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Philadelphia

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Philadelphia

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The City of Brotherly Love

History


Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the USA and full of fascinating history. It is here that the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, separating from Great Britain and creating a new country. It is also the birthplace of the constitution (the country’s founding document), which today governs how laws are made and followed across the USA. The city is very proud of its history and has numerous sites and museums dedicated to sharing the significance of these early days.


Philadelphia is currently the nation’s sixth most-populous city and is situated between two other renowned American cities – New York City and Washington D.C. In the 21st century, the city is known for its many prestigious institutes of higher education as well as a vibrant arts and cultural scene. It is also home to one of the largest urban park areas in the country, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to escape into nature.

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Philly Fun Facts: Did you know...?​


That the Stars & Stripes (the American flag) was designed in Philadelphia by Betsy Ross? The Betsy Ross House, located in Old City, is a popular historic site where visitors can take in the sights and sounds of the American flag’s birthplace.


That Elfreth’s Alley in Old City Philadelphia is the United States’ oldest residential street? Today, the museum and alley tours offer a glimpse into the lives of everyday colonial Americans. You can spend an afternoon strolling along the cobblestone street featuring 32 beautiful houses, built between 1728 and 1836.


That the crack in the Liberty Bell is a heavily debated subject among historians? One theory is that the Bell was first cracked in 1752 upon its arrival in Philadelphia.


That Independence Hall is known as the “birthplace” of the United States. Within the walls of this storied building, both the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the Constitution of the United States was signed.


That Benjamin Franklin, perhaps the most famous Philadelphian, was a writer, inventor, printer, scientist, and diplomat? Learn more about this important "Founding Father" and his life here at the Benjamin Franklin Museum.


That Philadelphia's City Hall is the largest municipal building in the United States, and the tallest masonry structure in the world?


Getting Acquainted

Following the news and trends of the city will help you feel at home in no time. See our recommendations below for local news outlets and insider Instagram accounts to follow.


Local News:


Philly Social Media Accounts:

  • Campus Philly (@campusphilly) - helps students integrate into Philadelphia and find jobs or internships

  • Visit Philadelphia (@visitphilly) - provides general tourism and visitor information

  • Wooder Ice (@wooder_ice) - covers Philadelphia news and events

  • When Where What Philly (@whenwherewhatphilly) - features fun stuff to do across the city


Exploring The Region

Philadelphia is an excellent starting point for a variety of day-trips:


City hopping: Philadelphia is just 1.5 hours from New York and 2 hours from Washington, D.C. by train.


Head to the hills: In summer, the Pocono Mountains in northeast Pennsylvania offer a cool escape from the summer heat of the city; in fall, the changing colors of the forests are spectacular; and in winter, the ski slopes become a destination for snow sport enthusiasts.


Beach retreats: On summer weekends, many Philadelphia residents go 'down the shore' (i.e. to the beach). You can get to Atlantic City in New Jersey in just 1.5 hours by train or bus.


Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Where to Start?


Philadelphia has a vast array of neighborhoods, each with their own history and sense of community. Some are large, others are just a few blocks in each direction. If you are exploring housing options, it is a good idea to learn about the different neighborhoods you might inhabit and what to expect as a resident - both the amenities (like local stores and celebrations), and the other important considerations (like general safety and access to public transport).


The following resources can help you get an overview of the city's neighborhoods:

  • Philadelphia Neighborhoods features a detailed map to help understand the different neighborhoods.

  • Visit Philadelphia provides historical context and points of interest on neighborhoods across the city.

  • Niche lets you search for a neighborhood by address or ZIP code, and offers information on an area's median rent, diversity, and safety.

  • The Philadelphia Police Department website features a tool for finding specific crime statistics on custom areas of the map.


Neighborhoods

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Center City


Center City, also known as the heart of the city, is the most accessible part of Philly, no matter where you reside, with so many nearby SEPTA stations and ways to get around.


University City/West Philly


University City is home to Drexel University and UPenn, as well as other surrounding colleges! Each campus has unique things to explore and it is easy to walk around.


Rittenhouse


Students enjoy Rittenhouse because there is always something new to try here! Right in the middle of the city are cool new restaurants, cafes, and experiences; it’s a great area to explore on foot.


Old City


Full of history and iconic spots, Old City is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Philly. Old City is a perfect spot to visit some historical landmarks and museums, and more!


Chinatown


Chinatown is a neighborhood favorite in Philly—not only is it super accessible by subway, but it also has some of the best places to eat. There’s so much variety of all types of foods ranging from Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean cultures, all with different price ranges that accommodate college students!


Fairmount


Fairmount is a beautiful, walkable neighborhood to spend a leisure weekend or try some new fun activities. Fairmount Park is one of the biggest parks in Philadelphia and the perfect place to have a picnic or change up the scenery for your run.


Fishtown/Northern Liberties


Fishtown is a vibrant Philadelphia neighborhood loaded with character and history. Stepping out of Girard Station, locals and visitors can witness colorful murals filled with the passion of each artist capturing the spirit of the city. Over the years, Fishtown has become a "foodie haven" with diverse and delicious hotspots.


The Delaware Waterfront


Located right along the Delaware River and near Old City, The Waterfront is home to year-round attractions and scenic views for every season. Most notably, Penn's Landing is home to rotating attractions like Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest/Sumemrfest. The Waterfront is also home to Spruce Street Harbor Park, the perfect destination for a mix of relaxation, entertainment, and of course, food!


Washington Square


Washington Square West is known for its dynamic environment, and creates community for locals, visitors, and the many college students nearby. Arguably one of the most scenic spots in all of the city, Washington Square is the perfect, picturesque green space to step back and connect with nature.


The Gayborhood


Named after a reporter's rephrasing of Mister Rogers' song as "It's a beautiful day in the Gayborhood" during the 1995 OutFest, the Gayborhood is a charming community in the city filled with rich history and celebration. There is no shortage of things to do in the Gayborhood, as there are restaurants galore, quaint shops, and streets to simply wander with pride!


North Broad


To experience some of the finest arts and architecture in the city, be sure to check out North Broad, a neighborhood right outside of Temple University!


South Philly


South Philly is home to an incredible blend of cultures and experiences. Accessible via the Broad Street Line and local buses, it is sure to provide a day full of adventure, like visiting the Italian Market for the most authentic Italian and Mexican/Latin American foods. Many also consider South Philly their favorite part of the city, as it is home to our sports complexes. The Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and Eagles all have stadiums located in South Philly, and welcome in all fans to come root them on!


Manayunk


For an "urban experience with small town charm," look no further than Manayunk, a Philly-area neighborhood located just outside of Saint Joseph's University. Visitors and locals alike enjoy strolling Main Street and shopping at the many boutiques and stores along the way. After a day of shopping and eating, enjoy a long walk or run along the Schuylkill River Trail, or go for a hike in Wissahickon Valley Park.


East Falls


East Falls is a small Philly neighborhood located just outside of Manayunk, near Jefferson University and Drexel, and right along the Schuylkill River.


Germantown


Germantown is home to a rich history with settlements and mansions to explore! Germantown Avenue is the neighborhood's main point of attraction, and is the perfect place to stroll for window-shopping or café visits.


Chestnut Hill


Cozy and quaint, Chestnut Hill is the perfect spot to break away from the hustle-and-bustle of city life. Accessible via the Chestnut Hill East/West SEPTA Line, the town is as scenic as it is lively (as it is the garden district of Philadelphia).


Green Spaces

About 13% of Philadelphia is park land, which includes small leafy squares in urban neighborhoods and expansive natural lands within the city limits. If you crave an escape to nature or just some relative peace and quiet, you can visit some of the following parks in different parts of Philly:


  • Bartram's Garden: a park and horticultural space in Southwest Philadelphia.

  • Clark Park: a large park in West Philadelphia featuring events year-round.

  • Cobb's Creek Park: 100 acres of wooded parkland along Cobb's Creek in West Philadelphia.

  • East Fairmount Park: 650 acres on the eastern bank of the Schuylkill River.

  • FDR Park: 350 acres of parkland at the bottom end of South Philadelphia.

  • John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge: the largest freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania and a habitat for wildlife.

  • Pennypack Park: 1,600 acres of woodlands and wetlands in Northeast Philadelphia.

  • Rittenhouse Square: a public park located in the heart of Center City and surrounded by fine dining, retail, and luxury residential buildings.

  • Washington Square: a public park located in close proximity to the Historic District.

  • The Woodlands: a historic, leafy cemetery in West Philadelphia.

  • West Fairmount Park: 1,400 acres of parkland on the western bank of the Schuylkill River; home to the Belmont Plateau (which offers wonderful views of the city) and the Philadelphia Zoo.

  • Wissahickon Valley Park: 1,800 acres of woods along the Wissahickon creek in northwest Philadelphia, featuring over 50 miles of hiking trails.


For cyclists, the Schuylkill River Trail also offers a safe and scenic way to explore along the banks of the Schuylkill River from deep within Philadelphia to well beyond the city limits.


Climate

Despite its proximity to the coast, Philadelphia is a city of extremes when it comes to weather. It is good to bear this in mind when considering your wardrobe!


Summers in the city are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching around 90°F/32°C during the height of the season. Most buildings are air-conditioned, but not all, so this is something to consider when looking for a place to live.


Winters can be very cold, and the temperature often falls below freezing (32°F/0°C) even during the daytime. There are occasional heavy snowfalls between January and March, which can make it difficult to get around. Sometimes the weather causes trains and buses to stop running, and schools may close for safety reasons.


Queer Philly: Mini-Guide

From the Revolutionary War to Civil Rights, Philly is known for defining eras of change. There are a number of queer historical markers, resources, and areas of the city to explore. It's a city that's truly all about LOVE. Philly is a welcoming city with an appreciation for queer culture, and it’s a great time to take in all of the resources that the area has to offer. You can be part of the history and the fun!


History

Prohibition in the 1800s paved the way for a quietly emerging queer nightlife scene—hidden for both alcohol and queerness. Due to segregation and racism within the city, Black queer folks found a home in North and West Philadelphia. Certain spots in the city became hotspot destinations for queer folks, as Rittenhouse was known as the area for lesbians and gay men through the 1950s, and Locust Street became known as "Ludrid Locust," a hub for queer nightlife. As time went on, and local/federal governments refused to respond to the AIDS epidemic, local organizations formed and helped to cement the strength of the queer community in Philly.


The Gayborhood


The Gayborhood, named after a rephrasing of Mister Roger's classic song, stretches from Chestnut and Pine streets between 11th and Broad Streets. There is a plethora of queer-owned restaurants and bars (21+). OURfest, an annual celebration of coming out and queerness, is every October in the Gayborhood.


Resources



Recommendations for exploring:


  • The Painted Mug: a queer-run café and performance spot

  • Arch Street Meetinghouse Historical Marker: an iconic flagstone in honoring the advancements of LGBTQ+ rights. The marker commemorates the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which brought the conversation regarding queer rights into the public eye.

  • Ephemera: a collective Lesbian Memory Hotline honoring stories/experiences regarding the lesbian identity/experience

  • PHLash Climbing: LGBTQ+ rock climbing

  • Giovanni's Room: oldest gay bookstore in the country

  • Philly Gay Calendar: a compiled calendar full of recommendations for spots to visit or events going on around the city

  • South Street Art Mart: a queer woman owned shop featuring art by members of Philly's LGBTQ+ community

  • Darnel's Cakes: a Northern Liberties bake shop that also works to provide HIV education and testing

  • Halloween: an LGBTQ+ owned hole-in-the-wall jewelry store

  • Fairmount & Brewerytown Bicycles: a queer and locally owned bike shop that promotes social justice, especially for the LGBTQ+ community

Drag


Drag in Philly is fierce, and there are many options to explore! Here are a few of our favorites:


  • Philly Drag Mafia

  • Level Up for some great nightlife

  • R&D for the monthly R&Divas event

  • Tabu, an iconic mainstay in Philly's gay bar scene

  • Bob & Barbara's for the longest running drag show in Philadelphia

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