philadelphia neighborhoods to visit

Philadelphia Neighborhoods to Explore

Philadelphia is known as “The City of Neighborhoods.” From Pennypack to Chestnut Hill and Northern Liberties to East Passyunk, the city is full of unique areas to get to know.

When most people think of Philadelphia, it’s Center City that comes to mind. Among other sections, this downtown area includes Old City–where the founding fathers met and signed The Constitution –and Rittenhouse Square, one of the original city squares established by William Penn.

But Center City is just one small part of the city. There’s the cool neighborhood of Fishtown, Clark Park with its beautiful park and unique Victorians, and historic Germantown where you can visit a stop on the Underground Railroad.

There’s so much to see and do in the neighborhoods of Philadelphia. Find one to explore.

Chestnut Hill

East Passyunk

Midtown Village and The Gayborhood

Northern Liberties

Rittenhouse Square

The Coolest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , may not be quite as large as New York or Chicago, but it’s still got a lot going for it, including historic landmarks, major theaters and an inclusive, LGBTQ scene. If you’re heading to town and want to hang out at the best coffee joints, bars and galleries, read on for our roundup of the neighborhoods that have a whole lot of cool.

1. old city.

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Every tourist’s first stop, Old City is home to or near all the big-hitting Philadelphia attractions, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Elfreth’s Alley and the Betsy Ross House. The neighborhood is known as America’s most historic square mile and is steps from Congress Hall, which served as the United States Capitol between 1790 and 1800. Take in the museums, monuments and art galleries, then wander the side streets once night falls to find some of the best restaurants and bars in the city, including Royal Boucherie, the Olde Bar and Zahav.

2. Fishtown and Northern Liberties

Architectural Landmark

Head north of Old City to these adjacent hip neighborhoods loved by artists, foodies and craft-beer fans. Northern Liberties is a former manufacturing district renowned as a favorite Philly dining destination, thanks to its walkable size, brunch hotspots and the Roman-style Piazza, which regularly hosts food festivals, along with other events. Those who crave coffee or cocktails should head to Fishtown instead, where narrow streets are lined with top bars, cool new cafes and the flagship La Colombe Coffee Roasters.

3. Midtown Village and Washington Square West

You’ll never go hungry in Midtown Village, a rectangular section of Center City between 11th and Broad streets, and Market and Spruce streets. The famous 13th Street corridor is packed with top restaurants, such as Mediterranean kitchen Barbuzzo, while galleries, LBGTQ clubs and major theaters are within walking distance. Washington Square itself is one of five original public squares in Philadelphia and a buzzing haven of picnickers, families and people-watchers, perfect for a sunny day.

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5. South Philly

Sports fans should make a beeline straight to South Philly , home to various stadiums, including the Citizens Bank Park, with its skyline view and family-friendly entertainment complex. It’s also where you’ll find the Lincoln Financial Field, where the Philadelphia Eagles play. Need to fill up first? Visit Passyunk Square for a top cheesesteak spot, traditional Italian trattorias and some of the best-loved dining establishments in the city, including Laurel Restaurant and Fond. Don’t miss the Italian Market, where you can graze on street food while browsing carts of mouth-wateringly fresh produce.

6. University City

You don’t have to be a student to stroll the lively streets of University City , named in honor of Drexel University, the University of Philadelphia and other higher-education institutions in the area. The dynamic neighborhood also has museums, a top-notch street-food scene, sophisticated art galleries and some great bars, including student haunt City Tap House and the more elegant Walnut Street Café, with its extensive and excellent wine list.

7. Society Hill and Queen Village

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark

Wander the streets of Society Hill and Queen Village to pretend you live in one of the city’s most desirable areas, where beautiful brownstones will give you serious home envy. With old-time charm, walkable tree-lined blocks and green spaces, the neighborhoods are great after dark too. Stop at Southwark for its homey patio and classic cocktails, then head to Moshulu for dinner aboard the oldest and largest four-masted tall ship in the world.

8. Fairmount

Art lovers will be in heaven in Fairmount . All of the best fine art galleries in the city are within walking distance, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum and the Franklin Institute, but if art isn’t your thing, head to the Eastern State Penitentiary. A National Historic Landmark, this 19th-century prison was once a model for prison design worldwide and is one of the most famous prisons in the world, once housing inmates such as bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and gangster Al Capone.

9. Kensington

A working-class and industrial neighborhood in northern Philadelphia, Kensington is the place to go for the coolest bars. It’s home to the Philadelphia Brewing Company, which offers tours and tastings at its restored 19th-century site. The neighborhood is also known for hosting the popular Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Kensington Derby and Arts Festival, a chaotic free event each spring, complete with outlandish parade floats, a messy mud-pit obstacle course and food trucks of every kind.

10. Bella Vista

Bella Vista was the first city neighborhood settled by Italian immigrants in the 19th century and is still a favorite with anyone who loves la dolce vita (the sweet life). Its street-food hub, the Italian Market, is among the oldest operational open-air markets in America, but the area is also home to excellent Vietnamese, Mexican and Asian restaurants. Go in summer to eat all day at the popular South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, where Italian food comes with a side order of live music, entertainment and pop-up events.

11. Gayborhood

In the Washington West neighborhood of Center City, Gayborhood was officially recognized by the city in 2007 when gay pride rainbow symbols were added to street signs. It’s the starting point of Philly’s fantastic pride parade and home to the William Way LGBT Community Center. You’ll find Tavern on Camac, the longest continuously running LGBTQ bar in the city, and Philly Aids Thrift at Giovanni’s Room, the longest-running LGBTQ bookstore in the US.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Nina Starner .

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Philadelphia's neighborhoods.

Quintessentially American with a European flavor, Center City is walkable from river to river and beyond.

University City

The University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, the University of the Sciences and the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College all share turf here, in the city's bustling, culturally diverse academic heart.

Explore Philadelphia’s One-of-a-Kind Communities

Philadelphia is a city of diverse neighborhoods. From the historic charm in Old City to the vibrant art scene in Fishtown, each neighborhood offers a unique atmosphere and cultural experience.

Convention Center District & Chinatown

Anchored by the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this bustling district also offers great shopping, dining, and cultural institutions.

Stroll along quaint cobblestone streets and explore trendy boutiques as you discover America’s spirit in Old City Philadelphia.

Washington Square West & Gayborhood

Visit Washington Square West and the Gayborhood for lively dining, entrancing performances, and a vibrant nightlife.

Rittenhouse Square

Located in the heart of Center City, Rittenhouse Square is known for its green spaces, upscale shopping, and alfresco dining.

Northern Liberties & Fishtown

Just north of Center City, Northern Liberties and Fishtown are home to eclectic restaurants and popular live music venues.

West Philadelphia & University City

A hub for higher education, West Philadelphia is home to top universities, including Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Centered around the magnificent Museum Mile, Fairmount offers outstanding museums and plenty of breathtaking sites.

South Philadelphia

Known for the Italian Market and East Passyunk Ave, South Philadelphia has many multicultural and foodie attractions.

The 6 best neighborhoods to explore in Philadelphia

Sep 24, 2023 • 5 min read

Get to know the real Philly by exploring these six best neighborhoods © Jana Shea / Shutterstock

As the home of  Independence Hall , where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed by the country’s forefathers,  Philadelphia is a top destination for history buffs.

But this city has so much more. It's home to the largest urban park in the nation, a 3000-year-old Egyptian sphinx and an exciting brewery scene. One of the greatest ways to get to know the City of Brotherly Love is through its vibrant and distinctive neighborhoods. Here are the six neighborhoods in Philadelphia you should visit.

Brewerytown

Best neighborhood for parks and picnics.

Best known for its century-old brewing history, this neighborhood northwest of Center City is perfectly positioned to shop for all the makings of an alfresco lunch after a visit to the  Museum of Art  or the  Philadelphia Zoo . Head to Rybrew to peruse their selection of more than 300 beers, and order a couple of their stacked sandwiches as well.

To try another local delicacy, seek out  Spot Burger for one of the best cheesesteaks in town. Take your spoils to nearby Fairmount Park, where you can find yourself the perfect picnic spot among the 9200-acre park, such as Glendinning Rock Garden or Boathouse Row, especially if one of the rowing clubs’ regattas is scheduled.

Brewerytown is a residential neighborhood, so if you choose to base yourself here, you’ll be opting for apartment rentals over hotels. You’ll be well situated to take advantage of Fairmount Park and the Museum of Art, but public transportation is limited in Brewerytown.

Best neighborhood for a night out

North of Old City, Fishtown is one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant neighborhoods for food and music lovers, but it’s also home to a robust craft beer scene. At  Philadelphia Brewing , one of the oldest breweries in town, visitors can tour the facility to learn about its history and process before sampling Pennsylvania Pale Ale and Walt Wit, an unfiltered Belgian-style white ale.

Find a seat in the spacious courtyard at  Evil Genius and order one of the inventive brews, such as a chocolate peanut butter porter or guava IPA.  St Oners is the city outpost of suburban brewery Tired Hands, serving up a fresh selection of its latest beers.

Hotels in this neighborhood are sleek and modern for the ultimate taste of city living, and the MFL Septa Line offers easy access to the rest of the city.

East Passyunk

Best neighborhood for restaurants.

The South Philly neighborhood of East Passyunk is anchored by one slanted street that passes across the rest of the grid. For breakfast, stop by modern Jewish bakery  Essen  for coffee and chocolate babka or  Vanilya , just a few blocks south, for one of the city’s best bagels. (Don’t skip the Turkish sausage.) Stop into East London-style pie shop  Stargazy  for classic shepherd’s pie, sausage rolls, and, on Fridays, fish and chips.

Grab a cocktail at  Manatawny Still Works , made with the distillery’s small-batch whiskey. For dinner, book a table in the garden at regional Italian restaurant  Le Virtu  or at  Laurel for chef Nicholas Elmi’s elevated menu featuring seasonally changing, local ingredients. Save room for dessert at  D’Emilio’s Old World Ice Treats , where Chris D’Emilio is churning out water ice — a Philadelphia summer staple — using fresh ingredients and his grandmother’s recipe.

Situate yourself in an apartment rental in this neighborhood if you want easy access to the sports stadiums and the opportunity to live like a local for a few days.

Best neighborhood for shopping

Philadelphia’s Old City is the historical heart of the city. The country's democracy was born here, and you can explore it with a firsthand look at  Betsy Ross’s flag  or the crack in the  Liberty Bell . But it’s also a shopping haven. Hit up  Omoi Zakka for a well-curated selection of beautiful Japanese stationery and home accessories. Find locally made Philly-themed gifts at  Philadelphia Independents .

For a sweet souvenir, stop into  Shane Confectionery , where chocolate has been made for 150 years.

Old City is the touristic center of Philadelphia, so the neighborhood's hotels are well appointed and large, with easy access to the rest of the city by train or on foot.

University City

Best neighborhood for culture.

This corner of West Philadelphia gets its name from the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and the other higher-learning institutions found in the neighborhood. But it’s not all college bars and pizza joints. At the  Penn Museum , find the 25,000-pound, 3000-year-old Sphinx of Ramses II, plus galleries that showcase archaeological items that originated in Africa, Central America and beyond.

Stroll through Penn’s campus to see sculptures by world-renowned artists, including Alexander Calder, Robert Indiana and Simone Leigh. Leigh's sculpture  Brick House  sits at the entrance to College Green on the corner of 34th and Walnut Sts. On a hot day, stop into  Lil Pop Shop for small-batch popsicles.

To stay nearby, book a room at the historic  Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast for Victorian-era charm and lemon buttermilk pancakes. Stay in this neighborhood if your activities are centered on University City or if you’ve visited Philly before and want a new perspective on the city.

North Broad

Best neighborhood for music and public art.

The North Broad neighborhood has been experiencing a bit of a renaissance since the 2018 reopening of the beautifully restored former opera house, the  Met Philly . Big-name performers have included Demi Lovato, John Legend and Alicia Keys.

Before the show, book a table at one of the new or long-established restaurants on this stretch of Broad St.  Cicala showcases southern Italian cuisine, such as handmade pasta with octopus, and linguine with mussels. To sample more of the city’s best Italian food, served on a peaceful garden patio, stop into  Osteria . The neighborhood is also awash in public art, with the colorful 55ft North Poles lining Broad St from Hamilton St to Glenwood Ave and several notable larger-than-life artworks from Mural Arts.

Stay in the North Broad neighborhood if you want easy access to music venues and don’t mind a little of Philly’s signature grittiness.

This article was first published March 2019 and updated September 2023

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Neighborhoods to Know

The Top 6 Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Getty Images / Mark Makela

A city of diverse and lively neighborhoods, Philadelphia offers much more than meets the eye in terms of cool, interesting, and vibrant areas. From the popular historical district in Old City to the area's funky neighborhoods in the midst of revitalization, the city is filled with energy and growth. Best of all, it’s exciting to explore. Although Philadelphia is a sprawling destination with many different neighborhoods, these are six dynamic areas that offer a wide variety of activities, experiences and things to see and do when you’re visiting the city: 

Center City

The heart of Philadelphia, Center City is definitely where the action is—and it's certainly the busiest part of town, with skyscrapers, businesses, tons of shopping options, plenty of pedestrian traffic, and a variety of residential apartment buildings. It’s a great area to visit, even if you just want to stroll around and soak in the ambiance. Center City is also home to awe-inspiring architecture and a number of tourist attractions, such as the Barnes Foundation art museum, the Franklin Institute , and City Hall. The middle of Center City is Rittenhouse Square, one of the prettiest parks in Philly with beautiful trees, statues, fountains, plenty of benches where visitors can relax, and an abundance of green space.

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East of Center City, Old City is picturesque and home to many of the famous historical sites in the city. With its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and charming facades, this neighborhood offers visitors the most authentic Philadelphia. Although this area is compact and walkable, you can spend several days exploring the city’s history. This is where you go to admire the Liberty Bell , Independence Hall, the Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution , the Jewish History Museum, Betsy Ross’s house, Benjamin Franklin’s grave, and much more.

South Philadelphia (aka South Philly)

Located below South Street, South Philly is a colorful pocket of the city that’s bordered by two rivers on the east and west: the Delaware and the Schuylkill. This area is primarily residential, but also features plenty of notable restaurants throughout the bustling neighborhood, including the famous cheesesteak spots directly across the street from each other: Geno’s and Pat’s King of Steaks. If you’re exploring this area, it’s best to take public transportation . Driving and parking here are not for the faint of heart as parallel parking is the norm, and it’s common to see cars “double-parked” in the middle of the wider streets around this area. South Philly is also home to the city's sports arenas, The Wells Fargo Center, The Lincoln Financial Field, and Citizens Bank Park are clustered together (and close to the subway line, too). Depending on the season, visitors can join the rambunctious crowds and cheer for the home teams: Phillies (baseball), Flyers (hockey), 76-ers (basketball), and Eagles (football). 

West Philly / University City

On the opposite side of the city, West Philadelphia is a sprawling, bustling area that encompasses the neighborhood west of the Schuylkill River. As reflected in its name, several major colleges are based here, including Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Penn Medicine. The Philadelphia Zoo , the oldest in the country, is also found in this part of the city. In addition, the beautiful Fairmont Park, the largest in the city, is also located in West Philly. The park is massive, with hiking trails that offer picturesque nature views. There’s much to see and do in the park and it’s impossible to experience everything in one day, so be sure to plan ahead if you wish to tour a few of these sites. It’s home to the Please Touch Museum , the Horticultural Center, Sofuso Japanese Garden House, a number of stunning sculptures, the famous Boathouse Row and more. This area has a multitude of eateries, bars, and other unexpected hidden gems, too.

Bella Vista

Paul Marotta / Contributor / Getty Images

Adjacent to South Philadelphia is the city’s residential Bella Vista neighborhood, whose literal translation means “beautiful sight” in Italian. Spanning several blocks, it’s known for its popular and historic busy Italian market that features shops and stalls that stretch along 9th street, selling everything from meat and seafood to vegetables, spices and a wide array of home goods. Considered one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city, this area is a melting pot of cultures, and offers a mix of homes and grit. It addition to Italian food and specialty sandwiches, it’s easy to find a variety of casual restaurants here that serve up a variety of Mexican and Asian cuisines.

peeterv / Getty Images

This recently-revitalized neighborhood is located north of Girard avenue (north of Center City) and has become the epicenter of “cool” in Philly within the last several years. It’s not considered a touristy section of town, so you won’t find historical monuments or a major business district, but this bustling area has a hip vibe, and a slew of notable restaurants, bars, beer gardens, and music venues. Some are new and others are long-time neighborhood haunts. It’s also a great shopping area – both independently-owned boutiques as well as major national stores. Resident hipsters and creative types flock to this area, which features a number of newly-constructed apartment buildings and condo complexes, as well as restored older homes. It’s also easy to reach Center City, so many of the local residents have an easy commute if they happen to work in other Philadelphia neighborhoods.  

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Old City District

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Next to Independence Mall, where the country’s Founding Fathers declared liberty, Old City still boasts charming cobblestone streets and plenty of 18th-century charm — along with an independent streak evident in everything from its owner-operated shops to its edgy art scene.

Its proximity to the Liberty Bell , Penn’s Landing and Benjamin Franklin Bridge makes Old City a favorite for out-of-towners and its residents who call it home. People love the neighborhood for its fashionable boutiques, great restaurants, eclectic galleries and theaters, and vibrant nightlife. Especially popular on first Fridays of each month, art lovers fill the streets for year-round art walks and hop from gallery to gallery.

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Essential info.

Old City is part of Philadelphia’s Historic District , and it spans from Vine Street to Walnut Street, north to south, and from 7th Street to the Delaware River, west to east.

Historic Philadelphia is the birthplace of the nation and the first World Heritage City in the U.S., as designated by the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC). It’s also home to buzzed-about restaurants and beer gardens, owner-operated boutiques, boundary-pushing art galleries and more.

Visitors and residents alike flock to Old City for its historical and waterfront attractions.

Getting Here

SEPTA’s Market-Frankford subway line makes Old City easily accessible, with stops at 5th and 2nd streets along Market. Many bus routes also include stops in Penn’s Landing, and the seasonal PHLASH bus offers convenient access from the Independence Visitor Center to Philadelphia’s top attractions.

The historic heart of Philadelphia resides along Independence Mall. Home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center, the Mall also boasts a number of cultural institutions including the National Museum of American Jewish History and  National Constitution Center . Be sure to stop by the Independence Visitor Center for tickets to city attractions and helpful information.

Shoppers can find lots to love along Second Street and Third Street , while galleries and more attractions — including Franklin Square, the Betsy Ross House , The Museum for Art in Wood and more — are peppered throughout the district.

The Delaware River waterfront hosts family-friendly events year-round. Penn’s Landing provides scenic views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and makes a popular seasonal destination with attractions like Spruce Street Harbor Park and the Blue Cross RiverRink .

Spruce Street Harbor Park in Old City   — Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia

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Explore philadelphia neighborhoods.

Philadelphia is a city of vibrant neighborhoods bordered by a region of charming towns, with each area owning a distinctive personality. Explore the neighborhoods and towns in and around Philadelphia — their storied streets, interesting attractions, buzzed-about restaurants and year-round happenings.

Use the menu above to explore Philadelphia Neighborhoods

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For Those With Wanderlust

Philadelphia – A Neighborhood Guide to the Hits and Hidden Gems

Sandwiched between the Big Apple and our nation’s capital, the city of Philadelphia can sometimes be overlooked. Those who do, though, are missing out on a wonderful mix of art, culture, history, food, and drink. It has tons to offer, whether for a day trip, an overnight, or longer. It’s one of the best locations to enjoy Pennsylvania in winter with family and friends.. Of course, you shouldn’t miss some of its biggest attractions and experiences but beyond that, there is wealth to see and do.

This guide will be broken down into the various neighborhoods in and around the center city and will include the greatest hits, but also things that might not be on your radar. Of note, all are close enough in proximity to walk to each other. It’s an easily walkable town- William Penn’s original grid of numbered and tree-named streets makes it easy to navigate. If your legs need a break, the Philly Phlash is a looping bus that runs from 10 am-6 pm, with buses arriving at stops every 15 min. A day pass is just $5.

Rittenhouse Square/Midtown Village

This neighborhood is known for its anchoring park, after which it is named (note: it’s one of 5 public park squares created by Penn). Its leafy trees and benches are a great place to relax and people/pet watching. It is also flanked by many high-end, doorman-fronted apartment buildings with gorgeous facades. On Chestnut and Walnut Streets, you will find dozens of shopping options, dining, and drinking options. The Gayborhood is just a few blocks to the east. Among some favorites are:

– Dandelion- prolific restauranteur, Stephen Starr, has created a British pub-style restaurant that feels like you’re across the pond.

– Parc- another Starr hit- this one feels like a Parisian brasserie.

– The Love- the last in the Starr, Rittenhouse trifecta- is known for its cheese plates.

– DiBruno Bros.- while we’re talking cheese, this shop is legendary in the city for its cheese selection. You can also find a vast selection of Italian meats, and sweets and you can dine in or find a great take-away selection.

– Gran Caffe L’Aquila- get the gelato. You’ll be glad you did.

– McGillin’s Ale House- has been around since 1860.

– Charlie Was a Sinner- vegetarian menu and killer cocktails.

– Barbuzzo- save room for the chocolate budino.

If you feel like having a stroll, a few blocks north you will find the Mutter Museum, renowned for its medical oddities and not for the squeamish. Einstein’s brain is here in all of its preserved glory. A few blocks south will take you to the Magic Garden- a mosaic marvel that is the masterpiece of a single man, Isaiah Zagar. The Instagram-worthy pics alone are worth a visit.

Market East/City Hall

Admittedly not the most picturesque of neighborhoods, it does offer several don’t-miss sights and is easily accessible by 2 large regional rail stations. Begin at City Hall- whose architectural details rival anything in Europe. You can sign up for interior and exterior tours. Just outside is Dilworth Park, where you can find roller/ice skating rinks and in the winter, the area is transformed into a holiday market. Just across the street is the iconic LOVE statue and always worth a photo op.

Continue walking East on Market Street and you can pop into Macy’s, formerly known as the Wanamaker Building. Inside one of America’s first department stores, you will find ornate arches, columns, and a massive gold organ. During the holidays, a charming, old-school style light show draws thousands of visitors each year.

A few blocks down from Macy’s is the must-visit Reading Terminal Market. It’s almost not crowded, but the chaos adds to the fun. In business since the late 1800s, you can find stall after stall of a diverse selection of foods, groceries, and gifts, including some of the best Amish-style pastries you’ll ever eat. Finally, end your tour of this area in vibrant Chinatown, established over 100 years ago. You can find several food tours here, as well.

Philadelphia Old City

Rightfully known for its history and national treasures, this neighborhood is also a great mix of cobblestone streets, art galleries, and dining. You’d be remiss not to take in The Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Ben Franklin’s Grave, Independence Hall, Christ Church, Elfreth’s Alley, and Poe’s House.

Two more of Penn’s original squares can be found in Old City. Washington Square Park, to the south of Independence Mall, offers shady respite under towering trees, with grassy spaces and an unknown Revolutionary War soldier memorial. Nationally acclaimed restaurant Zahav is here as well and serves Israeli cuisine. Reservations are a must, though if you go when it opens at 5, you may be able to score a seat at the bar and watch the kitchen work its magic.

To the north, you can find Franklin Square. If you have little ones, this park is a great place to entertain them. Here you will find a playground, a carousel, and a Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course. Kids of all ages will enjoy the ice cream at Franklin Fountain, still retaining its old-time parlor charms.

Penn’s Landing

When you can no longer walk to the east (because you’d end up in the Delaware River), you will find yourself at Penn’s Landing. Head to Cherry Street Pier, housed in the shell of an old pier, with the Ben Franklin Bridge looming to the left (amazing view at night). Here, you will find artist galleries tucked in revamped shipping containers. A beer garden and weekend flea markets make for a nice afternoon or evening.

As you stroll southward, during the summer and winter months, you can find another rink and seasonally-themed attractions. Continue and you will next arrive at the Seaport Museum, which houses all things maritime. If you are here between May-September, then Spruce Street Harbor Park is a must. It’s been a hit since it opened and offers food and drink stands, hammocks, river-view seating, swan boats, and kayaks. Continuing the maritime theme, you could also dine on the Moshulu- a tall ship more than a century old. If you’d rather tour than eat, you can go aboard the US Navy cruiser Olympia and Becuna submarine (though both require going up and down some tight spaces).

Art Museum/Fairmount

North of Rittenhouse and west of City Hall is a neighborhood defined by its Champs-Elysée-like parkway, replete with international flags lining the roadway. Start at Logan Square (yep, another Penn-created park). Here you can explore the Basilica of St’s Peter and Paul, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the beloved Franklin Institute. If you continue down the parkway, immerse yourself in world-class museums. The Rodin Museum houses the most pieces by the famous sculptor outside of France. The Oval and its fountains lie at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You can pose with the Rocky statue, then run up the stairs a la the movie if you are feeling so moved.

The collections in the museum are first-rate, housing art, armor, and antiquities. Behind the museum is the Water Works, considered a marvel of water/waste engineering in its time. It serves as a nice vantage point for viewing the lights of Boathouse Row and the Schuylkill River (pronounced skoo-kill).

Meander a little farther and you’ll find yourself on Kelly Drive, which is packed with people walking, biking, and blading. Circle back to the east to end in the Fairmount neighborhood, an enclave of brownstone-style homes, with several options for dining and drinking. The big draw, however, is Eastern State Penitentiary. This former prison oozes atmosphere due to being somewhat relic in nature (it was built in the early 1800s and has been shuttered for decades). Self-guided audio tours are available and you can even see Al Capone’s cell. On Halloween, the brave can visit the very popular haunted house attraction.

Hopefully, you’ve got a sense of all that the Philadelphia area has to offer. Center City is the highlight of this guide, as many tourists choose to stay and start here. However, if you have more time or the ability to venture a bit farther- look into University City/Clark Park, Passyunk Ave (pronounced pash-yunk)/Italian Market, Manayunk, Chestnut Hill, Fairmount Park, and Northern Liberties/Fishtown. A great unique way to explore here is to take a Philadelphia Segway Tour . Each part of the city couldn’t be more different from the others and offer their unique vibe. Happy travels!

Kristin M Neiswender

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6 Unique Philadelphia Neighborhoods to Explore on Vacation

These neighborhoods pack in as much history and culture as Philly's popular colonial-era attractions.

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Rittenhouse Square is located just a few blocks southwest of Center City and Philadelphia City Hall.

The tendency when visiting a city packed with history like Philadelphia is to stick to the popular attractions – Independence Hall , the Liberty Bell Center , and either Pat's or Geno's for a cheesesteak. Visitors to the City of Brotherly Love wouldn't be wrong to hit those top-rated stops, but there's still a lot to see in the neighborhoods tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Center City and other touristy areas.

Once you're done exploring the popular sites and sounds of Philadelphia, hop on a SEPTA bus or the subway and venture out to these six hopping neighborhoods, as recommended by local experts.

Rittenhouse

One of the more upscale neighborhoods in Philadelphia, Rittenhouse offers a combination of fine dining, great shopping and unique sightseeing.

[Read: The Best Hotels in Philadelphia .]

"If you're looking for architecture ... [there are] huge mansions down there," says James Portner, chief concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia . "I always send people on little walks around that area if they want to see some of the grand homes in Philadelphia."

Located just a few blocks southwest of Center City and Philadelphia City Hall, Rittenhouse Square also offers some great people-watching, Portner says.

Fairmount Park and Parkway Museums District

Travel north of Rittenhouse, and you'll bump into the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. This area of town, which includes the southern tip of the Fairmount neighborhood, is known locally as the Parkway Museums District. The parkway, which extends from Philadelphia City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art , hosts the Budweiser Made in America Festival each year and will be the site of the 2017 NFL draft in April.

But this area is known as the Museum District for a reason. Along the parkway, visitors will find some of the best-known museums in the city, including the Rodin Museum , the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University , The Franklin Institute and, of course, the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Roshid Milledge, concierge at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia , says the neighborhood’s eclectic mix of restaurants, museums and private homes makes it unique.

Elfreth's Alley

The oldest section of Philadelphia, Old City runs along the Delaware River and stretches from Walnut Street to Spring Garden Street. It was one of the first areas settled by William Penn and Quaker settlers. The neighborhood is a popular destination for tourists – and for good reason.

[Read: The Best Philadelphia Tours .]

"It's a neighborhood, but it's a historic neighborhood," Milledge says.

That history is encapsulated in popular Old City attractions like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center and the National Constitution Center . Additionally, visitors can take a stroll down Elfreth's Alley – the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the U.S. – and frequent a number of colonial-era pubs.

Society Hill

Another historic area along the Delaware River, Society Hill neighbors Old City and runs down to vibrant South Street. Though mainly a residential area, Society Hill boasts some of the finest architecture in Philadelphia, according to several local experts.

After walking along historic Dock Street, visitors can venture down to South Street, which is lined with restaurants, or take a stroll through Washington Square and see various historic memorial sites.

One of the fastest-growing sections of Philadelphia, Fishtown is a popular spot for millennials looking to move into the city and a great spot for visitors to experience a night on the town.

"There are just very different cutting-edge, contemporary-style offices going up in that area," says Frank Marandino, chief concierge at The Rittenhouse Hotel . "Homes are being rehabilitated, there's new housing going up, there's a train line that services that area directly to Center City, so a lot of millennials are calling that home and making the trek into Center City to work and play, or simply to enjoy nightlife."

[Read: The Best Things To Do in Philadelphia .]

Top stops in the area include Frankford Hall beer garden, Penn Treaty Park and SugarHouse Casino .

West Philadelphia

Courtesy of Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo

West Philadelphia has a reputation as a tough place – thanks, in part, to the theme song for the 1990s sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" – but it offers visitors a very unique Philly experience. Located west of the Schuylkill River, this large area encompasses West Fairmount Park down to University City where the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University spill into one another.

"Once people hit the Schuylkill, they take it back into Center City, but West Philly is loaded with options," says Damien Infantino, event services manager at The Inn at Penn, A Hilton Hotel . "West Philly is unique in the sense that it has a different vibe. We're very quirky out here, a little eccentric. People with those types of ideologies tend to gravitate out here, and it just fits right in with the West Philly lifestyle."

Popular stops in this part of town include a couple of historic sports venues on Penn's campus – The Palestra and Franklin Field – as well as the Philadelphia Zoo , the first zoo in the U.S. And don't forget to take a stroll through massive Fairmount Park.

To experience more of what Philadelphia has to offer, check out the U.S. News Travel guide .

Tags: Philadelphia , Travel , Vacations

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