Allen’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Once a high-security prison, Eastern State Penitentiary is picturesque with its stone walls and turrets. Visitors can expect to see amazing things from Al Capone’s furnished cellblock to history exhibits and art installations, and when there, definitely opt-in for the included audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi. With so many it’s easy to spend a whole afternoon there. In July, visitors can take part in Bastille Day, and during the Halloween season, it turns into a horror house at night. Tickets for regular tours are $14 for adults and $10 for students or kids.
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Penitenciaría del Estado del Este
2027 Fairmount AveOnce a high-security prison, Eastern State Penitentiary is picturesque with its stone walls and turrets. Visitors can expect to see amazing things from Al Capone’s furnished cellblock to history exhibits and art installations, and when there, definitely opt-in for the included audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi. With so many it’s easy to spend a whole afternoon there. In July, visitors can take part in Bastille Day, and during the Halloween season, it turns into a horror house at night. Tickets for regular tours are $14 for adults and $10 for students or kids.
This world-class art museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States and boasts over 227,000 objects, spanning from world-class European artworks to American paintings, prints, drawings and other decorative arts. The museum even houses Asian art from the third century BCE. For a fee, they also showcase around 25 special exhibits of world-renowned artists or movements. Patrons can see works from suits of armor to a Japanese tea house. Check out the breathtaking views of the cityscape or the Schuylkill River outside the architecturally stunning main building. Admission for adults is $20, and children 12 and under are admitted for free.
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Museo de Arte de Filadelfia
2600 Benjamin Franklin PkwyThis world-class art museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States and boasts over 227,000 objects, spanning from world-class European artworks to American paintings, prints, drawings and other decorative arts. The museum even houses Asian art from the third century BCE. For a fee, they also showcase around 25 special exhibits of world-renowned artists or movements. Patrons can see works from suits of armor to a Japanese tea house. Check out the breathtaking views of the cityscape or the Schuylkill River outside the architecturally stunning main building. Admission for adults is $20, and children 12 and under are admitted for free.
Kelly Drive runs along the Schuylkill River and boasts some of the most scenic views in the city. It’s a perfect destination for many activities — throughout the year, it’s a popular destination for bikers and runners. As you walk down the path, you’ll make your way to the bike pier on the river with views of the Walnut and South Street bridges, but you can also find fishing spots, picnics and skate parks along the way. By the Art Museum, you can find the Schuylkill River Loop and Boathouse Row. Visitors can also find free parking behind the art museum on weekday afternoons. Further ahead, stop at spots like In Riva where you can grab a beer or oven-cooked pizza while watching the river.
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Kelly Drive
Kelly DriveKelly Drive runs along the Schuylkill River and boasts some of the most scenic views in the city. It’s a perfect destination for many activities — throughout the year, it’s a popular destination for bikers and runners. As you walk down the path, you’ll make your way to the bike pier on the river with views of the Walnut and South Street bridges, but you can also find fishing spots, picnics and skate parks along the way. By the Art Museum, you can find the Schuylkill River Loop and Boathouse Row. Visitors can also find free parking behind the art museum on weekday afternoons. Further ahead, stop at spots like In Riva where you can grab a beer or oven-cooked pizza while watching the river.
The Mutter Museum is well-known for its peculiarities and oddities of the 19th century medical world. The first museum of medical history, the collections show anatomical specimens, medical instruments and models. The cabinet museum showcases everything from rare skulls to the soap lady to a history of medical developments. Keep an eye out for when new exhibits come into town. Admission costs $16 for adults and between $11-$14 for youth and seniors.
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First Food Market
116 S 21st StThe Mutter Museum is well-known for its peculiarities and oddities of the 19th century medical world. The first museum of medical history, the collections show anatomical specimens, medical instruments and models. The cabinet museum showcases everything from rare skulls to the soap lady to a history of medical developments. Keep an eye out for when new exhibits come into town. Admission costs $16 for adults and between $11-$14 for youth and seniors.
The Rodin Museum boasts the second largest collection of Auguste Rodin’s work and is a tribute to every phase his artistry. The garden with its reflection pool is a main feature of the museum that showcases eight works, including ‘The Thinker,’ ‘The Gates of Hell’ and the return of ‘The Shade’ and ‘Adam’ sculptures. Inside the Art-Deco building, patrons can find Rodin’s paintings, the works of Honore de Balzac and over 140 bronzes, marbles and plasters. The tranquil setting and outdoor mirror pool is nice for a date spot. The suggested admission is $10 for adults and under $10 for everyone else.
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Museo Rodin
77 Rue de VarenneThe Rodin Museum boasts the second largest collection of Auguste Rodin’s work and is a tribute to every phase his artistry. The garden with its reflection pool is a main feature of the museum that showcases eight works, including ‘The Thinker,’ ‘The Gates of Hell’ and the return of ‘The Shade’ and ‘Adam’ sculptures. Inside the Art-Deco building, patrons can find Rodin’s paintings, the works of Honore de Balzac and over 140 bronzes, marbles and plasters. The tranquil setting and outdoor mirror pool is nice for a date spot. The suggested admission is $10 for adults and under $10 for everyone else.
A favorite for both children and the curious adult, The Franklin Institute offers something for everyone. From science exhibits explaining global climate change to famous special exhibits such as Body Works, Pompeii exhibit, Egyptian artifacts and many more. Also, take advantage of their special events and IMAX theater which hosts some of the latest films and science documentaries. If weather permits, you can also take advantage of their observatory. Admission for adults is $19.95, but children ages three to eleven get in for $15.95.
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El Instituto Franklin
222 N 20th StA favorite for both children and the curious adult, The Franklin Institute offers something for everyone. From science exhibits explaining global climate change to famous special exhibits such as Body Works, Pompeii exhibit, Egyptian artifacts and many more. Also, take advantage of their special events and IMAX theater which hosts some of the latest films and science documentaries. If weather permits, you can also take advantage of their observatory. Admission for adults is $19.95, but children ages three to eleven get in for $15.95.
Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, The Barnes Foundation is admired for its collection of Post-Impressionist works and early Modern paintings including works by Renoir, Cezanne and Picasso which makes it one of the must-see attractions of Philadelphia and one of the top destinations in the world for art lovers. You can also find African sculptures, indigenous ceramics, jewelry and textiles, as well as American paintings and Mediterranean antiquities. On site, you can also find the Barnes Arborteum which contains more than 2,000 varieties of trees and plants—some of which are rare. Tickets are priced at $22-$25 for adults and $20-$23 for seniors. Although student tickets cost up to $10, everyone else can get in for free.
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Barnes
2025 Benjamin Franklin PkwyLocated on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, The Barnes Foundation is admired for its collection of Post-Impressionist works and early Modern paintings including works by Renoir, Cezanne and Picasso which makes it one of the must-see attractions of Philadelphia and one of the top destinations in the world for art lovers. You can also find African sculptures, indigenous ceramics, jewelry and textiles, as well as American paintings and Mediterranean antiquities. On site, you can also find the Barnes Arborteum which contains more than 2,000 varieties of trees and plants—some of which are rare. Tickets are priced at $22-$25 for adults and $20-$23 for seniors. Although student tickets cost up to $10, everyone else can get in for free.
The ornately sculpted Swann Memorial Fountain is a centerpiece of the city, located in the center of Logan Circle, surrounded by the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Franklin Institute and St. Peter’s Basilica. On summer days, it’s a perfect spot for a quick lunch or to rest while children (and fun adults) play in the fountain. The fountain’s indigenous sculptures named after the rivers and creeks around Philadelphia. In evenings, it’s a picturesque sight with the City Hall clock tower in the background.
Swann Memorial Fountain
Logan SquareThe ornately sculpted Swann Memorial Fountain is a centerpiece of the city, located in the center of Logan Circle, surrounded by the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Franklin Institute and St. Peter’s Basilica. On summer days, it’s a perfect spot for a quick lunch or to rest while children (and fun adults) play in the fountain. The fountain’s indigenous sculptures named after the rivers and creeks around Philadelphia. In evenings, it’s a picturesque sight with the City Hall clock tower in the background.
In the location where previous Japanese structures and gardens were built for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition sits the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center. Built in Japan in 1953 and exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, the house was moved in 1957 to West Fairmount Park where it still sits today. These days, visitors can stroll the 17th century-style Japanese garden, complete with a koi pond and waterfall, tour the house, and in the springtime, marvel at the blooming cherry blossoms on the grounds. Open late-March through October.
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Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Horticultural DriveIn the location where previous Japanese structures and gardens were built for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition sits the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center. Built in Japan in 1953 and exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, the house was moved in 1957 to West Fairmount Park where it still sits today. These days, visitors can stroll the 17th century-style Japanese garden, complete with a koi pond and waterfall, tour the house, and in the springtime, marvel at the blooming cherry blossoms on the grounds. Open late-March through October.
A grassy expanse four miles northwest of Center City, Belmont Plateau provides unparalleled views of the skyline. The West Fairmount Park knoll is perfect for barbecues, picnics, sporting events, Instagramming and kite flying (and for overall summertime hanging, as immortalized in the classic Summertime song by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince).
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Belmont Plateau
1800 Belmont Mansion DrA grassy expanse four miles northwest of Center City, Belmont Plateau provides unparalleled views of the skyline. The West Fairmount Park knoll is perfect for barbecues, picnics, sporting events, Instagramming and kite flying (and for overall summertime hanging, as immortalized in the classic Summertime song by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince).
Opened in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is located in West Fairmount Park and is home to some 1,300 animals. More than a million visitors pass through the gates each year, marveling at magnificent creatures like the African lion, Caribbean flamingo and giraffes. Plus, their year-round programming like Boo at the Zoo and Luminature make trick-or-treating and holiday light gazing a downright wild time.
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Zoológico de Filadelfia
3400 W Girard AveOpened in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is located in West Fairmount Park and is home to some 1,300 animals. More than a million visitors pass through the gates each year, marveling at magnificent creatures like the African lion, Caribbean flamingo and giraffes. Plus, their year-round programming like Boo at the Zoo and Luminature make trick-or-treating and holiday light gazing a downright wild time.
Located in the exact spot where the 1876 Centennial Exhibition’s horticulture hall once stood, the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park features manicured grounds and a greenhouse (occasionally the site of greenhouse yoga). Outside, visitors can take in fountains, sculptures, gardens and a treehouse-meets-public-art-space, Pavilion in the Trees. In the arboretum, tropical and succulent plants thrive in warm climates year round.
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Fairmount Park Horticulture Center
100 N Horticultural DrLocated in the exact spot where the 1876 Centennial Exhibition’s horticulture hall once stood, the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park features manicured grounds and a greenhouse (occasionally the site of greenhouse yoga). Outside, visitors can take in fountains, sculptures, gardens and a treehouse-meets-public-art-space, Pavilion in the Trees. In the arboretum, tropical and succulent plants thrive in warm climates year round.
Sure, parks are perfect for open-air performances — but this isn’t your average park. A-list musicians on summer tours come through West Fairmount Park’s Mann Center — offering don’t-miss views of the Philly skyline — and the Dell Music Center, located in the eastern part of the park. Once the weather warms up, their concert calendars fill with the likes of Patti LaBelle, Tedeschi Trucks Band and the legendary hometown show The Roots Picnic.
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The Mann Center
5201 Parkside AveSure, parks are perfect for open-air performances — but this isn’t your average park. A-list musicians on summer tours come through West Fairmount Park’s Mann Center — offering don’t-miss views of the Philly skyline — and the Dell Music Center, located in the eastern part of the park. Once the weather warms up, their concert calendars fill with the likes of Patti LaBelle, Tedeschi Trucks Band and the legendary hometown show The Roots Picnic.
One of the city’s most iconic sites, Boathouse Row’s picturesque collection of 19th-century boathouses remains a Fairmount Park staple. Located along the eastern side of the Schuylkill River, each building is home to a local rowing club, whose members you’ll frequently see out on the river. Pro tip: Take a drive at night to see the facades illuminated in lights, which often change in color depending on what holiday it is or what sports team is making a playoff fun.
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Boathouse Row
1 Boathouse RowOne of the city’s most iconic sites, Boathouse Row’s picturesque collection of 19th-century boathouses remains a Fairmount Park staple. Located along the eastern side of the Schuylkill River, each building is home to a local rowing club, whose members you’ll frequently see out on the river. Pro tip: Take a drive at night to see the facades illuminated in lights, which often change in color depending on what holiday it is or what sports team is making a playoff fun.
Have fun up in the canopy of West Fairmount Park at Treetop Quest Philly, Philly’s aerial adventure park, open from late March through mid-November. With over 60 obstacle courses and ziplines, guests can choose from five difficulty levels, ranging from kid-friendly to adventure extremists only. Wear closed-toe shoes (sneakers are best) and expect to climb trees, traverse narrow walkways high above the ground and glide on ziplines.
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Treetop Quest Philly
51 Chamounix DrHave fun up in the canopy of West Fairmount Park at Treetop Quest Philly, Philly’s aerial adventure park, open from late March through mid-November. With over 60 obstacle courses and ziplines, guests can choose from five difficulty levels, ranging from kid-friendly to adventure extremists only. Wear closed-toe shoes (sneakers are best) and expect to climb trees, traverse narrow walkways high above the ground and glide on ziplines.
Another relic of the Centennial Exhibition, Memorial Hall in West Fairmount Park is now home to the Please Touch Museum, a play-centric educational space where kids are invited to do something they’re usually told not to do: Touch everything. Pint-sized museum guests can stock shelves in a functional mini grocery store, get whimsical in a fairytale garden and float boats along a mini Schuylkill River.
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Please Touch Museum
4231 Avenue of the RepublicAnother relic of the Centennial Exhibition, Memorial Hall in West Fairmount Park is now home to the Please Touch Museum, a play-centric educational space where kids are invited to do something they’re usually told not to do: Touch everything. Pint-sized museum guests can stock shelves in a functional mini grocery store, get whimsical in a fairytale garden and float boats along a mini Schuylkill River.
Food scene
Fairmount Pizza and Grill
2000 Fairmount AveIf you’re looking for a popular eatery in the Fairmount district, Iron chef Jose Garces’ Buena Onda is right by many of the major attractions. Buena Onda serves cuisine inspired by the Baja Penninsula’s favorite haunts. Guests can choose from nine different types of tacos, like the fish tacos hat come either battered or tequila glazed with jicama slaw, avocado and their mouthwatering chipotle remoualde. Don’t forget to try their raved-about guacamole as well. Plus, you can get a small, free beer while you wait. It’s also great that it’s budget-friendly.
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Buena Onda
1901 Callowhill StIf you’re looking for a popular eatery in the Fairmount district, Iron chef Jose Garces’ Buena Onda is right by many of the major attractions. Buena Onda serves cuisine inspired by the Baja Penninsula’s favorite haunts. Guests can choose from nine different types of tacos, like the fish tacos hat come either battered or tequila glazed with jicama slaw, avocado and their mouthwatering chipotle remoualde. Don’t forget to try their raved-about guacamole as well. Plus, you can get a small, free beer while you wait. It’s also great that it’s budget-friendly.
Good Ethiopian food and other vegan options as well as traditional American food like hamburgers and wings
Zuzu's Kitchen
1500 Ridge AveGood Ethiopian food and other vegan options as well as traditional American food like hamburgers and wings
Juiced By B
1540 Ridge AvenueSmoothie place with healthy wraps
Zorba's Tavern
2230 Fairmount AveSlight walk(10-12minutes) to authentic Greek food
Slight walk(7-10min) with a different take on american dishes. Nice place to grab a drink across from the eastern state Penn
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Jack's Firehouse
2130 Fairmount AveSlight walk(7-10min) with a different take on american dishes. Nice place to grab a drink across from the eastern state Penn
Urban Saloon
2120 Fairmount AveA larger sit-down sports bar(7-10min walk)
OCF Coffee House
2100 Fairmount AveGreat place to grab lunch and other light meals
Bold Coffee Bar
1623 Ridge AveVineyards Cafe
847 N 16th StGreat place to grab a coffee
Philly Flavors
2004 Fairmount AveClose by water ice and ice cream
Things to do
Sunset Social
129 South 30th StreetConsejos para la ciudad
Costumbres y cultura
The Belgium Cafe
Nestled on tree-lined Poplar Street, The Belgium Cafe is another perfect destination for beer aficionados and Belgian-inspired food. Serving over 200 bottled beers from all around the world, you’re bound to find one of your favorites on the list. From Belgian farmhouse ales to twelve in-season beers like Christmas ales during the winter, you’ll be sure to be satisfied — so when you do try the mussels with frites and dipping sauce, you actually might die from happiness. The perfect spot for winter or to sit outdoors in the warm months, the cozy cafe is worthy of a trip if you’re in Fairmount.