Parent of a current student and an incoming freshman. I have been visiting campus for many years now. Penn is a contained urban campus that is lovely in all seasons, but I prefer spring when the weather is mild and the cherry blossoms are blooming. I really enjoy early morning walks through campus, just exploring and enjoying the silence before the hustle and bustle starts.
Walking through campus when classes are in session is a great way to feel the campus energy. If possible, sit in on a class or arrange for a private tour with a current student to explore spaces closed to the public.
I usually stay at The Study at University City. The Study is across the street from Penn’s campus and a short walk to restaurants, the subway, and the market. The hotel offers valet parking (which saves me trying to outwit PPA) but is also an easy walk from the on-campus train stop or 30th Street Station.
Standard rooms are on the small side, but the suites are spacious and include kitchenettes/wet bars. The front desk and restaurant staff are all friendly and professional. The lobby area, which they call the Living Room, is a welcoming place to people watch and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea from the hotel’s coffee bar.
I consider myself a foodie and Philly has a great restaurant scene. Some of my favorites in University City: Walnut Street Café, Renata’s Kitchen, White Dog Café, honeygrow, &Pizza, Dim Sum House.
In Center City: Harper’s Garden, Lucha Cartel, Sonny’s Famous Steaks, Dinic’s, Carmen’s Famous Cheesesteaks. Dinic’s and Carmen’s are both inside The Reading Terminal Market which is a must visit for any first-time Philly visitor.
There is plenty to see in and around campus. Visit the Penn Museum. I am consistently impressed with their exhibits and programming. There is a café and a lovely courtyard. If you’re a college basketball fan, check out the Palestra. It is nicknamed The Cathedral of Basketball because of its storied history.
Take a self-guided campus sculpture tour or mural tour. Robert Indiana’s Love sculpture is permanently installed on Locust Walk and is a popular spot for photographs (pro tip: the light is best in the morning). Penn also has its own arboretum—the Morris Arboretum. The Morris is 15 minutes from campus in Chestnut Hill but it is worth the drive.
Many campus buildings are closed to the public, but Houston Hall is open and is a nice place to rest and refresh. If possible, visit the Quad. The Quad is a stop on the official tour, but otherwise only accessible to residents and their guests. Built in 1895, there is so much history contained within those walls.
I love Penn and look forward to many happy returns!