Plan Your Fun in South Philadelphia

South Philadelphia, affectionately known as “South Philly,” is a vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich neighborhood that offers visitors and locals alike a wide array of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re into history, food, art, sports, or just wandering through lively streets, South Philly has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best ways to plan your fun in this iconic part of the city, from must-visit landmarks and hidden gems to culinary adventures and family-friendly outings.

Getting to Know South Philadelphia: A Brief Overview

South Philadelphia is one of the city’s most dynamic and distinctive neighborhoods, known for its deep-rooted history, passionate sports culture, and delicious food scene. It’s home to a wide variety of cultures and communities, which is reflected in its array of restaurants, markets, and shops. From the historic Italian Market to the bustling streets lined with murals, South Philly’s unique blend of tradition and innovation makes it a fantastic destination for visitors.

Why Visit South Philadelphia?

Cultural Diversity: With strong Italian, Irish, Asian, and African American communities, South Philly’s cultural diversity is one of its greatest strengths. You’ll see this diversity in the food, festivals, and day-to-day life.
History and Heritage: South Philly is steeped in history, from its role in the Revolutionary War to its influence on American music and sports. Walking through its streets, you’ll feel the layers of history everywhere you go.
Sports Central: If you’re a sports fan, South Philadelphia is home to Philadelphia’s major sports teams, including the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and 76ers. Whether you’re catching a game or just soaking in the electric atmosphere, South Philly is a sports lover’s paradise.
Famous Food Scene: From legendary cheesesteaks to world-class Italian dining, South Philly is a culinary hotspot where foodies can indulge in some of the best eats the city has to offer.

Historic Landmarks and Must-See Spots

South Philadelphia offers a wealth of historic landmarks and iconic sites that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, these sites provide a deeper understanding of the area’s rich past and its significance to Philadelphia and beyond.

The Italian Market

The Italian Market, one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in the United States, is a South Philly institution. Established by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century, the market is still a bustling hub of activity where you can find everything from fresh produce and meats to handmade pasta and specialty cheeses.

What to Do: Stroll along 9th Street and explore the diverse stalls and shops. You’ll find authentic Italian grocers alongside Mexican, Vietnamese, and other international vendors, offering a wide variety of food and goods.
Don’t Miss: Be sure to stop by Di Bruno Bros. for gourmet cheeses and olive oils, and don’t leave without grabbing a cannoli from one of the many Italian bakeries.

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Located just a short distance from South Philly, the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is the former home of the famed American writer. Poe lived in this house in the early 1840s, and it’s where he penned some of his most famous works, including “The Black Cat.”

What to Do: Tour the home and learn about Poe’s life in Philadelphia, his work, and the influence the city had on his writing. The museum offers a fascinating look into the mind of one of America’s greatest literary figures.
Don’t Miss: The cellar, which inspired the chilling story “The Black Cat,” is a must-see for any Poe fan.

SS United States

Docked along the Delaware River, the SS United States is a historic ocean liner once known as the fastest ship in the world. Though it’s no longer in service, this marvel of American engineering is an iconic symbol of mid-century design and innovation.

What to Do: While the ship itself is not open for tours, you can view it from the riverfront and learn about its history through interpretive signs and nearby attractions.
Don’t Miss: Keep an eye out for periodic events and efforts to preserve the ship, which may offer unique opportunities to learn more about its past.

South Philly’s Mural Arts

Philadelphia is home to one of the largest public art programs in the country, and South Philly boasts some of the most impressive murals in the city. Walking through the neighborhood, you’ll encounter vibrant murals that reflect the community’s history, culture, and spirit.

What to Do: Take a self-guided tour of South Philly’s murals, or sign up for a guided tour with the Mural Arts Philadelphia program. You’ll get to see some of the most iconic works up close and learn about the stories behind them.
Don’t Miss: Keep an eye out for the “Philadelphia Muses” mural, a massive work of art that honors the city’s creative legacy, as well as the “Autumn” mural, a striking depiction of South Philly’s diverse community.

Exploring the Sports Scene: Catching a Game in South Philly

South Philadelphia is the heart of Philly’s sports culture, and no visit to the area is complete without catching a game or experiencing the electric atmosphere around the city’s major sports complexes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just enjoy the energy of game day, South Philly is the place to be.

Lincoln Financial Field

Home of the Philadelphia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field is the ultimate destination for football fans. Whether it’s the NFL season or a special event like a concert or college football game, “The Linc” is always buzzing with excitement.

What to Do: If you’re in town during football season, attending an Eagles game is a must. The stadium also offers tours where you can go behind the scenes, explore the locker rooms, and even step onto the field.
Don’t Miss: The tailgating culture in South Philly is legendary. Head to the parking lots hours before the game to join the pre-game festivities, complete with BBQ, beer, and plenty of Eagles chants.

Citizens Bank Park

Baseball fans will love spending a day at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. With stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a fantastic place to enjoy America’s favorite pastime.

What to Do: Attend a Phillies game during the season and indulge in some classic ballpark fare, including Philly soft pretzels, cheesesteaks, and crab fries from Chickie’s & Pete’s.
Don’t Miss: The “Ashburn Alley” area of the ballpark is packed with local food vendors, historical displays, and games for kids, making it a perfect spot for families to enjoy during the game.

Wells Fargo Center

If you’re more into hockey or basketball, the Wells Fargo Center is the place to be. This arena is home to both the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) and the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA). Whether you’re catching a hockey game or cheering on the Sixers, the energy at Wells Fargo Center is always electric.

What to Do: Check the schedule for games or events during your visit. The Wells Fargo Center also hosts concerts, wrestling events, and other live entertainment throughout the year.
Don’t Miss: The fan zones inside the arena offer plenty of opportunities for interactive experiences, including team shops, photo ops, and special activities for kids.

Foodie Adventures: Dining in South Philly

South Philly’s food scene is legendary, offering everything from iconic cheesesteaks to world-class Italian cuisine and an ever-growing selection of international dining options. Whether you’re a foodie looking for the next great meal or just craving a quick bite, South Philly has something to satisfy every palate.

The Cheesesteak Showdown: Pat’s vs. Geno’s

When it comes to iconic South Philly food, the cheesesteak reigns supreme. And nowhere is the cheesesteak debate more intense than between two legendary rival spots: Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks. Located directly across from each other at 9th and Passyunk, these two eateries have been serving up the city’s signature sandwich for decades.

What to Do: Grab a cheesesteak from both spots and decide for yourself which one reigns supreme. Be sure to learn the local lingo when ordering— “wit” means with onions, and “witout” means without.
Don’t Miss: For a truly authentic experience, try your cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz, the gooey, neon-orange cheese sauce that has become a South Philly tradition.

Dining on East Passyunk Avenue

East Passyunk Avenue is one of the city’s hottest dining corridors, offering a mix of casual eateries, fine dining restaurants, and trendy bars. With its vibrant energy and diverse selection of cuisines, it’s a food lover’s dream destination.

What to Do: Start your culinary tour by wandering down Passyunk Avenue and stopping at one of the many popular restaurants. From Italian bistros to taco joints and sushi spots, there’s no shortage of great options.
Don’t Miss: Be sure to visit Fond, one of the avenue’s top fine dining restaurants, known for its inventive New American cuisine. For something more casual, head to Bing Bing Dim Sum for creative Asian-inspired small plates.

Italian Delights in South Philly

South Philly’s Italian heritage is alive and well in its food scene, and the neighborhood is packed with authentic Italian restaurants, delis, and bakeries that transport you straight to the streets of Italy.

What to Do: Head to Ralph’s Italian Restaurant, the oldest Italian restaurant in the country, for classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or veal parmigiana. If you’re in the mood for pizza, check out Pizzeria Stella for artisanal pies with gourmet toppings.
Don’t Miss: No Italian food tour of South Philly would be complete without a stop at Termini Bros., an iconic bakery that’s been serving up cannoli, Italian cookies, and cakes since 1921.

The Global Food Scene

In addition to Italian fare, South Philly is home to an increasingly diverse array of international cuisine. From Vietnamese pho to Mexican tacos, you’ll find flavors from all over the world here.

What to Do: Visit South Philly Barbacoa, a beloved spot known for its authentic Mexican barbacoa tacos, or head to Pho Ha, a local favorite for Vietnamese noodle soups.
Don’t Miss: Don’t leave without trying a banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) from Ba Le, a popular spot known for its fresh, flavorful baguettes filled with meats, vegetables, and herbs.

Family Fun in South Philadelphia

South Philadelphia is not just for adults—there are plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions that make it a great destination for kids and parents alike. From parks and playgrounds to interactive museums and sports events, South Philly has something to keep every member of the family entertained.

FDR Park

Often referred to as “The Lakes,” FDR Park is a beautiful green space located in the southernmost part of South Philly. It’s the perfect spot for families looking to spend a relaxing day outdoors, with plenty of activities to keep kids entertained.

What to Do: Rent a paddleboat or canoe and explore the park’s scenic lakes, or bring a picnic and enjoy lunch in one of the shaded areas. The park also has sports fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds for kids to burn off energy.
Don’t Miss: Check out the FDR Skatepark, one of the country’s best-known skateboarding spots, where you can watch local skaters show off their skills.

Adventure Aquarium

Located just across the Delaware River in nearby Camden, Adventure Aquarium is a must-visit for families with kids who love marine life. The aquarium is home to more than 8,500 aquatic species, including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and more.

What to Do: Explore interactive exhibits like the Shark Bridge, where you can walk across a suspension bridge over a tank filled with sharks, or visit the “Hippo Haven” to see hippos swimming underwater.
Don’t Miss: The aquarium’s touch tanks allow kids to get up close and personal with various sea creatures, including stingrays and starfish.

Please Touch Museum

A bit further afield but well worth the trip, the Please Touch Museum is an interactive children’s museum located in Fairmount Park. Designed for children ages 1-7, the museum encourages hands-on learning and imaginative play.

What to Do: Explore the museum’s many exhibits, including the “City Capers” area, where kids can play in a child-sized grocery store, or the “River Adventures” exhibit, where they can sail boats down a winding waterway.
Don’t Miss: Be sure to take a ride on the museum’s beautifully restored, century-old carousel, a favorite among young visitors.

Nightlife and Entertainment in South Philadelphia

When the sun goes down, South Philly comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene that offers everything from dive bars and live music venues to chic lounges and dance clubs. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back evening or a night of dancing and fun, South Philly has plenty of options to keep you entertained.

Live Music at the TLA

The Theatre of Living Arts (TLA) on South Street is one of the city’s premier live music venues, hosting a wide range of performances from indie bands to big-name acts. The intimate setting makes it a great place to catch a show, and the venue’s location on South Street means you can easily grab a bite or a drink before or after the concert.

What to Do: Check the TLA’s schedule for upcoming shows during your visit. Whether you’re into rock, hip-hop, or electronic music, there’s always something happening at this iconic venue.
Don’t Miss: After the show, take a stroll down South Street to explore its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars.

Dive Bars and Hidden Gems

South Philly is home to some of the best dive bars in the city, offering cheap drinks, friendly atmospheres, and a taste of local flavor. These unpretentious spots are perfect for a casual night out with friends.

What to Do: Stop by Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar, a South Philly institution known for its karaoke nights and affordable drinks. Another local favorite is Dirty Frank’s, a quirky dive bar with a fun, artsy vibe.
Don’t Miss: For a truly unique experience, visit the Dolphin Tavern, a retro bar and dance club that often features live DJs spinning everything from disco to house music.

South Philly’s LGBTQ+ Nightlife

South Philly’s LGBTQ+ scene is vibrant and welcoming, with several bars and clubs catering to the community. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back evening or a night of dancing and celebration, South Philly’s LGBTQ+ nightlife has something for everyone.

What to Do: Check out Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar, a popular spot known for its inclusive atmosphere, drag shows, and themed parties. For a more intimate vibe, head to Knock, a cozy bar with great cocktails and a friendly crowd.
Don’t Miss: Keep an eye out for special events during Pride Month, when South Philly’s LGBTQ+ venues host a variety of parties, parades, and performances.

Final Words

South Philadelphia is a neighborhood that truly has it all—rich history, incredible food, passionate sports culture, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Whether you’re planning a day of sightseeing, a night out with friends, or a weekend getaway, South Philly offers endless opportunities for fun and exploration.

By taking the time to explore its hidden gems and iconic landmarks, you’ll discover why this neighborhood is such an integral part of Philadelphia’s charm and character. So go ahead, plan your fun in South Philadelphia, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of the city’s most exciting and dynamic areas.