Welcome to West Philadelphia
A diverse community with global dining opportunities and unique community events
The spirited district of West Philadelphia is made up of several “pocket-neighborhoods,” each with its own distinct style. Because of this, West Philly is an eclectic mix of culturally rich experiences — stroll the streets alongside the University of Pennsylvania, relax on the grassy knoll at Cedar Park, stop at a local restaurant serving delicious African cuisine, or catch a performance at the Curio Theatre Company. There are endless things to do and experience in West Philadelphia and the community itself is one of the most diverse, inclusive, and optimistic in all of Philadelphia.
In the early 19th century, West Philadelphia was one of the first locations to be introduced to the streetcar. Thanks to this new wave of transportation, the population grew and has since expanded to become the dynamic community it is today. With luxury high-rise apartments and condos mixed with stunning historical buildings, the eclectic neighborhoods of West Philadelphia are home to thousands of residents seeking unlimited things to do in a culturally-vibrant community.
What to Love
- Home to the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and University of the Sciences
- Unbeatable global dining options with a taste of everything and shopping on 52nd Street
- The accessible transportation system, including trolley lines and bike paths
Local Lifestyle
Dotted with Queen Anne row houses, colonial-revival homes, and upscale condominiums and apartment buildings, West Philadelphia is a mixed bag of architectural dwellings. Each neighborhood is different — some offer tree-lined, wide streets and some feature the iconic narrow alleys and tight rowhomes of Revolutionary War-era Philadelphia, but all residents of West Philly are presented with new experiences every day. It’s the perfect place for families, professionals, students, and retirees to call home, and with its ever-changing and expanding population, West Philadelphia promises to be an energetic community for years to come.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
The simple and delicious flavors of Jezebel’s Cafe draw thousands of people each year to the Argentine bakery. The award-winning restaurant provides authentic Northwestern Argentine cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, leaving guests to feel like they’ve just enjoyed a delicious meal with their family. Community-centered and enthusiastically welcoming, dining at Jezebel’s is a unique experience and one that has grown to be treasured throughout the West Philadelphia community and beyond.
Kilimandjaro is a popular Senegalese restaurant owned and operated by Youma Ba, who opened the restaurant in 2005. Offering traditional African meals infused with a warm, energetic spirit, Kilimandjaro is the place to be for incredibly flavorful meals prepared with passion. Enjoy the African artwork on the walls of the restaurant or take your delicious grilled tilapia and Dibi (lamb chops with grilled onions) to-go!
For Middle Eastern fare, visit Makkah Market for homemade meals and groceries. The market offers a little bit of everything, including gifts, books, cultural and religious items, and authentic meals. Pick up a few international groceries and make sure to browse the market’s beautiful clothing and accessories for men and women.
Kabobeesh is the best spot in West Philadelphia for authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine. A community staple for over 15 years, Kabobeesh offers grilled spiced kabobs, fresh oven-baked naan, and authentic curries with traditional flavor. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offer catering services. And you won’t want to miss Saad's Halaal Restaurant, where they’re dishing up traditional flavors in a down-to-earth environment.
Things to Do
Theatre in the X offers community theater performances to the people of West Philadelphia and the African American community at large at no cost. The purpose of the theater is to bring performances to the community for free and to break down location barriers in order to make theater accessible for all community members. Theatre in the X provides opportunities for playwrights, actors, directors, and DJs of color to showcase their work and get involved in local productions. The free outdoor performances take place in Malcolm X Park.
For classic Shakespearean productions, Shakespeare in Clark Park brings quality performances to a beautiful Philadelphia park. Presenting “risk-taking interpretations” of some of the English language’s greatest plays, Shakespeare in Clark Park aims to engage and enlighten the Philadelphia community during the summer months. They offer performances under the stars and encourage families to bring blankets and a picnic to enjoy the cultural traditions of outdoor theater.
The Annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival combines the sultry sounds of smooth jazz with eclectic art exhibitions. With a different theme each year, the festival brings thousands of people to Saunders Park Greene for a day of family-friendly fun with dozens of musical performances, dance groups, and local food vendors. Another great musical event is the Philly Music Fest. With five nights in five different venues, the Philly Music Fest brings over one dozen bands to the Philly neighborhoods for an explosive charity event. Raising funds for music education, the event supports the next generation of Philly musicians and encourages the community to support local artists.
Schools
