As the home of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed by the country’s forefathers, Philadelphia is a top destination for history buffs.
But this city has so much more. It’s home to the largest urban park in the nation, a 3,000-year-old Egyptian sphinx and an exciting brewery scene. One of the greatest ways to get to know the City of Brotherly Love is through its vibrant and distinctive neighborhoods. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia to visit.
1. Brewerytown
Best neighborhood for parks and picnics
Best known for its century-old brewing history, this neighborhood northwest of Center City is perfectly positioned to shop for all the makings of an alfresco lunch after a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art or the Philadelphia Zoo. Head to Rybrew to peruse their selection of more than 300 beers, and order a couple of their stacked sandwiches as well.
To try another local delicacy, seek out Spot Burger for one of the best cheesesteaks in town. Take your spoils to nearby Fairmount Park, where you can find yourself the perfect picnic spot among the 9,200-acre park, such as Glendinning Rock Garden or Boathouse Row, especially if one of the rowing clubs’ regattas is scheduled.
Brewerytown is a residential neighborhood, so if you choose to base yourself here, you’ll be opting for apartment rentals over hotels. You’ll be well situated to take advantage of Fairmount Park and the Museum of Art, but public transportation is limited in Brewerytown.
2. Fishtown
Best neighborhood for a night out
North of Old City, Fishtown is one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant neighborhoods for food and music lovers, but it’s also home to a robust craft beer scene. At Philadelphia Brewing, one of the oldest breweries in town, visitors can tour the facility to learn about its history and process before sampling Pennsylvania Pale Ale and Walt Wit, an unfiltered Belgian-style white ale.
Find a seat in the spacious courtyard at Evil Genius and order one of the inventive brews, such as a chocolate peanut butter porter or guava IPA. St Oners is the city outpost of suburban brewery Tired Hands, serving a fresh selection of its latest beers.
Hotels in this neighborhood are sleek and modern for the ultimate taste of city living, and the MFL Septa Line provides easy access to the rest of the city.
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3. East Passyunk
Best neighborhood for restaurants
The South Philly neighborhood of East Passyunk is anchored by one slanted street that passes across the rest of the grid. For breakfast, stop by modern Jewish bakery Essen for coffee and chocolate babka or Vanilya, just a few blocks south, for one of the city’s best bagels. (Don’t skip the Turkish sausage.) Stop into East London-style pie shop Stargazy for classic shepherd’s pie, sausage rolls, and, on Fridays, fish and chips.
Grab a cocktail at Manatawny Still Works, made with the distillery’s small-batch whiskey. For dinner, sample James Beard-winning Chef Cristina Martínez’s authentic Casa Mexico, and be sure to save room for dessert at D’Emilio’s Old World Ice Treats, where Chris D’Emilio is churning out water ice – a Philadelphia summer staple – using fresh ingredients and his grandmother’s recipe.
Situate yourself in an apartment rental in this neighborhood if you want easy access to the sports stadiums and the opportunity to live like a local for a few days.
4. Old City
Best neighborhood for shopping
Philadelphia’s Old City is the historical heart of the city. The country’s democracy was born here, and you can explore it with a firsthand look at Betsy Ross’s flag at Betsy Ross’s home-now-museum or the crack in the Liberty Bell. It’s also a great spot for shopping. Hit up Omoi Zakka for a well-curated selection of beautiful Japanese stationery and home accessories. Find locally made Philly-themed gifts at Philadelphia Independents.
For a sweet souvenir, stop into Shane Confectionery, where chocolate has been made for 150 years.
Old City is the tourist center of Philadelphia, so the neighborhood’s hotels are well-appointed and large, with easy access to the rest of the city by train or on foot.
5. University City
Best neighborhood for culture
This corner of West Philadelphia gets its name from the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and the other higher-learning institutions in the neighborhood. But it’s not all college bars and pizza joints. At the Penn Museum, find the 25,000-pound, 3,000-year-old Sphinx of Ramses II, plus galleries showcasing archaeological items originating in Africa, Central America and beyond.
Stroll through Penn’s campus to see sculptures by world-renowned artists, including Alexander Calder, Robert Indiana and Simone Leigh. Leigh’s sculpture Brick House sits at the entrance to College Green on the corner of 34th and Walnut Streets. On a hot day, stop into Lil Pop Shop for small-batch popsicles.
To stay nearby, book a room at the historic Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast for Victorian-era charm and lemon buttermilk pancakes. Stay in this neighborhood if your activities are centered on University City or if you’ve visited Philly before and want a new perspective on the city.
6. North Broad
Best neighborhood for music and public art
The North Broad neighborhood has been experiencing a bit of a renaissance since the 2018 reopening of the beautifully restored former opera house, The Met Philadelphia. Big-name performers include Demi Lovato, John Legend, and Alicia Keys.
Before the show, book a table at one of the new or long-established restaurants on this stretch of Broad St. Cicala showcases southern Italian cuisine, such as handmade pasta with octopus and linguine with mussels. To sample more of the city’s best Italian food, served on a peaceful garden patio, stop into Osteria. The neighborhood is also awash in public art, with the colorful 55ft North Poles lining Broad St from Hamilton St to Glenwood Ave and several notable larger-than-life artworks from Mural Arts.
Stay in the North Broad neighborhood if you want easy access to music venues and don’t mind a little of Philly’s signature grittiness.
7. Chestnut Hill
Best neighborhood for families
Situated on the northwestern edge of the city, Chestnut Hill is known for its tree-lined streets, charming historic homes and family-friendly atmosphere.
For a family day out, visit Morris Arboretum, a 92-acre public garden with stunning landscapes, treehouses, fountains and a collection of rare trees. Kids will love the Out on a Limb canopy walk, which allows them to explore the treetops, while adults can enjoy the beautiful Victorian fernery and seasonal events.
Germantown Avenue, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, is bustling with locally owned shops, art galleries and antique stores. After a day of shopping, take a break at one of the many cozy cafes, such as Cake, or enjoy local favorites, like McNally’s Tavern, famous for its Schmitter sandwich, which takes a traditional cheesesteak up a notch with thin slices of beef piled onto a Kaiser roll with fried salami, melted provolone cheese and grilled onions.
For a family-friendly stay, the Chestnut Hill Hotel, located on Germantown Avenue, has suites and family rooms.
8. Rittenhouse Square
Best neighborhood for luxury shops and hotels
Rittenhouse Square is Philly’s wealthiest neighborhood and a hub for upscale dining, luxury hotels and designer boutiques. At the heart of this area lies Rittenhouse Square Park, a beautifully manicured public space surrounded by elegant townhouses and chic high-rise buildings.
Surrounding the square are some of Philadelphia’s finest restaurants, like the Parisian-style Parc bistro and modern steakhouse Barclay Prime, which features a $120 cheesesteak made with wagyu beef, foie gras and truffles.
Just steps from the park are the Rittenhouse Hotel and the Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square, both offering high-end accommodations.
9. Northern Liberties
Best neighborhood for arts and entertainment
Known as “NoLibs,” Northern Liberties has transformed into one of Philly’s most exciting and best neighborhoods for young professionals. This former industrial area has evolved into a creative hub where historic warehouses have been converted into art galleries, restaurants and music venues, like The Fillmore, which hosts everything from indie rock to national headliners.
At the heart of Northern Liberties is The Piazza, an ample outdoor space designed to be the neighborhood’s social centerpiece. The Piazza hosts live concerts, outdoor movie screenings and art festivals. The surrounding area is home to various restaurants and bars where you can grab a bite before or after an event, such as Standard Tap, one of the city’s original gastropubs, and Pretty Girls Cook, a soul food restaurant serving fried chicken, mac-n-cheese and collard greens with a contemporary flair.
While NoLibs is popular, it doesn’t feature many traditional hotels. Home and apartment rental options in converted industrial spaces are popular.
10. Bella Vista
Best neighborhood for Italian food and markets
Located between South Street and Passyunk Square, Bella Vista is a residential area with tree-lined streets and a rich Italian heritage. The South 9th Street Italian Market is one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in the United States. Here, visitors can stroll through blocks of bustling stalls filled with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, fresh pasta and Italian pastries.
Stop in Ralph’s Italian Restaurant, one of the oldest in the country, serving dishes like veal parmigiana and spaghetti with meatballs. But the neighborhood’s influence extends beyond food. It’s also home to the Fleisher Art Memorial, one of the oldest community art schools, where visitors can view rotating exhibitions that showcase local talent. The Magic Gardens is another must-see in the city. This stunning garden by artist Isaiah Zagar is covered in intricate mosaics from found objects.
Bella Vista is primarily a residential neighborhood, so hotel options are limited. The Philadelphia Bella Vista Bed & Breakfast is a cozy option.
11. Washington Square
Best neighborhood for historical landmarks
Located adjacent to Old City, Washington Square perfectly blends the past and present. This neighborhood is home to Washington Square Park, one of the original five public squares planned by city founder William Penn, which is the site of a mass grave for soldiers from the Revolutionary War. Today, it’s also the location of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Beyond its historical significance, Washington Square is also home to cultural and artistic institutions, including the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. This museum and library hold an impressive collection of books and exhibits on American architecture and history.
The neighborhood also hosts some of Philly’s best restaurants, such as Vedge, a critically acclaimed vegan restaurant housed in a historic mansion, and Talula’s Garden, which features a farm-to-table dining experience that blends rustic elegance with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco is a great option, providing a boutique hotel experience that’s also a popular hotspot for locals.
12. Center City
Best neighborhood for big-city ambiance
At the heart of Philly, Center City is the city’s bustling epicenter and home to some of the city’s tallest skyscrapers and luxury high-rise apartments. With retail experiences ranging from high-end boutiques to popular department stores, it’s one of the best neighborhoods for shopping. Start at the Shops at Liberty Place, which features brands like Bloomingdale’s, head to Rittenhouse Row for designer shops like Vince, and then go to Macy’s in the historic Wanamaker Building. Home to the largest pipe organ in the world, the building dates back to 1861 and often appears in movies filmed in Philadelphia.
Cultural landmarks abound in Center City, such as City Hall, the largest municipal building in the U.S. Dilworth Park, located just outside City Hall, is a gathering place that has an ice rink in the winter, outdoor movie screenings in the summer and a café for casual dining. Across the street is Love Park, with the iconic “Love” sculpture by Robert Indiana.
The Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center is a stunning property in the heart of Center City, perched atop the 60-story Comcast Center, Philadelphia’s tallest building. The rooms on the 48th and 56th floors are designed with floor-to-ceiling windows with amazing city views.
13. Roxborough
Best neighborhood for outdoor lovers
Located along the Schuylkill River (pronounced SKOO-kill), Roxborough has a quieter, more suburban feel while still being close to the city. The neighborhood’s greatest asset is its outdoor spaces. Wissahickon Valley Park, part of the larger Fairmont Park system, is a sprawling natural oasis offering over 50 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Forbidden Drive, a scenic trail along Wissahickon Creek that winds through the lush forest. Valley Green Inn, located on the trail, is a historic restaurant perfect for a post-hike meal or weekend brunch.
In addition to Wissahickon Valley Park, Roxborough is home to sections of the Schuylkill River Trail, a multi-use path that stretches over 75 miles, perfect for biking, running or taking a leisurely walk along the river. Also, Gorgas Park hosts seasonal events like outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets and festivals that fosters a strong sense of community.
Roxborough is more of a suburban and residential area, so seek out short-term rentals close to the river and parks when booking accommodations.
14. Society Hill
Best neighborhood for architectural charm
Known for its well-preserved colonial-era homes and cobblestone streets, Society Hill is one of Philadelphia’s most picturesque and historic neighborhoods. Located just east of Independence Hall, its charm is its 18th-century Georgian and Federal-style row houses and gas street lamps. Headhouse Square, with its open-air market and red-brick buildings, is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the nation.
Significant sites in the neighborhood include St. Peter’s Church, built in 1761, and the Powel House, home to Philadelphia’s first mayor after the Revolution, Samuel Powel, offers guided tours.
Choose the Morris House Hotel, housed in a historic building, for colonial-era charm. Or, go for the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing for scenic waterfront views.
15. Fairmont
Best neighborhood for art lovers
Known as Philadelphia’s art district, Fairmount features the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art at its center. Famous for its grand steps immortalized in the Rocky films, the museum houses an expansive collection of European, American and modern art with works by Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso.
Just down the street is the Barnes Foundation, home to one of the finest collections of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings in the world. Art lovers will also appreciate the Rodin Museum with more than 140 sculptures by French sculptor Auguste Rodin.
Another landmark in the area is Eastern State Penitentiary, a Gothic-style prison that once housed Al Capone. It’s now a museum. Visitors can tour the crumbling cell blocks, especially during the Halloween season when it is transformed into a haunted house.
Fairmont does not have many traditional hotels within the neighborhood itself, but nearby options include The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton, just a short walk from the museums.
Keep planning your trip to Philadelphia:
How to have the ultimate weekend in Philadelphia
The best time to visit Philadelphia for your perfect vacation
The 6 best ways to get around Philadelphia
