Old City Philadelphia

Old City Is Where The Country Began

Old City is a neighborhood in Center City, Philadelphia. Old City is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the entire United States and also the birth place of our country.  Old City is the site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed and many of Philadelphia’s other historic sites. In modern times, Old City his know for being Philadelphia’s popular nightlife destinations, with many lounges, dive bars, and quality restaurants mostly along the three blocks from 3rd and Market streets to Front and Chestnut streets.

The popular monthly First Friday event features open houses by many neighborhood art/design galleries and clothing boutiques. The 3rd Street Corridor, between Market Street and Vine Street, is home to many locally owned independent businesses. These art, design and fashion ventures make Old City a sought after destination for culture and commerce enjoyed locally, nationally and internationally.

Landmark Theatres operates three Ritz movie theaters in the area, specializing in art films. Old City’s boundaries are Front Street to the East, 6th Street to the West, Vine Street to the North and Walnut Street to the South.  Old City is North of Queen Village, South of Northern Liberties and East of Washington Square West.

For those who love to be in the thick of things, Old City Philadelphia is an easy walk from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and the most popular downtown hotels. Tourists visit on a a brief walking tour—it’s that small of a neighborhood—but it’s interesting enough to spend several days shopping and exploring its many cultural and architectural gems, and it’s a great place to live if you want convenience to the rest of Center City.

Old City Attractions

Independence Hall
Elfreth’s Alley
Betsy Ross House
York Square – 319 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Bridgeview Place – 315 New Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
The Wireworks – 301 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Old City Resources

Old City Schools: General George A. McCall School for grades K-8 and Furness High School.

Old City District: http://www.oldcitydistrict.org/

Old City Civic Association: http://www.oldcity.org/

Use our neighborhood guides to find real estate in Old City.