Welcome to South Philadelphia
A dynamic and energetic neighborhood along the Delaware River
The dynamic and industrious South Philadelphia neighborhood offers the real Philadelphia experience. Home to locals with deep, cultural roots going back generations, South Philly is full of pride, amazing authentic restaurants from all four corners of the world, and a sense of community like nowhere else. Camaraderie and loyalty ring true in this neighborhood and it’s advised to never admit you missed an Eagles game. South Philly is made up of several different neighborhoods like Bella Vista, Girard Estate, and Grays Ferry and features a melting pot of cultural communities. Commuters love this area because the Broad Street Line makes for simple traveling across the city.
Originally home to Irish, Italian, and Polish immigrants, this sprawling neighborhood was once an industrial district. Today, the Navy Yard is home to major sports complexes and concert venues and dozens of noteworthy restaurants that bring unique and diverse flavors from all over the world. South Philly radiates excitement, pride, and energy — it’s a fantastic place to call home.
What to Love
- Diverse, global dining options on Passyunk Avenue, where you’ll find award-winning chefs
- Welcoming and energetic neighbors, full of community spirit
- The best cheesesteak spots in the city, so much more than Pat's and Geno's
Local Lifestyle
Homes in South Philly are a mix of single-family residences, historic townhomes, and modern, luxury apartments and condominiums. Many South Philly residents are young professionals and families who enjoy the diverse experiences the neighborhood has to offer. From eclectic dining opportunities to community events and festivals, South Philly has it all. Enjoy a Phillies game at Lincoln Financial Field or spend the day exploring the shops on Passyunk Avenue. If you’re looking for a neighborhood with fantastic restaurants, great schools, and abundant enthusiasm, South Philly is the place for you.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Chef Cristina Martínez began her career in a small food truck. Quickly forming a fanbase with lines wrapped around the block on a daily basis, she decided to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant, which became South Philly Barbacoa on 11th street. Gaining national attention from articles in Chef’s Table and Bon Appetit, the restaurant exploded in popularity. Enjoy the funky and festive atmosphere while you feast on mouthwatering tacos, quesadillas, and tamales.
Hardena Waroeng Surabaya is a legendary vegan-friendly restaurant in the heart of South Philadelphia. Praised by Guy Fieri as the “Indonesian Ambassador to Flavortown,” Hardena is an award-winning Indonesian restaurant offering authentic, flavorful dishes. This family-owned restaurant has been a staple to the Philadelphia community since 2001 and continues to delight residents and tourists with its unique menu, affordable prices, and welcoming atmosphere.
The friendly, unfussy Le Virtù restaurant welcomes family and friends to their traditional Italian table. Using locally-sourced ingredients and inspiration from Abruzzo, Le Virtù is open daily for dinner and brunch on the weekend. Menu items feature house-made pasta, ricotta-filled crepes, and roasted pork loin. Don’t forget to peruse the extensive wine list!
For Vietnamese comfort food, look no further than Cafe Nhạn. They offer simple meals in a warm and welcoming atmosphere and the restaurant is owned and operated by Nhạn and her son, providing a genuine “Mom’s cooking” experience. Menu items include classic Banh Mi sandwiches, noodle soups, and rice dishes.
Things to Do
The Odunde Festival brings a taste of Africa to South Philly. Held every year since 1975 on historic South Street, the Odunde Festival celebrates African culture and is the largest African American street festival in the United States. The festival features an authentic African marketplace with hundreds of vendors, a procession down South Street to the Schuylkill River, and dozens of unique (and delicious) food vendors. Odunde, Inc. is an educational and cultural organization that sponsors programs centered around the African Diaspora and brings experiences from African and Caribbean communities to Philadelphia.
Bloktoberfest is an epic celebration of food, beer, and music. Held annually in the fall, Bloktoberfest is a free, family-friendly festival for the South Philadelphia community that spans five blocks and features live music and delicious food trucks. Proceeds from the event benefit local charities and community projects. Since its inception in 2008, Bloktoberfest has raised over $350,000 for local non-profits.
Flavors on the Avenue brings South Philly neighbors together along East Passyunk Avenue for an outdoor celebration of award-winning restaurants. Every spring, the avenue shuts down to accommodate dozens of vendors, live music stages, a craft market, and kid-friendly activities. It’s a great way to explore the South Philly dining scene in one location!
On New Year’s Day, the annual Mummers Parade takes over South Philadelphia. The event is attended by thousands and televised to the entire nation, making it one of the biggest traditions for the last 150 years. Local organizations compete for titles in the following categories: Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades, and prepare elaborate routines and costumes for the parade which runs from City Hall to Washington Avenue and South Broad Street.
Schools
