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.[1]
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:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed
- Free tours available (timed tickets required in summer)
- 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 & Notable Restaurants
- Fork — Farm-to-table pioneer since 1997, rated 8.8, one of Philadelphia's best
- Amada — Jose Garces's original Spanish tapas, known for gambas al ajillo and patatas bravas
- Buddakan — Asian fusion in dramatic setting with signature wasabi mashed potatoes
- Zahav — (technically Society Hill, steps away) — Silky tehina hummus, James Beard winner
- Ogawa Sushi & Kappo — High-end omakase, rated 8.5
Japanese & Asian
- Tomo Sushi & Ramen — BYOB sushi and ramen, rated 8.6
- Tuna Bar — Consistent neighborhood sushi spot
- Buk Chon — Korean BYOB with classics under $20
- Han Dynasty — Sichuan Chinese
Casual Dining
- City Tavern — Recreated 18th-century tavern serving colonial-era recipes
- BlackHen — Soul food with irresistible fried chicken
- Sonny's Famous Steaks — Cheesesteaks
Bars & Nightlife Old City has one of Philadelphia's most active bar scenes, concentrated on 2nd and 3rd Streets:
- National Mechanics — Craft beer in a historic bank building
- 48 Record Bar — Vinyl listening bar with excellent cocktails
- Khyber Pass Pub — Institution with cheap beers, live music, and Cajun food
- Sassafras Bar — Intimate cocktail bar in a haunted-house-style space
- Cuba Libre — Cuban restaurant and bar
- Fringe Bar — Large patio with Delaware River views
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