Welcome To Historic Philadelphia

You are in Historic Philadelphia, a square mile that runs between Front to 7th Streets and Race to Spruce Streets. The area is made up of several different neighborhoods, all jam-packed with restaurants, galleries, shops and attractions, including the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center. Here’s what you need to know about Historic Philadelphia. For more information, visit gophila.com/historicphiladelphia.

Historic Philadelphia: What’s In A Name?:

In May 2007, a coalition of attractions, development organizations and community groups adopted one name and logo for the historic district, to be known as Historic Philadelphia. They also created a logo, depicting a sun inspired by the one found on President George Washington’s chair in Independence Hall. Historic Philadelphia does not replace any neighborhood name but serves as an umbrella name for the entire area: Old City in Historic Philadelphia, Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia and Society Hill in Historic Philadelphia.

What’s New in Historic Philadelphia:

Since 1998, Independence National Historical Park has invested in $300 million worth of improvements. Developments include:

• Independence Visitor Center, 2001


• Liberty Bell Center, 2003


• National Constitution Center, 2003


• Once Upon A Nation, storytelling benches and themed bus and walking tour throughout Historic Philadelphia, 2005


• Franklin Square, a revitalized park that boasts an old-fashioned carousel and a miniature golf course, 2006


• President’s House Commemorative Site, to acknowledge the nation’s former Executive Mansion and honor the enslaved Africans held here by President George Washington, debuting in 2010

Historic Philadelphia Attractions:

• While historians debate Betsy Ross’ role in making the first American flag, the Betsy Ross House offers an excellent portrayal of a working-class woman’s life in Colonial America. 239 Arch Street, (215) 686-1252, www.betsyrosshouse.org


• Franklin Square, one of the five public squares that William Penn laid out in his original plan for the city, now boasts new attractions, including a miniature golf course, a carousel, storytelling benches, a picnic area and more. Race Street between 6th & 7th Streets, (215) 629-4026, www.historicphiladelphia.org


• Independence Hall, the birthplace of the United States of America, is one of only 20 World Heritage sites in the country. It is here that the Declaration of Independence was signed and the U.S. Constitution was adopted. 5th & Chestnut Streets,
  
  (215) 965-7676, www.nps.gov/inde


• The Liberty Bell Center showcases the famous cracked Bell against the backdrop of Independence Hall and puts it in its historical context. Market Street between
  
  5th & 6th Streets, (215) 965-7676, www.nps.gov/inde


• The 160,000-square-foot National Constitution Center explores the Constitution through high-tech exhibitions, artifacts and displays. 525 Arch Street,
  
  (215) 409-6700, www.constitutioncenter.org

Historic Philadelphia Neighborhoods:

• Regarded as the nation’s most historic square mile, Independence National Historical Park tells the story of how American democracy came to be through historic landmarks and attractions, including the Liberty Bell Center, the National Constitution Center and Independence Hall.


• Filled with former factories that have been transformed into airy condominiums, Old City is the province of upscale restaurants, nightclubs and galleries.


• With its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture, the charming and elegant Society Hill invites visitors to step back in time.


• Penn’s Landing, the centerpiece of Philadelphia’s waterfront, hosts concerts, festivals and events on its Festival Pier and Great Plaza all year long.


• Jewelers’ Row is America’s oldest diamond district—and one of the largest. Hundreds of independent jewelry stores line the brick-paved streets with a virtually unlimited selection of fine jewelry. Jewelers’ Row offers not only diamonds, but also a seemingly unlimited selection of watches, precious stones, pearls, gold and beautiful settings to match.

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.