Neighborhoods UNIVERSITY CITY/WEST PHILADELPHIA HOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA AND DREXEL UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES, WEST PHILADELPHIA IS A FOLKSY NEIGHBORHOOD WITH DIVERSE RESTAURANTS AND COMMUNITY PRIDE. DO: On the University of Pennsylvania campus, explore priceless archaeological artifacts from around the globe — including the largest sphinx in the western hemisphere — at the Penn Museum . Take in a theater, dance or world-music performance at Penn Live Arts and view installations from up-and-coming artists at the Institute of Contemporary Art , home of Andy Warhol’s first solo show. DINE: Reserve a table or grab a quick snack to go from Walnut Street Café , which prepares hot American plates, breakfast through dinner. A neighborhood staple, Sabrina’s Café is a brunch haven, serving both breakfast classics and specials inspired by blockbuster movies. Baltimore Avenue is the go-to street for international dining, lined with Mediterranean, Indian, Mexican and Thai cuisine, such as Booker’s Restaurant & Bar , serving worldly takes on traditional Southern-inspired dishes. Photo by R. Rabena for Visit Philadelphia™ University of Pennsylvania SOUTH PHILADELPHIA SOUTH PHILADELPHIA BLENDS ITS RESIDENTS’ RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE WITH ITS OWN UNIQUE FLAVORS. DO: A mix of traditional charm and modern eccentricity, East Passyunk Avenue is filled with neighborhood-favorite bars, restaurants and independent shops. Head to South Street for a manic melting-pot of merchants, from palm readers to record stores. While you are there, bask in the reflections of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens , a mesmerizing mixed-media tile labyrinth. DINE: There is no shortage of excellent Italian eateries in South Philadelphia. Seen in the “Rocky” movies and known for always having fresh fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, cheese and baked goods, the Italian Market on 9th Street is a bustling must-visit spot. Tattooed Mom is the only dive in Philadelphia where you can enjoy drink specials and vegan treats sitting in a rollercoaster cart. Photo by M. Zugale Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens 25 | Official Visitors Guide
Philadelphia Official Visitors Guide FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024: Page 25
