Similar to Northern Liberties, Fishtown is another neighborhood undergoing a lot of changes and development. There are art galleries, bars and restaurants, and community gardens in this neighborhood.
- Philadelphia Brewing Company (24th and Frankford): Tours from 12-3 on Saturdays
- Yards Brewing Company (901 N. Delaware Ave): Free tours from 12-4 on Saturdays and 12-3 on Sundays
- Frankford Hall (1210 Frankford Ave): This beer garden often hosts events like trivia, special guests, music, and more.
Fairmount
- Eastern State Penitentiary (2027 Fairmount Ave): Offers historic tours as well as ghost tours and scary Halloween tours. See easternstate.org for more information.
Local Day Trips:
Longwood Gardens: A beautiful garden right outside Philadelphia in Kennett Square, PA. Tickets for students are only $8.
Morris Arboretum: Located in the outskirts of Philadelphia, this site features some of Pennsylania’s oldest and biggest trees, along with beautiful flowers and plants. This public garden is only $8 for students.
Pay What You Wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: The 1st Sunday of every month, the museum is pay-what-you-wish admission (basically, it is optional to pay the full ticket amount).
Wissahickon Park: An extension of Fairmount Park
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Manayunk: Walk up and down main street to check out local restaurants and shops.
Monthly Events/Holidays
Mummers Parade (source: philly.com)
First Friday: On the first Friday of each month, the art galleries in Old City are open to the public from 5 to 9PM. Most of the galleries are between Front and Third from Vine to Arch Streets (get off at 2nd and Market on the blue line).
Fourth Friday: Come to Fabric Row on Fourth and South Street for food, shopping, and special vendors. Go to southstreet.com for more information.
Christmas Village (Center City): Every year from Thanksgiving until the last Sunday of December, Love Park features a special holiday market featuring European food, drinks, and crafts. Go to www.philachristmas.org for more information.
Mummer’s Parade: Every New Year’s Day, there is a parade by the Philadelphia Mummers, who are costumed entertainers. The parade goes along Broad Street, with special performances in front of City Hall. The parade has been around since 1900, so it is one of the longest standing traditions in the city.
Night Market: Night Markets feature food trucks and street food from all over the city. Each Night Market is hosted in a different neighborhood. Check out www.thefoodtrust.org/night-market/ for more information.
Vintage Flea Market: A flea market featuring antique furniture, vintage clothing and jewelry, and more. The flea market is usually hosted at 16th and Callowhill, but it also travels around the city. Go to www.philafleamarkets.org to get information on dates and locations.
Headhouse Market: A historic market on 2nd Street between Lombard and South. A farmers market and craft fair featuring local vendors are hosted here in the spring, summer and early fall. Visit www.thefoodtrust.org/farmers-market for more information. The Headhouse District also features street festivals
Other Resources for Things to Do in Philly:
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