Old City’s bustling entertainment and culinary scene bring vibrant life to this old corner of the city defined by its cobblestone streets and colonial relics. A city within a city, this neighborhood is complete with award-winning restaurants, boutiques, museums, theaters, art galleries, company headquarters, and even media stations.
Its rich history and seemingly never-ending list of “things to see and do” allow for many different adventures! So come along with us on a choose-your-own-adventure journey through Old City!
For The History Lover:
Not just for tourists, Old City captures so much Philadelphia history in a few short blocks. Plan to start the morning with coffee in hand and roam the streets and historical buildings during the day. Don’t forget to look up and soak in the breathtaking architecture.
Start your day: Proper fuel is important and Old City has no shortage of incredible coffee shops. Fill up the joe and hit the streets. Old City Coffee, Menagerie, Cafe Ole
Sights: Simply strolling the neighborhood will entertain your thirst for history and storytelling. Here are some not to miss spots to visit along the way. First Post Office, Elfreth Alley, Betsy Ross House, Carpenter’s Hall located in the Independence National Historic Park
Museums: Philly is a museum gold mine. With so many to choose from it’s hard to decide what makes the list. These are some of our favs. U.S. Mint , Ben Franklin Museum, National Museum of American Jewish History, National Liberty Museum
Lunch: Take a breather, lunch alfresco and tune into the people watching. Inside or out, Old City promises to offer the best tastes around. Tuna Bar, High Street on Market
Indulge: For your sweet tooth head to Market Street favorites, Shane Confectionary and Franklin Fountain—an experience that promises to be sprinkled with the forgotten flavors of the American past.
FOR Those who Love Art (and Retail) Therapy:
Back in the day many artists inhabited Old City, although some have moved on, the vibe still lives on. Pop in and out of art galleries and small retail shops that are beautifully curated. Treasures abound in Old City, whether they make it back to your closet or are gazed upon and captured in your memory.
Shopping: Small businesses that often feature locally made products and apparel, pepper Old City’s streets. Don’t be shy about exploring them all. Artists and Craftsman, Vagabond, Philadelphia Independents, Meadowsweet Mercantile, Cuttalossa & Co, Brave New Worlds, Lovely, Conversion
Art: From classic or abstract to downright unusual, Old City’s many galleries do not disappoint. Take a break and step inside to awaken your right brain. Muse Gallery, Wexler, Arch Enemy Arts, F.A.N. Gallery, The Center For Art In Wood
Treat yourself: We love to get pampered in Old City. The charm of the neighborhood pairs so well with treating yourself to a little r&r. Visit these neighborhood spots to get refreshed and redone. Barnet Fair, Moko Beauty, Lacquer Lounge
FOR THE ROMANTIC:
In the evening you may mistake Old City for a quaint European city. With brick lined streets and stings of cafe lights, it is the perfect neighborhood for a first date or signature anniversary dinner. Doll up and get ready for romance!
Preparation: Whatever the occasion, it’s always best to be prepared. Pop into Old City Flowers for a bouquet that will make your date swoon, or head over to Sassafras Bar for an impressive cocktail.
Dinner: Old City has so many sweet restaurants to choose from. You are sure to find something to make your tastebuds sing! Radicchio, Han Dynasty, and Fork.
Entertainment: A night on the town calls for performace, no? Check the schedules at the theatres nestled in Old City. Arden Theatre Company, Fringe Arts. If live theatre isn’t your thing, grab the popcorn and sit back for a foriegn film at Ritz Movie Theatres
For a drink: Classy cocktails are the name of the game in our Old City drink recommendations. Pour on the glamour. The Olde Bar, The Continental, Royal Boucherie
FOR THE PLANNER:
SPRING Every Wednesday stock up on fresh produce at The Farmers Market at Christ Church (begins in May).
SUMMER On Thursdays try out new restaurants and take advantage of dinner specials during Old City Eats.
FALL Celebrate the art, food, and music of this vibrant cultural hub with the Old City Fest and the month-long FringeArts Festival.
WINTER During Historic Holiday Nights events, holiday treats, and specials are abundant!
Living in Old City means never being too far from anything or any adventure. With direct access to I-95, it’s even easy to get in and out of the city for work or a weekend getaway [link to weekend getaways], If you’re interested in calling this neighborhood home we would love to help you find your piece of Old City—that just might be a restored treasure on the oldest block in the country!
With its current moniker of Philadelphia’s “Little Italy”, Bella Vista prides itself on celebrating the best of Italian history and culture. In recent years, the neighborhood has become even more diverse, with growing Vietnamese and Mexican immigrant populations. The history of Bella Vista is vast, and one of the neighborhood’s modern highlights is the availability of different cuisine options.