In the early 1990s, this stretch of Center Center Philadelphia was part of a sweeping urban regeneration project. Now, more than three decades later, it is the beating heart of Philadelphia’s arts and culture scene. Home to the city’s top performing arts venues, including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music, the Merriam Theater, and the Wilma Theatre (as well as resident companies like Opera Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Ballet, and the Philadelphia Orchestra), it’s also a destination for grand hotels like the Ritz-Carlton, eateries by leading Philly restaurateurs like José Garcés and Michael Solomonov, art galleries, and educational institutions like the University of the Arts.
Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts is easy to explore independently (be sure to research performance schedules before your next trip), and its highlight landmarks can also be seen on Center City sightseeing tours, including Segway itineraries and walking tours.