Old City

Old City

Type	Neighborhood
Location	Center City
ZIP code(s)	19106
Established	1682
Named for	Historic colonial origins
Boundaries	North: Race Street, South: Walnut Street, East: Delaware River, West: 6th Street
Adjacent	Society Hill, Chinatown, Northern Liberties, Penn's Landing
Major streets	Market Street, Chestnut Street, 2nd Street, 3rd Street
Transit	SEPTA Market-Frankford Line (2nd Street, 5th Street stations)
Landmarks	Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley

Old City is a historic neighborhood in Philadelphia located along the Delaware River waterfront, encompassing the original settlement of Philadelphia founded by William Penn in 1682. Old City is home to the greatest concentration of historic sites in the United States, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Elfreth's Alley—the nation's oldest continuously inhabited residential street. The neighborhood is part of Independence National Historical Park and draws millions of visitors annually.

Beyond its historic sites, Old City has evolved into a vibrant arts and entertainment district. The neighborhood is known for its First Friday gallery walks, upscale restaurants, and nightlife, blending colonial history with contemporary culture.

History

Colonial Era

Old City was the heart of the original city of Philadelphia, laid out by William Penn in 1682. Penn's plan created a grid of streets between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, with the area now known as Old City serving as the commercial and political center.

The neighborhood developed rapidly as a port city. Warehouses, markets, and businesses lined the streets near the Delaware River wharves. Philadelphia became one of colonial America's largest and most prosperous cities, and by the mid-18th century, it was the most populous city in the British colonies.

Revolutionary Era

Old City was the birthplace of American independence. The most significant events in the founding of the United States took place within a few blocks:

• Continental Congresses: The First and Second Continental Congresses met at Carpenters' Hall and the State House (now Independence Hall)
• Declaration of Independence: Signed at Independence Hall on July 4, 1776
• U.S. Constitution: Drafted and signed at Independence Hall in 1787
• First U.S. Government: Philadelphia served as the national capital from 1790-1800

During this period, Old City was home to Benjamin Franklin, the nation's first bank, first mint, and first stock exchange.

19th and 20th Centuries

As Philadelphia expanded westward, the commercial center shifted away from Old City. The neighborhood became an industrial and warehouse district, with many historic buildings repurposed for manufacturing and storage.

By the mid-20th century, Old City was largely forgotten—its colonial buildings obscured by later construction and industrial use. The creation of Independence National Historical Park in 1948 began the process of preservation and restoration that continues today.

Modern Renaissance

Old City's renaissance began in the 1970s when artists and galleries moved into the neighborhood's vacant warehouses and lofts. The First Friday tradition, where galleries stay open late on the first Friday of each month, drew visitors and established Old City as Philadelphia's arts district.

Today, Old City combines historic tourism with a thriving arts and dining scene. Many former industrial buildings have been converted to apartments, condos, restaurants, and boutiques, while careful preservation protects the colonial-era streetscape.

Historic Sites

Independence National Historical Park

The western portion of Old City is part of Independence National Historical Park, a unit of the National Park Service preserving the sites of American independence. Key sites include:

Independence Hall

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed
• Free tours available (timed tickets required in summer)

Liberty Bell Center

• Home of the iconic cracked bell
• Free admission
• Located on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets

Congress Hall

• Where Congress met from 1790-1800
• Site of George Washington's second inauguration

Old City Hall

• Home of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1791-1800

Carpenters' Hall

• Site of the First Continental Congress (1774)
• Still owned by the Carpenters' Company

President's House Site

• Location of the executive mansion when Philadelphia was capital
• Memorial commemorates the enslaved people who lived and worked there

Other Historic Sites

Betsy Ross House

• Traditional home of the seamstress said to have made the first American flag
• Museum and historic site at 239 Arch Street

Elfreth's Alley

• Oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America
• 32 houses dating from 1720s-1830s
• Museum at 124-126 Elfreth's Alley

Christ Church

• Anglican church where many Founding Fathers worshipped
• Benjamin Franklin's pew marked inside
• Beautiful colonial-era architecture

Christ Church Burial Ground

• Final resting place of Benjamin Franklin and other Founding Fathers
• 5th and Arch Streets

National Constitution Center

• Interactive museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution
• 525 Arch Street

Museum of the American Revolution

• Comprehensive museum of the Revolutionary War
• 101 South 3rd Street

First Friday

First Friday is a monthly event when Old City's numerous art galleries stay open late, typically until 9:00 PM, on the first Friday of each month. The tradition began in the 1990s and has become one of Philadelphia's signature cultural events.

During First Friday:

• Galleries offer free admission
• New exhibitions open
• Streets fill with art lovers walking between venues
• Restaurants and bars offer specials
• Live music and street performers appear

First Friday draws thousands of visitors and provides an excellent opportunity to experience Old City's arts scene. The galleries are concentrated along 2nd and 3rd Streets between Market and Race Streets.

Dining and Nightlife

Old City offers a diverse dining scene, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries:

Fine Dining

• Fork - New American cuisine, frequently cited among Philadelphia's best
• Talula's Daily - Farm-to-table focus
• Buddakan - Asian fusion in dramatic setting

Casual Dining

• City Tavern - Recreated 18th-century tavern serving colonial-era recipes
• Sonny's Famous Steaks - Cheesesteaks
• Han Dynasty - Sichuan Chinese

Nightlife Old City has one of Philadelphia's most active bar scenes, particularly on 2nd and 3rd Streets between Market and Chestnut. Popular venues include:

• Cuba Libre - Cuban restaurant and bar
• Ladder 15 - Former firehouse
• National Mechanics - Historic bank building

The neighborhood is particularly busy on Friday and Saturday nights and can become congested during major events.

Getting There

Public Transit

Old City is well-served by SEPTA public transit:

Subway

• Market-Frankford Line (The L): 2nd Street Station and 5th Street/Independence Hall Station
• Trains run frequently connecting to Center City, University City, and the Far Northeast

Bus Routes

• Route 17 along Chestnut Street
• Route 21 along Chestnut Street
• Route 33 along Market Street
• Route 48 along Market Street

Regional Rail

• Jefferson Station (4 blocks west at 10th and Market)

Driving and Parking

Old City streets are narrow and often one-way, reflecting the colonial-era street plan. Parking is limited:

• Street Parking: Metered parking with 2-hour limits; very difficult to find during peak hours
• Independence Mall Garage: 6th Street between Arch and Race
• AutoPark garages: Several locations in the area

Public transit or rideshare is recommended, especially for visits to Independence National Historical Park.

Walking

Old City is highly walkable and compact. Most historic sites are within a 10-15 minute walk of each other. The flat terrain and grid layout make navigation straightforward.

Living in Old City

Housing

Old City offers a mix of housing options:

• Converted loft apartments in former warehouses
• Modern condominiums
• Historic townhouses
• New construction apartments

The neighborhood appeals to young professionals and empty nesters seeking an urban, walkable lifestyle with proximity to nightlife and culture. Rental prices are among the higher in Philadelphia.

Character

Old City has a distinctive character combining:

• Historic architecture and cobblestone streets
• Active arts and gallery scene
• Vibrant nightlife (which can be noisy on weekends)
• Tourist activity during peak seasons
• Small neighborhood feel despite tourism

Residents appreciate the walkability, dining options, and proximity to the Delaware River waterfront. However, weekend nightlife noise and tourist crowds during summer months are common concerns.

See Also

• Independence Hall
• Liberty Bell
• Independence National Historical Park
• Society Hill
• Center City, Philadelphia
• Penn's Landing

External Links

• Visit Philadelphia - Old City
• Independence National Historical Park
• Old City District