Special Visits, Rooftops, and Restaurants: A Week of Urban Delights

Time truly flies when you’re having fun, and this past week in Philadelphia has been nothing short of exhilarating. As an exchange student at Drexel University, each week brings new adventures, but this week was particularly special as I had the pleasure of playing tour guide to my boyfriend, Pau, who came all the way from Spain to visit me.

Philadelphia welcomed Pau with open arms and sunny skies, boasting a balmy 87°F—a perfect introduction to our adventures. Our first stop? The opening day of the pool at Evo, my residence apartments, where friends gathered, laughter filled the air, and memories were made against the backdrop of a perfect afternoon.

The next day was all about discovering Philadelphia’s must-see sights, a subject I’ve delved into in earlier blog posts that I suggest checking out 🙂 . We strolled through the city streets, diving deep into its vibrant history and iconic landmarks. Our mission to find the finest rooftop bars and restaurants brought us to our first treasure, Attico. Luck was with us as we secured two seats with stunning views, allowing us to enjoy the afternoon.

Attico rooftop at: 219 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Continuing our rooftop mission, the following day we ventured to The Assembly, treated to a stunning sunset panorama. Pro tip: reservations are a must to secure a prime spot, though standing amidst such beauty was a small price to pay.

Assembly rooftop at 1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Friday began early as we set off on a day trip to New York City. Despite the limited time available, we made the most of our visit, exploring the city’s famous landmarks and enjoying its diverse culinary offerings. Our search for top-notch cookies took us to Levain Bakery in SoHo, where we found a delicious treat that left us wanting more.

From there, we strolled along Fifth Avenue, through Central Park, and the Upper East Side, eventually finding ourselves at the charming Orsay restaurant. We opted for the steak tartare and steak with fries for lunch, and they were delicious!

Orsay restaurant at: 1057 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021

As night descended, we ascended to the 230th Rooftop Bar, treated to panoramic views of the city skyline, with the Empire State Building standing tall in the distance. Insider tip: they provide cozy blankets for chilly evenings—a thoughtful touch that elevated our experience.

230 Fifth Rooftop Bar at: 1150 Broadway, New York, NY 10001

The week was winding down, leaving us with only two days left together! Saturday’s weather wasn’t ideal, so we opted to purchase some Philly souvenirs for his family and conclude our gastronomic journey with a special dinner plan. This time, we secured a reservation at Aqimero, the restaurant nestled within the Ritz Hotel here in Philadelphia, and I couldn’t have been happier! For starters, we enjoyed a burrata salad and crispy shrimp and calamari. Then came the main event: lobster tail! As you can see, we’re quite passionate about food and enjoy sampling new dishes while exploring different restaurants and bars.

Aqimero at: 10 Ave Of The Arts, Philadelphia, PA 19102

The memories created during this week are invaluable, highlighting the joy of discovering new places with loved ones.

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