PHILADELPHIA AREA
Villanova is just 12 miles (19 km) west of Philadelphia, the sixth-largest city in the US and the second-largest on the East Coast. And getting there is remarkably easy -- hop on a train (we have three rail stops on campus) or use a ride- or car-sharing service (we've got quite a few options!).
You'll find plenty to do in Philly -- there are world-class museums, historic sites, great restaurants, performing arts and a wide spectrum of neighborhoods and attractions. Sports fans can grab tickets to see an Eagles, Phillies, Sixers or Flyers game -- and the Villanova Wildcats play many of their games at the Wells Fargo Center, too!
Villanova is also close to Valley Forge National Historical Park and the King of Prussia Mall, the largest mall on the East Coast. And the bucolic Main Line, featuring shops and restaurants, is just steps away. All are accessible to students via the free Wildcat Shuttle.
For more on visiting the City of Philadelphia, go to visitphilly.com.
OUR GREAT LOCATION
Just 12 miles from Villanova's campus, Philadelphia boasts unique entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities, as well as big-time athletic events including Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and Sixers games. The Villanova Wildcats play many of their games at Philly's Wells Fargo Center.
Our country was founded in Philadelphia, giving our students first-hand access to historical sites. It is also located close to Washington, DC, giving students and faculty opportunities to visit and observe the inner workings of our government.
Villanova is located on Pennsylvania's historic Main Line. With countless dining, shopping and entertainment venues, it is a popular destination for Villanova students.
Externship opportunities abound in the city and surrounding areas. Many graduates remain in the area to begin careers with the region's many law firms, governments, business and non profit organizations.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Numerous businesses are within walking and driving distance to Villanova's campus. Places like Lancaster Avenue, Suburban Square in Ardmore and the Villanova Center adjacent to campus offer countless options for sipping coffee, grabbing ice cream, shopping and more.
Ardmore and Suburban Square
Suburban Square, located in Ardmore, is a pedestrian-friendly, densely packed retail area. Suburban Square is home to many different businesses including a Farmer’s Market, Trader Joe’s, a 70,000 square foot LifeTime Athletic and countless retail stores and restaurants. There is plenty of outdoor seating which allows for family-fun events including Ardmore Restaurant Week, Oktoberfest and a chili cook-off.
Ardmore’s signature Clover Market is held three weekends in the spring and two weekends in the fall featuring vintage goods and artisan wares.
Ardmore can be accessed via the Ardmore stop on SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line.
Bryn Mawr
The town of Bryn Mawr runs along Route 30 in the heart of the Main Line where you'll find many family-owned businesses, boutiques, restaurants and more.
Bryn Mawr can be accessed via the Bryn Mawr stop on SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line.
Wayne
Wayne is one of the many wonderful shopping and dining towns along the Main Line. Located in Radnor Township, guests can stroll around town and enjoy a wide selection of fashion boutiques, restaurants, spas and other merchants. With more than a dozen restaurants and bars located along Restaurant Row, there is something for all palates.
Wayne can be accessed via the Wayne stop on SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line.
King of Prussia Mall
The King of Prussia Mall is the second-largest shopping mall in the United States and located just six miles from Villanova. Featuring a diverse mix of over 450 stores, the King of Prussia Mall has something for everyone. Additionally, a variety of dining options are available at three food courts and multiple sit-down restaurants in and around the mall.
The King of Prussia Mall is located at the junction of Routes 202, 76, 422 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike and can also be reached via public transportation.
King of Prussia Town Center
King of Prussia Town Center is a retail center located at The Village at Valley Forge, a large-scale development project comprised of Wegmans, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and five new residential developments.
Major retailers including Nordstrom Rack, Ulta, REI and LA Fitness surround a vibrant Main Street lined with a mix of dining, retail and service providers. You can find open green space with various outdoor events throughout the year at the Town Center.
Valley Forge Park
Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site of the third winter encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War which took place from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778. Today, the National Park Service preserves the site which sits on 3,500 acres of land and contains historical buildings, recreated encampment structures, memorials, museums and recreational facilities. The Park has over a million visitors each year and provides 26 miles of hiking and biking trails that are connected to a robust regional trails system. Wildlife watching, fishing and boating on the nearby Schuylkill River also are popular.
Valley Forge Park cannot be accessed by public transportation.
Philadelphia
The birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia is full of museums, vibrant parks, national historic sites and famous food. Take time to check out a Phillies baseball game, visit the Liberty Bell in Old City and try Philadelphia’s most famous cheesesteaks!
Philadelphia can be accessed through various public transportation outlets via SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line, the Norristown High Speed Line and various buses. The Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line provides the most direct access to Center City Philadelphia.
Manayunk
Located 10 miles from Villanova, Manayunk is nestled along the banks of the Schuylkill River, the Manayunk Canal and Tow Path. The commercial district is lined with renovated Victorian storefronts and mill buildings giving visitors an urban experience with small-town charm. Manayunk is home to countless restaurants and shops and known for its fun outdoor events such as the Street Food Festival, Dog Days of Summer, Manayunk Arts Festival and more.
ACCOMMODATIONS
As you plan your visit to Villanova, you may need to reserve a hotel room or two. There are plenty of options in the area. Stay awhile!
The Villanova University-owned and operated Inn was recently renovated and offers our guests a setting that is fresh and comfortable with the gracious hospitality that is a Villanova tradition.
The Inn at Villanova University
(not open to the public in Fall 2020)
601 E. County Line Road, Radnor, PA 19087
Phone: 610-519-8000
*Please check each business for operation information during COVID-19. A listing does not equal endorsement from the University.
AIRPORT--PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL (PHL)
1 Arrivals Road, Philadelphia, PA 19153
Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport
9000 Bartram Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19153
4509 Island Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153
500 Stevens Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19113
600 S Governor Printz Blvd., Lester, PA 19029
4101 B Island Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153
BROOMALL
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
100 Lawrence Road, Broomall, PA 19008
CONSHOHOCKEN
111 Crawford Avenue, West Conshohocken, PA 19428
191 Washington Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428
RADNOR
The Radnor Hotel
591 E. Lancaster Avenue, St. Davids, PA 19087
WAYNE
762 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087
211 Strafford Ave., Wayne PA 19087
Wayne Hotel
139 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19097
KING OF PRUSSIA
The Alloy – A DoubleTree by Hilton
301 W. Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA 19406
127 South Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406
260 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia, PA 19406
258 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia, PA 19406
530 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA 19406
550 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia PA 19406
PLYMOUTH MEETING
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Philadelphia West
640 Fountain Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
LOCAL RESTAURANTS
There are plenty of restaurant options close to Villanova that cater to all types of palates, price points and atmospheres.
The Villanova University-owned and operated restaurant offers our guests a setting that is fresh and comfortable with the gracious hospitality that is a Villanova tradition.
The Refectory
(not open in Fall 2020)
862 Lancaster Ave., Villanova PA 19085
Phone: 610-519-5786
*Please check each individual restaurant for operation information during COVID-19. A listing does not equal endorsement from the University.
ARDMORE
BRYN MAWR
DEVON
RADNOR
ROSEMONT
VILLANOVA
WAYNE
An Aerial Tour of Villanova
Philly Facts
Philadelphia enjoys a four season climate warmer than that of Boston and cooler than that of Washington, DC. Average high and low temperatures: 63.3 F/47.6 F.
Home to the First Continental Congress, which convened in 1774, Philadelphia was the first capital of the US.
The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia’s nicknames are “Philly” and the “City of Brotherly Love,” from philos (love) and adelphos (brother).
Philly’s 9,200-acre Fairmount Park is the single largest municipal park in the US.