Top of Page
Menu
Search the Site

Destination

Old City

Old City is the the area near the Delaware River where William Penn and the Quakers first settled. Located next to Independence Mall, where the country’s Founding Fathers declared liberty and built a free nation, Old City still boasts charming cobblestone streets and plenty of 18th-century charm — along with an independent streak that’s evident in everything from its owner-operated shops to its edgy art scene. Its proximity to the Liberty Bell, Penn’s Landing and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge makes Old City, which runs from Vine Street to Walnut Street north to south and from 6th Street to Front Street east to west, a favorite for out-of-towners as much as for the residents who call it home. People love the neighborhood for its fashionable boutiques, great restaurants, eclectic galleries and theaters and vibrant nightlife. Especially popular are First Fridays, when art lovers fill the streets and hop from gallery to gallery.

How to get there

Take the Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street Station or 5th Street/Independence Hall Station. You can also take Bus Routes 5, 9, 17, 21, 33, 42, 44, 48 or 57. 

Fare

There are many ways to get here on SEPTA, there are also many ways to pay. Click here to learn which fare is best for you.

Connecting Services

The Philly PHLASH, stopping at major locations around Philadelphia, is FREE with your SEPTA Key card.

Other Amenities

SEPTA's Independence Hall/5th Street Station is located in the heart of one of nation’s most important historic districts. From this station you can easily access Independence National Historical Park, home of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, President’s House, Independence Visitor Center and other national historic and cultural treasures.

Things To Do

The birthplace of the nation, the historic heart of Philadelphia resides along Independence Mall. Home to Independence Hall and The Liberty Bell Center, the Mall also boasts a number of cultural institutions including the National Museum of Jewish American History, the National Constitution Center and the Philadelphia History Museum. Be sure to stop by the Independence Visitor Center for tickets to city attractions and helpful information.

The Delaware River Waterfront hosts family-friendly attractions and events all year long. With scenic views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Penn’s Landing is a popular seasonal destination with attractions like Spruce Street Harbor Park and the Blue Cross RiverRink.

Stroll along 2nd Street in Old City and you’ll find a wide variety of attractions, restaurants and activities. The popular street is home to number of art galleries, independent boutiques and renowned restaurants. Within a two block stretch you can wander through the hallowed space of Christ Church and take in a show at the Arden Theatre.

Old City is home to the oldest continually inhabited street in America, Elfreth's Alley, Home to more than 3,000 people since 1702, the street today holds 32 houses built between 1728 and 1836.

Upcoming Local Happenings

The Lehman Trilogy

Arden Theatre

The Lehman Trilogy is on stage at the Arden Theatre Company from 3/7 thru 4/14. So easy to get here on SEPTA. Hop the Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street or Routes 5, 17, 33, 48 or 57.  Before you go - check out this Perk - it will save you $10!

Plan Your Trip


Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent

Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution celebrates the often-unsung women of American history with a slate of special programming, including pop-up art-making activities and screenings of theatrical performances telling the life stories of women like Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who sued for her freedom (and won) and Rebecca VanDike, one of the earliest women to ever vote in America. Don’t miss the museum’s newest exhibit Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent, which highlights the stories of several women who helped to shepherd the revolutionary relic through history, including George Washington’s wife Martha and her great-granddaughter and Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s wife, Mary Curtis Lee. Get there on SEPTA. Short walk from Jefferson Station or ride SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line to 5th Street/Independence Hall Station. Bus Routes 5, 9, 17, 21, 33, 38, 42, 44, 48, 57, and 121 also stop near the museum. Get $2 off admission when you flash your SEPTA Key card!

Plan Your Trip


Women's History Month

Betsy Ross House

What would Women’s History Month be without one of Philly’s most notable women? Learn more about Betsy Ross and other trailblazing Philadelphia women at the place where it all started. Read about their month-long programming here! Short walk from 2nd Street Station on the Market-Frankford Line or hop Routes 17, 33 or 48. Get $1 off general admission with this Perk!

Plan Your Trip


Women in Business Marketplace

Cherry Street Pier

This Saturday, shop for handmade crafts, tasty treats and more made by women entrepreneurs at Cherry Street Pier. Alongside vendors, look forward to music, activities, giveaways, open studio tours, a live panel and a Women in Business networking mixer. So easy to get here on SEPTA. Hop the Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street or Bus Routes 17, 21, 25, 33, or 42.

Plan Your Trip


Nearby Perks
The Franklin Fountain and The Franklin Ice Cream Bar
FREE SPRINKLES

Since 2004, the Berley Brothers have been supplying Philadelphia with...

View details
Sonny's Famous Steaks
5% Off Your Purchase

Authentic, Award-Winning Philadelphia Cheesesteaks in the heart of historic...

View details
Shane Confectionery
FREE BUTTERCREAM

Shane Confectionery in Old City is America's oldest candy store. It's been...

View details
Arden Theatre Company
$10 Off Your Ticket to the Arden

Receive $10 off the price of an Adult ticket to any Arden Theatre Company...

View details
Xenos Candy 'N' Gifts
5% OFF PURCHASE

Xenos Gifts was born on two ideas: providing excellent service with a smile...

View details
Museum of the American Revolution
$2 OFF ADMISSION

The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling...

View details
Betsy Ross House
$1 OFF TICKETS

Tour this authentic 18th century home! The Betsy Ross House is dedicated to...

View details
Freebyrd
10% OFF ORDER

At Freebyrd Chicken in the Bourse Food Hall - each meal is crafted using...

View details
Red Owl Tavern
10% OFF FOOD MONDAY THRU THURSDAY

Neighborly meets sophisticated at Red Owl, a modern tavern in the heart of...

View details
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
$5 OFF ADULT TICKET

Discover the secrets hidden in the shadows of America's most historic and...

View details
Independence Seaport Museum
$2 off admission

Enjoy $2 off your Admission Ticket to the Independence Seaport Museum when...

View details