Old City

Location

Sitting along the Delaware River, this historic neighborhood is just north of Society Hill and just south of Northern Liberties. You will see incredible views of the Ben Franklin Bridge from Old City. It’s far enough away to not always get caught up in the center city traffic but close enough to walk or hop on the el to get into Center City in just a few minutes.

The Vibe

Old City, Philadelphia is the birthplace of America. It's the perfect mix of old and new. With the cobblestone streets and historic buildings, you really do feel like you’re stepping back in time. But there are also new boutiques, great restaurants, bars, and art galleries that bring us back to the 21st century. It’s quiet and quaint with lots of parks and open spaces and tons of things to do.

Located in the place where William Penn and the Quakers first settled, Old City gives people the chance to visit the real places that were milestones in the history of America. And when you live here, it’s all right outside your door. Old City is the home for anyone looking to settle down in an established, classic neighborhood.

Calm, cool, and collected, what more could a person want? Old City may be an ideal place for tourists, but that doesn't mean it strays from its mellow atmosphere. Far enough away to not get caught up in the center city traffic, or construction, the neighborhood is a serene place with a classical touch. People love the traditional neighborhood feeling the area incorporates. With brick row-homes and brownstone houses, paired with always having something to do, Old City is nothing short of charming and welcoming.

ihfKestrel.render({"component":"gallerySliderWidget","rows":1,"columns":2,"navigation":true,"nav":"top","auto":true,"maxResults":12,"status":"active","featured":false,"effect":"slide","id":2419747})

The History

Old City is arguably the most historic neighborhood in America. You of course have Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed. Right across the street is the Liberty Bell. You can visit the Betsy Ross house, the Ben Franklin Museum, the Museum of the American Revolution, Carpenter’s Hall and Elfreth’s Alley, which is the nation’s oldest residential street. Visiting these sites will take you back to the the way the artisans and tradesmen lived during the colonial and revolutionary eras. This is just the beginning of the list, there’s so many museums and sites to see.

1/1

Things to Do

Of course you can check out the historic sites and museums that we mentioned above. In addition to that, there's also Penn’s Landing on the river and you can go to the Cherry Street pier, Blue Cross RiverRink, or Spruce Street Harbor Park which has food, activities, a breathtaking view, and of course, the colorful hammocks along the Delaware River. Spruce Street Harbor is an urban beachfront that never fails to entertain. Food trucks line the boardwalk, and hammocks and lounge chairs allow a comfortable place for people to enjoy themselves. A perfect view of the water makes the trip even more worthwhile, you can even take a ride in a giant swan paddle boat if you're feeling up to the challenge. People come from all over the city to eat, drink and have a good time at the famous park.

Grab a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes like Old City Coffee, enjoy some retail therapy at the great shops, check out the thriving art scene or see a show at the Arden Theater. There is an endless list of the things to do in Old City.

Restaurants & Bars

From old fashioned taverns to classy sit-down eateries, Old City has a ton of great bars and restaurants. Some must try restaurants include Amada, Tuna Bar, Buddakan, Cuba Libre, and Royal Bucherie. For bars, there’s Independence Beer Garden, Morgan’s Pier, Revolution House, Blue Martini, the Plough and the Stars and so many more.

Real Estate

In Old City you’ll find brick row-homes, classic trinities, brownstone houses, and condos. There are tons of revamped industrial buildings that have been converted into condos or lofts. And of course there’s many beautifully maintained or restored townhomes. As of January 2024, the average sale price is $475,000 with 105 days on the market.