Editing Washington Square West

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Washington Square West
| type = Neighborhood
| location = Center City
| zip_codes = 19107
| boundaries = North: Market Street, South: South Street, East: 7th Street, West: Broad Street
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Midtown Village]], [[Old City, Philadelphia|Old City]], [[Society Hill]], [[Rittenhouse Square]]
| major_streets = Walnut Street, Spruce Street, 13th Street, 11th Street
| transit = Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line
| notable_landmarks = Washington Square, Antique Row, Gayborhood
}}

'''Washington Square West''' is a neighborhood in [[Center City]], [[Philadelphia]], encompassing Washington Square (one of William Penn's original five squares) and the surrounding residential and commercial area. The neighborhood is notable for containing the '''Gayborhood''', Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ district marked by rainbow street signs, as well as '''Antique Row''' on Pine Street. Washington Square itself contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolutionary War.<ref name="visitphilly">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/areas/philadelphia-neighborhoods/gayborhood/ |title=The Gayborhood |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Washington Square ===

Washington Square was one of the five public squares in William Penn's 1682 plan for Philadelphia. Originally called Southeast Square, it was renamed in 1825 to honor George Washington.

The square served as a potter's field and burial ground during the colonial era. Thousands of Revolutionary War soldiers and victims of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic are buried beneath the park. The '''Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolutionary War''' memorializes these fallen.

=== Residential Development ===

The surrounding neighborhood developed in the 18th and 19th centuries as a fashionable residential area. Many Federal and Victorian-era townhouses remain.

=== The Gayborhood ===

Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ community began concentrating in the area around 13th Street in the 1970s. By the 2000s, the '''Gayborhood''' was officially recognized with rainbow street signs and has become a celebrated part of Philadelphia's identity.

== Washington Square ==

'''Washington Square''' is a peaceful urban park featuring:

* Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolutionary War
* Eternal flame memorial
* Statue of George Washington
* Mature trees and walking paths
* Benches and lawns

The square offers a quiet retreat from surrounding commercial activity and serves as a memorial to Revolutionary War soldiers.

== The Gayborhood ==

The '''Gayborhood''' occupies roughly the area bounded by:
* Chestnut Street (north)
* Pine Street (south)
* 11th Street (east)
* Broad Street (west)

=== Landmarks ===

* '''Rainbow street signs''' on 13th Street and cross streets
* '''Giovanni's Room''' (closed 2014) - Was America's oldest LGBT bookstore
* Numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants
* LGBTQ+ community organizations

=== Nightlife ===

* '''Woody's''' - Longtime LGBTQ+ bar
* '''Voyeur''' - Dance club
* '''Tavern on Camac''' - Piano bar
* '''Bike Stop''' - Leather bar
* Numerous other venues

=== Events ===

* '''OutFest''' (October) - Coming Out Day celebration
* '''Philadelphia Pride''' (June) - March and festival
* '''Blue Ball''' and other fundraising events

== Antique Row ==

'''Antique Row''' on Pine Street between 9th and 13th Streets features:

* Antique furniture stores
* Vintage shops
* Art galleries
* Specialty dealers
* One of the oldest antique districts in America

== Midtown Village ==

The western portion of Washington Square West, sometimes called '''Midtown Village''', centers on 13th Street and features:

* Restaurants and bars
* Specialty retail
* Mix of LGBTQ+ and general audience venues
* Active nightlife

== Living in Washington Square West ==

=== Housing ===

* Federal-era townhouses
* Victorian rowhouses
* Apartment buildings
* Mix of rentals and condos
* Moderate to high prices

=== Demographics ===

* LGBTQ+ community
* Young professionals
* Downtown workers
* Artists and creative professionals
* Mixed-income population

=== Character ===

Washington Square West offers:
* Walkability to all of Center City
* Active nightlife
* LGBTQ+-welcoming atmosphere
* Historic architecture
* Restaurant variety
* Some nightlife noise on weekends

== Getting There ==

=== Public Transit ===

* '''Market-Frankford Line (The L):''' 8th Street, 11th Street stations
* '''Broad Street Line (The B):''' Walnut-Locust Station
* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:''' Multiple routes on Walnut and Chestnut

=== Walking ===

Washington Square West is highly walkable from:
* [[Old City]] (adjacent)
* [[Rittenhouse Square]] (10 minute walk)
* [[Society Hill]] (adjacent)

== Dining ==

The neighborhood offers diverse dining:

* '''Talula's Daily''' - Farm-to-table market and restaurant
* '''Vedge''' - Acclaimed vegan fine dining
* '''Mercato''' - Italian BYOB
* '''Good Dog Bar''' - Gastropub
* Numerous casual eateries and cafes

{{FAQ
| q1 = What is Washington Square West?
| a1 = Washington Square West is a Center City neighborhood bounded by Washington Square Park, known for encompassing the Gayborhood (Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ district) and Antique Row. It's one of Philadelphia's most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods.
| q2 = Where is the Gayborhood in Philadelphia?
| a2 = The Gayborhood is located within Washington Square West, centered around 13th Street between Chestnut and Pine Streets. It's marked by rainbow street signs and is home to LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants, and community organizations.
| q3 = What is Antique Row in Philadelphia?
| a3 = Antique Row is a stretch of Pine Street (roughly 9th to 12th Streets) in Washington Square West featuring antique shops, vintage stores, and art galleries. It's one of the oldest antique districts in the United States.
| q4 = Is Washington Square safe?
| a4 = Washington Square West is generally safe and well-trafficked. The neighborhood has an active community presence, and Washington Square Park is popular with residents. Standard urban precautions apply at night.
| q5 = What's in Washington Square Park?
| a5 = Washington Square Park features the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier with an eternal flame memorial, a statue of George Washington, mature trees, and peaceful walking paths. It's one of William Penn's original five squares.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Rittenhouse Square]]
* [[Old City, Philadelphia|Old City]]
* [[Society Hill]]
* [[Center City, Philadelphia|Center City]]
* [[Midtown Village]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Washington Square West Philadelphia - Gayborhood, Antique Row, and Historic Square
|description=Guide to Washington Square West, home to Philadelphia's Gayborhood LGBTQ+ district, Antique Row, and the historic Washington Square with the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier.
|keywords=Washington Square West, Gayborhood Philadelphia, Philadelphia LGBTQ, Antique Row Philadelphia, Washington Square Philadelphia, 13th Street Philadelphia, Philadelphia gay bars
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:LGBTQ+ Districts]]