UPENN
WRITTEN BY
Henry Nick, recent grad at UPenn and current med student at Florida Atlantic
Philadelphia is a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse neighborhoods, earning its nickname as the "City of Brotherly Love." Philadelphia blends historical landmarks with a thriving arts scene, world-class museums, and dynamic culinary offerings. It is conveniently located on the train line with other major cities, including Boston, New York, Baltimore, and Washington DC, providing easy access between them. Its medium-size makes it feel manageable while also leaving much room for exploration. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of University City in West Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania campus blends urban with green space; being close enough to the major landmarks of the city while still maintaining its unique identity. Penn is a school filled with traditions, from throwing toast on the field during football games, to walking through campus with canes during Hey Day to symbolize moving into senior year, to enjoying one of the largest college festivals at Spring Fling. The only caveat of attending the school is that you will forever be telling people, "No, not Penn State!"
Since my mom is a travel advisor, she can help plan any college visits or visiting your kids while studying abroad.
Her contact info is Samantha.Nick@smartflyer.com
WHERE TO STAY
THE INN at PENN
1 minute walk to campus (across the street)
3600 SANSOM STREET
The location to campus cannot be beat – it is in the center of everything. It is next to the main bookstore and has a great restaurant on the ground floor. It fills up extremely quickly on weekends when there is a major event at school.
THE STUDY at UNIVERSITY CITY
3 minute walk to campus
20 SOUTH 33RD STREET
This hotel is on the northeastern corner of campus, bordering both Penn and Drexel. It is walking distance from the main Amtrak station – 30th Street Station – which gives easy access to other cities on the east coast. The rooms either have views of campus or of downtown and there is also a great restaurant on the ground floor.
HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON
5 minute walk to campus
4109 WALNUT STREET
This hotel has suite style rooms, so there is a full kitchen, living room, and separate ensuite bedroom in each unit. They are all spacious and allow room for families to spread out and feel like a home. This hotel is on the same block as most of the off-campus houses, about 1 block from the western edge of campus.
SHERATON PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY CITY
3 minute walk to campus
3549 CHESTNUT STREET
This hotel has another convenient location to campus with easy proximity to some of the freshman dormitories. The hotel has a parking garage if you have a car and has a decent restaurant on the ground floor. It is a more affordable option while still being walking distance from campus.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
10 minute drive, 15 minute trolley ride to campus
1 NORTH 19TH STREET
This hotel is located in the most iconic building in the city. You can see the Comcast Tower from wherever you are located in Philadelphia. The lobby is located on the 60th floor which provides you panoramic views of downtown. There are premier cocktail bars and restaurants in this hotel as well. An underground trolley line has a stop nearby which provides easy access to campus.
WHAT TO DO
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Walk along the Schuylkill River Trail. The Schuylkill River runs between campus and Center City, and there is a long trail parallel to the river packed with runners, walkers, and bikers getting exercise and taking in views of the city.
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Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Start outside with the iconic Rocky Steps, getting your daily exercise in just walking up all of them. The museum has a variety of sculptures, paintings, and installations, and tickets are discounted with a student ID.
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Eat at Reading Terminal Market. This indoor food market has been operating for over a century, and is packed with vendors serving all of the local Philadelphia delicacies. Everybody will find something to enjoy.
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Stroll down Locust Walk. This pedestrianized pathway is the heart of campus, and at any time of day is filled with students, especially when the weather is nice! It is the best way to get a feel for all of the campus buildings and green spaces while observing what clubs and organizations are advertising.
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Watch the sunset from Cira Green. Cira Green is an urban park located above a parking garage near campus. It is covered in green spaces and benches allowing for views of downtown and of the Schuylkill River. You can buy beverages and food at their Sunset Social restaurant, or enjoy their programming such as movie nights or yoga classes.
WHERE TO SHOP
Most of your shopping can be accomplished in Rittenhouse Square, with chic and popular stores such as Free People, Urban Outfitters, Lululemon, and Marine Layer. There are also pop-up farmer's markets and art fairs in the park.
Old City is a beautiful neighborhood to find more unique finds. You can shop for local art through the many studios, at boutiques or thrift stores for clothes, and explore the historic landmarks while you are over there.
East Market Street is home to large-scale retail developments and many big box stores. Here's where you can find H&M, Burlington, Forever 21, and TJ Maxx. The area is easily connected to campus via the subway.
WHERE TO EAT
WHITE DOG CAFE
New American Cuisine
3420 SANSOM STREET
The decor of this restaurant is all dog-themed which makes it inviting and enjoyable for pet lovers. It is really nice to have a brunch spot walking distance from campus with a menu that has updates seasonally. The flavored French toasts are always popular, along with the smoked salmon toast to share.
LOUIE LOUIE
Bistro
3411 WALNUT STREET
Reservations are a must for a table at this restaurant, but occasionally seats can be found at the bar. They have outdoor seating available for most of the year although it is essentially tables on a city sidewalk. They have a reasonably priced Happy Hour menu as well. This restaurant is on the ground floor of The Inn at Penn which gives it a prime location close to campus and if parents are staying upstairs. The truffle fries and oysters are favorites on the Happy Hour menu and the French dip is probably the best in the city.
RENATA’S KITCHEN
Mediterranean
3940 BALTIMORE AVENUE
Reservations are available but not usually needed. Brunch is very popular, with a good mix of sweet and savory options. They are also very accommodating of allergies and dietary restrictions. Renata's is open for brunch, lunch, Happy Hour, and dinner, making it an easy and flexible option. They have a comprehensive cocktail list, with pitchers available on some of their more well-known offerings. I would highly recommend the shakshuka and lemon poppy pancakes on their brunch menu.
COPABANANA
Mexican
4000 SPRUCE STREET
They accept reservations for parties of 6 or less people, but is also very accommodating of walk-ins. They are busiest on Wednesdays for half priced hamburgers and have cocktails on a student's budget. Every Penn student has experienced a "Copa Wednesday" with very inexpensive burgers. They have multiple meat and gourmet topping options to fit every palette. The fajitas are popular when they come out from the kitchen sizzling, and most people will be drinking fruit margaritas.
NEW DECK TAVERN
Irish Pub
3408 SANSOM STREET
No reservations available but they do make a waitlist and reach out when a table opens up. Busiest during sports games and when there are daytime events on campus. A campus institution that has been open for decades. They host a Quizo pub trivia competition every Wednesday night. The highlight of the beverage menu is the mega mule – 96 ounces of Moscow Mule – with multiple straws to be shared amongst a group of friends. Highlights from the food menu include the cheesesteak egg rolls, grilled reuben, buffalo chicken salad, and fish n' chips.
GREEK LADY
Greek
224 SOUTH 40TH STREET
A place equally popular for dining in or taking out from. Order at the counter and then grab yourself a table. Food comes out fairly quickly and the menu is extensive. Most crowded for weekend brunch or lunches between classes during the week. From the Greek side of the menu, the gyros are a common order, carved right off the revolving spit. You can pick all of the fillings, including French fries. The omelettes rule the brunch menu, and they come with home fries and toast for a decent price.
