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 European bistro, Louie Louie is known as one of the most beautiful restaurants in America. Baltimore Avenue is the go-to street for international dining, lined with Indian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Thai cuisine, such as Booker’s Restaurant & Bar , serving a worldly take on traditional Southern-inspired dishes. PENN MUSEUM © E. Mencher SOUTH PHILADELPHIA PHILADELPHIA'S MAGIC GARDENS © M. Zugale 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. Bask in the reflections of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens , a mesmerizing mixed-media tiled labyrinth. Head down to scenic FDR Park for a day out in the sun and visit the American Swedish Historical Museum , which celebrates Swedish heritage and culture in America. DINE: Bánh Mì and Bottles offers 12 rotating unique craft beers on tap and authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist. Known for their homemade pasta, Gnocchi lovingly creates Italian food from scratch. River Twice is dedicated to sustainably sharing the region’s bounty through a menu of high-quality local ingredients. 33 DiscoverPHL.com
Philadelphia Official Visitors Guide Spring/Summer 2024: Page 33
