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Neighborhood in Philadelphia, US
Photo: Rdsmith4, CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Philadelphia's Old City is home to many historical sites, galleries, restaurants, and bars. It is known for its active nightlife and cultural opportunities.
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This national park, covering several blocks of Old City Philadelphia, includes some of Philadelphia's most famous historic sites, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Benjamin Franklin's house and grave, and the house in which the Declaration of Independence was written. The park also includes a modern interactive museum, the National Constitution Center. The Independence Visitor's Center, where you must buy tickets to see Independence Hall, offers a wealth of information on historical sites and other attractions in the area. Costumed interpreters at the Visitor's Center are a great source of entertainment for children. The National Park Service provides a helpful map of the historical sites in the park.
The centerpiece of the park and one of the most important buildings of the Revolutionary period. Built as the Pennsylvania State House, this is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and where the U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787, among other momentous historical events. The Independence Hall is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors to the park are encouraged to take a tour of the interior of the building, which is furnished with period pieces, including the exact desk and chair the Declaration of Independence was signed. Timed tour tickets must be reserved in advance online or at the Visitor's Center in order to enter. Tickets reserved online have a $1.50 processing fee, but are free at the Visitor's Center.
The Liberty Bell once rang out public announcements from above the Pennsylvania state house (now Independence Hall). It became a public symbol of freedom when it toured the country after the Civil War to help mend political and social divisions. Returning to Philadelphia in 1915, it is now housed in the Liberty Bell Center where visitors can get an up close look at the 2000-pound bell and its mysterious crack. Admission to the Liberty Bell is free, so expect extraordinarily long lines during typical tourist hours (during the day on weekdays especially).
This museum, which opened its doors in 2003, bills itself as the most interactive history museum in America. A visit to the museum begins with a performance of "Freedom Rising," a multimedia presentation about the major themes and origin of the Constitution. Afterwards, visitors can experience the democratic process first hand and see exhibits like the 42 life-size bronze statues of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Fun for all ages. Upcoming special events and exhibits are posted on the center's website.
The delegates from the first Continental Congress gathered in this building, built in 1770, and voted to declare independence from Great Britain. Afterwards, the hall housed the first and second banks of the United States and was the site of the first bank robbery in America.
A small museum showcasing the role of the Army, Navy, and Marines in early American history. The building is a reconstruction of one built in the 1790s that housed the office of the first Secretary of War.
This smaller building to the right of Independence Hall is where the U.S. Congress met from 1790-1800 when Philadelphia served as the nation's capital. The Bill of Rights was ratified here, and it was the site of George Washington's second inauguration. A tour of the interior is a must, since much of the furniture and decoration is original.
This area contains the remnants of Benjamin Franklin's house (torn down 20 years after his death), the first post office (still in operation today), a Postal Service museum, an 18th-century printing office, and a Franklin museum. U.S. Park Rangers conduct printing demonstrations and performances of Franklin's "Glass Armonica." Great for kids.
Christ Church, the first parish of the Anglican church in Pennsylvania, was founded in 1695 and is still active today; the building dates from 1744. Many of the founding fathers worshiped here, such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, as well as Francis Hopkinson and Robert Morris.
Seven signers of the Declaration of Independence and five signers of the Constitution, including Benjamin Franklin, are buried in this cemetery, affiliated with the church listed above. The earliest grave dates to 1721.
The Second Bank was chartered in 1816, five years after the First Bank lost its charter. Founded a block away in the same building the First Bank was in (see above), it soon relocated to its permanent home. Its charter expired in 1836 and wasn't renewed; it then functioned as an ordinary bank until it went bankrupt in 1841. The building then served as the Philadelphia Custom House from 1845-1935; nowadays it houses a portrait gallery (the People of Independence exhibit) containing artwork depicting various colonial and federal leaders.
The second site of the first national bank (originally located at Carpenters' Hall). Its exterior is made of blue marble, and the pediment contains the oldest known architectural reference to the Great Seal of the United States (an eagle).
This house, more than 250 years old, was the home of Betsy Ross. In 1777, Ross sewed by hand the first American flag, with its distinctive circle of thirteen stars. Visitors may tour the house independently, or purchase an audio guide for $5, and afterwards "meet" Betsy Ross and other colonial craftsmen in the courtyard of the house. A fun, low-key activity for children.
Elfreth's Alley is the oldest continually inhabited residential street in the entire United States. The earliest dated house was built in 1702. The Alley comes alive in the summer, when historical reenactments take place regularly. Each house is privately owned, and visitors are not usually allowed to take a tour of the interior, except on "Fete Day" (the first Sunday of June) when most of the houses will be open for public touring. On all other days, however, the museum at numbers 126 and 124 is accessible to the public and offers a look at the lives of the houses' earliest inhabitants.
The restored firehouse was built in 1902 and today is a museum of firefighting owned by the city of Philadelphia. The museum exhibits include firefighting equipment, photographs, uniforms and fire marks from the 18th century to the present.
Taking a self-guided tour of the first and largest US Mint in America is an interesting but often overlooked activity. The tour allows visitors to see how new money is made, and exhibits describe the history and coinage of the Mint. See the nation's first coinage press from 1792, and seven glass Tiffany mosaics created to celebrate the opening of the third Mint in 1901. A gift shop sells commemorative and new coins. Please note that visitors will be asked to show government-issued ID before entering and have to pass through a security checkpoint. Photography inside the building is prohibited.
Near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, the National Museum of American Jewish History is dedicated to chronicling the American Jewish experience.
Fans of MTV's The Real World will recognize this former bank building, turned living space for the seven cast members of the show's 2005 season. Now the building, which stands next to the Betsy Ross House, is a gallery and wedding hall.
Free museum that has an interesting collection of multimedia with art, scientific instruments, books, photographs and other exhibits that document the history of chemistry, chemical engineering and the life sciences.
A pedestrian walkway that takes visitors across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, formerly the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world. The tunnel on the Philadelphia side of the walkway contains a lovely, expansive mural. There are north and south entrances to the walkway. It would be a good idea to check the website to see which entrance(s) is open.
This museum has lots of interesting displays regarding the maritime history of Philadelphia, from colonial times through the days of slave-trading to the Industrial Revolution. Admission to the museum, which has some lively, but rather sparse exhibits, includes tours of the USS Olympia, built in 1892 and the oldest steel warship still afloat, and the submarine Becuna, used in the Pacific Ocean during WWII. Other highlights include a mockup of a navigation room and a place where you can view woodworkers handcrafting rowboats. Children will find touring the ships great fun, and adults may find the museum exhibits and the views of the Delaware River and the Ben Franklin Bridge interesting and relaxing.
Relaxing 12-minute ferry ride across the Delaware River to all the waterfront attractions in Camden, New Jersey. Offers a great view of the city from the river as well as the Ben Franklin Bridge. Ferries depart from Philadelphia every hour on the hour, and from Camden at 30 minutes after the hour.
Pier that juts out into the Delaware River right by the Ben Franklin Bridge, offering great views of both the river and bridge. Includes a spacious lawn and benches. View the schedule of events for nights featuring musicians or outdoor movies. One can also enjoy one of the many fireworks displays on the river during the summer months from the pier.
Leacht Cuimhneacháin na nGael
A memorial dedicated to the victims of the Irish Starvation, An Gorta Mór.
The house of this little-known freedom fighter and military engineer who designed fortifications for the colonists during the Revolutionary War is now open to the public. Visitors can watch a video of Kosciuszko's career in Poland and the United States, see his bedroom, and view exhibits commemorating his accomplishments. Audio materials are presented in English or Polish.
The Arden has a 360-seat mainstage theatre and a 175-seat studio theater. The company produces five or six plays each season, with an additional two plays for children. The Arden has received 44 Barrymore awards and was named Philadelphia Magazine's pick for children's theatre in 2007.
Ritz V
Excellent Spanish tapas cuisine; the standard against which all other tapas bars in the city must measure themselves. A large Spanish wine selection along with an enormous variety of tapas, some in traditional Spanish style. Also has an excellent cheese plate, great service, and is a good place for people-watching. Reservations are basically mandatory.
One of the more well known restaurants in Philadelphia, it has a fairly good wine list and a focus on Asian food (many varieties). It is often considered one of the top ten to fifteen restaurants in Philadelphia.
An early 1900s-style ice cream saloon with tin ceilings, antique soda dispensers, belt-driven ceiling fans, and servers in period attire.
Philadelphia's best Italian restaurant serving customers since 1976. Enormous wine cellar.
Excellent Indian cuisine, with a particularly exquisite lunch buffet; dinner specialties include standard Indian dishes as well as some modernized dishes; the focus is on the classics, however. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Japanese fusion cuisine from Masaharu Morimoto, famous as Iron Chef Japanese on Food Network's Iron Chef America. Reservations are strongly recommended; dress is upscale casual, jackets are not required
A casual cafe with lots of options
Israeli restaurant with thousands of positive reviews. Reservations open 4 weeks in advance, and there is a bar available for walk-ins.
The only pre-Revolutionary War tavern that still exists in Philadelphia. Serves Succession Fermentory products as well as local Pennsylvania wine and spirits.
For a great (strong) cup of coffee try Old City Coffee; their coffee is roasted on site.
HI-Philadelphia
Located less than 3 blocks from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, this HI-affiliated hostel has free wireless internet and high-speed internet kiosks, free bed linens, no curfews, no lockouts. Affordable, clean hostel with loads of free activities, friendly & knowledgeable staff and plenty of outside tours you can book at the reception desk that's open 24 hours. All international travellers welcome; guests from the United States will need to provide either a college ID or a HI membership card along with government-issued ID with an address outside of a 100-mile radius from Philadelphia.
This house was once home to Thomas Bond, who with Benjamin Franklin co-founded the Pennsylvania Hospital, the first hospital in Colonial America. Now a bed and breakfast, it has been rated one of the top 25 best historic inns by American Historic Inns. It overlooks Philadelphia’s Independence National Historic Park and the Delaware River. It has lovely Colonial furnishings and bountiful breakfast. There is wine and cheese and cookies in the evenings. No children under 10.
former Hyatt Regency
former Sheraton
Established in 1986, it takes you back in time to the days of colonial Philadelphia. The hotel is located amidst lush landscaping and cobblestone streets in the most historic square mile in America and just four blocks away from Philadelphia's renowned Independence Hall.
former Omni Hotel
This hotel overlooks the Independence National Historic Park and is within walking distance of the Liberty Bell, U.S. Mint, Independence Hall and the Benjamin Franklin House.
A premier shopping row which hosts over two dozen of the city's finest boutiques in the Philadelphia region. From European furniture at La Roche Bobois to womenswear at Vagabond, 3rd Street Corridor has the city's best locally owned independent retailers. Also of note are the array of salons and spas like MOKO and Hush.
Large selection of used books and a couple friendly cats.
The oldest candy store in the country, this is an original store that has been in this location since 1876. Not only is all the interior decor original but most of the candies are made the same way as they have for generations, without preservatives. Plenty of seasonal candy choices but they are best known for their buttercreams.
Pemberton House Book Store
It was built as a house for Quaker merchant Joseph Pemberton, and was later used as a military museum (which is now next door in New Hall). Today the house is a bookstore and souvenir shop for Independence National Historical Park.
By bus
Numerous SEPTA bus routes serve the Old City, as well as the PHLASH Trolley trolley that operates part of the year.
By subway
The Market-Frankford Line runs under Market Street with two stations serving Old City: 2nd Street and 5th Street.
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Philadelphia · International · PHL
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