Nestled in the northern corner of Center City lies Fairmount, one of the Philly’s greenest and most charming neighborhoods. Also know as the “Art Museum area,” Fairmount boasts great bites, cool shops, and exciting spots of history and culture. Residents and tourists enjoy the area’s proximity to the Schuylkill River as well as the walkable Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Discover Fairmount, a Family-Friendly Place to Live

Fairmount offers families the perfect blend of culture, community, and convenience in the heart of Philadelphia. The neighborhood features charming tree-lined blocks filled with local shops, acclaimed restaurants, and world-class museums. In our guide below, learn where to explore, eat, and shop — and what makes Fairmount a great place to live.

Explore

One of Philly’s most cultural neighborhoods, Fairmount offers top spots to explore and learn about art, science, and civic history. Folks know Fairmount best as home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. But residents and visitors alike, return again and again to the area’s other museums and attractions.

Eastern State Penitentiary 

2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130 

Considered a National Historic Landmark within the United States, Eastern State Penitentiary is a top Philly location for history. The prison complex now serves as a nonprofit institution and museum to raise awareness of the criminal justice system. The penitentiary offers both guided, and self-guided tours through the grounds, which bring its history to life. These riveting tours are sure to capture the attention of kids and adults who visit. 

Eastern State is located centrally within Fairmount and is steps away from prime food options for all times of the day. 

Philadelphia Museum of Art 

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130

One of the most iconic buildings in the city, the Philadelphia Museum of Art offers a family outing full of culture, education, and awe. After running up the iconic “Rocky Steps,” enjoy the museum’s impressive collection of paintings, sculpture, antiquities, weapons, and armor.

In addition to its world class art collection, the museum is proud to offer hands-on and interactive programs for kids. Visit their website for information relating to activities such as family-friendly tours, art-making workshops, and scavenger hunts geared towards kids. 

The Barnes Foundation 

2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130 

The Fairmount neighborhood is home to another one of Philly’s top art destinations: the Barnes Foundation. First opening in 2012, the stunning and intimate building features walk-through art exhibits of renowned international artists. The center is proud to not only showcase strong works, but the promotion of art appreciation, too. 

Just a few blocks from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this small, though extraordinary art collection is worth a visit. Stop in their outdoor garden, featuring an impressive water installation. It makes for a nice spot to sit and sip a coffee or enjoy a packed lunch. 

Eat

Like many neighborhoods in Philly, Fairmount has a food scene that’s worth a special trip. Offering homemade pasta to cozy comfort dishes and crafted sandwiches, these are some of the top spots to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner in the neighborhood. 

A Mano 

2244 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130 

Specializing in handmade Italian cuisine, A Mano is a Fairmount corner spot mainstay. With a name translating to “by hand,” A Mano makes hearty pasta dishes with ingredients from local farms and purveyors.

With an intimate, cozy feel, the restaurant offers an authentic Italian flavor for the whole family while still remaining affordable. After an afternoon of exploring the Philadelphia Museum of Art, stop in A Mano for a BYOB evening meal. 

Bar Hygge 

1720 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130 

A cozy spot for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or afternoon snacks, Bar Hygge has an appealing environment and menu.

Also a brewpub, the restaurant serves sandwiches, plates, share-ables, and an extensive hand-crafted drink menu. If you’re looking for a sit-down breakfast or brunch spot on Fairmount Avenue, you won’t be be disappointed with Bar Hygge. 

Rybread 

1711 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130 

A favorite in the Fairmount neighborhood, Rybread is a fantastic sandwich shop for a quick-stop lunch.

With sandwich options ranging from classic to uniquely theirs, Rybread is the perfect lunch stop for families with picky eaters. While sandwiches are their specialty, they also offer equally delicious soups and salads.  

Umai Umai 

533 N 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130 

An intimate restaurant right on the neighborhood block, Umai Umai offers contemporary Japanese cuisine, including sushi, specialty rolls, and hot entrees.

With both indoor and outdoor seating options, Umai Umai is one of the best hidden dinner spots in Fairmount. In addition to a varied drink menu, Umai Umai offers a BYOB option. 

Warehouse Cafe 

2100 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130

Warehouse Cafe is arguably the most popular coffee shop in the neighborhood. With a prime location just across the street from Eastern State Penitentiary, Warehouse specializes in classic barista made coffee and tea beverages while including unique and seasonal drinks across their menu.

In addition to beverages, a wide range of food options including breakfast and brunch handhelds, are made fresh within their kitchen. 

Shop 

Fairmount’s independent shops reflect the neighborhood’s creative spirit and community vibe. From handpicked gifts to vinyl records, these local boutiques offer unique finds you won’t see anywhere else.

Ali’s Wagon 

2017 Fairmount Ave #19, Philadelphia, PA 19130 

Located within walking distance of plenty of spots for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, Ali’s Wagon is a great spot to shop for Philly-themed presents and other local wares.

The unique outfitter also sells toys (some even Philly themed) for the little ones. Just down the street from Eastern State Penitentiary, Ali’s Wagon is easily accessible on Fairmount Avenue and is sure to capture your kids attention with their unique clothes and toys. 

BODIE 

2026 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130 

Although they refer to themselves as a general store, BODIE should give themselves more credit. They have one of the best selection of handmade cards, stationary, toys, clothes, books and trinkets in all of Philadelphia.

Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for a friend or family member, or treating your kids to a new stuffed animal, you’ll see why it’s easy to refer to BODIE as many others do — cute. Down the block from Warehouse Cafe, BODIE is a perfect spot to browse after coffee and pastries.

Minda Living 

2449 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130 

If Minda Living was comparable to a physical experience, it’d be like taking a breath of fresh air. Beyond their selection of modern house plants, the store is welcoming and invites guests to shop their collection of ethically made home, apparel, and accessories. 

A short walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Minda Living has one of the most inviting (and calming) storefronts in all of Fairmount Avenue. 

Records Forever 

2036 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Records Forever is just the spot to stop in, shop, and enjoy the vibe while looking through LP records.

Calling itself a shop to “explore new genres” for yourself, the welcoming vibe itself is worth the stop in on Fairmount Avenue. It’s a one-of-a-kind, neighborhood store where you and your kids can enjoy the groove of modern vinyl culture.

Top Spots in Philly’s Fairmount Neighborhood to Eat, Shop and Explore 

We think Philly’s Fairmount neighborhood has lots to offer families as a day-trip destination or for those who are moving to the area. Whether it’s exploring, shopping, or eating, there’s much to do in the Fairmount part of Philly for you and the entire family. 

Do you have a favorite spot in Fairmount that we didn’t mention? We’d love to hear about it. Share it in the comments!