If you’re going to be visiting Philadelphia in the near future, make sure you organize your itinerary so that you can visit a variety of the beautiful neighborhoods in and around the largest city in the commonwealth. Whether you’re coming to The City of Brotherly Love for business or pleasure, make sure you explore beyond your hotel room. The famous historical sites like Liberty Hall and the Liberty Bell Center are monumental attractions and great learning environments for people of all ages. However, there is more to be seen outside of the downtown attractions, and visiting some of these local neighborhoods may give you new insight into what Philadelphia has to offer.

University City

Home to two prominent universities, the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, University City offers a youthful atmosphere that remains alive, day or night. Easily accessible from the South Street Bridge, University City provides a little something for everyone to enjoy. During the day, Penn Park has some of the best views of downtown Philadelphia and plenty of places for the kids to play. Nearby, the Institute of Contemporary Art on the University of Pennsylvania campus offers free admission and schedules regular concerts, lectures, and gallery tours. To experience the local culture, visit the Porch at 30th Street Station to hear some of the area’s live music while you browse through the famers markets or catch a bite to eat from a food truck. At night, duck into one of the many intimate college bars for a fresh micro-brew and a game of billiards.

Powelton Village

Just to the north of University City sits Powelton Village. This area is home to some of the most incredible Victorian architecture in all of Philadelphia. In fact, a number of the residences in Powelton Village are protected by the National Register of Historic Places, creating a distinguished feel to this quaint neighborhood. Powelton Village is also home to a number of colorful and original small businesses, including cafes, book shops, and small eateries. Possibly the biggest attraction in Powelton Village is Drexel Park. At just over two acres, Drexel Park boasts some wonderful walking paths, benches, and open, green space where locals and tourists alike stop by for exercise or some relaxation. Drexel Park also offers an incredible view of the Philadelphia skyline and, on a nice day, has some visually stunning photo opportunities.

Queen Village

Closer to the Delaware River, you’ll find Queen Village. The prime waterfront location and historical architecture of Queen Village create one of the best neighborhood atmospheres in Philadelphia. For more active travelers, Queen Village is extremely accessible by foot or bike, so exploring its various corridors is both easy and fun. If you’re out to do some shopping, Fashion Row on 4th Street offers a multitude of small boutiques and shops that can keep you busy for hours. Slightly to the north lies Headhouse Square, a popular open space that is home to bars, restaurants, and a weekend farmer’s market known to be the best in the city. At night, there is plenty of drinking, dancing, and fun to go around Queen Village as well.

Pennsport

Just south of Queen Village lies Pennsport, another riverfront neighborhood that boasts beautiful scenery and a variety of small pubs and restaurants. Perhaps the most unique parts of Pennsport are the Mummers bars that are spread throughout the neighborhood. The Mummers Parade is one of the oldest traditions in Philadelphia celebrating New Year’s Day, and the Mummers clubs in Pennsport provide year-round entertainment for Philadelphia’s night life. If you aren’t a night owl, during the day Dickinson Park is a great seasonal spot, and there are plenty of local shops and cafes nearby to keep you entertained throughout your visit.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to travel.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to travel. http://www.laserspinelocations.com/philadelphia/

Author Bio: Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to travel.

Category: Travel
Keywords: travel