Parks and Attractions
Philadelphia has an extensive park system including Fairmount Park which stretches over 2,000 acres along both sides of the Schuylkill River, offering miles of trails, historic houses, and cultural institutions. Other notable green spaces include Rittenhouse Square, a refined oasis in Center City surrounded by luxury residences and cafes, and Washington Square, one of William Penn's original five squares.
Rittenhouse Square
Named after David Rittenhouse, a renowned 18th-century astronomer and first director of the U.S. Mint, this small but elegant park is surrounded by some of the city’s most luxurious real estate apartments, upscale restaurants and fine boutiques. With its meticulously maintained gardens, classical fountains, and numerous sculptures, Rittenhouse Square offers residents and visitors alike a peaceful respite from city life.
Wissahickon Valley Park
A veritable verdant, 1,800-acre oasis, this park stretches seven miles along the Wissahickon Creek. There are over 50 miles of trails, including the main Forbidden Drive—a car-free path that follows the creek and welcomes hikers, cyclists, and equestrians alike. The park features lush forests and dramatic gorges as well as historical structures, including the iconic Valley Green Inn dating back to 1850. For generations of Philadelphians have come here for a peaceful escape from urban life.
East Passayunk
East Passayunk Avenue is a vibrant thoroughfare that serves as the backbone of one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. This corridor, pronounced "pash-yunk" by locals is home to older Italian residents as well as a younger generation of professionals and artists. The neighborhood features an eclectic mix of traditional Italian bakeries, modern gastropubs, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. The area is known for its iconic "Singing Fountain" at the intersection with Tasker Street and the neighborhood's quirky "Passyunk Square" with its inverted street grid.
Boathouse Row
Located along the Schuylkill River, Boathouse Row is made up of fifteen Victorian-era boathouses that house social and rowing clubs. Dating back to the 19th century, these structures are known for their distinctive architectural styles and are illuminated with lights at night for a festive appearance. The boathouses serve as headquarters for various rowing clubs and universities and is a frequent site for prestigious regattas.
The Met Theater
The Metropolitan Opera House, commonly known as the Met Theater, is a historic venue located on North Broad Street that has undergone several transformations. Originally opened in 1908 as an opera house designed by architect William H. McElfatrick, this grand Beaux-Arts building once hosted performances by renowned opera companies. and was considered one of the most magnificent theaters of its time. After serving various purposes —including as a movie theater, ballroom, church, and sports venue—the Met underwent an extensive restoration turning it into a state-of-the-art performance venue operated by Live Nation.
Xfinity Live
Xfinity Live Philadelphia is an entertainment complex located in the heart of South Philadelphia's sports complex area which spans over 120,000 square feet and is an ideal destination for sports fans and concertgoers. The complex features multiple bars and restaurants with large video screens and is a popular pre-game and post-game destination for fans attending sporting events. It’s also an ideal spot for watching live sports or enjoying live music.