University of Pennsylvania — Landmark Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"Start us off with an overview. Founded in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania (better known as Penn) looks like the textbook definition of an Ivy League university, with enough elaborate Gothic buildings and lush courtyards to make you want to dive headfirst into the nearest library. The campus, and particularly Locust Walk, which runs through it, offers visitors and students a respite from the bustle of the city, and on nice days, even doubles as a picnic site. The grounds are also home to art by Alexander Calder, and “Brick House,” a new Simone Leigh sculpture; a statue of Ben Franklin hanging out on a bench; and Franklin Field, the country's oldest operating football stadium (and home of the Penn Relays). What’s it like being there? Penn’s campus never ceases to inspire our inner nerd. Depending on the time of year you're visiting, students may be frantically rushing between the library and lab, or passing a leisurely afternoon outside with friends, awaiting Spring Fling, the warm-weather festival that celebrates the imminent arrival of summer vacation. So, should we just wander around, or...? Tours for prospective students are led by the admissions office, and require advance registration. For most visitors, though, a tour guide isn’t necessary; just stroll through campus to get a taste of the school and its community. Does it attract visitors or is the place just inundated with students? Much of Penn campus is filled with students and hopeful high schoolers. But, the university’s prestigious graduate programs ensure that not everyone you run into is 19. What, or who, do you think it’s best for? Penn’s campus anchors West Philly, a section of the city across the Schuylkill River, offering visitors a different (read: non-Center City) flavor of Philly. The campus and surrounding neighborhoods operate at a slightly slower pace. Head west to explore the campus, and have lunch at West Philly institution White Dog Café, where each of the restaurant’s small inner rooms is decorated in a different motif." - Devra Ferst
