Most cities in the U.S. aren’t old enough to have an Old City section. And while Philadelphia’s Old City section may be more known today as a nightlife district, the area has retained several blocks of colonial charm. The area mixes local residents, with a weekend influx of suburbanites (I think most Philadelphians either stick to their neighborhoods or congregate in the Rittenhouse Square area), and out-of-state tourists with historical sites that are core to the foundation of American with a great restaurant and bar scene.
Old City tentatively starts at Sixth and Market, a green plaza in front of Independence Hall, a block south on Chestnut Street. The night life district is concentrated along 2nd Street from Market to Chestnut. From Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell to Franklin Court to Betsy Ross’s House to Christ Church to Carpenter Hall, there’s more “Birth of America” history in Old City’s blocks than anywhere else in the U.S. The area draws tourists, which has lead to a few museums locating to the area, some of which a Americana related like the American Revolutionary War Museum and the U.S. Constitution Center, and others like the American Jewish Museum and CHEMICAL Museum hoping to draw some foot traffic. The Philadelphia U.S. Mint is located at 5th and Arch.
A few blocks south of Old City sits Society Hill, arguably Philadelphia’s nicest neighborhood. Historical preservation societies, not to mention some strong nimbyism, have kept this neighborhood looking close to what it did during the 1700s, at least the building facades anyway. The few high rises that exist are located along the neighborhood’s fringes. I love walking through this neighborhood and think walks along Pine and Spruce Street are as much a must see as the rest of Philadelphia’s historical quarter. These places may not carry the historical gravitas of Independence Hall but they provide a glimpse into how Philadelphians lived in the past as well as today.
Old City tentatively starts at Sixth and Market, a green plaza in front of Independence Hall, a block south on Chestnut Street. The night life district is concentrated along 2nd Street from Market to Chestnut. From Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell to Franklin Court to Betsy Ross’s House to Christ Church to Carpenter Hall, there’s more “Birth of America” history in Old City’s blocks than anywhere else in the U.S. The area draws tourists, which has lead to a few museums locating to the area, some of which a Americana related like the American Revolutionary War Museum and the U.S. Constitution Center, and others like the American Jewish Museum and CHEMICAL Museum hoping to draw some foot traffic. The Philadelphia U.S. Mint is located at 5th and Arch.
A few blocks south of Old City sits Society Hill, arguably Philadelphia’s nicest neighborhood. Historical preservation societies, not to mention some strong nimbyism, have kept this neighborhood looking close to what it did during the 1700s, at least the building facades anyway. The few high rises that exist are located along the neighborhood’s fringes. I love walking through this neighborhood and think walks along Pine and Spruce Street are as much a must see as the rest of Philadelphia’s historical quarter. These places may not carry the historical gravitas of Independence Hall but they provide a glimpse into how Philadelphians lived in the past as well as today.
INDEPENDENCE HALL AND THE LIBERTY BELL
I've visited Independence Hall too many times to count. I remember being a kid and playing tag on the upper level. For a couple of years my dad worked at the nearby Bourse Building. There was a "park" in front of Independence Hall with benches that the homeless used as beds. I remember the Liberty Bell being displayed in a crummy, shack of a building. Pre 9/11 you could walk all around the outside of Independence Hall. Today there's barriers. I lived at 6th and Lombard and ran past Independence Hall on morning jogs.
Independence Hall is Philadelphia and the country's best attraction. This is where America was born. What else could top the list? Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was signed. It's where the Articles of Confederation were signed. It's also where the US Constitution was written. Unfortunately none of these documents are on display in Philadelphia.
It's best to visit Independence Hall in the morning and to plan in advance by reserving tickets at the NPS Site. (***The site does not take reservations in January and February, so if you search for these dates, the site will say no tickets are available. Tickets are available, you will just need to obtain them in person.***) Tickets are free, however, there is a $1.50 per ticket booking fee. Tickets can be picked up at the Independence Visitor Center on the corner of 6th and Market. The tour lasts about 30-40 minutes. There's a ten minute introduction with historical background and another ten minutes in both the courtroom and the legislative room. Photography is allowed inside. Before or after the tour you are free to roam around the complex.
The Liberty Bell doesn't require time tickets and as a result, depending upon the date and time, it can be either a serene or hectic experience. Several displays provide historical context and explain how, an otherwise plain object, came to be a symbol of liberty.
I've visited Independence Hall too many times to count. I remember being a kid and playing tag on the upper level. For a couple of years my dad worked at the nearby Bourse Building. There was a "park" in front of Independence Hall with benches that the homeless used as beds. I remember the Liberty Bell being displayed in a crummy, shack of a building. Pre 9/11 you could walk all around the outside of Independence Hall. Today there's barriers. I lived at 6th and Lombard and ran past Independence Hall on morning jogs.
Independence Hall is Philadelphia and the country's best attraction. This is where America was born. What else could top the list? Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was signed. It's where the Articles of Confederation were signed. It's also where the US Constitution was written. Unfortunately none of these documents are on display in Philadelphia.
It's best to visit Independence Hall in the morning and to plan in advance by reserving tickets at the NPS Site. (***The site does not take reservations in January and February, so if you search for these dates, the site will say no tickets are available. Tickets are available, you will just need to obtain them in person.***) Tickets are free, however, there is a $1.50 per ticket booking fee. Tickets can be picked up at the Independence Visitor Center on the corner of 6th and Market. The tour lasts about 30-40 minutes. There's a ten minute introduction with historical background and another ten minutes in both the courtroom and the legislative room. Photography is allowed inside. Before or after the tour you are free to roam around the complex.
The Liberty Bell doesn't require time tickets and as a result, depending upon the date and time, it can be either a serene or hectic experience. Several displays provide historical context and explain how, an otherwise plain object, came to be a symbol of liberty.
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FRANKLIN COURT
322 Market Street
With apologies to Rocky Balboa, Ben Franklin is Philadelphia's most famous resident. Franklin was a printer. An inventor. A statesman. A postmaster. An all-around Renaissance man and quote machine. Franklin Court has several attractions including a museum dedicated to Franklin's life ($5 admission), a Postal Service Museum, and an old fashioned printing press. The museum chronicles Franklin's life and contributions. It's a bit overwhelming to see everything he did laid out in one exhibit after another. The only person who challenges Franklin on his list of accomplishments is Thomas Edison, although it was Franklin who "discovered" electricity. The museum does a good job of combing historical facts and humorous anecdotes.
In the center of Franklin Court is a skeletal recreation of where Franklin's house once stood.
322 Market Street
With apologies to Rocky Balboa, Ben Franklin is Philadelphia's most famous resident. Franklin was a printer. An inventor. A statesman. A postmaster. An all-around Renaissance man and quote machine. Franklin Court has several attractions including a museum dedicated to Franklin's life ($5 admission), a Postal Service Museum, and an old fashioned printing press. The museum chronicles Franklin's life and contributions. It's a bit overwhelming to see everything he did laid out in one exhibit after another. The only person who challenges Franklin on his list of accomplishments is Thomas Edison, although it was Franklin who "discovered" electricity. The museum does a good job of combing historical facts and humorous anecdotes.
In the center of Franklin Court is a skeletal recreation of where Franklin's house once stood.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE
6th and Walnut - Southwest of Independence Hall
On sunny days, I walked through Washington Square on the way home from work. It's always had a soft spot in my heart as Philadelphia's "forgotten" square. Rittenhouse Square gets all the love but Washington Square has all the history. During the Revolutionary War the square served as a burial ground - every time I walked home I was walking through history. In the center of the square is a fountain and two the west is a monument with a statue of Washington and a great quote: "Freedom is a light for which many men have died in darkness". Talula's Garden is across 7th Street and a good place to grab a coffee. I've always like the homes off the southwest corner of the square.
6th and Walnut - Southwest of Independence Hall
On sunny days, I walked through Washington Square on the way home from work. It's always had a soft spot in my heart as Philadelphia's "forgotten" square. Rittenhouse Square gets all the love but Washington Square has all the history. During the Revolutionary War the square served as a burial ground - every time I walked home I was walking through history. In the center of the square is a fountain and two the west is a monument with a statue of Washington and a great quote: "Freedom is a light for which many men have died in darkness". Talula's Garden is across 7th Street and a good place to grab a coffee. I've always like the homes off the southwest corner of the square.
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OLD CITY RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The immediate area surrounding Philadelphia's historical sites is a bit of a wasteland. It's been this way for as long as I can remember. There's a few government buildings, a couple of office complexes, and a lot of nothing. This has changed recently - there's two exciting places in the former Rohm and Haas headquaters - a La Colombe coffee and during the summer, Independence Beer Garden.
However, if you walk down Market or Chestnut Streets towards 2nd Street you will find a bevy of top flight restaurants. It's nearly impossible to go wrong with a meal. There's Zahav. Amada. Fork. High Stree on Market. Buddakan. Cuba Libre. There's some new up and comers like The Little Lion and Common Wealth. Wherever you eat, I recommend skipping desert at the restaurant and heading to Franklin Fountain for ice cream or a milk shake.
The wildcard restaurant in this area is City Tavern. City Tavern features an 18th Century inspired menu. It's a first class operation but you in this spot you are within a block of arguably one of the best restaurants in the country, Zahav, and several others that are at the top of any "Best of" Philadelphia lists. Regardless, it's necessary to make reservations a month in advance at a few of these places.
Beyond the usual suspects in this area there's a couple of under the radar, favorite Philadelphia haunts. Eulogy Belgian Tavern. Awesome. Buffalo Billards. Awesome. Rotten Ralph's. Awesome. There's Mac's Tavern - the Mac is the Mac of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" fame. Mac's Tavern is a bit fancy - they certainly did not attempt to create a real life version of Paddy's. For something closer to Paddy's, check out Drinker's, which was serving PBR before serving PBR was cool.
The immediate area surrounding Philadelphia's historical sites is a bit of a wasteland. It's been this way for as long as I can remember. There's a few government buildings, a couple of office complexes, and a lot of nothing. This has changed recently - there's two exciting places in the former Rohm and Haas headquaters - a La Colombe coffee and during the summer, Independence Beer Garden.
However, if you walk down Market or Chestnut Streets towards 2nd Street you will find a bevy of top flight restaurants. It's nearly impossible to go wrong with a meal. There's Zahav. Amada. Fork. High Stree on Market. Buddakan. Cuba Libre. There's some new up and comers like The Little Lion and Common Wealth. Wherever you eat, I recommend skipping desert at the restaurant and heading to Franklin Fountain for ice cream or a milk shake.
The wildcard restaurant in this area is City Tavern. City Tavern features an 18th Century inspired menu. It's a first class operation but you in this spot you are within a block of arguably one of the best restaurants in the country, Zahav, and several others that are at the top of any "Best of" Philadelphia lists. Regardless, it's necessary to make reservations a month in advance at a few of these places.
Beyond the usual suspects in this area there's a couple of under the radar, favorite Philadelphia haunts. Eulogy Belgian Tavern. Awesome. Buffalo Billards. Awesome. Rotten Ralph's. Awesome. There's Mac's Tavern - the Mac is the Mac of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" fame. Mac's Tavern is a bit fancy - they certainly did not attempt to create a real life version of Paddy's. For something closer to Paddy's, check out Drinker's, which was serving PBR before serving PBR was cool.
Other Historical Buildings
Independence Hall isn't the only historic building in Old City. Heading east on Chestnut Street is a series of other buildings with historical significance. One block east is the Second Bank of the United States. Literally the United States' Second Bank. One block over via either Chestnut Street or the cobblestone pathway behind the bank (my preferred route) is Carpenter's Hall. Carpenter's Hall was a guild for...carpenters...but the building survives today because it was also the site of the First Continental Congress. Admission to the Hall is free and there are a few historical artifacts inside. Down another cobblestone pathway is the First Bank of the United States. Literally the United States' First Bank.
Independence Hall isn't the only historic building in Old City. Heading east on Chestnut Street is a series of other buildings with historical significance. One block east is the Second Bank of the United States. Literally the United States' Second Bank. One block over via either Chestnut Street or the cobblestone pathway behind the bank (my preferred route) is Carpenter's Hall. Carpenter's Hall was a guild for...carpenters...but the building survives today because it was also the site of the First Continental Congress. Admission to the Hall is free and there are a few historical artifacts inside. Down another cobblestone pathway is the First Bank of the United States. Literally the United States' First Bank.
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Betsy Ross House
Betsy Ross ran what may be the most famous upholstery business in the history of the United States. As the legend goes she created the first United States flag. We owe the five point stars to her because they were easier to cut and sew than a six pointed star. Today the Ross house is open to the public with a $5 admission fee. Inside, the house has been restored and decorated in period pieces. A few re-enactors, including Betsy herself, provide a history lesson to the guests.
Betsy Ross ran what may be the most famous upholstery business in the history of the United States. As the legend goes she created the first United States flag. We owe the five point stars to her because they were easier to cut and sew than a six pointed star. Today the Ross house is open to the public with a $5 admission fee. Inside, the house has been restored and decorated in period pieces. A few re-enactors, including Betsy herself, provide a history lesson to the guests.
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Christ Church
On Sunday mornings Ben Franklin and other Philadelphians gathered at Christ Church to give their respect to the Holy One. The Church is Anglican in look and feel (lots of white, no stained glass). The Franklin family pew was in the center of the church and identifiable via a marker. Several famous Philadelphians are buried at the church but Franklins tomb is down the street at Christ Church cemetery. His tomb is visible from the sidewalk and the one with all the coins on the tombstone. The Church and Cemetery are not open during the winter unless it's 70 degrees and beautiful outside.
On Sunday mornings Ben Franklin and other Philadelphians gathered at Christ Church to give their respect to the Holy One. The Church is Anglican in look and feel (lots of white, no stained glass). The Franklin family pew was in the center of the church and identifiable via a marker. Several famous Philadelphians are buried at the church but Franklins tomb is down the street at Christ Church cemetery. His tomb is visible from the sidewalk and the one with all the coins on the tombstone. The Church and Cemetery are not open during the winter unless it's 70 degrees and beautiful outside.
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Philadelphia does not have a shortage of great museums. With all the great museums and historical attractions in the Old City area it’s easy to overlook two museums in the area—the National Museum of American Jewish History and the Science History Institute. The Jewish History museum chronicles the life of Jews through American History from their arrival trough the Great Depression through the 1960s through today. It’s a new (opened in 2010) and beautiful museum although the exhibits are a bit lacking—a highlight of the museum is one of Stephen Spielberg’s first camcorders.
The Science History Institute as at 3rd and Chestnut, and a surprisingly interesting museum. I say surprisingly because how exciting could a museum about chemicals be? It kept me captivated for over an hour. I’m not recommending bringing children to this museum but as an adult, who appreciates Philadelphia’s role in creating the chemical industry and interested in learning more, this museum has some great exhibits for someone new to the subject. It is a small museum, I think I captured the entire museum in the photo below, but it is packed with information. Note: cash donation admission.
The Science History Institute as at 3rd and Chestnut, and a surprisingly interesting museum. I say surprisingly because how exciting could a museum about chemicals be? It kept me captivated for over an hour. I’m not recommending bringing children to this museum but as an adult, who appreciates Philadelphia’s role in creating the chemical industry and interested in learning more, this museum has some great exhibits for someone new to the subject. It is a small museum, I think I captured the entire museum in the photo below, but it is packed with information. Note: cash donation admission.
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On the north side of Arch Street is the National Constitution Center and the U.S. Mint.
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Philadelphia Fire Department Ladder 2 is located on the NE corner of 4th and Arch Streets. My great-grandfather worked at this station. To the right of the fire station is a scultpure of Ben Franklin. A previous scultpure of Franklin existed on this site earlier and that sculpture was made entirely of pennies - it was Penny Franklin. The City needs to bring this statue out of hiding.
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