Essential Info
Old City is part of Philadelphia’s Historic District , and it spans from Vine Street to Walnut Street, north to south, and from 7th Street to the Delaware River, west to east.
Historic Philadelphia is the birthplace of the nation and the first World Heritage City in the U.S., as designated by the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC). It’s also home to buzzed-about restaurants and beer gardens, owner-operated boutiques, boundary-pushing art galleries and more.
Visitors and residents alike flock to Old City for its historical and waterfront attractions.
Getting Here
SEPTA’s Market-Frankford subway line makes Old City easily accessible, with stops at 5th and 2nd streets along Market. Many bus routes also include stops in Penn’s Landing, and the seasonal PHLASH bus offers convenient access from the Independence Visitor Center to Philadelphia’s top attractions.
In The Neighborhood
The historic heart of Philadelphia resides along Independence Mall. Home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center, the Mall also boasts a number of cultural institutions including the National Museum of American Jewish History and National Constitution Center . Be sure to stop by the Independence Visitor Center for tickets to city attractions and helpful information.
Shoppers can find lots to love along Second Street and Third Street , while galleries and more attractions — including Franklin Square, the Betsy Ross House , The Center for Art in Wood and more — are peppered throughout the district.
The Delaware River waterfront hosts family-friendly events year-round. Penn’s Landing provides scenic views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and makes a popular seasonal destination with attractions like Spruce Street Harbor Park and the Blue Cross RiverRink .
Spruce Street Harbor Park in Old City — Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia
