Local

Old City Neighborhood of Philadelphia

From John Fischer, former About.com Guide

Old City (also Olde City) Philadelphia is just as the name says, the oldest part of the city founded by William Penn in 1681. Old City is one of the most historic areas of the United States. It is where the Declaration of Independence was first read and where the Constitution of the United States was written. It was the site of the nation's first capital.

Today Old City remains the hub of visitor activity in the city with its historic sites, excellent hotels, fine dining, great shopping and varied nightlife and entertainment. Old City is also home to a small residential community and the home to numerous businesses.

Location:

Old City is located at the far eastern part of Center City, closest to the Delaware River. It is bordered on the north by Vine Street, on the South by Locust Street, on the east by Columbus Boulevard (Delaware Avenue) and on the west by 6th Street. On the northwest corner is Franklin Square. On the southwest corner is Washington Square. View map in .pdf format.

Zip Code:

Old City's zip code is 19106.

Getting There

Old City is one of the most easily accessed area of the City of Philadelphia. It is served by all SEPTA Regional Train Lines via the Market Street East Station located just blocks away.

The Market-Frankford El has stops at 5th Street as well as 2nd Street. SEPTA runs many bus routes through Old City. Running east/west on Market Street are Routes 17, 33, 44, 48, 76, and 121. Running east on Chestnut Street are Routes 9, 21, and 42.

The Philly Phlash Downtown Loop makes stops at 3rd & Market Streets as well as 6th & Market Streets during the summer. Visitors can enjoy touring the historic area by one of several tour vehicles including the Big Bus, Historic Philadelphia Trolley, and Ride the Ducks.

Parking is readily available in any one of several large parking garages as well as at the hotels. Parking meters are also plentiful throughout Old City.

Demographics:

According to 2000 U.S. Census data, Old City's population of just 8,359 is 87% White, 6% Black or African American, 4% Asian or Pacific Islander and 3% other or mixed race.

Approximately 47% of University City's 15,805 households are homeowners. The majority of residents reside in renter occupied housing units.

The median household income is $61,720.

Education:

Old City is served by both the School District of Philadelphia (public) and Archdiocese of Philadelphia (Roman Catholic parochial) school systems. The principal schools within Old City are:

Hotels

As a major tourist area of Philadelphia, Old City is home to a number of excellent hotels. You can find more information on these hotels with our Guide to Old City Philadelphia Hotels.

Things to Do:

Old City is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike with its excellent dining, good shopping and plenty of cultural attractions including galleries, historic sites, and museums.

Dining

Old City is home to over 100 places to eat encompassing every imaginable price range as well as a vast array of cuisines.

Check out our top picks for restaurants in Old City and Penn's Landing Philadelphia.

Shopping: As both a residential and tourist area Old City has a large number of retail shopping establishments providing ample shopping opportunities for books, magazines, music & cards; clothing and shoes, flowers, as well as general shopping and services. The area is also home to some of the City's best art galleries.

The Old City District Web site maintains an excellent index of all shopping opportunities within Old City.

For great home-made candy and ice cream, be sure to visit Shane Handcrafted Candies and The Franklin Fountain on Market Street.

Attractions:

Above all else, Old City is known for its historic sites and museums. Most of these are located within Independence National Historical Park but other sites which should not be missed include the Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, Franklin Square and the U.S. Mint. You'll find these articles helpful in planning a visit to Old City Philadelphia.

Explore the National Constitution Center This museum is sure to one of the "can't miss" places not only in Philadelphia but in the entire U.S. Without question it is equal to any of the big museums in Washington D.C. Join me as we take a special tour of the new National Constitution Center. Then check out our National Constitution Center Photo Gallery.

Historic Sites in Philadelphia Our Guide to the top historic sites in Philadelphia, most of which are located in Old City.

It All Began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania It's where our nation was born in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Liberty Bell Center Guide Find out all about the Liberty Bell and join me on a photo tour the Liberty Bell Center.

Top Places in Historic Philadelphia We've chosen ten of our favorite places in the Historic/Old City area - listed alphabetically. All are within easy walking distance of each other. All can be easily seen in the course of a daytrip to the city.

Walking Tour of Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, PA Join me as we walk from the Visitor Center to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and more. Be sure to also check out our Independence National Historical Park Photo Gallery.

Walking Tour of Old City Philadelphia Explore Welcome Park, Olde City Tavern, Bookbinders, Merchants Exchange and the Independence National Park Visitor Center.

Web Resources

Old City District
The official Web site of Philadelphia's Old City District has great indexes of all attractions, restaurants and shopping locations within the district.

Old City Civic Association
Like all neighborhoods, Old City has concerns with zoning and development, trash and parking. It was the desire to address these concerns and improve their quality of life that inspired a group of residents and business owners to form the Old City Civic Association in 1973.