Old City: America’s Most Historic Square Mile

Five Can’t-Miss Experiences in Old City

1. Explore the birthplace of American history

Old City is widely considered the birthplace of America — and for good reason.

The Liberty Bell Center houses one of the nation’s most iconic symbols, and nowhere else in the world can you walk into the place where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated, written and signed: Independence Hall.

Liberty Bell Center   — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

A short walk away, you’ll also find the Museum of the American Revolution, the Betsy Ross House, the National Constitution Center, Carpenters’ Hall, Christ Church, Elfreth’s Alley, the Ben Franklin Museum and more.

Not sure where to start? Head to the Independence Visitor Center for a gameplan.

2. Celebrate the arts

Art thrives in Old City. Artists exhibit works in intimate venues like Pentimenti Gallery and Arch Enemy Arts, and larger spaces like The Museum for Art in Wood and Cherry Street Pier.

Cherry Street Pier   — Photo by M. Stanley for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

First Friday also began here. The beloved celebration — held on the first Friday of each month — features exhibit openings, special programs and emerging artist showcases.

For stage productions, catch a show at the award-winning Arden Theatre Company — from Shakespeare to modern musicals — or the avant-garde FringeArts by the water.

3. Stroll along the Delaware River waterfront

Where Old City meets the Delaware River Trail, visitors can spot Race Street Pier, the scenic Ben Franklin Bridge and, of course, Penn’s Landing.

Penn’s Landing offers fun waterfront destinations like the Independence Seaport Museum, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Summerfest and Winterfest at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink.

Spruce Street Harbor Park   — Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Cap off your visit with a bite at seasonal riverside spots like Morgan’s Pier and Liberty Point, or year-round aboard the Moshulu.

4. Spend the day at historic Franklin Square

Franklin Square delivers fun for the whole family with mini-golf, a carousel, dancing fountain water shows and magical holiday events.

  — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Don’t miss the annual Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, a spectacular summertime tradition that sets the park aglow with hundreds of intricate light sculptures.

5. Dig into quintessential and award-winning dining

Old City is a foodie’s dream. The neighborhood hosts James Beard Award-winning restaurants like Fork and Zahav, alongside charming old-timey staples like The Franklin Fountain and Shane’s Confectionery.

Zahav   — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

Culturally inspired faves shine too, including Positano Coast, Amada, Tuna Bar, Royale Boucherie and Han Dynasty.

For drinks, go cozy with Irish fare at The Plough & the Stars, stylish with cocktails at Sassafras or all-out with the world’s largest winekeeper at Panorama.

Visit Philly staff says...

One of my favorite things to do in Old City is take a morning walk with my girlfriend and our dog. We always stop at Little Susie’s, a quirky coffee and pie window near Second and Chestnut. They’re known for their funky pie flavors — think pork roll or pierogi — but they’ve got classics like blueberry, too.

From there, I love walking over to the Merchant’s Exchange building. It’s a stunning Greek Revival-style space that makes it feel like you’re strolling through Greece.

You can keep heading toward Independence Hall, but a favorite, underrated stop of mine is Benjamin Franklin’s house, now the Benjamin Franklin Museum. The original structure’s gone, but you can still see the layout — the kitchen, cellar, even the privy — and it’s the perfect shortcut between Market Street and Chestnut Street.

Kyle Stein,
Marketing

Where to Stay

In Old City, choose from boutiques like the Penn’s View Hotel, big-name brands like Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing and even 1700s historic buildings like the nearby Morris House Hotel.

Penn's View Hotel   — Photo courtesy Penn's View Hotel

For a comprehensive list of where to stay in and around Old City, check out our guide on hotels in the Historic District.

Local Tips

Ready to experience the neighborhood firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:

• Old City’s attractions are clustered close together, making it one of Philly’s most walkable neighborhoods.
• Old City is easily accessible via SEPTA buses, the L subway line, PATCO’s Franklin Square station and the seasonal PHLASH bus (serving major attractions).
• Don’t skip the side streets — perfect for wandering, with photo-worthy alleyways that feel like walking through time (and often double as handy shortcuts!).

  — Photo by M. Stanley

Watch: It’s an Old City Thing