Visiting a new city and staying a while can be an exciting experience. While it’s true that a lot of people like to get into town early and see as much as possible during the day, there are some pretty convincing reasons why you should consider spending at least a day or two in the Old City section of Philadelphia.
Here are five of them:
The History
When you stay in Old City, Philadelphia, you’ll immediately be immersed in the city’s rich history. The area was first settled in 1685, and it has been a hotbed of activity ever since. Today, Old City is full of beautiful architecture and historical sites. You’ll find plenty to see during your stay here!
The Sights
The neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. If you’re planning on visiting any of these attractions, we recommend staying nearby as they can be packed with tourists during peak season.
The Betsy Ross House is just two blocks from The Gas Lamp Hotel and is one of the oldest houses in Philadelphia still standing today. Today, it serves as a museum where guests can tour through this historic house and learn about its history as well as that of its famous owner.
Elfreth’s Alley Historic District is another must-see attraction in Old City and contains many examples of early American architecture dating back to 1728-1798—the best part? It’s right next door! If you’re looking for an even closer look at these beautiful homes without having to walk too far away from your accommodation then consider taking a guided tour through Elfreth’s Alley!
The First Bank of America was built by Alexander Hamilton during his time serving under George Washington; today it houses artifacts from throughout our country’s history including documents signed by Thomas Jefferson himself!
The Walkability
If you’re looking for a compact, walkable area of the city that’s easy to get around, look no further than Old City. Within its five square miles, there are plenty of cool places to explore. And if you’re up for it, you can even walk from one end of the neighborhood to another in about 30 minutes.
Old City is an excellent place for getting lost and found again—and it’s just as fun no matter how many times you’ve done it before!
The Food
Old City is a foodie’s paradise. It boasts a variety of bars, restaurants, and cafes with tons of diverse options. You won’t want to leave town without trying the seafood at The Twisted Tail, a casual yet elegant restaurant in Old City’s Head House Square area specializing in seasonal American cuisine. In addition to their famous crab cakes, you can order their signature filet mignon or one of the other delicious entrees on their menu.
Some of the most popular eateries and cafes are located near Washington Square Park, including La Colombe Coffee Roasters, which serves up some of the best coffee in town; Fork offers sophisticated “New American” cuisine that includes a popular brunch; National Mechanics is a casual eatery in a former bank building serving American fare and a great spot for after dinner drinks, craft beer and live music; If you prefer something sweet check out Franklin Fountain where bow-tie-wearing staff serve up treats in a classic ice cream parlor.
Old City, Philadelphia is home to some of the most interesting and exciting destinations in the country. From the history to the food, there’s something for everyone. With so much to do and see, it would be a shame not to spend at least one night here.
