Old City, Historic district in Center City, Philadelphia, United States
Old City is a historic district in Center City Philadelphia extending from Vine to Walnut Street and from 7th Street to the Delaware River. Many streets retain their original cobblestone surfaces and are lined with 18th-century brick buildings now converted into apartments, offices and shops.
The area served as the meeting ground for key assemblies during the American independence movement and housed the first government buildings of the new nation. Many structures from that era remain standing and open to visitors today.
The district hosts many small craft workshops and artisan shops where traditional methods meet contemporary design. On weekends the streets fill with visitors browsing through antique stores and handmade goods.
The district is best explored on foot as most attractions are within a short walk of each other and connected by narrow passageways. Many streets have uneven surfaces and cobblestones so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Some building facades still display iron rings embedded in their outer walls once used for tethering horses. These small details offer a window into how daily life unfolded on these streets more than two centuries ago.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
