Exchange at Penn Philly: The City of Brotherly Love

Andrea, one of the Exchange at Penn Correspondents, shares his experience at Penn during the Fall 2024 semester. Follow along with the group of correspondents on our blog and look out for their images on the @pennabroad Instagram feed.

Philadelphia is often called the City of Brotherly Love, and after spending time here, I finally understand why.

Living on campus brings its own comfort and convenience, but it also comes with an inevitable temptation to stay in the Penn bubble. It's easy to make the beautiful Penn campus feel like home, but what is a home without its neighbors? And that's where Philly really shines. While abroad, I've learned to love and appreciate the vibrant areas beyond University City.

One of my goals was to explore the neighborhoods—taking long walks into the city's heart, with quick visits to nearby Drexel University. The more I explored Philly, the more hidden corners, local shops, and delightful surprises popped up. There's no shortage of things to discover, from the lively music scenes to the exquisite restaurants. A prime example is the famous Reading Terminal Market—a food lover's paradise, ranging from Pastrami to Jamaican jerky and excellent apple Dutch pies.

Philadelphia boasts stunning neighborhoods all across the city. Whether you're strolling through the charming streets of Old City, soaking in the art and history in Fishtown, or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of South Philly, there's beauty in many places. I'd highly recommend Vedge for exceptional plant-based dishes, Zahav for an unforgettable Israeli feast, and Ralph's, the oldest Italian-American restaurant in the city, for a delicious meal.

What makes Philly unique is its constant energy. There's always something happening, from local festivals to pop-up events that capture the city's creative spirit. Whether it's the Philly Naked Bike Ride or the Rocky Run, the city knows how to keep things lively. And, of course, sporting events are a huge part of Philly life. I had the chance to attend a 76ers basketball game and a Flyers hockey match. The energy in the arena was crazy, I didn't expect to enjoy the hockey game as much as I did, but it was a total blast! I also checked out a couple of local blues venues with live music; there's no shortage of soul in this city, which was a new genre I truly appreciated. Furthermore, there are incredible theaters and musical performances at various venues downtown. One that stood out was the beautiful Kimmel Theater, which had many events that included student pricing.

Getting around Philly is pretty simple. SEPTA, the public transportation system, could have a better reputation. Still, I found getting into and out of the city center convenient and quick. Penn's campus is also ideally located close enough to the city to enjoy a nice, walk back after a day of exploring. Granted, the metro and trolley might seem less than inviting at odd hours, but with Uber or Penn's mobile transit service, it's easy to navigate the city at night safely.

Ultimately, I love it when a city has more to offer than meets the eye, and Philly delivers. As a reminder of the "brotherly love" that defines this place, you'll find statues of LOVE scattered throughout the city, each adding to the cultural and artistic vibe deeply embedded here. When you visit, don't just stay on campus; venture out and experience everything this fantastic city offers.

Philadelphia strikes the perfect balance between a big city and a small town, maintaining its unique charm and rich culture. It's ready and waiting to welcome you with open arms, offering a warm hug of brotherly love.