Published Invalid Date
Philadelphia's Neighborhood Guide
by Philadelphia Bucket List
If you know anything about Philadelphia, you’ve probably heard of City Hall, Center City, and Rittenhouse Square. While these areas are lovely, there are so many other hidden treasure neighborhoods around the city that carry their own appealing quirks. We’re here to share Philadelphia’s Top Neighborhood Guide to inspire you to check out all that the 215 has to offer.
Fishtown
Known as a hipster’s paradise, Fishtown offers something for everyone, whether you’re rocking that beanie or not. Located just north of the once popular, now too trendy for some, Northern Liberties, Fishtown is home to a bustling food, music, and entertainment scene.
Image: https://www.instagram.com/p/BgCVOmGn5x5/
The Fillmore
View this post on Instagram
Live music lovers, look no further! No matter your taste, the Fillmore hosts a range of performances (think Snoop Dogg, Gramatik, and Motion City Soundtrack), uniting concert lovers from all over the city.
Where: 29 E Allen St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Pizzeria Beddia
View this post on Instagram
For some of the top pizza and wine in Philly, head to Pizzeria Beddia, a trendy Fishtown hot spot serving up specialty pies.
Where: 1313 N Lee St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Amrita Yoga
View this post on Instagram
Need a little namaste in order to stay sane? Amrita North is the place for you. They have a range of classes including, flow, barre, yoga for back care, and Jump and Jam - 45 minutes of non stop trampoline jumping.
Where: 1204 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Northern Liberties
What used to be known as the “up and coming” place to live 10 years ago, can now be crowned Queen B of the Philadelphia ‘hoods. It’s no surprise that NoLibs is one of Philly’s most popular neighborhoods. Northern Liberties is busy, easy to navigate, and has that youthful touch that any young adult looks for when deciding on a place to visit.
Urban Village
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Urban Village Brewing Company (@urbanvillagebrewing) on
If you like pizza, beer, quizzo, or sports, Urban Village should be your go-to spot. This massive NoLibs bar on 2nd Street serves up all American dishes and has an impressive draft selection. Come on Thursday nights for quizzo and take advantage of their outdoor patio when the weather is nice.
Image: https://www.instagram.com/p/B3m277KDGAK/
Where: 1001 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Swag Boutique
View this post on Instagram
Forgot about your sister-in-law’s birthday? Invited to a last minute holiday party? Retail therapy calling you name? Instead of giving away that unused candle in your nightstand, head to Swag Boutique - a trendy gift shop selling, plants, jewelry, mugs, kitchen accessories, and any other cute knick knack you can think of.
Where: 935 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Point Breeze
Point Breeze is a multicultural neighborhood in South Philadelphia that is recently making headlines for the influx of coffee shops, neighborhood bars, and street festivals taking over the area. Due to affordable home prices and the close proximity to Center City, many young adults are choosing PB when it comes to Philly living.
View this post on Instagram
Burg’s Hideaway Lounge
View this post on Instagram
Only in Philly can you get a burger and fries for $7.50. Burg’s Hideaway is an intimate, tropical hut themed dive bar in the heart of Point Breeze serving affordable eats and drinks.
Where: 1200 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Tuck Barre & Yoga
View this post on Instagram
There is no lack of workout studios in Philadelphia, but Tuck Barre & Yoga stands out due to the effectiveness of the classes and their affordable prices. The owners are personable and friendly, making sure you’re comfortable no matter your relationship with exercise.
Where: 1155 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Two Eagles Cafe
View this post on Instagram
Two Eagles is a popular family owned and operated coffee shop serving standard American fare as well as tasty Albanian dishes.
Where: 1401 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Old City
View this post on Instagram
They don’t call it Old City for the hell of it. Old City is known for Colonial-era sites such as the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross house, Independence Hall, and is home to some of the oldest streets in Philadelphia. Don’t let those old-school vibes fool you though, Old City still delivers a busy urban personality with plenty of offices, tourist attractions, restaurants, and a popular nightlife scene.
Cuba Libre
View this post on Instagram
One of Old City’s top dance spots, Cuba Libre will take you on a trip to Old Havana with vibrant patterns and a tropical ambiance. Dance the night away to upbeat Latin music or come in for a contemporary Cuban meal.
Where: 10 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Khyber Pass Pub
View this post on Instagram
What looks like a seemingly average pub, is actually Khyber Pass, a NOLA inspired Old City bar with nightly live entertainment. Khyber Pass is known for delicious soul food - order their brisket, po boys, and mac n cheese for a true Southern experience.
Where: 56 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
East Passyunk Crossing
View this post on Instagram
Home to over 150 businesses, East Passyunk Crossing is arguably what makes South Philly cool. Lined with bars, restaurants, cafes, shops, parks, and more, East Passyunk is home to trendy spots like Cantina Los Caballitos, The Singing Fountain, and Pat’s & Geno’s - so head on over and debate the ultimate cheesesteak winner, once and for all.
Barcelona Wine Bar
View this post on Instagram
You guessed it! Barcelona Wine Bar serves Spanish inspired tapas such as charcuterie + cheese boards, crispy calamari, and palella. Don’t forget to try their wine flight and patatas bravas!
Where: 1709 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Bing Bing Dim Sum
View this post on Instagram
Chinese food with a Jewish twist? Who would’ve thought - but it exists at Bing Bing Dim Sum, an East Passyunk spot serving fusion food and Scorpion bowls.
Where: 1648 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Farmers Market
View this post on Instagram
Keep your Wednesday evenings open this summer! From 3-7pm, The Singing Fountain which is located in the heart of East Passyunk, transforms into a farmers market with treats from local vendors all organized by Farm To City, a Philly based program with a goal to unite communities through locally grown food.
Where: E. Passyunk Ave. (at Tasker St.)
Bella Vista/Queen Village
View this post on Instagram
Bella Vista and Queen Village are small neighborhoods that tend to be more quiet and residential, while still maintaining that Philly charm (after all, Queen Village claims the East part of South Street which is known to get wild). Both areas have a number of local shops and restaurants scattered throughout, and are close in proximity to some more action-packed neighborhoods such as Old City and East Passyunk.
Cry Baby Pasta
View this post on Instagram
Wipe away those tears, Cry Baby Pasta is serving the Italian food you’ve been craving. Enjoy pesto, meatballs, eggplant, and essentially any other authentic Italian dish you can think of at this trendy Queen Village eatery.
Where: 627 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Magic Gardens
View this post on Instagram
Magic Gardens is the largest mosaic created by artist Isaiah Zagar, and includes everything from old wheels, glass bottles, and bike spokes. You know what they say, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!”
Where: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
South Street
When we said Queen Village and Bella Vista were quiet and residential, we were excluding South Street - one of Philly’s most popular tourist destinations. Lined with costume shops, smoke shops, sex shops, and pizza shops, we mean it when we say, there’s a shop for everyone on South Street.
Image: https://www.instagram.com/p/B5qI-rShSIT/
Where: East End - Front Street up to Broad Street
Hungry Pigeon
View this post on Instagram
Sip on cocktails and enjoy tasty American fare at this exposed brick, plant obsessed restaurant. Think you’ll be extra hungry? Order the lasagna or fried chicken 24 hours in advance for $60 an entree (plates are shareable - or not).
Where: 743 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Fairmount
View this post on Instagram
Home to a majority of Philadelphia’s museums and parks, Fairmount makes for a family friendly area that provides many activities besides eating and drinking. But who are we kidding, we love a good snack and cocktail and lucky for us, Fairmount delivers both!
Kelly Drive
View this post on Instagram
Kelly Drive is one of Philly’s most popular biking/running routes, spanning almost nine miles along the Schuylkill River. Kelly Drive is an easy way to take a deep breath and appreciate the beautiful nature that is often overshadowed by the craziness of the city.
Where: 1 Boathouse Row Philadelphia , PA 19130
Bar Hygge
View this post on Instagram
Located right on Fairmount Ave, Bar Hygge is an industrial brewpub best known for their “make your own” boards where you can select between different cheese, protein, and veggie options.
Where: 1720 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Brewerytown
View this post on Instagram
Home to over 20 breweries, Brewerytown is the hub for all beer lovers in Philadelphia. While it’s not as developed as Northern Liberties or Fishtown, Brewerytown has made a name for itself with new breweries, bars, restaurants, and shops and is predicted to be one of Philly’s hottest neighborhoods within the upcoming years.
Crime & Punishment Brewing
View this post on Instagram
Small and cozy, Crime & Punishment is a perfect place to grab a brew on a cold night. Their menu serves Russian inspired fare as well as a wide draft selection. Come in any day of the week because remember, there’s no crime in drinking on a Monday night ;)
Where: 2711 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
2637 Brew
View this post on Instagram
2637 Brew is a hip bar serving up craft beers and spectacular food. Their deals are unbeatable with $6 margaritas on Taco Tuesday and half priced bottles of wine on Wednesday. Don’t forget the bubbly - head there for $5 mimosas during their weekend brunch!
Where: 2637 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Brewerytown Beats
Forget Spotify and Alexa, Brewerytown Beats is spreading music the old fashioned way. This small business sells vinyls of all genres, but focuses specifically on funk, soul, and hip-hop so head on over and get groovin’!
Where: 2710 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Rittenhouse Square
View this post on Instagram
Okay, we caved! We wanted to share some lesser known neighborhoods on this list, but you know we couldn’t exclude Rittenhouse Square when it came to a neighborhood rundown of the city. Rittenhouse Square is the posh, central stomping ground of Philadelphia, adorned with luxury high-rises, 5 star hotels, high-end shops, and a plethora of nightlife and entertainment.
Rittenhouse Square - Park
View this post on Instagram
Given the same name as the neighborhood it resides in, Rittenhouse Square is a small, yet famous park located in the heart of the city. Come every Saturday (year round) for the farmers market or bring a book, picnic, and some friends to take advantage of all the park has to offer.
Where: 210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Pod Philly
View this post on Instagram
With rooms under $100, Pod Philly is the no frills, pay for what you need hotel. Although Pod may not come with the room service and luxury tub you’d get at the Four Seasons, the hotel is practical, clean, and in a prime location. If you don’t need a room, check out one of their unique dining and drink options - Condesa, El Techo or El Cafe, all located within the building with different offerings.
Where: 31 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
El Techo
View this post on Instagram
Philly’s finally getting with the program by realizing rooftop bars will up their cool faxtor x 100. Brand new to the city, El Techo opened at the end of October and overlooks Philadelphia, spanning the 11th floor at the Pod Hotel.
Where: 31 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
LIKE WHAT YOU'VE READ?
Never miss out on a new experience!
Create a Bucket Listers account to access exclusive offers and the latest news in your city