Philadelphia Neighborhoods

By Karrie Gavin, About.com Guide

Philadelphia is often described as "a city of neighborhoods" and each one has its own unique personality and amenities.

Center City
Old City/Society Hill
Bella Vista/Queen Village
South Philly
Northern Liberties

Center City

While it may not be geographically in the middle, Center City is where much of Philadelphia's action is. City Hall, the Avenue of the Arts and smaller neighborhoods like Chinatown, Rittenhouse and Midtown Village all fall within Center City's reach.

Old City/Society Hill

History meets nightlife in Old City, where Independence Mall and Betsy Ross's house are just around the corner from some of Philadelphia's best restaurants and bars. To the south, bustling Old City fades into the more residential Society Hill, which is filled with historical brick houses.

Bella Vista/Queen Village

Bordered to the north by South Street, these cute side-by-side neighborhoods feature great restaurants and interesting areas like 4th Street's Fabric Row.

South Philly

Roughly encompassing everything between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers below South Street, South Philly is a large area comprised of many smaller neighborhoods.

Northern Liberties

Ever-developing Northern Liberties features a vibrant combination of houses, restaurants, art galleries and outdoor spaces.

Philadelphia / South Jersey

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