THE STORY
The Old City District spans the area between Front and Sixth Streets, and between Vine Street and Walnut Street.
Its unique charm is reflected in the historic legacies woven throughout, from quaint and narrow cobblestone streets, its location beside the Delaware River, and old world buildings from centuries ago. (Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest inhabited street in the country, is noted for being one of the most beautiful streets in the country.)
The neighborhood’s dynamism is also popular for its vibrant nightlife, collection of independent boutiques, acclaimed art galleries, and beautiful green spaces. N. 3rd St is home to a stock of shops offering everything vintage, handmade, one of a kind, and designer. (Read: PHG Guide to Shopping!) There’s no shortage of performance or visual arts venues bringing in internationally reclaimed names with specialties in wood, clay, painting, theater, and more.
On the First Friday of each month, you can stroll throughout the neighborhood and find yourself in an exciting crowd. Boutiques and galleries often stay open late to offer bites, drinks, and conversation. You can gallery hop from one opening to another! It’s a wonderful way to catch up with an old friend, discover something new, and take in some local buzz.
Of course, you will find no shortage of exquisite food and beverages here! The options are truly endless, from an emerging new restaurant, international cuisines, and established, formidable restaurants that launched an Iron Chef career.
Penn’s Landing, Old City’s spot on the waterfront, overlooks the river. In the warmer season, its hosts festivals, concerts, fireworks, and arts and crafts fairs.
History enthusiasts, science aficionados, shoppers, foodies will all be delighted here. Even those looking for an escape and some peace of quiet can find serenity in one of its many green spaces and gardens. There’s something for everyone!
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SPOTS
THE BOURSE
A landmark destination on Independence Mall in Old City. It is a culinary incubator for local concepts as well as emerging and established chefs — creating a community that’s united by food and inspired by the neighborhood. With a curated selection of vendors, there is something here for everyone. The perfect place to indulge in a lineup of globally inspired dishes, drinks, and shops.
PHILADELPHIA INDEPENDENTS
SHOP LOCAL, SHOP SMALL
Located in Old City, Philadelphia Independents is a gift boutique that features only handmade items from the best talent in the city including jewelry, accessories, ceramics, candles, prints, home decor, baby gifts, t-shirts, greeting cards and much more. Celebrate the best that Philadelphia has to offer and support your local artists!
THE FRANKLIN FOUNTAIN
Since 2004, the Berley Brothers have been supplying Philadelphia with scoops of tradition and old-timey flavors at The Franklin Fountain, their Old City ice cream shop.
Franklin Fountain serves up handmade ice cream in an astounding number of flavors including standards like vanilla bean, chocolate and Franklin mint chip along with a few creative options including Green Tea, banana and Teaberry Gum.
THE CLAY STUDIO
The Clay Studio inspires curiosity and discovery around the art and craft of clay, drawing together students, artists, and an engaged public into a welcoming community. Every day, in our classrooms, studios, galleries, and neighborhoods, we deepen the connection between people and clay with the highest quality programs and exhibitions. Founded in 1974, The Clay Studio continues in the belief that shared creativity, so fundamental to humanity, is a critical force for good.
Work Exchange artist, Clarissa Eck, sat down with us to tell her story. Check it out below!
RECENTLY SOLD + RENTED LISTINGS
SOLD | 301 Race St, Unit 215
1 Bed | 1 Bath
Achieve an ideal balance between privacy and the vibrancy of city living. Presenting The Wireworks Condominium, one of Philadelphia's finest examples of adaptive reuse situated in the heart of Old City, a neighborhood immersed in culture, fine dining and creativity. This fashionable warehouse building was converted into 97 charming condominiums in the 1980s and is situated just steps from some of the city's best restaurants, cafes, galleries, boutique shopping and famed Historic District but tucked away in a quiet courtyard setting. Unit 215 is a contemporary second floor junior one bedroom featuring a sun-drenched, well-organized floor plan and unique live/work flexibility for the creative-seeking individual. Stunning architectural elements include exposed brick, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, 11' beamed ceilings, exposed ductwork and soaring windows allowing for tons of sunlight and a view of bustling Race Street. The clean and bright kitchen with a stainless steel range and dishwasher boasts plenty of space for food prep and is open to the living space. A private loft-style bedroom and three large closets and an attic make the layout very comfortable and storage manageable. A tiled bath with tub and an in-unit laundry closet round out the space. The building's common areas include a security entrance, renovated lobby and mail room, elevator access and private storage. An HOA manager and maintenance staff is on-site and there is common bike storage available for each unit. The building is pet-friendly and the condo fees cover master insurance, elevator, water/sewer, common area/exterior maintenance, management, trash and snow removal. You'll enjoy the easy access to Penn's Landing and showing visitors all of Philly's most popular historic attractions. For shopping, you'll love the 3rd Street Corridor from Chestnut Street to Vine to enjoy art, design and fashion hosted by the region's most exciting independently owned shops. Don't miss First Friday! Old City is also one of the city's most popular nightlife destinations with many bars, fine restaurants and movie theaters. With easy access to I-95, I-76 and the Ben Franklin Bridge, you'll enjoy the convenience of an easy commute anywhere. This unit has all the elements to live simply and beautifully without compromising location.
RENTED | 103-7 Church St, Unit 1
1 bed | 1 bath | 1 half-bath
This 1135 sq ft 1 bedroom rental is located in Cobblestone Court, a 21 unitCondominium complex beautifully situated on ChurchStreet between Front and Second in Old City. This unit has high ceilings, hardwood floors and an open floorplan with top of the line amenities and a lovely fenced furnished terrace. Super master bedroom, great closet space and a storage unit available in the building. Walk to shops, restaurants, public transportation and all the historic sites of Old City!
SOLD | 104 N 2nd Street, Unit 202
1 bed | 1 bath
Looking for a pied-a-terre? Medical resident or student with little time for the upkeep of a large home? First time homebuyer? Investor seeking positive cash flow without ever needing to worry about vacancy? We've got you covered! Presenting historic Cook's Row Condominium, one of Philadelphia's finest examples of adaptive reuse situated in the heart of Old City, a neighborhood immersed in culture, fine dining and creativity. Built in 1914 and added to the Register of Historic Places in 1984, the four-story building was renovated in 2000. Unit 202 is a contemporary second floor loft featuring a sun-drenched, well-organized floor plan and unique live/work flexibility for the creative-seeking individual. Architectural elements include hardwood floors, recessed lighting, 11' ceilings, exposed ductwork and soaring windows allowing for tons of sunlight and a view of bustling 2nd Street. The clean and bright white kitchen boasts an island for food prep and dining and is open to the living space. A private bedroom accessed through a French door and an additional den/study nook make the layout very comfortable and manageable. A tiled bath with tub and an in-unit laundry closet round out the space. The building's common areas include a security entrance, lobby, elevator access and private storage in the basement. You'll enjoy the easy access to Penn's Landing and showing visitors all of Philly's most popular historic attractions. For shopping, you'll love the 3rd Street Corridor from Chestnut Street to Vine to enjoy art, design and fashion hosted by the region's most exciting independently owned shops. Don't miss First Friday! Old City is also one of the city's most popular nightlife destinations with many bars, fine restaurants and movie theaters. With easy access to I-95, I-76 and the Ben Franklin Bridge, you'll enjoy the convenience of an easy commute anywhere. This unit has all the elements to live simply and beautifully without compromising location.
We love Philly. It is where we live, eat, play and do business. Old City's residents are our friends and neighbors. Zillow doesn’t live here. We do.
The Philadelphia Home Collective
Compass
1430 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 | 267.289.2693