Philadelphia: An Ecotourism & Sustainable Travel Guide

When William Penn founded Philadelphia in 1682, he advertised the new settlement with a novel street grid and five green squares as a “Green Countrie Towne.” Today, the city is much larger and has many more parks. But four of the original five green squares still exist, and the fifth is where you will likely start your visit in Philadelphia—right in the center of the city at what is now City Hall. From here, you can grab a bicycle at the nearby Indego bikeshare station, walk, or hop on Septa’s 38 bus line to get to most everything in this guide.

• City Hall: Center of city. Largest free-standing masonry building in the world and tallest in the city until 1986. Great for photos and backdrops. See if you can spot the statue of William Penn at the top.

• Love Park: Iconic block just northwest from City Hall with the famous Robert Indiana LOVE statue. Another classic place for photos.

• Logan Circle: Along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, this was William Penn’s original Northwest Square. A bustling hub with a large fountain, gardens, and walking paths, it provides easy access to the nearby Franklin Institute, Free Library of Philadelphia, Basilica of Sts Peter and Paul, the Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Logan Hotel.

• Rittenhouse Square: Right down 19th Street from Logan Circle is Penn’s original Southwest Square. Today, Rittenhouse is a luxury neighborhood, and the park features plenty of green space with mature trees, gardens, and hosts plenty of events and street performers.

• Benjamin Franklin Parkway: Modeled after the Champs Elysees in Paris, this wide, tree-lined boulevard connects City Hall and Logan Circle to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and points west. The Barnes and Rodin Museums and public sculptures dot the way. Flags from around the world adorn the street lamps. A pleasure to bike or run along.

• Philadelphia Art Museum: World-famous art museum built in Greek revival architecture. Perhaps most famous for its Rocky steps and Rocky statue that face the Parkway. Iconic photo spot.

• Schuylkill River Trail (SRT): Wide, scenic, paved multi-use trail along the Schuylkill River that runs behind the Art Museum in both directions, with Schuylkill Banks to the left (south), and plenty of miles of pathway to the right (northwest). Pass by Boathouse Row and the Philadelphia Water Works along Kelly Drive. Great place to run or bike. You can also run along the other side of the river on a dedicated trail along Martin Luther King Drive, with great views of the city and Boathouse Row.

• Fairmount Park: Large park that features the Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia Zoo, Mann Center for Performing Arts, Japanese garden, an arboretum, and many trails. Hilly. Good views of Center City from the top.

• Wissahickon Valley Park: Just past the end of Kelly Drive along the SRT is the junction with the Wissahickon Bike Trail and the entrance to the Wissahickon Valley Park. The Wissahickon Transportation Center is also positioned here, which is the terminus to the Route 38 bus and is also a stop on the Norristown train line. A bikeshare station is nearby. The Wissahickon Valley Park is rugged and forested, and features over 50 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, trout fishing, and mountain biking. Yes, you read that right…mountain biking…in a city. The main feature is the 5.35 mile-long Forbidden Drive… a 25 foot wide flat gravel pathway through the park with a restaurant near the center. Gorgeous park with several bridges, all along the scenic Wissahickon Creek. A truly hidden gem in the City of Philadelphia.

If you want to focus on an eco-friendly, sustainable food experience while in Philadelphia, why not try some of Philly’s best local farm-to-table, vegan, and vegetarian restaurants?

• Urban Farmer: Farm-to-table and responsibly sourced meats in this elegant restaurant right off the Parkway in the Logan Hotel.

• Dizengoff: Center City Israeli restaurant near the Kimpton with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Relaxed atmosphere.

• Bar Bambon: Vegan Latin American restaurant just off of Rittenhouse Square.

• Parc: Classic Parisian bistro along Rittenhouse Square open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

• PS and Co: Catering to everyone, this casual place near Rittenhouse features a 100% organic, plant rich, and gluten-free cafe, bakery, and market. Notable focus on sustainability.

• HipCityVeg: If you’re short on time, this 100% vegan fast casual restaurant is fun and approachable that has something for everyone. Two Center City locations–one near City Hall and another near Rittenhouse and the aka Hotel.

• Vedge: Highly awarded Center City vegan restaurant featuring fresh local produce. Luxury feel.

• Charlie was a Sinner: Center City vegan restaurant. Swanky and classy. Tapas-style small plates. Impressive cocktails. Close to City Hall.

• Lark/The Landing Kitchen: Pair of recently opened eateries near Wissahickon and Manayunk, across the Schuylkill River, and accessible by Pencoyd Trail. Upscale Mediterranean menu featuring sustainable seafood and more at Lark, and varied menu (vegan/vegetarian options) with relaxed vibe at the Landing Kitchen that features outdoor games and is pet-friendly. Near the Residence Inn.

• Valley Green Inn: Upscale American fare at a historic tavern in the Wissahickon Valley Park. Varied menu. Vegetarian and vegan options. Sunday brunch. Great outdoor seating area.