Franklin Square
Head a flew blocks north from the Market-Frankford Line 5th Street stop to find this history buff's wet dream; our favorite founding father reportedly conducted his electricity-discovering "kite-and-key" experiment on these grounds. Do the tourist thing and check out the adjacent Independence National Historical Park where you can be let down by the size of the Liberty Bell (spoiler alert: it's cracked) and walk the same grounds our nation's finest wig- and tight-wearing predecessors graced. Let out your inner child and hop on the Liberty Carousel, or take a swing at the Square's own mini golf course. While you're in the heart of Old City, stick around after dark and catch a movie at the nearby Ritz Theatres (4th & Ranstead).
-Danyal Kothari
Logan Square
The least square-ish of the bunch, Logan Square - more commonly known as Logan Circle - has a dark past. Once the home of public executions and burial grounds, today the Square boasts the extravagant Swann Fountain, where you can partake in a Philly tradition by taking a dip in the mega watering hole. Head down Ben Franklin Parkway - a gateway to the city's best museums - and check out National Geographic's exhibit, "Real Pirates" at The Franklin Institute or take a break from the stacks at Van Pelt and browse the largest library in Philly: the Free Library of Philadelphia headquarters.
-Danyal Kothari
Washington Square
Washington Square is a shady, tree-lined park - a less chaotic Rittenhouse, if you will. The square is bordered by both the LGBT-friendly Washington Square West neighborhood and the cobblestone streets of Society Hill, and the surrounding area is the perfect place to take a look back at Philadelphia's past by visiting Historic Antique Row, located a short walk down Pine Street. Get lucky and you can find that classy, weathered armoire to finally complete your dorm room.
-Ben Rosen
Center Square
William Penn planned this square to be the focal point of Philadelphia; the plaza plays host to City Hall. Take a break from Starbucks and have a cup of coffee at Amazon Café or satisfy your hunger at Centre Square Bar & Grill. Think pop art is just Marilyn Monroe and Campbell's Soup? See another piece from the man who broke Ben's button, Claes Oldenburg. His stainless steel, 45-foot-tall, ten-ton clothespin stands by the Center Square Building at 15th and Market Streets.
-Jess Goldstein
Rittenhouse Square
You can save all your money for shopping and eating in Rittenhouse Square by walking there. This prime people-watching park is located at 18th and Walnut. This is the place to go if you're looking to bask in the autumnal glow and don't mind spending your beer cash in one upscale place. Adolf Biecker Spa Salon (210 W. Rittenhouse Sq.) is a relaxation mecca (and a former Best of Penn winner). If you're tired of being one of a million girls on campus in the same American Apparel gear, you can shop all over the square, from Armani Exchange (1429 Walnut St.) to Knit Wit (1718 Walnut St.). Finish your day with dinner at Audrey Claire (20th and Spruce), a Mediterranean BYO with funky dishes and the perfect neighborhood atmosphere.
-Jess Goldstein
