Tourist Attractions Near Temple University

The city of Philadelphia or better known as The City of Brotherly Love is full of history and popular attractions perfect for Temple University students, residents, and tourists. Philly’s history goes all the way back to the 1600s and played an important setting in shaping the United States of America and in the creation of the Constitution. 

Philly is a melting pot of different historic facts. Whether you’re a Temple University student or a young professional, or just in town visiting, there’s something for everyone to do in Philly. We’ll talk about popular attractions, restaurants where you can indulge in the local cuisine, and some free things you can do around the city.

If you’re looking to get away from campus or the student center and explore Philly then read on for some ideas on how to spend some time away from the Temple University campus. 

Popular Attractions Near Temple University

There are a variety of fun attractions near campus for students to visit and have fun. Learn about a couple of different fun spots around the school to visit. 

Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo is a fun tourist attraction popular for all ages, including Temple students and young professionals. There are a lot of exhibits and animal habitats to check out while you spend the day exploring the Philadelphia Zoo. 

Here are some animals you’ll find at the specific exhibits. Visit the Philadelphia Zoo website for even more information.

African Plains

Cheetah 

Giraffe

Hippopotamus 

Mhor Gazella

Plains Zebra

Red River Hog

Southern White Rhinoceros

Bear Country

Sloth Bear

Andean Bear

Big Cat Falls 

African Lion

Amur Leopard 

Amur Tiger

Jaguar

Snow Leopard 

Bird Valley

Caribbean Flamingo

Wading Birds

McNeil Avian Center

Guam Kingfisher

Guam Rail

Indian White-Eye

Waterfowl

Rare Animal Conservation Center

Bolivian Gray Titi Monkey

Francois Langur

Geoffrey’s Marmoset

Hoffman’s Two-Toed Sloth

Pied Tamarin 

Red-capped Mangabey

Rodrigues fruit bat

PECO Primate Reserve

Black and White Ruffed Lemur

Golden Lion Tamarin

Ring-tailed lemur 

Sumatran Orangutan 

Western Lowland Gorilla

White-handed Gibbon

When you’re done exploring the exhibits, go ahead and get something from the dining and refreshment stands around the zoo. Be sure to check out the membership program, members get free admission and other fun deals. 

Philadelphia Museum of Art

If you love history and art then you’ll love spending the day away from school at the Philadelphia Museum of Art located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The larger-than-life museum is home to 200 galleries of art and exhibits. Here’s a list of some of the collections you’ll find at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

• East Asian Art 

• American Art 

• Costumes and Textiles 

• European Decorative Art & Sculpture 

• South Asian Art 

• Prints, Drawings, and Photographs

• European Painting and Sculpture

One of the most visited collections is Grace Kelly’s royal wedding dress. After her wedding, the princess gifted the dress to the museum where the design work has been admired and replicated by wedding dress designers. 

Get a closer look at the wedding dress and other collections at the Philadelphia Museum of Art when you buy your admission ticket, there’s even a discount for Temple students. Make sure to follow all of the rules! 

Academy of Natural Sciences

The Academy of Natural Sciences is located at Drexel University, at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. There are a variety of exhibits available at this popular attraction near the Temple campus so make sure to check the dates for exhibitions you want to make sure you don’t miss your chance. 

Here are a couple of available exhibitions at the Academy of Natural Sciences near Temple. 

• Microsculpture: The Insect Portraits of Levon Bliss is available to see for a limited time!

• Science From Home provides a virtual science experience allowing parents, students, and school activities for children.

• At Dinosaur Hall you’ll be able to see the skeleton of a t-rex, measuring 42 feet in length along with dinosaur eggs, paleontologist tools, sculptures, and more. 

Get your admission tickets and check them out!  

Adventure Aquarium 

Adventure Aquarium is about a 20-minute drive away from the Temple campus. Students without cars can always rely on the robust Philadelphia public transportation system by taking a bus or a train to the aquarium in Camden, NJ.

It’s home to over 15,000 different aquatic species, you can also get a closer look at the sharks by walking through the V-shaped rope bridge across the shark tank. Make sure to plan your visit ahead of time if you plan on heading to the aquarium from the school as capacity is limited. 

Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts

If you’re an art history buff then take some time away from the Temple campus and spend the afternoon at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. You’ll be able to take a historical journey through the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. It's also one of the oldest landmarks in the country, being built in 1876. Plan your visit and view upcoming exhibitions on their website.  

Free Things For Temple University Students To Do in Philadelphia 

There are a couple of free activities to do in Philly, so take some time away from the Temple student center and enjoy some time getting to know the city. 

LOVE Sculpture

One of Philadelphia’s best-known landmarks is the LOVE Sculpture located in John F. Kennedy Plaza or as the locals call it, LOVE Park. The park was recently redesigned to add more green areas with a beautiful water feature perfect to add to your social media feed, you can also view the AMOR sculpture at Sister Cities park. 

Liberty Bell Center

Make sure to check off seeing the Liberty Bell off of your Philly checklist. The 2080-pound copper bell is free to view but there will most likely be a line so get there early. 

The Rocky Statue and Rocky Steps

Located right at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is the iconic staircase where Rocky made his triumphant run up the steps. You can expect a constant flow of people at the bottom of the steps waiting to do their best Rocky pose.

Do your best reenactment of the run on the steps and channel your inner Rocky. Don’t forget to visit and strike a post with the Rocky statue from Rocky III, some natives believe it's the right of  passage for newcomers coming to Philadelphia so don’t miss your chance to visit.  

Elfreth’s  Alley

Elfreth’s Alley was home to artisans and tradespeople in the 18th century in colonial Philadelphia. Elfreth’s Alley is free to walk through so make sure to take some time to explore the area.   

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Did you know? Edgar Allan Poe lived in Philadelphia for six years. He wrote some of his acclaimed poems, including The Fall of the House Usher. You can take a tour of the house but be sure to check the hours before you plan your visit.

Popular Restaurants To Try in Philadelphia Close to Temple University 

You can’t live in Philadelphia without indulging in delicious food.  

Maxi’s Pizza, Subs, and Bar

Pizza will always be a top choice with the college crowd. Maxi’s Pizza, Subs, and Bar specializes in unique pizzas and sandwiches. Some of their menu items include Philly cheesesteaks, strombolis, baked ziti pizza, specialty burgers, and pasta platters. You can find Maxi’s Pizza, Subs, and Bar at 1926 Liacouras Walk, Philadelphia, PA. 

Champs Diner

Take a walk over to Champ’s Diner for a delicious brunch located right on the Temple campus. The diner opens at 6:45 am so perfect for early risers. The menu consists of chicken and waffles, red velvet pancakes, breakfast platters, shrimp and grits, veggie omelets, and more.

You can eat at the restaurant or place your order online for pick up.   

Pretty Girls Cook

If you love big portions then you’ll love Pretty Girls Cook, it’s also about a four-minute drive from campus. Some of their popular dishes include penne pasta with your choice of protein, the mac daddy mac ‘n’ cheese, and drunken mussels. 

Honeygrow

If you love fresh and healthy ingredients then you’ll love honeygrow. Students can indulge in locally sourced salads, a variety of stir-fry options, along with fruit and honey desserts. Some menu items include the option to build your own stir-fry bowl, salad, or dessert cup.

There’s also a selection of fresh drinks like the strawberry guava lemonade. Temple students can place their orders for pick up on their site.     

If you’re studying in Philadelphia let Tripalink help you find Temple off-campus housing when you’re ready so you can continue to enjoy the city of Philadelphia.