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The main areas of the city of interest to visitors are Center City, West Philadelphia (particularly University City), and the Northwest. Center City is the main downtown area, and is central to many public transportation systems. To a first time visitor, Center City would be the ideal choice to stay in and visit, with by far the most lodging options and major sights. West Philadelphia is home to several universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. The Northwest includes the historic neighborhoods of Chestnut Hill and Germantown, and a popular shopping and restaurant district in Manayunk. as well as a large wooded park running for miles in the Wissahickon Valley. Rittenhouse Square is as close to a central park as one can get in Philadelphia. Only 4 blocks west of Broad St and the main business areas, it is an oasis in the heart of the city. It is surrounded by tall buildings, and there are many nice restaurants in the area. The Walnut St shopping row starts here (at 18th St) and extends eastward to Broad St. During the summer there will often be concerts in the park, but they are not that frequent, so check the schedules (usually listed in the park itself). East Falls is a neighborhood that is quickly becoming one of the hot places to live and visit. It is located on a hillside overlooking the Schuylkill River, with restaurants and businesses generally along Ridge Ave at the bottom of the hill and rowhomes/condos/apartments as you go up the hill. Philadelphia University is also located within East Falls. There are several good restaurants and cafes that have recently opened along Ridge Ave."