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Your Guide to University City, Philadelphia

Posted on August 3, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Brittany Valentine

Brittany Valentine

This West Philly neighborhood is an academic hub, getting its name from Drexel University, Saint Joseph’s University’s new campus (formerly USciences), and the University of Pennsylvania. It’s also home to some great art galleries, museums, and restaurants. Here are a few essential spots to visit next time you’re in the area.

You don’t have to go too far to explore the world. The Penn Museum invites guests to delve into the anthropological history of ancient Egypt, the Americas, Greece, and more. You can find artifacts like Chinese Buddhist sculptures.

3260 South Street

This family-owned restaurant and bar offers delicious beef noodle soup, shrimp rolls, pork chops, and green tea ice cream in a super cozy interior. It’s well-known for its banh mi sandwiches.

816 S. 47th Street

This lovely all-day cafe offers American brunch favorites like chicken and waffles and French toast. There’s also great happy hour snacks from Wednesday through Saturday, such as beet hummus and caramel popcorn!

2929 Walnut Street

This popular multi-level venue features a laid-back dining and listening space, a concert space, and a chic upstairs cafe. The main performance venue downstairs hosts nationally known artists like Jazmine Sullivan and Alt-J.

3025 Walnut Street

map of University City

Here’s a map of University City. (Google maps)

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