Laced with cobblestone streets and historic sites, Philadelphia’s Old City holds many charms, making it a popular area near the Delaware River Waterfront for locals and visitors alike. Throughout the year, find treasures from eye-opening museums preserving artifacts to indie galleries and shops stocking only-in-Philly finds. Here are a few of our favorite things to see and do in Old City.
Eat
America’s oldest neighborhood offers plenty of enticements, including tasty and lauded fare at James Beard-nominated Fork and Jose Garces’ handsome Olde Bar. Cafe Square One serves up healthy sandwiches, salads and smoothies in homey digs.
- Cafe Square One, 50 S. 3rd St., 215.645.2712
- Fork, 306 Market St., 215.625.9425
- The Olde Bar, 125 Walnut St., 215.253.3777
Shop
Retail in Old City runs the gamut from art by well-known and emerging creatives at Bluestone Fine Art to popular comic books and collectibles at Brave New Worlds and sweet treats at charming Shane Confectionery.
- Bluestone Fine Art Gallery, 72 N. 2nd St., 856.979.7588
- Brave New Worlds, 55 N. 2nd St., 215.925.6525
- Shane Confectionery, 110 Market St., 215.922.1048
Drink
Explorers making their way through this historic enclave quench their thirst with craft brews at 2nd Story Brewing, wines from 120 taps at Panorama, located inside the Penn’s View Hotel, and hand-crafted cocktails at vintage favorite Sassafras.
- 2nd Story Brewing, 117 Chestnut St., 267.314.5770
- Panorama, 14 N. Front St., 215.922.7800
- Sassafras, 48 S. 2nd St., 215.925.2317
Play
The Museum of the American Revolution highlights treasured items like George Washington’s original war tent. FringeArts pushes the theatrical envelope, while Olde City Escape Games challenges teams to beat the clock and unlock Philly-themed rooms.
- FringeArts, 140 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., 215.413.9006
- Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd St., 215.253.6731
- Olde City Escape Games, 221 Chestnut St., Suite 300, 484.297.9560
