You’ve probably heard of the thrilling sights at Eastern State Penitentiary or have seen the iconic movie scene of Rocky Balboa running up the Philadelphia Museum of Art (yes, Philadelphia Museum of Art). These Philadelphia historic gems all call Fairmount “home.”
Fairmount, or the “Art Museum area,” is not only home to some of the finest art collections in the world, including the Rodin Museum and Barnes Foundation as well as PMA (not PhAM), it also provides science and educational opportunities with The Franklin Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences, located just minutes from all the art. And it is within walking distance to your next favorite gallery, cafe or bar to watch the Eagles with fellow fanatics.
A brisk walk in this area displays a neighborhood that combines unique colonial architecture with modern flair, a good number of canopy trees, and affords the opportunity to sit and enjoy the sights at Lemon Hill at Fairmount Park.
Whatever you decide to do, you won’t ever find yourself shortlisted with attractions, shops, restaurants, or people in this lower North Philadelphia hub.
By the numbers
Once a predominantly white, working-class neighborhood, Fairmount has become one of Philadelphia’s most rapidly gentrifying and increasingly affluent areas for young professionals and their families. Rent prices have risen over the course of the last decade.Trulia reports that its highest rent prices go up to $3,500, while homes are selling for as much as $2.2 million. The latest Point2Homes data reveals that the median Fairmount resident is 33 years old.
The racial makeup of Fairmount is 72% white, 12% Black or African American, and 6% Asian.
The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the average annual household income in Fairmount was
$148,330 in 2023, compared to the city-wide average of $60,698, a 6.8% boost for Fairmount from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $110,436, showing an 8% surge over the same period.
Gathering spots
Philadelphia Art Museum
Need we say more? This is a staple for any visitor, a perfect venue for a first date, or the best way to spend the day with your family. The Art Museum’s hill location was intended for the manor home of Philadelphia’s founder, William Penn before he decided to take his summer home to Morrisville, Pa. It boasts a world-class collection available for viewing, including 200,000 items in the archive and on display spanning 4,000 years of art. No matter the reason for visiting, this is a must-see cornerstone of Philadelphia. (Website)
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Eastern State Penitentiary
Keeping true to Philly’s worldwide influence and long list of being first, The Eastern State Penitentiary is the world’s first penitentiary. Prisoners such as Al Capone and Willie Sutton were notably held in this wheel-shaped architectural layout, inspiring this same design across the world. Its more nuanced design details are a history lesson in the use of solitary confinement in prison. Designed as a historic landmark in 1965, the site now offers history tours year-round and an annual Halloween haunted house. (Website)
2027 Fairmount Avenue
The Rodin Museum
The Rodin Museum can be described as the art museum’s little sibling. In fact, the Philadelphia Art Museum administers this collection too. It is home to the renowned French artist Auguste Rodin’s biggest collection outside of Paris. You can see some of Rodin’s greatest pieces, including The Gates of Hell, Eternal Springtime, Burghers of Calais, and The Thinker. For artist fans, it’s the closest experience of Paris outside of Paris. (Website)
2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Schuylkill River Trail/Boathouse Row
Whether you’re going for a bike ride, a jog, or looking to lounge away the day outside with friends, the Schullykill River Trail stretches miles through Fairmount’s west corridor and provides some of the best views of the city. Another historic landmark for Fairmount and home of Boathouse Row, the trail is lined with cherry blossom trees that make Philly feel dreamy. On any given weekend morning, you can catch rowing matches from the myriad of rowing clubs headquartered there, including the historic Vesper Boat Club. The 6,400 LED lights that adorn the clubhouses are centrally controlled from Lloyd Hall Rec Center, a short walk east of the clubs.
1 Boathouse Row
Parkway Central Library
The flagship location of the Free Library of Philadelphia is also the city’s largest outpost. The stunning architecture not only reels visitors in but maintains its beauty through its marble and granite main staircase, with exquisite stonemasonry showing off griffins. It is a perfect hangout spot to study, read, learn from available lectures and courses, and aimlessly roam for hours with young kids. You can sign up for its rare book collection tour, which displays some of Charles Dickens’ original works and his taxidermied beloved pet raven. In short, it’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon filled with books and art. (Website)
1901 Vine Street
Logan Square
After your visit to the museums or libraries, head across the street from Parkway Central Library to get some sun at Logan Square. Logan Square or Logan Circle, formerly called Northwest Square, is one of the five main squares that William Penn planned for Philadelphia. Later, it was renamed to honor Philadelphia Mayor James Logan, who led Philly in the 1700s. In the center of the attraction, the majestic Swann Memorial Fountain attracts visitors and kids. On a summer day, many visitors dip their feet in and take photos on the fountain’s edge. Designed by Philadelphia-born sculptor Alexander Calder, the massive fountain represents the region’s major waterways: the Delaware, Schuylkill and Wissahickon.
200 N. 19th Street
SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club
An upscale live Jazz club, this chic restaurant features Southern comfort food with a twist. Guests are encouraged to dress up for a night out in the town; reservations may be necessary in advance to snag a table. Two rooms make up the restaurant: a quieter dining area reminiscent of a Southern home, or the Jazz Club, a modern take on America’s cool jazz movement. Hours are Thursday to Sunday, with hours ranging depending on the day. (Website)
600 N Broad Street
The Franklin Institute
Continuing with the list of firsts, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest science centers in the country. Founded by America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, this center is perfect for kids to spend the day learning in interactive and exciting ways. It was also the main venue for Philly-born TV writer Quinta Brunson’s “Abbott Elementary” season 2 finale, which you can watch on Hulu. (Website)
222 N. 20th Street
Tell us: Did we miss your favorite spot or hidden gem in the neighborhood? Let us know here, and it may appear in a future version of this list.
