Rittenhouse Square

Filled with towering buildings, countless shops, and a place to try any culture’s food is Center City. On half days, high school students all over the city take buses or walk – based on proximity – to the bustling heart of the city. One of the best parts – Rittenhouse Square. Near 19th and Walnut Street, the square park is one of the only patches of green found in Philly, accompanied by fairy lights dangling from trees, water fountains, and children scootering around. During the day, the sun shines through the leaves and it becomes a getaway from the polluted air and trash-littered streets. Benches are lined up on the perimeters of the pathway leading through some of the only grass found in Philly. On one side of the park is a grand fountain where kids can be found running around chasing bubbles while their guardians are sitting on the ledges capturing the moments on their phones. 

Other than the picturesque landscape there are also so many delicious places to eat on the borders of the park and on the streets passing through. Parc, one of the most beloved, is pretty pricey but is beautiful on the inside with even more divine food. The warm lighting indoors and the tuscan decorations make the restaurant feel homey and customers are much more likely to drop a pretty penny. For a cheaper option, there’s also The Ground in Rittenhouse and K’Far Cafe. In honor of the lovely weather around this time as well, every year, for every Sunday in April, the streets of Rittenhouse are closed off for seating to be moved to the streets and to accommodate more guests. It’s a smart tactic for business, and lessens air pollution from lack of cars, even if just for a few days out of one month.

 In lieu of the warmer weather, the upcoming months are Rittenhouse’s busiest time as spring and summer offer numerous opportunities to eat, activities, and flea markets for citizens and teenagers looking for something to do in the afternoon. Beginning on April 5, 2025, through October, a block up on 18th and Walnut are flea markets every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Some of the most popular items to grab are the orchard apples, freshly made bagels, or any type of flower for a loved one. On Saturday, May 4 from 12 to 5pm, is the annual Spring Festival on the streets aligning the park and all of Walnut Street. It’s a free-to-go event, with countless different vendors and foods or beverages to grab for the inevitable spring heat. There are homemade churros, authentic tacos, and so much more. It’s important to note that other than attendance – unfortunately – everything else is payment required. Living in such a beautiful city, it can be easy to forget just how lucky its residents are. We ignore the beautiful privilege that Philly grants us with its scenery and opportunity because it seems so normal and mundane. It’s more important now than ever to, as a community, appreciate what we’re offered and take advantage of these markets and the weather that’s so rare.