Fun Things to Do in Old City, Philadelphia

Enjoy Cherry Street Pier

Cherry Street Pier is a hub of creative energy. We love visiting the artists’ studios that now occupy this defunct shipping pier and seeing their work displayed around the space. The pier hosts regular workshops and classes, and there are almost always pop-up markets or events on the weekends. One of our favorite things to do here is to get tacos from Cantina la Martina’s kiosk and a drink from the bar and simply enjoy the spectacular view of the Delaware River.

Stroll along Elfreth’s Alley

Elfreth’s Alley is where historic Philly comes alive, capturing a time before large factories, when artisans and tradespeople worked out of their residential first floors. The alleyway’s colorful homes have stood for 300 years, making it the oldest street in America. Residents regularly decorate for holidays and events in Elfreth’s Alley, so it’s fun to visit at different times throughout the year because we always see something different.

Two of the homes have been converted into museum that provides more detail about street’s history ($3 for adult admission; closed in winter). Explore the street on your own or join a 45-minute guided tour to enrich your existing knowledge. For even more stories about the people who lived and worked here, listen to the museum’s podcast.

Visit historic Christ Church and its burial ground

At nearly 300 years old, Christ Church once counted presidents and signers of the Declaration of Independence among its worshipers. Although the interior isn’t overly decorative, if you’re a history lover, it’s worth a visit to see the pews where George Washington, Ben Franklin, and others sat. If you’re doing the self-guided visit like we did, take the opportunity to talk with the educators who seem to know just about everything there is to know about the church and Christianity in early Philadelphia. Guided tours are also available.

While the church building at 2^nd and Church has some graves immediately outside its walls, the larger Christ Church Burial Ground is (somewhat confusingly) located at 5^th and Arch. A walk through the burial ground is a who’s who of early leaders and Revolutionary War figures. Fortunately, their headstones are easy to spot as you walk around. If you don’t want to pay the $5 to enter, you can see Ben Franklin’s grave through a hole in the wall.

See the President’s House

The President’s House offers a revised history of George Washington and John Adams’s presidencies–a time when there was a focus on freedom and self-determination…but only for white men. In the decade that Philadelphia was the capital of the United States, enslaved Africans suffered under the nation’s first leaders in the very spot where the open-air exhibit stands now.

The building that was here, which housed the Washington and Adams families as well as Washington’s enslaved workers, no longer stands. But this display in its original footprint commemorates the nation’s first executive mansion and, more importantly, tells the stories that hid behind its walls.

Check out the activities at Independence Blue Cross Riverrink

Independence Blue Cross RiverRink is full of activity all year long. It’s a top spot for ice skating in winter and roller skating in summer. Plus you can snack on crabfries, funnel cakes, and lots more while enjoying the rides and games. We especially love visiting in the winter to enjoy the fire pits, and it’s the perfect vantage point for watching New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Tour Independence Hall

The iconic building that hosted the meetings where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were hammered out, Independence Hall is the center of Philadelphia’s historic district. You’ll know it by the prominent statue of George Washington in front and the park rangers clearly keeping watch.

A guided tour includes seeing original drafts of both historic documents and visiting the courtroom where their authors once worked. At about 20 minutes long, the tour is brief but worthwhile, and we seem to learn something new every time we visit. Plan ahead by reserving a ticket for just $1. Note that you need to pass through security to enter the Independence Hall complex, so leave plenty of time before your scheduled tour.

From inside the secure area, you can also access Congress Hall, the first Congressional building and Supreme Court, while you’re here. There is usually a park ranger posted to provide context and answer questions.

See the Liberty Bell

Nothing symbolizes Philadelphia more than the Liberty Bell. This monument to civil rights and freedom is free to visit just a few steps from Independence Hall.

A visit to the Liberty Bell is quick–generally only about 20-30 minutes depending on your interest level in the museum’s exhibits. You can also make a beeline straight to the back of the building if you only want to see the bell. Alternatively, the bell is visible through a window 24/7, and it’s lit up at night, so you can see it whenever your schedule allows. (Be aware that you also have to go through security here.)

Hang out at Spruce Street Harbor Park  

Spruce Street Harbor Park is one of our favorite places to visit from spring through early fall (typically late May through late October). This comfortable spot along the Delaware River is hard to miss with bright hammocks, floating gardens, and LED lights dripping from the tree branches at night. In addition to the lovely setting and scenery, the numerous vendors help create a space that’s perfect for hanging out.

At the park, you can relax above the river on a floating net while savoring ice cream or water ice, or take a load off in the beer garden over select craft brews and seasonal cocktails. Weekends often include artisan markets, outdoor movies, and family-oriented games and activities on Sundays.

Try a great neighborhood restaurant

Old City is a perfect place to try some of the city’s favorite foods. While the neighborhood has struggled to keep excellent restaurants over the years, there are still many that we love and eat at regularly.

The seasonal American cuisine (especially the seafood dishes) at Fork is a delight. If you’re looking for sushi, head straight to Tuna Bar where you can try the Hurts roll named after the Eagles’ quarterback. Once one of the buzziest restaurants in the city, some people like to say that the Asian-inspired cuisine at Buddakan has passed its prime, but our taste buds and the packed dining room disagree. Their edamame dumplings are essential. Amada is the place to calm you craving for tapas, especially tortilla Española and gambas al ajillo.

If you have a lot of time to plan ahead, we’ve never had a bite at Zahav that we didn’t like. To get the halloumi, lamb, or other modern Israeli food they’re famous for, you’ll need to be very on top of getting a reservation (or really luck). Bar seating has finally returned to being first-come, first-served.

If you’re visiting and only have one shot to visit a cheesesteak place, our top choices in the area are Campo’s and Sonny’s.

Visit Betsy Ross House

Strolling through the Old City neighborhood, you’re guaranteed to run into a few characters, not the least of whom is Betsy Ross. At her 1740s home, you’ll learn all about her experience with the American flag, the first president, and, of course, the building. The seamstress herself is supposedly buried in the courtyard (although who the bones belong to is somewhat in doubt), which contributes to the legend that the home is haunted.

There are kids’ activities, too, including historic mysteries to solve as you visit the house and an audio tour about growing up in colonial America. In the summer, performers tell short 3- to 5-minute stories on the storytelling bench outside.

Tour the Museum of the American Revolution

If you’re a history nerd or just want to understand a little bit more about why and how the Revolution happened, the Museum of the American Revolution is worth the time to visit. It begins by telling the story of why colonists became restless and progresses through the war and into the formation of the government and actually trying to govern a new country (spoiler alert: it’s not easy!).

The museum has the things you would expect in a place like this–colonial artifacts, weapons, and military documents. The surprising stand-out item is General Washington’s original tent, which gets its own dedicated theater. It’s hard to believe that the tent still exists and is authentic, but it is, and it’s impressive. We’ve been through the museum twice and are always impressed by the section that includes perspectives of women, Native Americans, and African Americans. The curators get an “A+” for including people whose voices have historically been left out of so many discussions about the Revolution.

An average visit is around 90 minutes to 2 hours, but it’s possible to spend much more time here. If you’re visiting with kids, don’t miss the Revolution Place discovery center–a recreation of 18th-century Old City, complete with a military encampment–or the ship with movable canons and cargo.

See the exhibits at Carpenters’ Hall

In 1774, 12 brave colonies gathered to take a stand against the King of England at Carpenters’ Hall. The building where it happened is free to visit. You can see the chairs of the delegates of the First Continental Congress and the original banner from the 1788 Constitutional parade. Temporary exhibits change frequently. For us, the building is more interesting than what’s inside, but it’s worth a brief visit.

See the portrait gallery at the Second Bank of the United States

The inside of the Second Bank of the United States isn’t what you might expect. There’s no currency or monetary history here. Instead, this place that has the stereotypical appearance of a bank is, in fact, an art gallery. Its walls feature an extraordinary collection of 18^th-century portraits featuring the movers and shaker of 1700s Philadelphia. Its most remarkable feature is its collection of more than 100 portraits by noted artist Charles Willson Peale.

If you’re an art lover, it should be a no-brainer to visit this site. If the weather is bad and you need to head indoors for a bit, it’s an interesting place to poke around. Plus, it’s free to visit. Otherwise, you’re probably best moving on to some of the other sites in the area.

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Where to Stay
Marriott Old City – This 4-star hotel noted for its comfortable beds and helpful staff is close to lots of main attractions.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco – Known for its views of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, this modern hotel offers a rooftop lounge and top-notch amenities.
Loews Philadelphia – Located across from the convention center, the Loews has well-appointed rooms and an indoor pool.