Shop Penn

Start your Saturday morning off right with a visit to Spread Bagelry, where authentic Montreal-style bagels meet Philadelphia hospitality. These aren't your typical bagels — each one is hand-rolled, boiled in honey water, then baked in a wood-fired Montreal Bagel Brick Oven. The result? A perfectly chewy, subtly sweet bagel with just the right amount of char.

Since they're baked in small batches throughout the day, you're guaranteed a fresh, hot bagel no matter when you arrive. Pair yours with one of their rotating homemade spreads, all crafted with local farm-fresh ingredients that change with the seasons.

Pro tip: Visit the Spread Beer Garden, exclusive to the University City location, featuring a full bar, rotating craft beers, outdoor picnic table seating, and table games — making it an ideal spot to linger well beyond breakfast.

A short stroll down Walnut Street will bring you to Hello World, a beloved home decor and lifestyle boutique specializing in midcentury-modern furniture and unique gifts not easily found everywhere else. Hello World has earned a host of glowing Yelp reviews, and it's not hard to see why.

J, the owner and buyer, has been connecting the Philadelphia community to quality merchandise at great prices for over 20 years. They've recently incorporated a gallery featuring local artists' work in a charming nook of the store.

Dog-friendly bonus: Dogs are equally welcome to poke around — bring yours in for a chance to appear on the boutique's popular Instagram account!

Work off that bagel, or make room for some ice cream, with a class at Monarch Yoga, the newest addition to the Shop Penn Retail District. Monarch got its start back in May 2020 as a series of free outdoor classes in Philadelphia parks, and this University City studio is the third brick-and-mortar location for owner Michelle Dillon, joining the originals in Kensington and Northern Liberties.

The space is built for lingering as much as for sweating: a roomy lobby to settle into before and after class, a big sunlit studio, and a shower for a post-flow rinse before you head back out onto Walnut. The schedule covers all levels and every kind of mood such as Heated Power Flow in a 95-to-105-degree room, Heated Power Strength when you want intervals and resistance bands in the mix, Slow Flow for dialing in your alignment, and Deep Stretch Yin for long holds and letting go of whatever the week piled on.

University City isn't all retail shops and restaurants — keep your eyes peeled and you'll discover world-class museums, galleries, and sculpture tucked in among the storefronts and scenic parks. Give your credit card a break and pop into the Arthur Ross Gallery.

Located at the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus, this free art gallery has featured art and artifacts from all over the world. It's an intimate space that provides thought-provoking exhibitions of art across cultures, media, and time periods.

Visitor tip: Exhibitions change throughout the year, so come early and come often to catch new installations.

When your explorations spark an appetite for something more substantial, make your way to Louie Louie Bistro & Bar. This vibrant American bistro with French flair offers a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience that's perfect for elevating your Saturday.

Settle into the stylish interior or claim a spot on the spacious outdoor patio to enjoy seasonal dishes crafted with classical flavor combinations. From brunch to dinner, Louie Louie delivers a refined neighborhood dining experience.

Nothing caps off a great day out like a sweet treat. Take a stroll down Locust Walk to Ben & Jerry's on 40th Street and enjoy a delicious cone or cup. Indulge in any of Ben & Jerry's unique flavors like Americone Dream, Chunky Monkey, Half Baked, and Phish Food.

You can even grab some pints to bring home with you to stick in the freezer for your next Netflix binge.