Neighbourhoods

City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection

Philadelphia was founded more than 300 years ago by Englishman William Penn on principles of equality and freedom of expression. Today, the “city of brotherly love” is a welcoming place and a great destination for gay and lesbian travelers.

The Gayborhood

This is the center of Philadelphia’s GLBT community. Centered between 11th and Broad streets, from Chestnut to Pine streets, a collection of gay-owned and gay-friendly restaurants, clubs, community organizations, and retail stores create one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods. Rainbow-striped street signs will alert you that you have arrived. The Gayborhood is in a central location in Philadelphia – a short walk from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Avenue of the Arts, Rittenhouse Square, the business district, Historic Philadelphia, and lots of hotels.

Midtown Village

Sharing similar boundaries with the Gayborhood, Midtown Village is a unique enclave of independent, open-minded boutiques, restaurants, and much more. Abuzz with new life, restored turn-of-the-century buildings serve as the backdrop for Philadelphia’s new hub of creativity and modern discovery.

Close-knit relationships between local businesses and the area’s residents create a strong sense of community, evident in its seamless transition from business to vibrant nightlife at dusk. The Midtown Village Merchants Association is proud of its diversity, its many independent businesses and its willingness to love all! For more information about Midtown Village, visit www.midtownvillage.org.

For more of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, see our Online Visitors Guide Neighborhoods page.