Behind Main Street in Manayunk sits the Manayunk Canal Towpath, which is part of the larger Schuylkill River Trail system. Here, you can bike, kayak, canoe, walk, jog, or simply explore. Operators in the area also offer bike and kayak rentals, as well as paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking courses.
One of the biggest draws to Manayunk used to be the now-defunct Philadelphia International Championship, an internationally renowned bike race that would wind through the neighborhood's notoriously hilly streets, including the “Manayunk Wall,” a stretch of Levering Street with a challenging incline.
Manayunk is located in the northwest section of Philadelphia, about a 22-minute drive from downtown. To get there by car, take either I-76 West or Kelly Drive. Most of the shops and restaurants can be found along Main Street, which fronts the Manayunk Canal. By SEPTA, you can get off at the Manayunk regional rail station, located just one block from Main Street. SEPTA bus routes 27, 35, and 61 also stop in the neighborhood.
Every June, the popular Manayunk Arts Festival brings over 300 artists and 150,000 visitors to Main Street for the weekend-long event. Another event worth checking is the StrEAT Food Festival in April, where you’ll find everything from traditional barbecue to sweet treats. On Main Street from May through September, restaurants serve signature cocktails and appetizers while retail shops offer seasonal promotions every Thursday night.
Located just south of Manayunk, Fairmount Park is the largest park in Philadelphia and is home to public artworks, museums, and historic attractions. The 2,052 acres (830 hectares) encompass must-see sites, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Zoo, Please Touch Museum, and Boathouse Row, making it a popular stop on sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off buses.
