If you didn’t know already, the Mike McCann Team absolutely loves Philadelphia! We want you to love this city just as much as we do so we are highlighting some of our favorite local hot spots in each neighborhood to help you thoroughly enjoy everything Philly has to offer. No matter how long you’ve lived here, whether you just re-located or have been a resident for decades, there’s always more to explore and uncover in Philadelphia’s endless supply of hidden treasures.
Philadelphia’s Art Museum neighborhood is awesome. With a great community spirit, a family atmosphere, fun events, great restaurants, parks, playgrounds and a huge collection of Philly attractions, the Art Museum area is so loveable. Check out some of our favorite local hot spots and let us know about your favorite things to do in the Art Museum area!
Art and Attractions
Obviously one of the major benefits to living in the Art Museum area is access to local art museums. In addition to the iconic internationally renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art (yes, the one with the Rocky steps) which offers pay-what-you-wish fees the first Sunday of every month, there are tons of other notable Museums in this area. The Barnes Foundation features one of the finest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern paintings in the world from Albert C. Barnes’ collection (did you know that the paintings are set up exactly the same way they were in his home?). The Rodin Museum features one of the finest gardens in Philly alongside the extensive sculpture collection by Auguste Rodin.
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in our opinion, is one of the most beautiful streets in the world and definitely worth a stroll. If you head there soon, make sure to check out new addition, The Oval, a pop-up space hosting live music, beer gardens and fun filled events all summer long.
Just a few blocks over, don’t miss the spooky and spectacular Eastern State Penitentiary that offers entertainment for all ages. With educational tours all year long and Halloween events that are legitimately terrifying, you’ll love learning more about this fascinating piece of Philly history.
Coffee
The Art Museum neighborhood definitely caters to our coffee obsession. Mugshots is one of our favorites with its ample space and outdoor seating. The atmosphere is calm and quiet, inviting you to hang out and relax for a while or set up shop to get some work done. We also enjoy the Flying Saucer Café. It’s clean, classy and has awesome overstuffed breakfast sandwiches. Lucky Goat and Rye Bread Cafe are also cool local favorites you can check out to feed your coffee habit.
Restaurants
The Art Museum area is bursting with delicious food that will please even the pickiest eater’s appetite! If you are in the market for a hearty meal, Fairmount Avenue has tons of restaurants that offer delicious treats and outdoor seating. For fish and veggie dishes head to Fare—their brunch menu is absolutely delectable. In the mood for some delicious flat breads, buttermilk fried chicken or blue bay mussels? Head over to Remembrandt’s and dine to your heart’s content. If you want a classed-up home style dish, try out Hickory Lane American Bistro. Jack’s Firehouse is definitely a popular local spot, featuring upscale entrees in a historic 19th century firehouse. Other area favorites include La Calaca Feliz, Tela’s Market and Kitchen and Zorba’s Tavern (super tasty greek cuisine). You really can’t go wrong!
Leisure
The Art Museum neighborhood is an excellent area to get out and experience the beauty of Philadelphia. Boat House Row and Kelly Drive offer an awesome 8-mile loop perfect for biking, walking and picnicking—don’t worry, you don’t have to do the whole thing! It’s absolutely breathtakingly beautiful in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. Paine’s Park is an outstanding skate/ bike park where you can show off your skills or spend a few fun hours spectating. If you love to shop, you will adore Ali’s Wagon for novelty gifts and the Fairmount Farmer’s Market. Right across from Eastern State Penitentiary, the market offers produce, cheese, baked goods and more from local farmers—all for reasonable prices too!
The Art Museum area frequently hosts free concerts, from the massive July 4th bash to solo acts on acoustic guitar on side parks, fun activities for people of all ages and other awesome activities. Keep your eye out, there’s always something fun to do!
We Love the Night Life!
If you are in need of a night out on the town, several Art Museum area bars come highly recommended. North Star bar offers live music, gourmet food, 12 on-tap draughts that are always changing and a fabulous party atmosphere. The Bishop’s Collar is the perfect neighborhood bar offering affordable food, great brews and an awesome crowd. For an upbeat, energetic bar that offers super good Happy Hours, hop over to the Urban Saloon. You could make a whole night of bar hopping in The Art Museum area—this is just the beginning! There’s something for everyone’s evening enjoyment.
Now you know our favorite spots in the Art Museum Area! Let us know on Facebook where you love to go!
