Neighborhood guide: Spending time in Logan Square

Nestled inside Center City Philadelphia is Logan Square. Logan Square is home to many parks, places of business and museums that enlighten our mind. Whether you’re into relaxing outside or spending time exploring local landmarks, this neighborhood is a wonderful place to visit.

Feed your brain

The Franklin Institute (22 N 20th St.)

Named after one of our founding fathers, the Franklin Institute has three floors of mind-tickling science exhibitions, including an observation deck to see a sight of Philadelphia like never before. The museum includes permanent and rotating installations as well as IMAX educational films and movies. Some exhibitions you must see are: The Giant Heart, Sports Challenge, Kids Zone, and the museum's newest permanent exhibit, Your Brain.

The Academy of Natural Science (1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy)

Science comes in all shapes and sizes here. Founded in 1812, Drexel University's historic museum concentrates on environmental science and the impact various organisms have on our planet. Step inside and discover dinosaur fossils, a tropical butterfly zone, and get a look at 20 animals in their natural habitat diorama displays.

Get active

Schuylkill River Trail

Get your daily exercise along the Schuylkill River Trail. This long path is a perfect workout for runners, bikers, rollerbladers, and even skateboarders heading to Paine's Park.

Franklin Paine's Skate Park (N 24 St.)

Opened to the public in May of 2013, this skate park gave skateboarders and bikers a legal space to enjoy activities without being hassled by police or security guards at unauthorized spots. If you're lucky you may catch local pros such as Tom Asta, Ishod Wair, Kyle Nicholson, and Kerry Getz taking advantage of this sweet new park

For your eyes

Moore College of Art & Design (1916 Race Street)

Moore College of Art & Design is an all-female college for young professionals who pursue a degree in visual arts. For a taste of art crafted here, the Galleries at Moore are open to the public with rotating student and visiting exhibits to see.

Pennsylvania Horticulture Society (100 N. 20th St.)

This non-profit program has been blooming with tons of events and workshops for gardeners of all ages. The group hosts the annual PHS Flower Show, which is one of the largest flower shows in the world. Each year is a different theme, making the Philadelphia tradition distinct. Other notable events the group hold are the Fall Garden Festival, community reads, and PHeaSt.

Rodin Museum (2154 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy)

Once you're on the museum's premises, you will feel as if you took a mini trip to Paris. The French museum includes a large collection of artwork by sculptor Auguste Rodin. Rodin's sculptures are located both inside and outside of the building and are known to be one of the largest collections of his work outside of Paris.

The Barnes Foundation (2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy)

Founded by Albert C. Barnes in the early 1920s, the museum features a collection of modern paintings from Pablo Piccaso, cultural art, horticulture, and more. Programs with hands-on activities, exclusive tours, and cultural celebrations take place throughout the year.

Swann Memorial Fountain (19th and the Pkwy)

Located in the heart of Logan Circle, the Swann Memorial Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city of Philadelphia. The central fountain represents the region's three major waterways: the Schuylkill, the Delaware, and the Wissahickon River. The park is a great place for pictures, lunch breaks, and even dates. It also gives you a great view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. A great spot to visit on a warm, breezy day.

Sister Cities Park (210 N. 18th St.)

Here's a great place to spend your Saturday afternoon. Sister Cities sits on the Parkway between City Hall and the Art Museum and is a great spot to soak in the Philly atmosphere. The greenway has plenty of attractions to keep all ages occupied. For a bite: grab a coffee and a sandwich at Logan Square Café. For the kids: build objects at Imagination Playground, explore nature in the Discovery Garden, and cool off at the plaza's fountain. For adults: enjoy live concerts at the park, relax under a tree, and take memorable pictures of the urban scenery.

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Inspired by Champs-Élysées in Paris, France, the Parkway runs through the city of Philadelphia and is lined with many of our favorite attractions. The boulevard is not only a major walking attraction for locals and tourists, it is also home to major annual events such as Made in America, Fourth of July celebrations and running marathons.

If you're walking on the parkway, test your knowledge by trying to name all the flags that line the Parkway.

The Cathedral SS. Peter and Paul (1723 Race St.)

Located across from Sister Cities Park resides the largest Catholic Church in Pennsylvania. The brownstone building has been around since 1864 and is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Cathedral is open weekly as well as weekends for tours and mass. For those who speak Spanish, a special mass is offered on Sunday's at 12:30 p.m. in the Cathedral Chapel.

Treat yourself

Cherry Street Tavern (129 N 22nd St.)

When stepping into Cherry Street Tavern, you'll be in good company. Since the 1900s, the tavern has served the Logan neighborhood with great food and drink, and also packs some interesting history. During the prohibition era, the bar was transformed into a barber shop. Grab a pint, and order their famous roast beef sandwich. You won't regret it!

Sabrina's Cafe (1804 Callowhill St.)

Most locals will tell you that Sabrina's Café is one of the most sought out brunch spots in Philly. The BYOB restaurant serves breakfast all day and also offers specialty-themed menus for holidays or when the mood strikes. Recently the staff paid homage to It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia with a menu themed around Charlie and the gang. Some must-tries: the stuffed challah French toast, the Barking Chihuahua breakfast burrito, and Mel's Chicken Cutlet sandwich. This location is also open for the dinner crowd.

Doma (1822 Callowhill St.)

If sushi is the way you roll, Doma is an excellent dinner option. The restaurant specializes in contemporary Japanese cuisine and is open for lunch, dinner, and take-out.

Pete's Famous Pizza (116 N. 21st St.)

As seen on Food Network's On the Road television show, Pete's Famous Pizza creates great food for those in need of a quick, cheap fix. Since the 1980s the restaurant has been a Philadelphia favorite serving pizza, sides, and their famous Stromboli's. You can also grab yourself a cold, frosty beer.

Kite and Key (1836 Callowhill St.)

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Beer is living proof that God wants us to be happy" and Kite and Key agrees. This craft beer bar has indoor and outdoor seating with a rotating draft list featuring local and national brews of all styles. Don't miss out on their delicious food menu for both brunch and dinner.

Rose Tattoo Café (1847 Callowhill St.)

Need a date spot? Look no further. This American bistro has been around for over 20 years and provides a great atmosphere to dine in with quite a unique menu that includes mushroom bisque, pan seared provolone, and New Orleans favorite, jambalaya.

City Tap House Logan (2 Logan Square)

What was Public House is now City Tap House Logan. The newly opened gastro pub contains a great list of craft beer drafts and a decent selection of pub food including brick oven pizza. With former Nineteen Restaurant (XIX) chef Mark Plessis on board, guests can expect delicious food and events.

Mace's Crossing (1714 Cherry St.)

This small Irish bar located just off the parkway is a nice place for an evening of drinks.  Inside is pretty small so the place can get packed. Order a pint, a cup of homemade chili, and enjoy a sports game on the television.

Top of the Tower (1717 Arch St.)

Want a stellar view of the City? Travel up 51 floors at Three Logan Square and discover Top of Tower. This spot is great for parties, meetings, and weddings.

Pizzeria Vetri (1939 Callowhill St.)

Marc Vetri's authentic pizza joint is the perfect choice for a casual meal or a celebratory event. The authentic wood-fire oven pizza is made to order and  guests can pick from a menu of traditional-styled pizzas, such as margarita pies, or select specialty ones. Salads, sides, and pasta selections are also great choices.

Transportation

Getting around, or to Logan Square is quite easy. The Parkway is a great way to travel place to place by bike or car. If public transportation is what you seek, SEPTA’s Suburban Train Station is just a few blocks away and houses the Regional Rail Line as well as the Market-Frankford El (which runs west and east) train and Broad Street Line (runs north and south).