Neighborhoods

Philadelphia is composed of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, charm and unique places to shop, dine and play.

Historic District & Waterfront
Visitors flock here to experience some of the United States’ most vibrant residential areas and walk along the cobblestone streets. But, you’ll find the neighborhood’s rich collection of history is matched only by its stock of trendy storefronts and restaurants. The perfect blend of old and new, the area allows you to step back into the 18th century and then explore contemporary art galleries, clothing boutiques and bistros. Consider a moonlit carriage ride or ghost tour for a unique experience. During summer months, enjoy free movies, concerts and multicultural festivals at Penn’s Landing. And, if you happen to be in town on the First Friday of any month, you can join the art-loving crowds exploring the dozens of galleries that stay open late and host special events.

Convention Center District
Across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center is the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the new Lenfest Plaza, a perfect outdoor spot to enjoy lunch picked up from nearby Reading Terminal Market. Pay a visit to the African American Museum in Philadelphia, 
or check out the intriguing exhibits at The Fabric Workshop and Museum. Chinatown, the third-largest in the United States, offers eclectic shopping and restaurants serving dumplings, noodles, pho 
and other Asian delicacies.

Rittenhouse Square
This posh neighborhood is filled with famous retailers, high-end boutiques, outdoor cafés, elegant restaurants 
and nightlife hot spots. At its heart is a genteel park called Rittenhouse Square, with a plaza and fountains designed 
to resemble a Parisian park. The Rosenbach Museum and Library and the Curtis Institute of Music are two of its major cultural institutions. Don’t miss the Mütter Museum’s fascinating collection of medical oddities.

Washington Square
Reminiscent of an urban London park, Washington Square serves as a relaxing green open space surrounded by harmonious blocks of coveted residences and unique retail. Shopping is big in this neighborhood, which is home to Antique Row and Jewelers’ Row as well as Macy’s, where you can enjoy tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes. Learn about the neighborhood’s many colorful murals with Philadelphia’s internationally celebrated Mural Arts Program, and visit Midtown Village. The friendly residential area is full of bookstores, shops and cafés.

Parkway Museums District
The world-flag-lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway, modeled after Paris’ Champs-Élysées, boasts acclaimed museums and public art. Join culture-seekers and explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Academy of Natural Sciences, Rodin Museum, Franklin Institute, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and, in 2012, The Barnes Foundation. Take a walk, run or bike ride along the riverside trails in Fairmount Park, one of the largest city parks in the world. Don’t miss taking a photo at the iconic LOVE sculpture in 
LOVE Park.

University City
Home to six colleges and universities, including the 
University of Pennsylvania 
and Drexel University, Philadelphia’s original countryside is a diverse urban community with 
a young, hip vibe and a range of restaurants, galleries, museums and theaters. The neighborhood is home to the Penn Museum, Philadelphia Zoo and World Café Live, an intimate venue that hosts national and international music performers, and the International House, a multicultural center that showcases exhibitions and performances from around the world.

South Philadelphia
Charming row homes and long-standing, family-owned eateries tell the neighborhood’s story as the landing spot for centuries of immigrants. Today, the area flourishes with international culture thanks to its large Italian, Irish, Asian and Mexican populations. Order up gourmet cheeses, octopus and imported olives at the open-air Italian Market, which also hosts several international festivals. The corner of Passyunk Ave. & 9th St. is the place for a quintessential cheesesteak sandwich, and patio dining is popular in Passyunk Square, one of South Philadelphia’s hottest neighborhoods.

Parkway Museums District
The world-flag-lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway, modeled after Paris’ Champs-Élysées, boasts acclaimed museums and public art. Join the city’s other culture seekers and explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Academy of Natural Sciences, Rodin Museum, Franklin Institute and, in 2012, The Barnes Foundation. Take a walk, run or bike ride along the riverside trails in Fairmount Park, one of the largest city parks in the world. Don’t miss taking a photo at the iconic LOVE sculpture in JFK Plaza, also known as LOVE Park.

Manayunk
Derived from the Lenape Indian phrase “where we go to drink,” this historic riverside mill town has been reinvented as a trendy shopping and nightlife spot. Take SEPTA’s Regional Rail Line from any three Center City stations (Market East Station, Suburban Station and 30th Street Station) to the Manayunk Station on the Manayunk/Norristown Line, then grab a seat al fresco — the area’s brewery, taverns and ethnic restaurants offer more than 900 outdoor seats. Explore Manayunk’s recreational bounty by signing up for a kayak tour of the Schuylkill River. Cyclists can challenge their stamina on the infamous “Manayunk Wall,” one of the hilly community’s most challenging streets.