Old City, Historic district in Center City, Philadelphia, United States
The neighborhood extends from Vine Street to Walnut Street and from 7th Street to the Delaware River, featuring cobblestone streets and 18th-century buildings.
The district played a central role in American independence as the location where the Founding Fathers drafted and signed essential documents establishing the nation.
Each first Friday of the month, Old City transforms into an open-air exhibition space where galleries welcome visitors to explore contemporary art collections.
The Market-Frankford subway line provides direct access to Old City with stations at 2nd and 5th Streets, connecting visitors to the central attractions.
The district holds the designation as part of the first World Heritage City in the United States, recognized by the Organization of World Heritage Cities.
Location: Philadelphia
Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture
Elevation above the sea: 6 m
GPS coordinates: 39.94650,-75.14684
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:33
Philadelphia contains major sites from the American founding era alongside diverse museums and urban architecture. The Old City holds Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while Independence National Historical Park encompasses several 18th-century buildings. Elfreth's Alley preserves colonial-era rowhouses, and Eastern State Penitentiary documents the history of incarceration. The city maintains significant art collections including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute focuses on science education, while the Academy of Natural Sciences presents natural history displays. The Museum of the American Revolution complements the historic sites downtown. Beyond the center lies Valley Forge National Historical Park, where Washington's army encamped during the winter of 1777-78. Reading Terminal Market has offered regional produce and food stalls since 1893. Fairmount Park extends along the Schuylkill River and includes Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Additional destinations include the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and Philadelphia's Magic Gardens with its mosaic artwork. One Liberty Observation Deck provides views across the cityscape, while the Rocky Statue outside the art museum references the film series.
First Bank of the United States
177 m
Second Bank of the United States
267 m
Independence National Historical Park
180 m
Carpenters' Hall
180 m
Science History Institute
268 m
City Tavern
167 m
Walnut Street Prison
57 m
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
341 m
Congregation Mikveh Israel
305 m
Powel House
45 m
Philadelphia Contributionship
108 m
Merchants' Exchange Building
114 m
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
163 m
Society Hill Towers
214 m
National Liberty Museum
267 m
Hill-Physick-Keith House
301 m
Philadelphia Korean War Memorial
341 m
Philosophical Hall
286 m
Slate Roof House
248 m
Museum of the American Revolution
225 m
Provident Life & Trust Company
287 m
Center for Advanced Judaic Studies
171 m
Robert Morris
201 m
Cassey House
290 m
Society Hill Synagogue
293 m
Thomas Bond House
259 m
Benjamin Loxley house
212 m
Society Hill Historic District
249 mReviews
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