Our Favorite Hotels in Philly
star: Four Seasons • Ritz
• 4-star: LOEWS PHILADELPHIA
• 3-star: Hotel Near Philadelphia Center
• For Families: Seasons
• For couples: Kimpton Monaco
Table of Contents
Best Areas to Stay in Philadelphia
Philadelphia contains many great accommodation options. Most fall in the city center, but additional choices are gradually emerging in Philly’s famously eccentric outer neighborhoods.
Most of Philly’s premier attractions also lie at the city center, a grid that extends two and a half miles between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. The historical area of Old City houses Independence National Historical Park and numerous sites linked to the American Revolution, while the famous Parkway Museum District boasts some of America`s finest art museums as well as the renowned “Rocky Steps”. Anchoring the two neighborhoods at the heart of Downtown is Center City, with its skyscrapers, shopping centers, and the looming City Hall. Yet the metropolis has much more to offer. South Philadelphia is renowned for its diverse eating options and the celebrated cheesesteak sandwiches, while University City, across the Schuylkill River to the west, is home to the University of Pennsylvania. To the north lie the trendy neighborhoods of Callowhill (Philly’s “Loft District”), creative Northern Liberties, and Fishtown, a former working class locale now bustling with cool bars and restaurants.
While exploring the city center on foot is fairly simple, the Philly Phlash Downtown Loop bus service connects all the major attractions for just $2 (a one-day pass is $5). To travel to outer neighborhoods, use SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority) buses and subway services (there are two subway lines – the MFL/Blue Line and the BSL/Orange Line). Fares are $2.50, paid in cash or with the stored value card SEPTA Key Card. Taxis and rideshares like Uber/Lyft are also readily available throughout the city.
Navigating central Philly is straightforward thanks to its grid pattern. Numbered north-south streets start at the Delaware River (so Front Street is also “1st Street”) and move west in ascending sequence. The central point in the grid is City Hall, where Broad Street (14th Street) intersects with Market Street. The numbered streets come with a “north” or “south” prefix either side of Market.
Best Places to Stay in Philadelphia
- Best Luxury Hotels in Philadelphia
- Best Affordable/Mid-range Hotels:NYX Hotel – Mooo Downtown Aparthotel – Miss Sophie’s – Alcron
- Best Boutique Hotels in Philadelphia
Kimpton Hotel Monaco – Morris House Hotel – Wm. Mulherin’s Sons Hotel – Lokal Hotel – Fishtown – The Dwight D Hotel - Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Philadelphia
Hilton Garden Inn – Loews – Marriott Downtown – Aloft Philadelphia Downtown – Cambria Hotel Downtown Center City - Best Cheap Hotel in Philadelphia
Apple Hostels of Philadelphia
Best Neighborhoods in Philadelphia for…
- Prime Area for Novice Visitors to Remain: Old City
For initial visitors to Philadelphia, the historic Old City proves difficult to surpass. This served as the location where William Penn founded the city in the 17th century, and places like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Museum of the American Revolution, the National Constitution Center and more are all situated here. It remains one of the most attractive districts in the city and positions itself admirably close to just about everywhere – the Delaware Waterfront forms its eastern boundary, while Center City lies just to the west and the Italian Market to the south. - Most charming neighborhood: Chestnut Hill
This scenic community is located approximately nine miles northwest of central Philadelphia, at the terminus of the Chestnut Hill West Line regional rail system. It features quiet, tree-lined streets and elegant mansions on its picture-perfect landscape. While a little removed from the main tourist routes, Chestnut Hill`s village-like charm, cobblestoned roads, cozy eateries and galleries make it an excellent location for couples. The adjacent Wissahickon Gorge offers hiking trails winding through, while the leafy Morris Arboretum spans the northern section. Aside from the Woodmere Art Museum, there aren’t many must-see attractions, but the Chestnut Hill Hotel and Pilgrim’s Rest Bed and Breakfast (on the opposing side of Wissahickon Gorge) are considered among the most romantic places to lodge in the city.
- Best neighborhood for nightlife: Fishtown
Fishtown, a couple of miles north of Old City, is one of Philly’s liveliest and most fashionable neighborhoods. Once a humdrum base for the local fishing industry, today its narrow streets and working-class shingle homes feature indie bars, restaurants, music venues, studios and galleries. Highlights include gastropub and live venue Johnny Brenda’s, cash-only El Bar (1356 N Front St), indie band favorite Kung Fu Necktie, and the beer garden at Frankford Hall. At Barcade (barcadephiladelphia.com) drinks are served along side classic arcade games. Fishtown also boasts some of Philly’s best boutique hotels: Wm. Mulherin’s Sons Hotel, and Lokal Hotel – Fishtown. The “El” (aka MFL/Blue Line) links Fishtown with central Philadelphia in under nine minutes. - Top Neighborhood for Cuisine and Eateries: Old City
While the neighborhoods of South Philly are better recognized for their diversity (and the finest Philly cheesesteaks), Old City packs the most punch in terms of dining in Philadelphia. At the high-end there`s Amada from renowned chef Jose Garces, and Fork, while Han Dynasty excels in acclaimed Sichuan cuisine, and Forsythia combines French dishes with local ingredients. Zahav is Chef Michael Solomonov’s celebrated Israeli restaurant. For classic ice cream and desserts, there’s the Franklin Fountain. - Top district for exploring stores: Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square is among the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, situated just south of Center City, and additionally one of its best shopping destinations. Walnut and Chestnut streets are lined with all the major national chains, from Nordstrom Rack and Anthropologie to Apple Store and Target, but there are plenty of independent stores here too: Bauman Rare Books,Govberg Jewelers,David Michie Violins,Frankinstien Bike Worx,Boyds Philadelphia and many others. - Best neighborhood for local atmosphere: East Passyhunk
- Unsafe Areas of Philadelphia
Central Philly is generally quite safe, though individuals should take standard precautions at nightfall. In North Philadelphia, the locale known as “Philadelphia Badlands” documents elevated infractions and ought to be avoided, but there exists no justification to travel anywhere adjacent to this vicinity.
Grotta, 2. Anixis, 3. Nissaki, 4. Saint Vlassis, 5. Kavos, 6. Iria Beach Art, 7. ELaiolithos
The 6 Best Neighborhoods in Philadelphia for Tourists
1. Old City
The Old City encompasses the region settled by William Penn and his fellow Quakers in the late 17th century, on the banks of the Delaware River. Much of the neighborhood is part of Independence National Historical Park, the home of Independence Hall (where the US Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed), and the Liberty Bell, the iconic symbol of American freedom. Today in the Old City numerous historical churches and homes dating to the 18th and 19th centuries stand amongst modern buildings and high-rises. Benjamin Franklin’s Grave is here, as is a museum dedicated to his memory, as well as pretty cobblestone streets such as Elfreth’s Alley, the National Museum of American Jewish History, and the National Constitution Center.
- Highest Quality Accommodations:Lokal Hotel Old City • Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia • Thomas Bond House • Penn`s View • Hilton Philadelphia at Penn`s Landing • Morris House Hotel • Apple Hostels of Philadelphia
2. Center City
Philadelphia’s modern downtown is dubbed Center City, a grid of gleaming skyscrapers anchored by the impressive bulk of City Hall – staying here allows convenient access to all the city’s neighborhoods as well as a decent range of restaurants and bars. The city’s two tallest skyscrapers, Comcast Technology Center and Comcast Center, stand just to the west of City Hall, while Chinatown and Reading Terminal Market, crammed with food stalls, lie at the eastern end. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is a lesser-visited gem packed full of Old Masters.
- Top-Rated Accommodations: Ritz-Carlton – Loews – Hilton Garden Inn – Marriott Downtown – Canopy By Hilton Philadelphia Center City – Alexander Inn – Cambria Hotel Downtown Center City – ROOST Midtown – Aloft Philadelphia Downtown
3. Rittenhouse Square
Situated in the southwest corner of Center City, Rittenhouse Square encompasses some of Philly’s most costly apartment complexes, its pleasant sidewalks playing host to al fresco dining, high-end boutiques, indie shops and art galleries. Shady Rittenhouse Square itself serves as a popular spot for locals and downtown workers to unwind, surrounded by high-rises and high-end apartment blocks. It offers a pleasant locale to base oneself, bustling with activity year-round. Though there are no must-see attractions here, the neighborhood is within walking distance of the Parkway Museum District and Old City.
- Highly Recommended Accommodations: The Dwight D Hotel • Rittenhouse Hotel • AKA Rittenhouse Square • The Franklin on Rittenhouse • Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square • La Reserve Bed and Breakfast
4. Parkway Museum District (Logan Square)
Philadelphia’s premier art museums line the verdant stretch of Benjamin Franklin Parkway from Logan Square northwest to the Schuylkill River. Art aficionados will appreciate the convenience of staying in this area: the Barnes Foundation,Rodin Museum, and Philadelphia Museum of Art, equally renowned for the statue of beloved movie figure Rocky outside as the art inside, are within a brief walk of various hotels, while families will want to examine the scientific exhibits at the Franklin Institute and dinosaur bones at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (ansp.org). The hotels here tend to cluster around Logan Square at the southern end of the Parkway. Just to the north, the Fairmount district boasts a thriving restaurant scene.
- Premium Accommodations:Four Seasons at Comcast Center • The Logan • Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown • Windsor Suites
5. Society Hill
Located just south of Old City is Society Hill, one of Philadelphia`s most attractive and affluent residential neighborhoods. There are no major attractions here, but Society Hill is perfect for leisurely exploring, taking in the charming red-brick Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, and Beaux Arts townhouses, leafy cobblestone streets lined with trees, and trendy cafés such as the Lombard (542 Lombard St). While there are no hotels in the neighborhood itself, the Philadelphia Marriott Old City and Morris House lie on its northern edges.
6. University City
The reputed Ivy League college known as the University of Pennsylvania claims the distinction of being America`s earliest university, having been founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1749. Today, the thriving private research university – together with neighboring Drexel University – lends its name to an entire neighborhood positioned just beyond the Schuylkill River from Center City. It is home to an eclectic selection of bars and eateries along Walnut and Chestnut streets, enlivened by the student population, plus various attractions within the leafy campus itself, such as the Penn Museum, Fisher Fine Arts Library and a number of large-scale artistic installations, most notably the “Broken Button”.
