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Philadelphia - Old City

Bounded by Walnut, Vine, Front and 6th Streets, this area was part of the original Philadelphia. This was due to the area's proximity to the waterfront. Warehouse, factories, banks and stores sprung up. Later, these businesses drifted westward, the area fell into decline, but was reborn starting in the 1970s when gentrification began.

Attractions in this area include the Betsy Ross House, the Arch Street Meeting House, the United States Mint and the Congregation Mikveh Israel.

Must-see attractions nearby:

Related Attractions

Read More Independence Hall
(Independence National Historical Park)
Read More Liberty Bell Pavilion
(Independence National Historical Park)
Read More Congress Hall
(Independence National Historical Park)
Arch Street Meeting House
Built on land that William Penn gave to the Quakers in 1693, the Arch Street building displays history and information on the religious sect, the Quakers. In the East Wing of the building re dioramas depicting the main events in the life of illustrious Quaker William Penn. Also on display is a dollhouse representing the home of noted Quaker journal-keeper Elizabeth Drinker and her husband Henry. This Quaker meeting house is the oldest in Philadelphia and the largest in the world.
Parking
Free
Read More Atwater Kent Museum
(Independence National Historical Park)
Betsy Ross House
Betsy Ross made her living by making flags, including the first Stars and Stripes here. The home itself is a Colonial-style house with period furnishings. The adjacent garden, Atwater Kent Park, has a fountain with a cat sculpture. It also features a small stage where a troupe of actors tell the story of Philadelphia's historical significance daily during the summer.
Hours
January 1 to February 28
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
OpenClosedClosed10:0010:0010:0010:0010:00
Close 17:0017:0017:0017:0017:00
March 1 to March 31
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
OpenClosed10:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:00
Close 17:0017:0017:0017:0017:0017:00
April 1 to October 31
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open10:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:00
Close17:0017:0017:0017:0017:0017:0017:00
November 1 to December 31
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
OpenClosed10:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:00
Close 17:0017:0017:0017:0017:0017:00
Cost
Adult$ 3.00
Senior$ 3.00
Students$ 2.00
Child 12 & under$ 2.00
All values are in United States Dollars
Disabled
No facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Read More Carpenters' Hall
(Independence National Historical Park)
Elfreth's Alley Historic District
This whole street is a National Historic Landmark named for a blacksmith, Jeremiah Elfreth. It's the oldest residential street in the nation with the houses dating from 1728 to 1836, representing Colonial and Federal-style architecture.
Elfreth's Alley Museum
The Elfreths Alley Museum houses, No. 124 and 126, contain authentic furnishings, including a Colonial kitchen. The house has been restored to its 1790's appearance.
Address
Elfreths Alley Museum
126 Elfreths Alley
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2006
United States
Phone 1 (215) 574-0560
Fax 1 (215) 922-7869
Hours
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
OpenClosedClosedClosedClosed10:0010:0012:00
Close 17:0017:0017:00
Always closed on:
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Cost
Family$ 12.00
Adult$ 5.00
Child 12 & under$ 2.00
Child 5 & underFREE
All values are in United States Dollars
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities
Gift shop
Fireman's Hall Museum
The Fireman's Hall Museum is housed in a former firehouse, dating back to Ben Franklin's 1736 "Union Fire Company". There is firefighting memorabilia and equipment from 1731 to 1907, including badges, helmets, tools and a fireboat pilothouse, plus a stained glass window tells the tale of a dramatic rescue.
Address
Fireman's Hall Museum
147 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2010
United States
Phone 1 (215) 923-1438
Fax 1 (215) 923-0479
Hours
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
OpenClosed10:0010:0010:0010:0010:00Closed
Close 16:3016:3016:3016:3016:30
Tips
Donations accepted. Open first Friday of every month until 9pm.
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Historic Olde St Augustine's Church
St. Augustine's Church was founded in 1796. Early contributors included George Washington, John Barry (father of the American Navy), and Thomas Fitzsimmons, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. Housed here are the John Wesley Chalice Cup and the Francis Asbury Bible.
Old City Gallery and Cultural District
The Old City Gallery and Cultural District was once a busy commercial waterfront. Today it's a cultural, dining and shopping area and a mecca for artists in Philadelphia. There are art galleries, art studios, cooperatives, theaters, dance companies as well as historic and cultural museums. On the first Friday of each month, many of the Old City's galleries remain open until 9 p.m., many with an open house.
Read More Old City Hall
(Independence National Historical Park)
Old First Reformed Church
Philadelphia's Old First Reformed Church is one of the earliest German Reformed Churches in America. The present building, dedicated in 1837, is the third church on the site. The church was used by the British as a hospital and then later it served as a stable.
Address
Old First Reformed Church
151 North Fourth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
United States
Phone 1 (215) 922-4566
Fax 1 (215) 922-6366
Read More Philosophical Hall Library
(Independence National Historical Park)
Quaker Information Center
The Quaker Information Center provides maps, charts, books and catalogues about the Quaker faith and way of life. The center is located in the lobby of the Friends Center.
Tips
The Quaker Information Center is now a virtual center.
Read More St George's United Methodist Church
(Independence National Historical Park)
United States Mint
The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia is the first U.S. Mint and now the largest. Visitors can watch coin production on a self-guided tour that includes the factory, several exhibits, and a store where freshly minted coins can be bought. The Mint produces 1.8 million coins an hour, 32 million coins per day, and 13.5 billion coins every year.
Hours
May 22 to September 6
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open9:009:009:009:009:009:00Closed
Close16:3016:3016:3016:3016:3016:30
September 7 to May 21
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open9:009:009:009:009:00ClosedClosed
Close16:3016:3016:3016:3016:30
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Facilities
Gift shop
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