Where To Stay In Philadelphia: The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
Home of the Liberty Bell and known as the birthplace of cheesesteaks, Philadelphia is a destination that should be on everyone's bucket list. Visiting Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, is a breeze. The food is amazing, there's a convenient hotel to suit all budgets, and public transportation is abundant. For a quick guide on your transportation options, check out how to get around Philadelphia.
The City of Brotherly loves welcomes tourists in droves. Over 40 million travelers flock to Philly each year for a dose of history, art, and nightlife. A trip to Philadelphia is incomplete without a visit to the many historic attractions centered around the country's founding. Known as the birthplace of the United States, Philadelphia offers so much to see. Spend a patriotic day touring Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia City Hall, and so much more.
When you arrive in town, whether it's via the Philadelphia Internation Airport, train, or car, you can hit the ground running to maximize your time in this world-class city. Don't worry about taking your cumbersome bags with you as you navigate the streets and sidewalks. Instead, use a convenient Bounce luggage storage location in Philadelphia to keep things simple.
Before deciding where to stay in Philadelphia, it's important to consider your interests. Do you travel for history, nightlife, or dining? Maybe it's a combination of things, and no matter what your passions, Philadelphia has plenty to do and a neighborhood that fits perfectly as your home base.
Where to stay in Rittenhouse Square
Generally considered part of the Center City area, Rittenhouse Square is a neighborhood worthy of attention. Rittenhouse Square is a six-acre park full of meandering paths and lush lawns in Philadelphia's city center. It's one of the original five squares that Philadelphia's founder, William Penn, planned for the city. Now named after David Rittenhouse, an 18th-century clockmaker and astronomer, Rittenhouse Square used to be called Southwest Square. At its heart, this park is family-friendly and a great place to enjoy a picnic while watching the city go by. The charming lamp posts, flower urns, and statues allow you a peek back in time.
The Rittenhouse Square neighborhood refers to the streets that surround the popular park. The area is posh and full of luxury hotels, history, and fancy boutiques. The park is surrounded by exclusive residences and excellent restaurants. All this fanciness comes at a price, and staying in Rittenhouse Square will cost you, but luckily there are some more affordable options, too.
If you want to start at the top, The Rittenhouse Hotel is the place to go. Overlooking its namesake park, this chic hotel in Philadelphia is the epitome of high-end accommodation with the best location in this upscale neighborhood. To say that The Rittenhouse Hotel has everything you want might be an understatement. From an indoor pool, steam room, and sauna to a health club and in-house spa, staying here is pampering at its finest. Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary luxury Jaguar car service and a 24-hour concierge. Another lavish hotel in this neighborhood is the Rittenhouse 1715, a boutique hotel that caters to those with a very healthy budget. Although the price tag is high, you get plenty for your money. Plush robes, stylish rooms, and lots of complimentary items await you at this centrally-located property.
When budgets are stricter, Rittenhouse Square is still a great place to stay in Philadelphia. The Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square is a block from the park and much more affordable. The decrease in price still offers you comfortable and modern rooms, the same central location, and amenities like a weight room and concierge services. Besides, Philly is so full of engaging things to do that you'll want to be out exploring instead of in your room.
Where to stay in Logan Square
The neighborhood of Logan Square is sandwiched between the Schuylkill River to the west and Broad Street to the east. While the neighborhood is north of Center City, Logan Square is ideal for people who value green spaces, museums, and a dose of culture. A highlight of the area is the ornamental City Hall, the country's largest municipal building. The parkway museum district is the site of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, and the Barnes Foundation. If you're navigating Philly by car, Logan Square is the perfect spot to stay in Philadelphia. The six-lane Benjamin Franklin Parkway runs right through the neighborhood and creates a circle around the neighborhood's namesake Logan Square Park.
Logan Square Park is centered around an iconic fountain with lavish lawns. The tree-lined streets of Benjamin Franklin Parkway add much-needed greenery to the pavement and historic buildings that frame them. The Square is a fabulous place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing or to enjoy a quick bite. If you can time your trip right, the leafy Benjamin Franklin Parkway hosts events like the Fourth of July celebration and Thanksgiving Day parade. You may even be lucky enough to see a concert.
Since Logan Square is away from Philadelphia's city center, the rates for hotels are a little more forgiving. This neighborhood is a great option for those on a tighter budget and families since the area quiets down at night. The Logan Philadelphia by Hilton is a mid-range hotel with the best location right on Logan Square park. It has a spa, pool, and a swanky bar to wind down in the evenings. While Logan Square might be more affordable, you can still splurge. The Four Seasons Hotel at Comcast Center is closer to Center City and the famous Love Park and further away from the noise of the large parkway. This is luxury at its finest with sleek rooms, an indoor pool overlooking the city, and a relaxing spa. The Windsor Suites is another mid-range hotel with all the amenities you need. The rooftop outdoor pool is especially refreshing in the summer.
Where to stay in Old City
Travelers who want to immerse themselves in Philadelphia's history should stay in Old City. This historic neighborhood is the location of some of the city's most famous attractions. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Betsy Ross House are all here. In addition to these historically significant sights, the Old City neighborhood offers a feeling of days gone by. The cobblestone streets and 18th-century row houses give tourists a glimpse into Philadelphia life in past centuries. Old City is such a central location that it's also a short walk across Walnut Street into neighboring Society Hill.
Old City isn't only about tourist attractions. Trendy bars, unique eateries, and interesting shops line the streets. Night owls will feel right at home here, especially with South 2nd Street's evening entertainment options. The neighborhood is always lively with various street cafes and busy sidewalks. All this activity tends to suit younger travelers better, but everyone will feel welcome in Old City. For fans of nightlife, a list of unmissable things to do in Philadelphia at night is an ideal guide.
With its abundant tourist attractions and vibrant nightlife, it's no surprise that Old City is one of Philadelphia's best neighborhoods for visitors. Hotels in Old City vary and span the area west of the Delaware River, east of 7th Street, south of Vine Street, and north of Walnut Street. The Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District is an affordable place to stay in Philadelphia in the center of the action. The rooftop swimming pool is a nice touch as are the stylish rooms and fitness center. For a mid-range option, check out the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia a very short walk to the Liberty Bell. This boutique hotel has a colorful, eclectic decor. They make your travel easier with a shuttle to Philadelphia airport and a 24-hour front desk. Grab a meal or a drink in the restaurant or bar and benefit from the convenient walk back to your room. For anyone looking to splash around some cash, the Lokal Hotel - Old City is for you. Rates are certainly on the high end, but amenities are plentiful and you can't beat the location. The hotel is steps away from the Betsy Ross House and Elfreth's Alley Museum.
Where to stay in University City
Adjacent to Center City across the Schuylkill River, the neighborhood of University City is an ideal place to stay in Philadelphia for the younger crowd. Unsurprisingly, the streets teem with students who attend one of the four learning institutions packed into this small area. University City is one of the most budget-friendly neighborhoods in Philadelphia. The neighborhood's atmosphere is casual with lots of food trucks and cheaper dining options.
A stay in Philadelphia's University City offers proximity to the Penn Museum, contemporary art galleries, and the Palestra for college basketball fans. It's also home to the city's transportation hub - 30th Street Station and is less than ten minutes by car to downtown Philadelphia.
Although University City is affordable for dining and entertainment, the hotels in Philadelphia's Center City area neighbor generally fall into the mid to high range. You have to pay the price for the central Philadelphia location, and due to the expansive universities in the area, the number of hotels is limited. A good place to start on the lower end is the Homewood Suites by Hilton University City. This all-suite hotel has a pool, complimentary breakfast, and an exercise room. The Inn at Penn by Hilton is another mid-range option just down the road from Homewood Suites.
Where to stay in South Philadelphia
Known for its diversity and the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, South Philly is a thriving neighborhood full of interesting food between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. For tourists who enjoy a variety of cuisine from Italian to Mexican to Vietnamese, the South Philadelphia neighborhood is ideal. SEPTA's Broad Street Line offers access to and from this unique area. It's an intriguing place for a short walk around the various attractions. The 9th Street Italian Market that covers ten city blocks is something you have to do here. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a colorful trip into a fantasy world of mosaics and glass bottles.
Any foodie visiting Philadelphia is bound to end up in South Philly at some point. You can take a trip around the world without leaving the neighborhood. Historically, South Philadelphia was predominantly Italian and Irish, but the neighborhood's status as the city's most culturally diverse is most evident in its cuisine. You'll have to eat three meals a day just try it all. Start with breakfast at one of the many independent coffee shops, get a world-famous Philly cheesesteak for lunch, and choose from tons of dinner places. Combining breakfast and lunch can save you a few dollars, so visit some of the best places for brunch in Philadelphia in this eclectic neighborhood.
Along with lower food prices, South Philly is an affordable neighborhood to stay in in Philadelphia. The Radisson Hotel Philadelphia is quite reasonable without sacrificing amenities. Get help anytime at the 24-hour front desk, hit the fitness center for a quick workout, and use the airport shuttle for easy transfers. The Courtyard by Marriott is another option in South Philly closer to the Delaware River. The onsite car rental is certainly a feature you don't get at many hotels in Philadelphia.
Conclusion
The question of where to stay in Philadelphia is a tricky one, but only because there are so many fantastic neighborhoods; each with its own pros and cons. There are options for every budget, lifestyle, and taste. There's comfort in knowing that no matter where you choose to stay in Philadelphia, the city is extremely walkable with an extensive public transportation system to help you navigate between neighborhoods. Sample all the food you can, visit every historic landmark that interests you, and rest up at one of the many hotels in Philadelphia to be able to do it all again the next day.