Best Things to Do in Old City Philadelphia

A Neighborhood Built for Walking

Old City is one of the most compact, walkable neighborhoods in Philadelphia, and also one of the most historically dense. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, and a genuinely good bar and restaurant scene all sit within a few blocks of each other.

Start With the History

Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Elfreth's Alley, often called America's oldest residential street, are all within easy walking distance of each other. It's an easy few hours if you want to cover the historical side first.

First Fridays

On the first Friday of every month, Old City's galleries stay open late with an art-walk atmosphere that draws a mix of locals and visitors.

The Food and Drink Scene

Old City has a dense concentration of restaurants and bars packed into a small footprint, from casual spots to some of the city's better cocktail programs.

Something More Hands-On

If you want to do something rather than just eat and walk, Old City is also home to Cocktail Culture, where you can take a hands-on mixology class instead of just ordering a drink somewhere. It's a good way to turn an afternoon in the neighborhood into an actual activity.

Planning a Visit

Old City is easy to reach and easy to spend a half or full day in without needing a car once you're there. Between the history, the galleries, and the bar scene, it holds up as one of the better neighborhoods in the city for a walkable day out.