Washington Square West
| Type | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Location | Center City |
| ZIP code(s) | 19107 |
| Boundaries | North: Market Street, South: South Street, East: 7th Street, West: Broad Street |
| Adjacent | Midtown Village, Old City, Society Hill, Rittenhouse Square |
| Major streets | Walnut Street, Spruce Street, 13th Street, 11th Street |
| Transit | Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line |
| 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.[1]
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
See Also
References
- ↑ "The Gayborhood". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 22, 2025