My favorite aspect of Temple University is that it’s in the city of Philadelphia. This diverse city is home to the Liberty Bell, the Declaration of Independence and the iconic Philly Cheesesteak. The location of Temple easily allows you to maneuver the city from Broad Street to East Passyunk Avenue to South Street and back all in one day! So, if you ever want to explore the historical city of Philadelphia and get an extraordinary education whilst doing so, Temple University is the place for you.

On the list of the 10 largest cities in the United States, exploring Philadelphia might feel intimidating at first.  Let me help you out! Here are five must see spots in Philadelphia from the perspective of a Temple University college student:

Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107

Other than saying “Sheetz is better than Wawa,” the biggest thing to (lovingly) get a Philadelphian to argue over is “_ has the best cheesesteaks.” It is important to find your own niche when it comes to what cheesesteak is worth fighting for. The one thing I highly recommend (not mandatory but encouraged) is getting acclimated early to Philly’s love for cheesesteaks. The Reading Terminal Market is a huge food market with over 80 venders from 26 restaurants to seven bakeries to authentic Pennsylvania Dutch produce stands. It is an ideal place to develop your cheesesteak preference because the Reading Terminal Market has an array of very popular cheesesteak vendors like Carmen’s or Sparato’s, who are sure to give you a taste of a Philly classic. 

South Philadelphia Sports Complex: “The Stadiums”

Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19148

Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way,  Philadelphia, PA, 19148

Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA, 19148

Philadelphians are definitely proud of their sports.  Whether you are a paint-your-face sports fan or “what is basketball” type of person, I highly recommend attending a Philly sports game. Lucky for you, Temple University’s football team has their home field at Lincoln Financial Field! That’s something no other college or university in the area can say and we have free shuttles for the students for game days. Along with our free student tickets, you’ll have yourself a finance-free game day! But, if there isn’t a Temple game day and you want to attend a 76ers basketball game (Wells Fargo Center), Phillies baseball game (Citizens Bank Park), Flyers hockey game (also Wells Fargo) or Eagles football game (Lincoln Financial Field) (go birds), depending on the season, those stadiums are all located in the same area!

Spruce Street Harbor Park, Columbus Boulevard and Spruce Street,  Philadelphia, PA 19106 

There are a lot of great aspects of Philadelphia, but one major thing to look forward to when attending Temple University is the weather. Especially in the spring and early summer, with the warm crisp air, it not only is comfortable to walk around in, but the vibes of the city become lively and a park is a perfect spot to enjoy that weather in. Although there are many parks in Philadelphia, you will not regret heading to Spruce Street Harbor Park.  The park has a boardwalk, colorful hammocks and is beautifully lit up at night. A breathtaking sight during the day and at night, so check it out!

Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.,  Philadelphia, PA 19147

Ever wanted to see a land filled with neighborhood murals or be transported into a world of creativity and expression? Magic Gardens is a non-profit organization, folk art environment, and gallery walk through space on South Street. It’s a fantastic installation that showcases the inspiration the city of Philadelphia gives you. Highly recommend watching their website’s video: youtube.com/watch?time_continue=113&v=endbfOU_NXM&feature=emb_title Such an incredible celebration of life that will leave you wanting to showcase your own creative medium regardless of physical skill.

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,  Philadelphia, PA 19130 

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is such a classic when it comes to sites in the city of Philadelphia. It’s one of the nation’s largest art museums that sits on the end of the famous Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Inside you’ll find a vast array of pieces from paintings to sculptures and even outdoor galleries! Be sure to visit and don’t forget to run the steps like someone you might know ;) (Mr. Rocky Balboa, of course!)

There are so many places to see and visit in Philadelphia, these five are only the beginning. The places mentioned are all in different areas of the city, however with a location like Temple University, nowhere in Philadelphia - or West New Jersey for that matter -is difficult to get to.

Temple University will give you so many opportunities in Philadelphia, it’s just your job to jump on them! I encourage you to not only see these sites but also find so many more. Make your own “to-see” list to give your family and friends. Look out for one another and you’ll be able to show each other what parts of Philadelphia leave you feeling the most at home. They don’t call Philadelphia the “City of Brotherly Love” for nothing!

Explore Temple University, our majors and how to apply: admissions.temple.edu

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