Old City Arts District
Old City Arts District
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A neighborhood featuring art galleries, furniture stores, boutiques and performance areas.
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Neighborhood: City Center East
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
15 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
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Old City, where Philadelphia began, has been transformed over the past twenty years into one of the most interesting neighborhoods in the country.
Once the site of small factories and warehouses, Old City has been transformed into a home for galleries, performing arts and more than 100 of Philadelphia's best restaurants.
The area, which will soon become one of the city's certified "historic districts" is made up of buildings which range from revolutionary times to 19th century merchantile. It has, according to experts, one of the finest collections of cast iron buildings to be found anywhere in the world.
Mixed in are historic sites such as Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, the Liberty Bell and more.
As galleries opened, restaurants followed. Now Second, Chestnut, and Market Streets teem every weekend with folks seeking the newest hot place to eat or drink. Luckily, because of the small footprint of most of the buildings, few large (and no national) restaurants can be found; instead you will find an interesting mix of all kinds of food priced at a level that can only be considered high moderate.
So visit our neighborhood for the galleries, the history, and stop for a bite to eat or a bit to drink.
Once the site of small factories and warehouses, Old City has been transformed into a home for galleries, performing arts and more than 100 of Philadelphia's best restaurants.
The area, which will soon become one of the city's certified "historic districts" is made up of buildings which range from revolutionary times to 19th century merchantile. It has, according to experts, one of the finest collections of cast iron buildings to be found anywhere in the world.
Mixed in are historic sites such as Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, the Liberty Bell and more.
As galleries opened, restaurants followed. Now Second, Chestnut, and Market Streets teem every weekend with folks seeking the newest hot place to eat or drink. Luckily, because of the small footprint of most of the buildings, few large (and no national) restaurants can be found; instead you will find an interesting mix of all kinds of food priced at a level that can only be considered high moderate.
So visit our neighborhood for the galleries, the history, and stop for a bite to eat or a bit to drink.
Written May 28, 2001
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WrldtravelerNY/NJ
NY/NJ2 contributions
Just went there after being away from Philly for over 20 years since being at Penn for College in the early 1980s (that dates me). Always thought of Philly as a sleepy, boring city. No more. Wow, what a change. It's unbelievable. Artistic, pretty, relaxing, old-village like atmosphere -but not gimmiky for tourists - it's the real thing like a cleaner and kinder greenwich village where I lived for many years. This is great. I'll come back again soon.
Written July 24, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TommyBoy94
Philadelphia, PA657 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
In many respects, the birthplace of modern American history and certainly the beginning of Philadelphia as we know it. This review is especially intended for prospective visitors to the city.
It would be a shame to miss the assortment of historical places, old architecture, shops, bars and restaurants. Come down. Enjoy a history lesson and stop for a libation, if you are inclined.
I prefer going earlier and off-peak to keep the number of tourists in my path to somewhat manageable droves. But expect the selfie crowd at all times.
While no city is absolutely safe, this is definitely one of the safer neighborhoods in a town that can be unpredictable in terms of crime.
It would be a shame to miss the assortment of historical places, old architecture, shops, bars and restaurants. Come down. Enjoy a history lesson and stop for a libation, if you are inclined.
I prefer going earlier and off-peak to keep the number of tourists in my path to somewhat manageable droves. But expect the selfie crowd at all times.
While no city is absolutely safe, this is definitely one of the safer neighborhoods in a town that can be unpredictable in terms of crime.
Written August 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark G
Catonsville, MD3,422 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
The Old City Arts District seems to be loosely but not confined the area from N. Front St to Vine and Market to 4th St. This lively area is loaded with museums, theatres, art galleries, studios and centers as well as bars and restaurants. It is an interesting mix of properties that is still evolving, with a subtle progress nicely incorporated into the old. Common Wealth is a nice restaurant stop on Market street while strolling the area.
Written March 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria
New York City, NY15 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
Old City is the historic Philadelphia. The area is home to the famous Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, grave of Benjamin Franklin, and has some of the oldest buildings, roads, and churches in the nation. It is by far the most beautiful and nicest part of Philadelphia. Penn's Landing along the Delaware River, and a number of bars / pubs, art galleries, antique and old book stores round out the old world charm of the neighborhood.
Written August 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D R
United States46 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
I lived in Philly for a bit, and old city was probably my favorite area. It's by the water, there's some nice restaurants and bars, and has an exciting night life. It's very lively. During the day, you can get your historical experience and visit the Liberty Bell, see Benjamin Franklin's burial grounds, the Betsy Ross house, admire the old houses and the cobblestone streets and really make a whole day of it!
Written May 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IRENE A
19 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Very beautiful neighborhood, where the history of the city really began. The Elfreth's Alley is a small street but is absolutely cute. A place where you can really enjoy the brick houses of the beginning.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants here too, and right in front of it there is the Penn's landing, a place to have a quiet walk by the sea
There are plenty of bars and restaurants here too, and right in front of it there is the Penn's landing, a place to have a quiet walk by the sea
Written May 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nuno B
Philadelphia, PA123 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
This is arguably the nicest part of the city. You can find a lot of galleries, restaurants, pubs and some antique stores, which are a treat for those who like to search for mementos of other times.
On the first Friday of each moth, the whole district stirs up with life, with the galleries being open until late, some with an event of some sort. You can also find people playing and dancing on the street...definitely worth a visit.
On the first Friday of each moth, the whole district stirs up with life, with the galleries being open until late, some with an event of some sort. You can also find people playing and dancing on the street...definitely worth a visit.
Written August 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jimmyd069
Philadelphia,PA43 contributions
May 2013
If you are lucky enough to be around during a First friday, take a stroll up 2nd & 3rd St. between Market and Race and wander through the galleries. Be sure to hit SNyderman's which is on Cherry St. Perfect anytime for your art trance.
Written May 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lmyq
Pittsburgh, PA92 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
Was in Philly with my daughter to visit Tyler School of Art (Temple) as a prospective college and lucky enough for it to be on the first Friday of the month. So we were able to check out lots of art galleries and enjoy a very fun and high energy evening. Lots of music out on the streets. Tons of restaurants. Elfreth's Alley museum was open and free, which was interesting to check out too.
Written July 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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