Center City
![Love Park in Center City](https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/styles/main_page_image_floating/public/assets/images/swarthmore-city/phila3.jpg.webp?itok=ewl-4DnZ)
Offering the cosmopolitan amenities of the world's greatest cities in a compact and walkable downtown, Center City is the heart of Philly's bustling arts and culture, dining, entertainment, and financial districts.
Chinatown
![Friendship Gate](https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/styles/main_page_image_floating/public/assets/images/swarthmore-city/phila5.jpg.webp?itok=tdepiq7l)
With its beginnings in the mid-1800s, this thriving urban village features scores of restaurants, gift shops, grocery stores, and specialty markets, as well as churches and a Buddhist temple. The Friendship Gate, ornamented with fire-breathing dragons, was built as a joint project between Philadelphia and its sister city Tianjin, China.
Fairmount
![Swann Fountain on Ben Franklin Parkway](https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/styles/main_page_image_floating/public/assets/images/swarthmore-city/phila9.jpg.webp?itok=Lidd0FFS)
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, home to Swann Fountain, the Franklin Institute, and the Free Library, is also the most direct route to the neighborhood that is home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, historic Eastern State Penitentiary, and the entrance to Fairmount Park, the largest landscaped park in the country.
The Italian Market
![Italian Market](https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/styles/main_page_image_floating/public/assets/images/swarthmore-city/phila13.jpg.webp?itok=8U9F_1En)
Craving cannoli? Everything for a spectacular meal from antipasto to dessert can be acquired in the Italian Market, the oldest and largest working outdoor market in the country. It has an old world feel to it, even as its offerings expand to include the specialties of more recent Mexican and Asian immigrants.
Northern Liberties
![Piazza at Schmidt's](https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/styles/main_page_image_floating/public/assets/images/swarthmore-city/phila6.jpg.webp?itok=gRZxYwwB)
This one-time industrial neighborhood is experiencing a renaissance as one of the city's hottest neighborhoods for nightlife. Concerts, festivals, vendor markets, film screenings, dance performances, and live broadcasts of sporting events are hosted year round at the large, open-air plaza known as The Piazza at Schmidt's.
Old City
![Liberty Bell](https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/styles/main_page_image_floating/public/assets/images/swarthmore-city/phila2.jpg.webp?itok=bCqxhXcs)
Explore the most historic square mile in the country! History buffs and political junkies can wander the cobble stone streets to visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Christ Church, and the National Constitution Center. Art lovers will appreciate the neighborhood's numerous galleries, studios, and performance companies-gallery openings are traditionally held on the first Friday of each month.
Penn's Landing
![RiverRink at Penn's Landing](https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/styles/main_page_image_floating/public/assets/images/swarthmore-city/phila19.jpg.webp?itok=Agerm8LZ)
A scenic spot for festivals in summer and outdoor ice-skating in winter, Penn's Landing is a testament to Philadelphia's marine trading history and culture. Tour the WWII submarine or the Spanish-American war battleship anchored along the Delaware River.
Reading Terminal Market
![Reading Terminal Market](https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/styles/main_page_image_floating/public/assets/images/swarthmore-city/phila25.jpg.webp?itok=guK0xqqf)
The historic Reading Terminal Market is a farmer's market, and more -- get off the train at Market East and head upstairs to the market stands, prepared food stalls, and vendors that sell flowers, books, jewelry, and crafts from around the world. A stop here is guaranteed to engage all of your senses.
Rittenhouse Square
![Rittenhouse Square](https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/styles/main_page_image_floating/public/assets/images/swarthmore-city/phila17.jpg.webp?itok=jT2h8OC8)
See and be seen in one of downtown's most picturesque and popular neighborhoods. Relax and enjoy the city by spending an afternoon people watching and reading a book in the Square-one of the five original parks planned by city founder William Penn in the late 17th century.
South Street
![South Street](https://www.swarthmore.edu/sites/default/files/styles/main_page_image_floating/public/assets/images/swarthmore-city/phila8.jpg.webp?itok=5xmBE4bI)
Home to Philly's historic Fabric Row and a wide selection of independent boutiques, South Street is the birthplace of Philly fashion. Featuring more than 100 restaurants, from diners and delis to romantic settings and sidewalk cafes, it is also a great spot for dining out.
University City
![Shakespeare in Clark Park](Images/homepage/phila12%280%29.jpg)
This neighborhood, located in West Philadelphia, hosts the campuses of six colleges and universities. Catch Shakespeare in Clark Park, meet up with one of the area's activist communities, grab dinner at one of the numerous and diverse ethnic restaurants, and meet fellow students.