Rittenhouse Square
| Rittenhouse Square | |
|---|---|
| Type | Urban square / Public park |
| Location | Center City, Philadelphia |
| Coordinates | 39.9496,-75.1718 |
| Area | 6.5 acres |
| Established | 1683 (planned); 1825 (improved) |
| Operated by | Center City District / Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Fountain, sculptures, tree-lined paths, benches |
| Transit | SEPTA bus routes 9, 12, 21, 42 |
| Website | Official Site |
Rittenhouse Square is the most prestigious of William Penn's original five public squares in Philadelphia and one of the finest urban parks in America. Located in the heart of Center City, the elegant 6.5-acre square is surrounded by high-rise apartments, upscale restaurants, boutique hotels, and some of the most expensive real estate on the East Coast.[1]
The square serves as the social heart of Philadelphia's wealthiest neighborhood, drawing a mix of dog walkers, office workers, tourists, families, and residents who gather daily to enjoy its shaded paths, central fountain, and European-style atmosphere.
History
Penn's Original Plan
Rittenhouse Square was included in William Penn's 1682 plan for Philadelphia as one of five public squares—one at the center (now City Hall) and four others at the cardinal points. Originally named "Southwest Square," the park was part of Penn's vision for a "greene country towne."
For its first century, the square was little more than open pastureland at the edge of the developed city. Cattle grazed, and the area remained rural as Philadelphia grew primarily along the Delaware River waterfront.
19th Century Transformation
The square was renamed in 1825 to honor David Rittenhouse, the 18th-century Philadelphia astronomer, clockmaker, and first director of the United States Mint.
As Philadelphia expanded westward in the mid-1800s, wealthy families built grand townhouses around the square. The park itself was landscaped in the English style with curving paths, mature trees, and ornamental plantings. By the late 19th century, Rittenhouse Square had become the most fashionable address in the city.
20th Century
The neighborhood's character shifted in the early 20th century as apartment buildings and hotels replaced some of the original townhouses. The square itself underwent improvements, including the installation of its iconic central fountain and the addition of notable sculptures.
The area experienced some decline at mid-century but revived strongly beginning in the 1970s. Today, Rittenhouse Square consistently ranks among the most desirable urban neighborhoods in America.
The Square Today
Layout
The square features a formal design with:
- Central fountain — The park's focal point, installed 1913
- Diagonal walkways — Paths crossing from corner to corner
- Perimeter path — Loop around the square
- Benches — Throughout the park
- Large shade trees — Mature sycamores, oaks, and other species
- Flower beds — Seasonally planted
Sculptures
Several notable sculptures adorn the square:
- Lion Crushing a Serpent — By Antoine-Louis Barye (1832)
- Billy — Goat sculpture, popular with children
- Duck Girl — By Paul Manship
- Giant Frog — Bronze sculpture at west entrance
Atmosphere
Rittenhouse Square has a distinctly European feel:
- Outdoor café seating along Walnut Street
- Dog walkers and off-leash hours (early morning)
- Chess players and readers on benches
- Lunchtime crowds from nearby offices
- Street performers (occasionally)
- Year-round activity
Surrounding Area
Dining
Rittenhouse Square is surrounded by acclaimed restaurants:
- Parc — French bistro with outdoor seating overlooking the square
- Lacroix at The Rittenhouse — Fine dining in the Rittenhouse Hotel
- Talula's Daily — Farm-to-table café
- Rouge — American bistro with prime people-watching
- Devon Seafood Grill — Upscale seafood
- El Vez — Modern Mexican
- Numerous other restaurants within blocks
Shopping
The surrounding blocks offer upscale retail:
- Walnut Street — Designer boutiques, national chains
- Rittenhouse Row — Shopping district along 18th and surrounding streets
- Art galleries
- Antique shops
- Specialty food stores
Hotels
Several luxury hotels overlook or sit near the square:
- The Rittenhouse — Five-star hotel on the square
- AKA Rittenhouse Square — Extended-stay luxury
- Sofitel Philadelphia — French-inspired luxury
- Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square — Historic property
Residential
The surrounding residential buildings include:
- Historic townhouses (many subdivided)
- Luxury high-rise condominiums
- Pre-war apartment buildings
- Some of Philadelphia's most expensive addresses
Events
Annual Events
- Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show — Outdoor art fair (June)
- Rittenhouse Square Flower Market — Garden club fundraiser (May)
- Holiday tree lighting — December
- Various charity walks and community events
Weekly/Regular
- Farmers Market — Saturdays (seasonal)
- Outdoor fitness classes
- Dog meet-ups
Visiting
Getting There
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA buses 9, 12, 21, 42 serve the area
- Broad Street Line: Walk west from Walnut-Locust Station
- PATCO: Walk from 15th-16th & Locust Station
By Car:
- Street parking is extremely limited and metered
- Nearby parking garages available (expensive)
By Bicycle:
- Indego bike share stations nearby
- Bike racks around the square
Best Times to Visit
- Morning: Quieter, dog walkers, joggers
- Lunchtime: Office workers, busy but vibrant
- Late Afternoon: Pleasant light, pre-dinner strollers
- Evening: Dinner crowds at surrounding restaurants
Tips
- Grab coffee or lunch from nearby cafés and enjoy on a bench
- The square is lovely in all seasons
- People-watching from Parc's outdoor tables is a Philadelphia tradition
- The farmers market (Saturdays) is worth timing a visit around
Living Near Rittenhouse Square
Real Estate
Rittenhouse Square is one of Philadelphia's most expensive neighborhoods:
- Condos and apartments range from studios to penthouses
- Townhouses occasionally available
- Prices significantly above city average
- Strong rental market
Character
- Walkable to everything
- Urban, sophisticated atmosphere
- Excellent restaurants and shopping
- Limited parking (car optional for most residents)
- Mix of young professionals, families, and long-time residents
See Also
References
- ↑ "Rittenhouse Square". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025