Philadelphia is a diverse city that can cater to the desires of any visitor. The unique characteristics of its neighborhoods make Philly a city where people can return and find something different to enjoy each time they visit.
From eating delectable tacos in University City to hanging in a hammock under bright lights in Society Hill, these six neighborhoods are on the rise.
Flowers along Schuylkill Banks add flourishes of color to a revitalized industrial area © Jumping Rocks/UIG/ Getty Images
Brewerytown
Brewerytown combines the warm aesthetics of a sleepy neighborhood where everyone knows your name with the energy of a more bustling community. Brewerytown Beats is one of the most popular record stores in Philadelphia and is a regular hangout spot for audiophiles and casual music fans. Nature lovers can take solace in Brewerytown’s closeness to Fairmount Park, Philadelphia’s largest outdoor park. Animal lovers are also in luck: the Philadelphia Zoo is a trolley ride away from Brewerytown. Local tip: Grab snacks at the nearby grocery story and then enjoy a casual stroll near the Schuylkill River.
University City
It gets its name because it’s home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, but University City’s vibrant food scene and cultural institutions make it more than just a college hangout. Latin cuisine is a specialty at Distrito, a restaurant known for its cold happy hour specials and scrumptious tacos. Dahlak specializes in Eritrean dining and has scrumptious entrees like doro wat, tenderly cooked chicken in a spicy tomato stew that comes with a hardboiled egg.
Clark Park – one of the largest outdoor parks in Philadelphia – is a short walk from Distrito or Dahlak. The park regularly hosts events ranging from outdoor markets to free movie screenings for the community, giving visitors something to enjoy on both warm afternoons and brisk Philly nights.
The Fillmore draws music fans to Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood © Mark Brown/Getty Images
Fishtown
Fishtown is a popular neighborhood that bridges Philadelphia’s past as a hard-nosed town and its future as a more accessible destination. Its home to night spots like Saint Lazarus Bar, a dive that just so happens to feature some of the best DJs in Philly, and Barcade, a bar famous for its arcade games and refreshing drinks. Eating out in Fishtown is a tasty endeavor thanks to restaurants like the vegan-friendly Front Street Cafe and Garage, a neighborhood spot that’s well-known for delicious bar fare like fried chicken sandwiches. Fishtown also figures in Philadelphia’s music scene thanks to venues like the spacious Fillmore that features pop stars like Travis Scott, and Johnny Brenda’s, a storied nightspot known for hosting up-and-coming talents like Philly singer Beano French.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is the scattered but fascinating mosaic installation by artist Isaiah Zagar © Paul Marotta/Getty Images
Bella Vista
This neighborhood can show you a few different examples of Philadelphia’s distinctive character in a relatively small area. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens feature some of the most eccentric mosaic artworks you will ever see, while the nearby Fleisher Art Memorial offers another showcase for Philly artists. Walk a few minutes south and you will find the Italian Market, an iconic trading post for produce, meats and freshly baked goods. The market offers deals you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Bella Vista is a great introduction to the South Philly flavor that Rocky helped make famous.
The fortress-like Eastern State Penitentiary is now an eerie tourist destination © MISHELLA/Shutterstock
Fairmount
Close proximity to historic landmarks and cozy restaurants makes Fairmount one of the best places in Philadelphia to explore by foot. At the center of the neighborhood lies Eastern State Penitentiary, the world’s first penitentiary and one that housed some of the country’s most famous criminals, including crime boss Al Capone. A walk down Fairmount Avenue takes visitors to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, home to masterpieces from Pablo Picasso and Robert Rauschenberg. SOUTH Kitchen and Jazz Parlor features a menu of delicious soul food and frequently books expert jazz musicians to entertain patrons.
Society Hill
Society Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Philadelphia and is worth visiting at any point of the year. Its Headhouse Square hosts farmer’s markets and other family events. As a community that’s consistently evolving with the times, Society Hill features stores like Marsh and Mane, a health and wellness shop that caters to black women. Perennial food favorites like Lorenzo’s Pizza (and its gigantic slices) will ensure that no visitor goes home hungry. A short walk to the end of South Street also leads visitors to Spruce Street Harbor Park, a glowing open air hub of activity and Blue Cross RiverRink, a place to go ice skating when it’s colder out and roller skating when it’s warmer.
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