Where To Stay In Philadelphia: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, and each one has its own distinct personality. Whether you are looking for cobbled historic streets, late-night food runs, or leafy parks, finding the right home base makes all the difference.

If you love history, Old City is hard to beat. You can walk down Elfreth’s Alley, which happens to be the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States. Right down the road, you will find modern art galleries, trendy boutiques, and endless places to grab a drink. It is a seamless mix of 18th-century architecture and modern nightlife.

For something a little grit-meets-glam, head north to Fishtown. Once a working-class fishing hub, it is now the city’s undisputed capital for indie music, craft breweries, and incredible food. It is also where you will find the birthplace of the famous Philly tomato pie. It is the kind of neighborhood where you can catch a live band at 2 AM and find top-tier coffee right when you wake up.

Here are the five best areas to stay while in Philadelphia!

In this travel guide:

East Passyunk

Best area for: food, culture, shopping

East Passyunk captures the real soul of South Philly. It mixes historic charm with incredible food and an authentic local spirit.

We start on East Passyunk Avenue, the neighborhood’s main street, and just follow the curve. It cuts diagonally through Philly’s famously neat street grid, which is one reason the area feels a little different from the start.

The neighborhood has deep Italian roots. Passyunk itself comes from a Lenape word meaning “in the valley,” and the avenue began as an Indigenous trail long before the city grew around it. Later, Italian immigrants helped shape the restaurants, shops, and street life we see today.

Food is still a huge part of the appeal. We can grab coffee at B2 Cafe, then make our way toward the famous Italian Market. At the southern end of the avenue, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks face each other across the street. It’s basically Philly cheesesteak theater, complete with neon.

Another fun stop is the Singing Fountain at Passyunk and Tasker. It has music playing through hidden speakers and has become one of the neighborhood’s favorite meeting spots.

For something a little more unusual, we can check out the Mummers Museum nearby. Philadelphia’s colorful New Year’s Day Mummers tradition gets a proper showcase here, including elaborate costumes and the history behind the parade.

Best place to stay in East Passyunk

Alexander Inn Hotel. Address: 301 S 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Please note: this hotel is not in East Passyunk but it’s the best option close to that area.

Fairmount

Best area for: culture, history

Fairmount gives you world-class art, rich American history, and vast green space, all without the frantic rush of Center City.

Often called the Art Museum Area, this neighborhood balances grand city culture with a laid-back, residential community feel. It gets its name from the high hill where the Philadelphia Museum of Art now sits, a spot originally intended for founder William Penn’s estate.

Walking down the leafy streets, you will notice block after block of preserved Victorian rowhomes and historic brick architecture. The neighborhood’s biggest crown jewel is the museum scene along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. You can run up the famous Rocky Steps, admire masterpieces at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, or see incredible sculptures at the Rodin Museum.

Right in the middle of the neighborhood, you will find Eastern State Penitentiary. It is a massive, ruined 19th-century prison that once held Al Capone, now open for incredible history tours. On sunny afternoons, we head to Fairmount Park to stroll down Kelly Drive and watch the rowers along Boathouse Row.

The local dining options are fantastic and low-key. For breakfast, we always stop by Brown Street Coffee. They serve incredible specialty espresso, tasty breakfast sandwiches, and authentic Vietnamese iced coffee on a quiet neighborhood corner.

Best place to stay in Fairmont

Sonder Sixteen Hundred. Address: 1600 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States of America.

Bella Vista

Best area for: history, laid-back 

A true artsy focal point of Philly is located in Bella Vista.

We spend most of our time around the streets between South Street and Washington Avenue, where old rowhouses sit next to colorful murals, tiny cafés, and some seriously good food.

The neighborhood has deep immigrant roots. Irish immigrants and free African Americans lived here in the 1800s, followed by large numbers of Italian immigrants later in the century. Today, that history mixes with Latino, Asian, and other communities. You can taste that diversity all over the neighborhood.

The big attraction is the South 9th Street Italian Market. It dates back to the 19th century and is one of the oldest outdoor markets in the country. We like coming here hungry. There are butcher shops, cheese stores, bakeries, produce stands, cafés, and restaurants packed along the street.

For something completely different, head to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. The indoor and outdoor space is covered in Isaiah Zagar’s wild mosaic artwork. It’s colorful, strange, and definitely worth seeing.

Art fans can also check out Fleisher Art Memorial, one of the country’s oldest community art schools. And if you’re looking for breakfast, Morning Glory Diner on South 10th Street is a solid neighborhood pick. For coffee, Anthony’s Italian Coffee & Chocolate House puts you right in the middle of the Italian Market action.

Best place to stay in Bella Vista

Sonder The Queen Hotel. Address: 628 South 5th Street, Philadelphia, 19147, United States of America.

Fishtown

Best area for: nightlife, hipster, trendy

The nightlife capital of Philadelphia is the area shared by Fishtown and Northern Liberties.

Fishtown mixes historic industrial roots with modern artistic energy. You get world-class dining, live music, and deep community pride all packed into one walkable neighborhood.

The area started as a working-class fishing hub along the Delaware River in the eighteenth century. Local shad fishermen supplied the city, giving the neighborhood its iconic name. Today, the old brick row houses and industrial warehouses host one of the most vibrant communities in the city.

Frankford Avenue serves as the main artery for the area. Creative energy fills every block. Colorful murals line the streets, and independent vintage shops sit right next to art galleries. Catching a live show at iconic music venues like The Fillmore or Johnny Brenda’s is easily one of our favorite night activities. For a change of pace, we like to walk over to Penn Treaty Park. It offers open green space and great views of the river skyline.

The food scene in Fishtown is incredible. For coffee, we always kick off the morning at the massive La Colombe flagship on Frankford Avenue. The space operates inside a converted industrial warehouse with its own bakery. Grabbing a fresh draft latte and a pastry on their open floor is an absolute must.

Best place to stay in Fishtown

Wm. Mulherin Son’s Hotel. Address: 1355 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.

Cheaper alternative:

Lokal Hotel Fishtown. Address: 1421 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States of America.

Old City

Best area for: history, sightseeing

Now, we are left with Old City. This is where the iconic Philadelphia attractions are located. The beautiful cobblestone streets are interwoven with some of the country’s most well-known sites.

Old City is where Philadelphia’s history gets very real. This is the neighborhood where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution took shape, and you can still walk into the buildings where it happened. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are the obvious stops, but there’s plenty more to see.

Our day typically starts around Independence National Historical Park, then make our way through the narrow streets toward Elfreth’s Alley. This little lane dates back to 1702 and is one of the oldest residential streets in the country. The brick houses make it easy to imagine what Philadelphia looked like centuries ago.

History buffs have plenty to keep them busy. The Museum of the American Revolution is one of our favorite stops, especially if you want more context than you get at the big landmarks. The National Constitution Center and Benjamin Franklin Museum are nearby, too.

Old City isn’t stuck in the past, either. The neighborhood has galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and a lively arts scene. First Friday is especially fun, with galleries opening their doors for evening events.

For coffee, we’d grab a cup at Old City Coffee on Church Street. It’s an easy stop before a morning of sightseeing. Later, head toward the Delaware River and Penn’s Landing for some fresh air and waterfront views.

Best place to stay in Old City

Kimpton Hotel Monaco. Address: 433 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA.

Where travel critics stay in Philadelphia

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Philadelphia? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Philadelphia.

Budget

Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square.

“As in the old days of hotels, all you need is under one roof in the historic Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square: 301 stylish rooms, three restaurants (a formal steak house, inventive Mediterranean restaurant, casual café/bistro), a hair salon and hi-tech fitness centre.” — Telegraph.

Address: 220 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.

Mid-range

The Logan Hotel.

“Located in a very central spot formerly occupied by the Four Seasons, The Logan Hotel opened in December 2015 after a thorough redesign. Note the massive chandelier constructed from portraits of famous Philadelphians in the foyer.” — New York Times.

Address: 1 Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.

Luxury

The Rittenhouse Hotel.

“A five-star – excuse me, make that five–diamond – hotel on Rittenhouse Square. Rooms have marble baths. Of the downtown options with a pool, this is one of the nicest.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.

FAQ: Philadelphia hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Philadelphia? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Philadelphia hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Philadelphia.

Best time to visit Philadelphia

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are often considered the best time to visit Philadelphia. These seasons offer a moderate climate, fewer tourists, and lower hotel rates.

During spring, the city is in full bloom with vibrant flowers adorning the streets and parks. It is also the time when several festivals and events take place, like the Philadelphia Flower Show and the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival.

Fall, on the other hand, is marked by a beautiful display of autumn colors, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and photography.

For those who enjoy a lively atmosphere with bustling crowds and various outdoor activities, summer (June to August) could also be considered. Despite the heat and humidity, this is the peak tourist season with numerous concerts, food festivals, and baseball games taking place.

Visiting in winter (December to February) presents its own charm with snow-covered historic sites, ice skating rinks, and holiday markets. However, it is worth noting that the weather can be quite harsh with freezing temperatures and occasional snowstorms.

Best things to do in Philadelphia

There are plenty of things to do in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Philadelphia:

The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia

Discover the birthplace of America on this guided walking tour through the country’s most historic area in Philadelphia. Price: $19. More info.

Philadelphia: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Journey through the history of the United States of America aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus in Philadelphia. Jump off at any of the 27 stops to visit sights such as Independence Hall and Ben Franklin’s Grave. Price: $35. More info.

Philadelphia Segway Tour

Experience Philadelphia like never before on this educational and entertaining guided small-group Segway tour. Price: $59. More info.

More things to do in Philadelphia

Deciding where to stay in Philadelphia

Let’s recap what we just learned in this article. We’ve covered the best areas of Philadelphia above. Now you can decide where to stay while visiting!

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Philadelphia

• East Passyunk
• Old City
• Bella Vista
• Fishtown
• Fairmont

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Philadelphia is important. Whether you stay in East Passyunk, Old City, Bella Vista, Fishtown or Fairmont, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia overview

More Philadelphia tips

Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Philadelphia:

Hotels in Philadelphia

Boutique hotels in Philadelphia

Luxury hotels in Philadelphia

Cheap hotels in Philadelphia