Old City

Old City is one of Philadelphia’s most historic neighborhoods. Cobblestone streets and 18th-century buildings transport you back to the era of America’s founding fathers. This neighborhood packs a lot of patriotic punch. Must-see destinations in Old City include Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, National Constitution Center, and Christ Church Burial Ground, where Benjamin Franklin is buried. History buffs will be in heaven exploring Old City! After taking in the sights, refuel at one of Old City’s many taverns and restaurants. Stop into Khyber Pass Pub for craft beers and elevated pub grub or Fork for sustainably sourced New American cuisine.

Society Hill

Adjacent to Old City, Society Hill is another one of Philadelphia’s most historic neighborhoods. 18th and 19th-century row homes line quaint cobblestone streets, providing an ambiance of historic charm. Society Hill is best known for its grand public parks, Headhouse Square and Washington Square. Your group can marvel at the distinguished early-American architecture while strolling through these sprawling urban oases. After some time spent at the parks, pop into the Philadelphia Art Alliance to take in rotating contemporary art exhibits or The Rosenbach for its collection of rare books, manuscripts, and art.

Center City

As the bustling central business district and “downtown” area of Philadelphia, Center City hums with energy. This neighborhood packs a huge range of attractions into a highly walkable area. In Center City, your group can gaze up at the soaring art deco masterpiece, City Hall, then make the legendary “Rocky Steps” run at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Catch a show at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts or Academy of Music, then go shopping on the chic thoroughfare of Walnut Street. No trip to Philly is complete without sampling the amazing food scene. From big-name steakhouses like Barclay Prime to James Beard-awarded spots for creative cuisine like Vernick Food & Drink, the culinary options in Center City are endless! Make sure to save room for dessert and grab an indulgent treat like peanut butter pie from The Continental or creamy gelato from Capogiro.

Rittenhouse Square

Bordering Center City, Rittenhouse Square exudes refined sophistication. Rittenhouse refers to both the charming urban park at the heart of the neighborhood as well as the surrounding upscale area. Stately mansions, luxury apartments, and chic boutiques encircle Rittenhouse Square park, making it the perfect neighborhood for upscale shopping and fine dining. Upscale chains like Anthropologie and West Elm stand alongside high-end local boutiques like Joan Shepp and Boyds Philadelphia. When hunger strikes after an afternoon of browsing, your group can replenish at trendy eateries like a.kitchen+bar and Parc restaurant.

Chinatown

Centered around the country’s oldest surviving Chinese American community, exploring Philadelphia’s Chinatown immerses your group into intercultural experiences. Your taste buds will tingle as you sample authentic Chinese dishes like spicy Szechuan noodles, savory dumplings, and warming wonton soup. After eating your way through Chinatown, browse the colorful storefronts and markets. Stop into a traditional Chinese medicine shop, browse kitschy Chinatown souvenirs, and stock up on exotic Asian produce like lychees and bok choy. Don’t miss the ornate Chinatown Friendship Gate, a symbol of cultural cooperation between Philadelphia’s sister city of Tianjin, China. Chinatown is small in size but packed with cultural treasures waiting to be discovered!

Bella Vista/Queen Village

Nestled along the Delaware River waterfront, the charming neighborhoods of Bella Vista and Queen Village exude a cozy, small-town vibe despite their urban locale. Meandering cobblestone streets are lined with pristinely preserved colonial and Victorian rowhomes intermixed with funky independent boutiques, bookshops, galleries, and cafes. Italian influences abound in Bella Vista, also known as Philadelphia’s Little Italy. History buffs won’t want to miss the opulent Palumbo mansion and Otis house museum. After museum hopping, your gang can refuel by grabbing authentic brick-oven pizza from Stella Rosa or digging into heaping pasta platters at cozy BYOB’s like Villa di Roma. In Queen Village, the historic Washington Square Park provides a lovely backdrop for people-watching and admiring public art installations.

Fairmount

Anchoring Fairmount is the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art, with its iconic front steps featured in the Rocky films. Beyond being a mecca for art and cinema lovers, Fairmount enthralls with regal historic mansions and trendy independent boutiques. Snap pics of neoclassical and Victorian homes along the scenic parkway before picking up some local art, vintage wares, or handmade crafts from the funky shops dotting the neighborhood’s side streets. Fairmount also borders the lively Fairmount Avenue arts corridor. Here you can catch a foot-tapping show at World Cafe Live, laugh out loud at Philly Improv Theater, or soak in artistic inspiration at the Barnes Foundation. Don’t leave Fairmount without tasting the neighborhood’s namesake: delicious artisanal gelato from Capogiro!

Fishtown

Beloved by artists, hipsters, and creatives for its gritty-chic vibe, Fishtown is one of Philadelphia’s hottest neighborhoods. Wander along Frankford Avenue to uncover street art murals, quirky galleries like Evil Genius Beer Company showcasing works by local artists, vintage shops with curated finds, and some of the city’s buzziest restaurants. Satisfy comfort food cravings at classic neighborhood taverns like Kraftwork or Fishtown Tavern. Other culinary highlights include inventive tacos and margaritas at Loco Pez and farm-fresh New American bites at popular spots like Suraya and Pizzeria Beddia. Don’t miss local landmark El Bar, hailed as the “CBGB of Philadelphia,” for live music. Fishtown’s perfect blend of artsy ambiance, delectable food and drink, and sense of community makes it a Philadelphia must-visit.

Book a Bus With Us

At Charter Buses Philadelphia, we make exploring everything that the City of Brotherly Love has to offer easy. Our charter bus rentals provide safe, convenient transportation for groups of any size to all Philadelphia destinations. Learn more about how you can book a charter bus for your group’s Philadelphia adventures by calling us 24/7 at 814-616-3126. From family vacations to corporate outings and everything in between, we will get your group where you need to go with top-notch service. Let our professional charter bus drivers handle navigation and parking while you experience the amazing richness of Philadelphia culture. An unforgettable group excursion awaits when you rent a bus with Charter Buses Philadelphia!