Hidden Campus and University City Gems

Everyone has their favorite spots on Drexel's campus! Whether it is an outdoor green space to gather or the best place to get a sweet treat, you will find your favorite parts of campus and the University City neighborhood and learn to love them. I asked my colleagues on the admissions team where the coolest places are to hang out around Drexel's campus and in University City. Here is what they had to say!

Coolest places to hang out on Drexel's campus and in University City:

The Academic Bistro – Drexel offers both a Culinary Arts & Sciences as well as a Hospitality Management major. The Academic Bistro is a fully functioning student-run restaurant and kitchen that is open to the Drexel community and the general public too! A perfect place to enjoy a meal and a dining experience put together entirely by Drexel students. Don't forget to make a reservation!

Lancaster Walk – There is nothing like a college campus when the seasons change from winter to spring! Students flock to outdoor spaces like Lancaster Walk to put up a hammock between trees, throw a football around, and just get some fresh air! There are various events that take place on this quad, like the Earth Day festival and celebratory send-offs for our Dragons heading to compete in athletic events like March Madness!

Joseph R. Lynch Observatory – Drexel University is home to Philadelphia's largest telescope. At the very top of Main Building lives the Joseph R. Lynch Observatory where Drexel students and faculty can look out into the Philadelphia night sky and learn more about astronomy. Several Physics courses are also taught in the observatory!

Whether it is an outdoor green space to gather or the best place to get a sweet treat, you will find your favorite parts of campus and the University City neighborhood and learn to love them.

Cira Green – If you happen to be walking around the block of 30th and Chestnut, you might not even notice one of the coolest places to grab a snack and hang out in all of University City — Cira Green is a rooftop urban park right in University City! There is an open lawn looking out on Center City with different games like cornhole as well as a large projector screen to watch movies and sports games. There is even a burger joint! Catch a Philly sunset up at Cira Green!

Ross Commons – A low key spot, it slides under the radar on campus — Ross Commons is a multipurpose building that is dedicated to serving the student experience as one of Drexel's several student centers! If you're looking for some of the best brunch in University City, look no further than the first floor of Ross Commons; you'll find Sabrina's Café with outstanding sweet and savory brunch food!

Chengdu Famous Food – A Chinese and Sichuan restaurant in University City that is owned by two Drexel alums. If you're looking for dumplings or wontons, this is a must try place. Support your local Dragons!

Drexel Park – If you need to take a break from work or studying and you're on campus, one of our favorite places to get some fresh air is at Drexel Park. Some of the very best views of the Philly skyline can also be seen from here! This is a great place for that photo opp or just a green space to chill out and enjoy a sunset or sunrise.