by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: June 19, 2008   Last Updated: February 18, 2012

Like most large cities Philadelphia is made up of neighborhoods. Some of the most popular with tourists are Old City, Society Hill, South Street, Center City and South Philly. All of these have their own flavor and offer visitors a different experience.

Old City

This is the historic core of Philadelphia. Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, Franklin Court, The US Mint, The Constitution Center, The Betsey Ross House and Elfreths Alley are just a few of the historic gems that are located here. Old City runs from Penn's Landing six blocks west to Sixth and north to south from Vine to Walnut. 

When it comes to dining, there are lots of choices in this area including City Tavern. While the building may not be the original, it is in the same area and gives a very authentic colonial dining and drinking experience.

There are plenty of hotels in this area including the Omni, a Best Western and a Holiday Inn.

Society Hill

This is the home of Washington Square one of the original parks designed by William Penn. It is also home to some of the oldest and most historic religious institutions in Philadelphia, Old St Mary RC, Old St. Joseph RC, St Peter Church, Old Pine St. Church and the Society Hill Synagogue.

The Sheraton Society Hill is one of the best places to stay in the area. Morimoto, of Iron Chef fame has his restaurant in Society Hill if you are craving modern Japanese cuisine.

South Street

This is where all the hippies meet" or at least they used to. South St is the Greenwich Village of Philadelphia. It is edgy, lively and always changing. Go here to find cutting edge electronics, clothes and food. A favorite stop of ours on South Street is Copabanana, great burgers and even better Martinis.

Center City

Walnut Street Theater and Forrest Theater offer Broadway in Philadelphia. They are both small by today's standards and elegant. I love the feeling of being part of history; the Walnut is the oldest continually operating theater in the country. Rittenhouse Square offers an upscale enclave of accommodations and restaurants. You can enjoy a romantic meal overlooking the Avenue of the Arts at Upstairs at Varalli or a quick bite at the Reading Terminal Market.

Fairmont

William Penn called the hill where the Museum of Art is now located a Faire Mount and the name has stuck. Fairmont Park covers 8700 acres and claims to be the largest urban green space in the world. This where residents and tourists alike go to walk, bike, relax and enjoy the great outdoors in the middle of the country's 6th largest city.

South Philly

For most visitors the main claim to fame of South Philly is the cheese steak, that quintessential artery clogging Philly favorite. Who makes the best cheese steak? Some say Geno's and some claim Pat's, since they are right across from each other the best thing to do is try them both and decide for yourself.

No matter which neighborhood you choose, Philadelphia has a lot to offer.

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