Parkway / Museum District

At one end of the Parisian-style Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the iconic LOVE sculpture on the west side of City Hall is a photo shoot favorite. The other end of the Parkway leads to Fairmount Park - the world's largest landscaped city park - home to riverside trails, playgrounds, some of the country's earliest mansions, and more than 200 pieces of outdoor art. In between, acclaimed institutions dot the majestic row, and flags of the world, representing the many heritages that call Philadelphia home, adorn the street.

Surrounding the beautiful Swann Fountain at the center of Logan Square is a unique collection of museums. On one side, the famous Thinker greets art enthusiasts outside the Rodin Museum, which features the largest collection of the sculptor’s works outside of Paris. At The Franklin, visitors can walk through the Giant Heart, gaze at the stars in the Fels Planetarium, enjoy movies on an IMAX screen, and discover an array of fascinating and educational visiting exhibits. In the Academy of Natural Sciences, curious minds can explore America’s oldest natural sciences research institution and museum.

The Ben Franklin Parkway ends at Eakins Oval, a large roundabout in front of one of our City’s most identifiable landmarks: the Philadelphia Museum of Art, whose cascading steps were made famous in the film Rocky. With more than 200 galleries with 200,000 objects spanning a history of 2,000 years, it is one of America’s largest museums.

Behind the museum, 9,200 acres of trees, grassy fields, running trails, and reservoirs make up Fairmount Park. Fulfilling William Penn’s vision of creating a "green country town," Fairmount Park is where Philadelphians and visitors go to hike, bike, and jog through an idyllic landscape bordering the shores of the Schuylkill River. Visitors can also tour a few of Fairmount’s historic mansions, like the Lemon Hill Mansion, located throughout the park.

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Chinatown

Set back from Philadelphia’s skyscrapers and colonial buildings, Chinatown is an oasis of Asian traditions, architecture, and dining in Center City. Settled in between Arch, Vine, 8th, and 13th streets, Chinatown has grown and prospered for more than a century, serving as the hub for East Asian culture in the Delaware Valley metropolitan area. It is now the third-largest Chinatown in the United States.

While the neighborhood can trace its origins back to the 1870 founding of a laundry at 10th and Race streets, it did not obtain the Chinatown title until the mid-1920s. In the following decades, the East Asian community faced its fair share of adversity in the form of construction. The creation of the Independence Mall and the Vine Street Expressway, among other new developments threatened Chinatown’s existence. In 1969, the community rallied to create the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation to preserve the cultural center and fight against future developments.

Chinatown is a popular destination for people of many ethnicities, noted for its good food and shopping. Visitors are greeted by the neighborhood’s signature landmark: the Friendship Gate over 10th Street, just north of Arch Street. The first authentic Chinese gate built in America by artisans from China was commissioned in 1982 and designed by local architect Sabrina Song. At 80 tons, the gate recognizes the bond with Philadelphia's sister city, Tianjin. Along with colorful dragons and ornate designs, the Chinese symbols for "Philadelphia," "City," "China," and "Town" adorn the top of the gate.

While Chinatown offers great shopping - specializing in jade, marble, silk, crystal, and porcelain items - and 15 grocery stores, the neighborhood's main attractions are its 50 restaurants. Destinations include Imperial Inn, Sang Kee Peking Duck House, Tai Lake Restaurant, and for the vegetarians, New Harmony Vegetarian Restaurant. The eating options in Chinatown, however, are endless, and also include Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese fare in many locations.

For an impressive and lip-licking tour of Chinatown, check out Joseph Poon's Wok 'N Walk Tour of Philadelphia Chinatown. Led by the chef of an authentic fusion restaurant in the heart of Chinatown, hungry guests walk through the streets of the neighborhood taking in its food and culture - including a tour of a fortune cookie factory and a lesson in Chinese vegetable carving. All tours are accompanied by a four-course meal composed of authentic Asian cuisines.

As a primarily commercial area, only about 1,000 people call Chinatown home. Chinatown is easily accessible by SEPTA with regional rail, two subway lines, and numerous bus routes having stops inside or just outside the neighborhood. Additionally, it is just a short walk from City Hall and the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

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Old City / Society Hill / Waterfront

The Scene: Cobblestone walkways and iconic revolutionary buildings meet modern Philadelphia. The city’s trendiest district is filled with fantastic bistros, clothing boutiques, and contemporary art galleries. An abundance of history rests here including Christ Church and Burial Ground, where George and Martha Washington worshipped; and the plot where Benjamin Franklin is buried.

The Big Thing: On any given night, neighborhood theaters, restaurants, and clubs are among the city’s hippest spots to be seen. And, on the First Friday of each month, more than 40 Old City galleries and shops stay open late and offer special exhibits.

Horse drawn carriage tours are offered alongside Independence National Historical Park which comprises a large part of the district and includes the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall. Night time ghost tours through Society Hill are great for an eerie stroll back in time along rows of red brick homes.

Just beyond the residential streets are bridges that take you over to Penn’s Landing, the Philadelphia Waterfront’s main attraction that serves as a great place to go for a walk and take in the nautical views. In the warmer months, Penn’s Landing also hosts a variety of cultural festivals, outdoor movies, as well as many concerts featuring popular acts.

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Convention Center District

A beautiful centerpiece to this district in the heart of Center City, the state-of-the-art Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) spans six city blocks - and is still growing. When the current PCC expansion project is completed in 2010, the downtown facility will boast the largest convention center ballroom on the East Coast, the largest contiguous exhibit space in the Northeast, and 1 million square feet of saleable space for conventions, trade shows, and meetings from around the world.

Beyond its role as a meeting space, the Convention Center is a cultural destination unto itself, with an impressive $2 million contemporary art collection.

Outside of the PCC, convention attendees, tourists, and locals all love this district for its infinite world of shopping destinations, where anyone can take advantage of Philadelphia's TAX-FREE shopping on clothing and shoes. On one end, the Convention Center is neighbored by The Gallery at Market East, the country's largest downtown shopping complex. On the other end, at 13th and Market streets, Macy's offers the latest in fashion and merchandise - as well as a three-story tall organ and annual holiday light show.

Delicious food can be found all around the Convention Center. Just across the street, Reading Terminal Market - a restored Victorian train shed - houses the oldest continuous farmers market in North America, featuring authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, Amish specialties, spices, flowers, fresh fish, and much more. Dining destinations like Maggiano's Little Italy, Hard Rock Café, The Field House, The Melting Pot, and SoleFood are all only one block away. And Chinatown, offering more than 50 authentic Asian restaurants, is within a short walking distance.

This bustling part of Center City is also conveniently close to the major theaters, museums, and concert halls on the Avenue of the Arts.

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South Philadelphia

Start walking south from Center City and within minutes you will notice the transformation as the imposing skyscrapers become charming clapboard houses and small local stores as you enter South Philadelphia.

Modest, longstanding family-owned eateries tell the neighborhood's story as the landing sport for centuries of immigrants. A wide selection of authentic restaurants, pubs, boutiques, theaters, and galleries flourish here thanks to South Philadelphia's large Italian, Irish, and Mexican populations.

This former shipbuilding port is one of the city's oldest areas. It has served as home for some celebrities like Chubby Checker, Kenny Gamble, and Frankie Avalon. It is still home to the Italian Market, Mummers, Melrose Diner, and a bocce league.

The Italian Market in Bella Vista remains the heart of the neighborhood even today. Order up some gourmet cheeses, octopus, and imported olives at the five-block, open-air market.

If you're in the mood for a sit-down meal, Dante & Luigi’s, Ralph’s Italian Restaurant, Tiramisu Ristorante Italiano, Vesuvio Restaurant & Bar, and Villa di Roma are just a few of the infinite Italian dining establishments.

South Philadelphia is home to the city's best-known cheesesteak rivals: Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks - both on the corner of Passyunk Avenue and 9th Street, and renowned for the sandwich that bears Philadelphia’s name. Further south, the Melrose Diner has served customers for more than 70 years, and don’t forget about Ms. Tootsie’s Restaurant Bar Lounge featuring southern cuisine.

Between bites there is much to do and see. On South 2nd Street, the Mummers Museum depicts the history of this eclectic group of elaborately costumed men and women, famous for their distinct strut down Broad Street during the annual New Year’s Day Parade.

Along the nearby waterfront, visit Fort Mifflin on the Delaware River to see the site of the greatest bombardment of the American Revolution and the oldest fortification in continuous use in the United States. Pennsylvania’s oldest church, Gloria Dei, with over 300 years of history, is also located in South Philadelphia.

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Rittenhouse Square District

The Scene: At the center of this posh neighborhood is a popular park called Rittenhouse Square, complete with a Parisian-style plaza and fountains.

Stroll Walnut Street, a.k.a. Rittenhouse Row, for some of the world's most famous retailers, high-end boutiques, and lively outdoor cafes.

A bustling business center by day, the district is a hotspot for elegant restaurants and cutting-edge cultural nightlife.

It is both an exciting area to visit and stay in, offering accommodations ranging from historic landmarks, five-diamond winners, bed and breakfasts, business hotels, and other luxurious properties.

The Big Thing: From free summer concerts to a dazzling Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in December, Rittenhouse Square holds a variety of different events.

Rittenhouse is also the perfect neighborhood for indulgence, whether it's an extravagant European spa treatment or a candlelit dinner and night at the opera.

The district encompasses the southern stretch of the Avenue of the Arts where the glass-roof Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts shines as the stage for several performing arts groups.

Don't miss Center City Arts and Culture Week in October when top cultural organizations offer half-price tickets to hit shows.

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University City District: Not just your average neighborhood

A college town and residential neighborhood blended together, University City is a unique hybrid situated just minutes from City Hall and the heart of Center City.

True to the district's name, University City serves as a hub for education and research in Philadelphia. The University of Pennsylvania - started by Philadelphia's favorite founding father, Benjamin Franklin, in 1740 - is the geographic heart for a community of higher education, surrounded by Drexel University, the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, and Lincoln University Plaza. Meanwhile, in the western part of the district, you'll find streets lined with residential Victorian homes built at the turn of the 20th century, as well as a series of parks.

With so many universities, as well as the University City Science Center and its 2 million square-feet of real estate, it is no surprise that the district claims some of the world's leading research facilities in a wide range of fields. University City is also home to two of our nation's best medical institutions - the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

University City has some of Philadelphia's most intriguing cultural attractions. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (32nd and South) holds artifacts uncovered from around the world, including Egyptian mummies and a 12-ton sphinx. On the other side of Penn's campus is the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (36th and Walnut) and the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA, at 36th and Sansom). Penn's International House also provides a venue for cultural events all year-round, even holding its own movie theater to showcase films from around the world.

A district with diverse cultures, University City touts dining destinations with a wide range of flavors and atmospheres. By the Schuylkill River, World Café Live (30th and Walnut) provides a stage for live musical performances by emerging and established talent every evening, and two floors of food and drinks. Fine dining options fill the heart of University City with White Dog Café (34th and Sansom), Las Tarascas en Zocalo (36th and Lancaster), and Steven Starr's Pod (36th and Sansom) - an Asian fusion restaurant with a sushi bar conveyor belt and chic décor. For a lower price, try New Delhi for Indian food, Delilah's and Café 3801 for American comfort food, and plenty of spots for Ethiopian and other African cuisines.

Manayunk

The Scene: Derived from the Lenape Indian phrase "where we go to drink," this riverside neighborhood grew up as a booming industrial district. The mill town has been reinvented as a trendy, historic neighborhood and a popular shopping and nightlife spot. Signs of English, Irish, German, Italian, and Polish roots are served up in the form of international cuisine and one-of-a-kind shops.

The Big Thing: More than 30 restaurants line Main Street, sharing sidewalks with approximately 20 home wares and furniture shops. The Manayunk Brewery, neighborhood taverns, and al fresco dining are very popular. Warmer months welcome a bustling happy hour scene and most shops and restaurants offer special deals and stay open late on Thursdays. Manayunk is also a prime recreation destination, offering kayak tours and hiking, along with a challenging hilly street called the “Manayunk Wall” for cyclists to test their stamina.

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Washington Square District

Reminiscent of a London square, Washington Square was created as one of William Penn's five original public plazas. Today the area serves as a relaxing, green open space surrounded by harmonious blocks of coveted residences, offices, and unique retail.

On the west side of the district, rainbow-painted street signs highlight Midtown Village's concentration of GLBT-focused bookstores, clubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques.

Many "firsts" for America happened in Philadelphia, and the Washington Square District lays claim to some of these fames. In 1731, Benjamin Franklin created the Library Company of Philadelphia, the nation's first true public library that permitted the borrowing of books. And our nation's first hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital, was founded here in 1751, and still operates today at 8th and Spruce streets.
Additionally, the area features many of the colorful murals that are part of Philadelphia's internationally celebrated Mural Arts Program.

The district is also home to Antique Row on Pine Street, and Jewelers' Row on Sansom Street - America's oldest diamond district since 1851.

Founded in 1787, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church on 6th and Lombard streets marks the oldest piece of ground in America continuously owned by African Americans.

When the sun goes down, the district offers plenty of places to wet your whistle. The Irish Pub and Moriarty's Restaurant & Irish Pub have dozens of brews on tap to go with delicious wings and burgers. For saki and sushi, there is the 1225 Raw Sushi & Saki Lounge. And at Azul Cantina and El Vez, you can kick back at the bar with margaritas and tequila drinks.

While the Avenue of the Arts runs along the district's western boundary, Washington Square also touts the Forrest Theatre , which hosts many of Broadway's celebrated musicals and plays at 11th and Walnut Streets.

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