Things To Do
in Lansdowne
Lansdowne, Pennsylvania is a small, walkable borough in Delaware County located a few miles west of downtown Philadelphia, known for its tree-lined streets, Victorian-era houses and a lively main street. The town has a strong local arts and community scene anchored by the restored Lansdowne Theatre, independent shops and regular community events. Darby Creek and nearby green spaces give easy access to outdoor activities while SEPTA regional rail makes Philly day-trips straightforward.
Lansdowne blends suburban calm with city-adjacent cultural amenities, making it a convenient base for exploring the Philadelphia region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Lansdowne and settle into your chosen accommodation. After unpacking, take a leisurely stroll along the Potomac River to soak in the picturesque views. Explore the charming streets of Lansdowne, filled with boutique shops and cafes.
Visit the Lansdowne Town Center for lunch, where you can sample local cuisine and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Afterward, embark on a bike ride along the scenic bike paths that line the Potomac, taking in the beautiful landscapes. Don’t forget to stop by the local parks for a quick break and some fresh air.
As the sun sets, head to a riverside restaurant for dinner with stunning views of the water. Enjoy live music events that are often held in the area during the evenings. Wind down your day by taking a peaceful walk along the riverbank, where you can reflect on the day’s adventures.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local diner, fueling up for a day of outdoor activities. Head to the nearby Broadlands Park, where you can hike along well-maintained trails that showcase the area's natural beauty. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you enjoy the fresh air.
After your morning hike, take a picnic lunch to one of the park's scenic spots to relax and recharge. Post-lunch, consider kayaking or canoeing on the Potomac River, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquil waters. The experience is sure to be refreshing and invigorating.
Return to Lansdowne in the evening and grab dinner at a local pizzeria known for its delicious crust. After your meal, consider checking out the local brewery for a tasting session of artisanal beers. Spend the rest of the evening playing games or enjoying a bonfire back at your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Regular coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-7 |
| 🚕Local taxi / short ride-share | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Philadelphia for museums, dining and nightlife
- Walkable main street with historic architecture and a strong sense of community
- Good access to green spaces and regional parks for outdoor activities
- Calmer, small-town atmosphere with local arts and community events
- Limited late-night and diverse dining options compared with a larger city
- Public transportation options are good but less frequent late at night
- Some streets and public facilities may have limited tourist services
- Weather can be humid in summer and occasionally snowy in winter
Places to Visit in Lansdowne
Visit one of these nice places.
A colorful Art Deco marquee that makes an eye-catching subject, especially at dusk when the lights are on.
Rows of well-preserved turn-of-the-century houses with ornate details and tree-canopied sidewalks — great for architectural shots.
Natural creek scenes, bridges and small wetlands provide opportunities for nature and bird photography, particularly in spring and fall.
Murals, storefronts and the lively Lansdowne Avenue corridor offer colorful street photography and candid scenes of local life.
Food in Lansdowne
Lansdowne Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Philadelphia classic — thinly sliced beef with melted cheese in a roll; find solid versions at local delis and neighborhood sandwich shops.
Must-Try!
An essential regional sandwich loaded with meats, cheeses and veggies; order from area delis for an authentic, hearty lunch.
Common street and bakery item in the Philly area — grab one at a bakery or market stall for a quick snack.
Locally grown fruits, vegetables and baked goods appear at weekend or seasonal markets; great for fresh picnic supplies.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small, community-focused market featuring local produce, baked goods and prepared foods (seasonal schedules vary); a good place to try local specialties and meet vendors.
Short drive away, this larger market offers dozens of vendors with fresh produce, cheeses, breads and ready-to-eat foods — worth a midday visit.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally friendly and informal — a simple hello or small talk with shopkeepers is appreciated.
Keep noise down in residential neighborhoods, follow parking signage and avoid blocking driveways; many streets have permit or time-limited parking.
Tipping is expected in service industries; always check the bill for service charges but otherwise tip according to local norms.
Many residents walk dogs; keep dogs on leashes, clean up waste and follow local leash laws in parks.
Safety
Tipping in Lansdowne
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., standard restaurant tipping is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service; bartenders, taxi drivers and hairdressers typically receive $1–2 per service or 15–20% as well. Many places accept cards and contactless payments; keep some cash for small vendors, tips and parking meters. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and mobile wallets are common in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and humid with July and August the hottest months; local events and outdoor dining are common, but pack sun protection and expect occasional thunderstorms.
Crisp, comfortable weather with beautiful fall foliage on neighborhood streets and nearby parks — ideal for walking, photography and outdoor festivals.
Cold temperatures with periodic snow and icy conditions; some smaller businesses may have reduced hours around holidays, so check ahead for events.
Mild and often rainy as plants green up and markets reopen; great time for trails, early-season farmers’ produce and fewer crowds.
Lansdowne at Night
Hiking in Lansdowne
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About a short drive from Lansdowne, this large state park offers miles of trails through woodlands and fields, picnic areas and historic mill sites — suitable for family hikes and trail runs.
A few miles away, this historic arboretum features cultivated gardens and walking trails with scenic varied terrain and plant collections — great for spring blooms and fall color.
A unique urban refuge along the Philadelphia airport corridor with boardwalks and wildlife observation areas; excellent for short nature walks and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Lansdowne by plane.
The primary airport serving the region, about a 20–40 minute drive depending on traffic; accessible by car or regional transit connections into Philadelphia.
A smaller regional option to the west, roughly a 45–60 minute drive — useful for some domestic flights and low-cost carriers.
A larger international airport about 1–1.5 hours away by car depending on traffic; an option for alternate flights and connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many long-term and newer families live in Lansdowne, attracted by schools, parks and a quieter residential environment.
Close transit access to Philadelphia draws young professionals who appreciate a lower-cost, walkable neighborhood with nightlife options a short train ride away.
A growing community of artists and small business owners contributes to local galleries, murals and music events.
Established residents and older adults make up a core of the community, supporting local institutions and neighborhood stability.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school and community football are popular locally, with many residents following college and NFL teams (e.g., Philadelphia Eagles).
Baseball at the youth and amateur levels is common; many locals also attend Philadelphia Phillies games for professional baseball.
Community and youth soccer leagues are active; interest in professional MLS and national teams is present among residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lansdowne.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and many pubs offer vegetarian sandwiches, salads and meat-free mains; specify no meat and ask about cheese or sauces to avoid hidden animal products.
Vegan options are increasingly available but can be limited in small-town delis — call ahead to cafés or visit nearby Philadelphia for broader vegan-specific restaurants.
Gluten-free bread and menu options are offered by some cafés; always mention the restriction when ordering because cross-contamination can occur in delis and bakeries.