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University of Pennsylvania Dorms

Books & Cooks (Weekdays)

General Info | Photo Gallery | Traveller Feedback
 


Philadelphia's University City neighborhood is home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.  The neighborhood also boasts some of Philly's finest street food!  You'll get the best of both the academic scene in Philly and our dynamic and diverse food culture on the Books & Cooks tour.

 

Highlights:
  • Experience the intersection of literature and learning, and culinary masterpieces on this double-themed Philadelphia walking tour.
  • Explore Drexel University's historic architecture and continue through Philadelphia's University City neighborhood to the University of Pennsylvania and its iconic college sport venues - Franklin Field and the Palestra. If you're lucky, you'll get a look inside the legendary Palestra.
  • Marvel at the beauty of Penn's Locust Walk, admire Houston Hall (home of America's first Student Union), and be impressed by Frank Furness' Fisher Library.
  • Studying always works up an appetite, which we help quell with a jaunt to Spruce Street, where you can navigate some of Philly's best street food and food trucks.

Tour style:Walking & Orientation, History, Food, Culture & Heritage
Inclusion:

English speaking guide, Trolley token


Exclusion:

Food or snacks from the food trucks, Tips and gratuities


Group size:Maximum 12
Schedule details:
  • Duration: 2 Hours
  • Pickup location:

    30th Street Station - Inside near the center of the station next to the WWII Memorial 

  • Pickup Time: 10.00 AM
  • Drop off location:

    40th St. Trolley Station - The traveler will be able to ride the trolley (token provided) back to 30th St. or continue into Center City. 


Additional information :
  • Voucher exchange details:

    Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the tour.

  • Confirmation of booking:

    Please contact Philadelphia Urban Adventures to confirm your tour 24 hours prior to departure.

  • Language: English

Itinerary:

Your tour begins at Philadelphia's largest transportation hub, 30th St. Station.  You'll get a glimpse of the fine architecture inside the grand terminal, and you'll be in the midst of the busy intersection of trains, buses, subways, and trolleys.  We leave the station on foot and begin the journey down Market St. and the neighborhood's research core.

 

We quickly reach Drexel University, head down one of their new green quads and into the beautiful Main Building, the very first building on Drexel's campus.  From here we head down the hill past World Cafe Live and underneath the highline as trains are passing high above. 

 

We enter Penn Park, a brand new green space with spectacular views of the Philly skyline.  The tour continues over the train tracks and passes by some of the most iconic college sports venues in the country in Franklin Field and the Palestra.  You'll possibly have a chance to see inside the famous Palestra and their wonderful college basketball museum.

 

From there we head to to the heart of Penn's campus, the very first public university in the United States.  We'll take you inside Fisher Library, an architectural masterpiece by Frank Furness.  We'll walk by College Hall, Penn's first building on the campus, and go inside Houston Hall, home of America's first Student Union.  From there we walk up Locust Walk, arguably the most beautiful city campus setting in the country.

 

From there, we end up on Spruce Street, where there are dozens of food trucks lined up the street.  Here, your guide will provide you with a cheat sheet to navigating the trucks and you'll have your pick of some of the best street food Philly has to offer.

 

Finally, we walk through more of the campus and a hidden nature preserve and pond.  We arrive at the trolley stop and your guide will provide a token for each person.  This street trolley ride is a unique experience and you'll have the option to ride back to 30th St. or continue into Center City.


Photo Gallery:

University of Pennsylvania DormsUPenn BookstorePhiladelphia LOVE SculptureBooks & Cooks tour PhiladelphiaBooks & Cooks tour PhiladelphiaBooks & Cooks tour Philadelphia


Traveller Feedback:

Want to check out what other travellers think of their Urban Adventure experience? See below for our traveller feedback. 

Your trip:

For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people

Tipping:

If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.

  • Cancellations made more than 2 days prior to travel receive a full refund
  • Cancellations made 2 days or less prior to travel attract a 100% cancellation fee.

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Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us. That means travelling in a way which both respects and benefits local people, their culture, their economy, and their environment. Please read on for more information on our Responsible Travel policy and how you can be a responsible traveller for your entire journey.


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