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Once narrow city streets transform into wide, tree-lined boulevards and a blue-collar charm permeates the air, you know you’ve hit Northeast Philadelphia.
Simply known as “The Northeast” by Philly locals, this massive swath of the city is comprised of over 30 distinct neighborhoods. Closer to Center City, the Lower Northeast claims neighborhoods like Mayfair, Fox Chase and Tacony. The Far Northeast is made up of those closest to Bucks County, including Bustleton, Torresdale and Pennypack.
One of the most diverse corners of the city, Northeast Philly boasts vibrant Irish Catholic, African American, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and, notably, Eastern European communities, whose cultures and cuisine shape the area.
Beyond its community spirit, the Northeast offers both outdoors-y escapes and retail therapy with impressive shopping plazas; busy corridors — Bustleton Avenue, Frankford Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard — lined with restaurants and shops; and a major retail hub at Franklin Mall.
Read on for a guide to Northeast Philly.
Northeast Philadelphia is a true melting pot of cultures and cuisines from American to Brazilian, Indian to Russian.
Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse (barbecue) and jungle-themed Three Monkeys Cafe (bar bites) are neighborhood staples alongside legendary diners — Mayfair Diner, The Dining Car and Nifty Fifties — and the OG locations of Steve’s Prince of Steaks, Chickie’s & Pete’s and Picanha Brazilian Steakhouse.
Other top picks for global flavors include Tio Pepe (Portuguese/Spanish), Georgian Bread, the Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein beer garden (German), Cafe Carmela (Italian) and Pennsylvania’s only Jollibee (Filipino fried chicken).
Your culinary world tour continues at multicultural markets specializing in prepared foods and hard-to-find ingredients, like NetCost Market (Central and Eastern European goods), Rieker’s Prime Meats (German sausages), Dutch Country Farmers’ Market (Amish market) and Le Souk Market (Middle Eastern and North African sweet treats). (Pro tip: Stop by Bishos, Le Souk’s sister restaurant next door, for lunch before ending your trip with the viral Dubai chocolate from the market/cafe.)
Work — or more fittingly, play — off those tasty plates at the psychedelic playground-meets-interactive art experience Otherworld or at the high-tech driving range Topgolf Philadelphia.
Other all-ages entertainment destinations include the Sky Zone Trampoline Park and the Rolling Thunder Skating Center.
Otherworld — Photo courtesy Otherworld Philadelphia
Covering over 1,600 acres of woodlands, meadows, wetlands and fields, Pennypack Park is perfect for long bike rides, scenic hikes, leisurely horseback rides and fishing, with a rambling creek, scenic trails (including the last stretch of the 5.5-mile Pennypack Trail) and historic relics like the oldest stone bridge in the U.S., dating back to 1697. The Pennypack Environmental Center is a must-visit for environmental education, nature walks and birding. And Pennypack on the Delaware serves as a crucial habitat for migrant birds, as well as gulls and shorebirds.
Another great spot for birding, Benjamin Rush State Park — the sole state park within Philly’s city limits — features miles of open space and trails, plus an awesome model-aircraft-flying field and one of the city’s largest community gardens.
Pennypack Park — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Step back in time, walking the historic halls and picturesque grounds of the Glen Foerd mansion and estate.
Keep your journey through the Philly of yesteryear going, exploring Ryerss Museum’s eclectic collection of historic Ryerss family heirlooms, paintings, sculptures and decorative art.
Ryerss Museum — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Trips to Franklin Mall, formerly Philadelphia Mills (or forever Franklin Mills to the real OGs), are core memories for many Philadelphians.
Take part in the tradition for yourself, shopping deals at outlet stores like Polo Ralph Lauren Factory, Tommy Hilfiger and Reclectic by URBN.
— Photo courtesy Franklin Mall
Spending the night? There are tons of options like the Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Northeast, Roosevelt Inn and Woodspring Suites Philadelphia Northeast. Check out our full guide to hotels in the area here.
King Guest Room at Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Northeast — Photo courtesy Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia Northeast
Ready to experience the area firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:
Philadelphia is a city of vibrant neighborhoods bordered by a region of charming towns, with each area owning a distinctive personality. Explore the neighborhoods and towns in and around Philadelphia — their storied streets, interesting attractions, buzzed-about restaurants and year-round happenings.
Use the menu above to explore Philadelphia Neighborhoods
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