Why Philly
The City of Brotherly Love. The City of Sisterly Affection. The City of Neighborhoods. The City of Murals. The City of Firsts. Call it whatever you want, Philly has more to offer than you could ever imagine. As the first capital of the U.S., our real-world educational playground is steeped in a rich and colorful American history with many exciting places to visit and learn like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute and Independence Hall.
Come hungry. There are thousands of restaurants and widely renowned food trucks – including from James Beard-winning chefs like Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon, Marc Vetri and Stephen Starr – and foodie paradises like Reading Terminal Market, the Southeast Asian Market and the Italian Market that will provide you with a memorable culinary experience, all at a relatively affordable price. And of course, the cheesesteaks.
Speaking of neighborhoods, some of the best food, culture and nightlife can be right outside your door. Historic Germantown commemorates the extraordinary role Black abolitionists and activists have had since the country’s earliest days, while its present boasts cultural treasures including music clubs, art galleries and independent bookstores. East Passyunk is the heart of South Philly’s food and shopping scene, where old meets new and Italian pastry shops, Brazilian bakehouses and Mexican pastelerías are never more than a few blocks away. The rainbow crosswalks and street signs of Midtown Village celebrate Philly’s LGBTQ community and pay homage to the people who fought for equal rights long before Stonewall. And in Chinatown, you’ll find some of the city’s best food, late-night spots and events, including the annual Lunar New Year parade and lion dances.
South Philly’s Sports Complex is home to the Eagles, Sixers, Flyers and Phillies, and easily accessible on SEPTA’s Broad Street Line subway, though you might find yourself spending just as much time in the parking lot for epic tailgates. Whether you grew up in Philly or not, you’ll be rooting for the home teams in no time, so work on your pole-climbing skills.
There’s something big to celebrate nearly every day of the year. Seasonal festivals, marquee events and local celebrations light up Philadelphia from January to December. Midyear brings citywide gatherings for Juneteenth, July 4th and the Odunde Festival in celebration of African cultures—not to mention block parties all summer long.
Any time is a great time to be in Philly, but 2026 just might be the best time ever as the city marks the nation’s 250th birthday with traditions old and new, and signature events like the FIFA World Cup and MLB All Star Game. With over 10,000 acres of parks and waterways in the city, you will never lack a new place to relax or explore. Enjoy a picnic in Rittenhouse Square, catch an evening concert in Clark Park, explore the many trails of Fairmount Park and hop in a kayak at Bartram’s Garden. Opportunities abound for collaboration with local universities, community organizations and other schools, fostering a supportive and interconnected education community.
Getting around the city is a breeze. Philly has an expansive network of public transportation and pedestrian-friendly streets, allowing for travel to almost any place in the city without the use of a car. SEPTA can get you to and from the classroom in a short ride and the Ride Indego bikeshare network is a great way to get some fresh air. Philadelphia also boasts one of the cheapest real estate markets of any major city on the East Coast.
Things to do in Philly right now