This year’s Guide to Philly features neighborhood guides written by students and recent grads. In this mini-guide to South Philly, we cover things to do, places to eat and everything YOU need to know to enjoy the neighborhood!
As told by Alana Aninipot, Temple University 2022
Hi! My name is Alana Aninipot and I’m a recent graduate from the Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University. I majored in Media Studies and Production with a minor in Digital Media Production and a certificate in American Sign Language. 
Here are my top picks for South Philly/East Passyunk!
South Philly is always a great spot to hang out and explore when I have downtime with friends! There is always something new to discover—from food and desserts, to shops and stores—while walking down East Passyunk Ave.
I like to take the SEPTA Broad Street Line to the Tasker-Morris stop and walk to the shops on East Passyunk Ave. For something different, I suggest stopping by ILLExotics, a boutique shop for plants and exotic pets. You can peek inside to see their frogs, lizards, chameleons, and exotics plants housed in their aroid conservation terrarium. For the Plant Parents, you can pick up some new plants here, too!
If you’re like me, and don’t have a green thumb but prefer to have your nose stuck in a book, stop by A Novel Idea on Passyunk for some great reads! This independent bookshop sells genres from historical fiction to horror, and you’re bound to find something you’ll love.
After some shopping, grab lunch at LaScala’s Birria for some of the best Italian food! I suggest ordering the “GAAAHLIC” pie or a stromboli to share with a friend. Don’t get too full or you’ll spoil your dessert!
Speaking of dessert: You’ve gotta check out the extremely decadent Arctic Scoop Philly. Here you can build your own ice cream scoop with some interesting flavors and a tooth-achingly sweet array of toppings and drizzles. I’m a huge fan of Asian-inspired flavors so I suggest trying their Taro ice cream!
With your ice cream in hand, I suggest walking up East Passyunk Avenue to visit The Singing Fountain. Here you can enjoy your frozen dessert while sitting on a park bench—and enjoy people-watching!
And, of course, while you’re in South Philly, check out a Philadelphia Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park! You can hop back on the Broad Street Line and go a few more stops to NRG Station, which lets you out right by all the iconic Philly stadiums (Lincoln Financial Field, Wells Fargo Center, and Citizens Bank Park!). Plus, student tickets are discounted through the Phillies “Student Steal” Program, which means you can see games all season long, for just $20.
Campus Philly Tip: Check out even more student deals and discounts in South Philly, with spots like Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, or plan a trip to the Italian Market on 9th Street for the freshest cheese, fruit, fish, and meat! Authentic eats abound in South Philadelphia—cheesesteaks included.
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