Discover Philadelphia

W.W. Hagerty Library – Drexel’s W. W. Hagerty Library is a great resource for all Drexel Dragons and includes access to over two million items with dynamic online databases, over 40,000 eJournals, and over 300,000 eBooks for Dragons to take advantage of.

The Academy Library and Archives – Free to students with a Drexel ID, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University holds more than 250,000 titles from 1520 to the present and includes rare and historic books, journals, art, artifacts, manuscripts, and photographs in addition to the 2,000 archival collections containing over a million items, including manuscripts, field notebooks, correspondence, films, journals, and photographs from 1692 to present.

Free Library of Philadelphia – With locations all across the city, the Free Library of Philadelphia is a network of local libraries where everyone who lives, works, or studies in the city can take advantage of its many resources and check out books. Be on the lookout for their readings and other special events!

American Philosophical Society (APS) Library – Dating back to the 18th century, this historical library has over thirteen million manuscripts and a significant amount of pieces from Benjamin Franklin’s (founder of the Society) personal library.

Writers Room – The College of Arts and Sciences' Writers Room brings together members of the Philadelphia and Drexel communities to explore writing as a tool for learning and a mode of creative expression, with a rich calendar of literary arts programming that focuses on creative placemaking and art for social justice. If you’re a writer, this is a great way to get plugged into student life here at Drexel.

Drexel Publishing Group – Housed in Drexel's Department of English and Philosophy, the Drexel Publishing Group offers undergraduate students firsthand experience in writing, editing, and publishing alongside faculty mentorship, along with promotion of contests and awards open to all undergraduate Drexel students.

Philadelphia Stories – With the mission of cultivating a community of writers, artists, and readers in the Greater Philadelphia Area, this nonprofit offers numerous opportunities for local writers to get published and find relevant professional development. Their conferences are particularly great chances to get plugged into Philadelphia’s literary scene.

Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site – As the former home of one of the most well-known American writers, Edgar Allen Poe, this National Historic Site offers the opportunity for you to explore where Poe wrote some of his greatest works of literature. Before heading over, make sure to check the hours of operation on their website.

Black Writers Museum (BWM) – Located in the historic Vernon House in Germantown, BWM is proud to be the only American museum of its kind showcasing exhibits of classic and contemporary Black literature and housing collections of first edition and autographed books as well as rare newspapers, photographs, and more. Throughout the year, the BWM also holds community events such as poetry readings, book signings, and community-based events.

Walt Whitman House – Open for tours if you call ahead, this Camden, NJ location — maintained by the Walt Whitman Association — aims to preserve the legacy of this great local poet. If you are passionate about the Whitman’s poetry, this is a great spot to check out.

Take in the skyline view without going very far at Drexel Park — Right on Drexel’s campus, Drexel Park provides a peaceful place to unwind and serves as a pleasant recreational park with a view for the Powelton Village community.

Enjoy a run along the Schuylkill Banks — Part of the 30+ miles of the Schuylkill River Trail, Schuylkill Banks offers wide paved trails along the edge of University City and the Schuylkill River for a great walk, jog, or biking adventure.

Grab a bite to eat 95 feet above the city streets at Cira Green – Located right in University City, this elevated park with breathtaking views hosts seasonal events and remains open year-round, so you can enjoy this “park in the sky” anytime.

Come for the farmer’s market and stay for a show at Clark Park — Steps away from campus in West Philly, Clark Park hosts a thriving farmer’s market each Saturday and maintains an active natural amphitheater that often holds LARPing events as well as the very popular Shakespeare in Clark Park series.

Attend the West Craft Fest or other seasonal events at The Woodlands — This hidden gem just a short walk away from Drexel’s University City Campus originally existed as a pleasure garden in the 18th century and in 1840 was transformed into a Victorian rural cemetery with an arboretum of over 1,000 trees. Complete with a Federal-style mansion, matching carriage house and stable, and 54-acre garden landscape — it’s no wonder that this National Historic Landmark District is a popular spot to host city-wide events.

Quick Tip: You won’t want to miss their Nature Nights, held throughout the year!

Take in the oldest surviving botanic garden in North America at Bartram’s Garden – This public park and National Historic Landmark located in Southwest Philly features a lush botanic garden and the estate of the original owner, Quaker farmer and botanist John Bartram (1699–1777), along with a reclaimed meadow, urban farm, tidal wetlands, and a public dock for fishing and boating.

Skateboard or roller skate around the beautiful FDR Park – Home to one of the best DIY skateparks in the nation, FDR park also includes countless recreation fields, trails, a lagoon, creek, lakes, and the meadow — an open-exploration area on the site of a former golf course.

Spend some time fishing at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge — With the largest freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania, over 80 nesting bird species, and numerous native wildlife and plants, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is a top fishing spot located on the southwestern edge of the city.

Quick Tip: Fishing rods are available to borrow for free at the Visitor Center, but bait is not provided.

Take a spin around the Philly Pumptrack – Built and operated by volunteers at the Parkside Evans Recreation Center, this facility includes two dirt pump tracks (one for beginners) and has free loaner bikes and helmets available for guests.

Quick Tip: Before heading over, make sure to check out Philly Pumptrack’s social media since their hours sometimes vary and they close when the weather’s not cooperating.

Explore the natural environment of the Wissahickon Valley Park — Located northwest from University City near Drexel’s Queen Lane Campus, the Wissahickon Valley Park’s thousands of lush acres and over 55 miles of trails are great for hiking, biking, and just general exploring — you can even rock climb or horseback your way through the park!

Quick Tip: While here, you’ll want to check out the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, Philadelphia’s last existing covered bridge.