Home > Your Personal Side > City Guides > Philadelphia > Neighborhoods > South Philadelphia

South Philadelphia

Photo Credit: Bob Krist Greater Philadelphia Tourism

South Philadelphia is one of the most expansive neighborhoods of Philadelphia and one that, in reality, is made up of many smaller neighborhoods bearing such names as: Grays Ferry, East Oregon, Hawthorne, Marconi Plaza, Packer Park, Passyunk, Pennsport, Point Breeze, Queens Village, Tasker, and many more.

South Philadelphia has been settled by succeeding waves of immigrants: from the Dutch and Swedish settlers of the 17th century, through the Jewish and Italian arrivals in the 19th and early 20th centuries, to the black, Hispanic and Asian settlers of more recent years. The Italian Market is the main attraction and, though still largely Italian, vendors and customers reflect the city's ethnic diversity. The market is located in the heart of the Bella Vista neighborhood, where Philadelphia’s Italian-American immigrants first settled. Remnants of that time still exist in the 100-year-old Italian Market, although old-timers still complain of too many changes. No matter, this jumble of sights, sounds, and smells (ooh the cheese, ooh the espresso, ooh the bread!) will entice and entrance you.

If that's not enough, take a peek at the Mario Lanza Museum. Lanza was born Freddie Cocozza in South Philly, where the crooning singer and actor first studied his craft. Another fine cultural experience is to be had at the Mummers' Museum. The Mummers Museum opened in 1976 and is dedicated to the Philadelphia celebration of New Years. The Museum houses a rich collection of Mummer's paraphernalia and memorabilia, from which the museum draws, to demonstrate the tradition of Philadelphia Mummery. Philadelphia's yearly Mummers Parade on New Year's Day sees 30,000 men strut their way around town in sequins, feathers, makeup and risque get-ups. Exhibits at the museum include some of the extravagant costumes and photos and videos of the parades. The museum also features a digital clock that counts down the days to New Year's Day.

As you can see, culture abounds in this neighborhood of Philadelphia. But still, the area is most famous for its depiction in Sylvester Stallone's 1976 film Rocky, which included numerous scenes filmed on location along the waterfront, in the Italian Market, in the row homes and along the numerous narrow streets and street corners of South Philadelphia.

South Philadelphia is also home to the best cheese steak shops in the city, the Philadelphia Sports Complex, where all major sports teams play, as well as the former Philadelphia Navy Yard.