Attractions in Old City (Philadelphia)

Arch Street Friends Meeting House

This meeting house of the Quakers has been in existence since 1693. Built on the land Philadelphia founder William Penn gave to the devout Christian denomination, today it educates visitors about the history and beliefs of the Quakers. Guides are on hand to present a fifteen minute slide show and give tours of the various Quaker artifacts and dioramas depicting William Penn's contributions and importance to the development of the region.

Elfreth's Alley

Known as the oldest residential street in the country, Elfreth's Alley boasts nearly 30 houses dating from the early 18th to 19th centuries, most generally middle-class homes of merchants and small businessmen. The colonial lodgings give visitors an appreciation of the endurance of the craftsmanship of the American forefathers. The rustic edifices inspire the flavor of the Revolutionary Days. Families who pledge to preserve the look of the structures currently occupy the houses. Home #126 features period furniture and other changing exhibits.

Philadelphia Trolley Works

Philadelphia Trolley Works conducts 90-minute tours of Old City Philadelphia daily, it offers a chance to take in the rich history the city has to offer in the throwback charm of yesteryear. All-day passes allow patrons to board and re-board at any of the 20 stops on the waterfront and in Center City. Trolleys for private hire and tours through Fairmount Park are also available.

Fairmount Park

This large expanse of grasslands, recreational facilities, streams and historical structures borders the northwest side of Philadelphia, just behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The 8,700 acre ground include day camps, playgrounds, sporting fields, basketball courts and hiking trails. Special events include running events, bicycle and antique car races, walk-a-thons, regattas and small and large picnics, including the Greek Picnic with over 100,000 participants annually from around the country. Tours are available of the historic mansions in the park. Also, the Horticulture Society maintains a Japanese Teahouse, and conducts tea ceremonies on weekends.

Commodore Barry Statue

Located in front of Independence Hall, this chiseled visage pays tribute to the military contributions of Commodore John Barry during the American Revolutionary War. He is portrayed wearing his uniform and pointing onward into battle. Few Americans are well acquainted with the heroic exploits of Philadelphia's Irish-born naval commander. Known as the Father of the American Navy to most historians, Barry's fame has been overshadowed by his contemporary John Paul Jones. The accomplishments of Barry are numerous, including the capture of over 20 British war vessels, quelling three mutinies, and participating in the last battle of the war aboard the frigate Alliance in 1783.

Library Hall

In 1789, Library Hall became the first library which opened to the public, the predecessor to the Library of Congress. The hall was refurbished during the 1950s and today holds an excess of books from the Philosophical Hall collection. Rare manuscripts of groundbreaking scientific and historic importance are on hand. The original journals of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and first editions of Sir Isaac Newton's Principia and Charles Darwin's Origin of Species are exhibited. The Declaration of Independence in Jefferson's own handwriting is here.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

A key military figure in American victories over the British in the Revolutionary War, Thaddeus Kosciuszko was a Polish-born adopted son of Philadelphia. As a colonel and military engineer in the Continental Army, his greatest triumph over enemy forces was at the Battle of Saratoga. Thomas Jefferson described Kosciuszko "as pure a son of liberty as I have ever known". This National Memorial was Kosciuszko's Georgian style home. Today many of his personal belongings are on display. A short movie is also available upon request along with a tour of the building.

Shofuso (Pine Breeze Villa)

Located in Fairmount Park, Shofuzo is an authentic reproduction of a 17th-century, upper middle-class Japanese house and formal garden. Run by the Horticulture Center, it holds traditional Japanese tea ceremonies on Sunday afternoons. It's a serene place for a walk, next to a sculpture garden and a quiet pond. There is an admission charge for senior citizens and students with ID. Members are admitted free. Additional charges apply for demonstrations, festivals, and special events. Visit the website for a calendar of current events.

Betsy Ross House

American schoolchildren have all heard the story: The first American flag was made by Betsy Ross. It's not true, but it's a great story. This house is still worth a visit as an example of Colonial living conditions. Betsy Ross mainly used this colonial abode to rent rooms to travelers and wayfarers. According to the Philadelphia Historic Society, more people visit the Ross house than any other historical attraction. The house is located in Old City adjacent to many shopping and eating destinations.

Horticultural Center - Fairmount Park

Since 1979, the Horticultural Center has augmented the variety of its botanical life by collecting seeds from Asia, Europe, and the West Indies. Permanent and seasonal plantings display over 2,000 examples of flora. The center is located in Fairmount Park. On the grounds there is a Shofuzo-a reproduction of a 17th-Century Japanese middle-class house and Japanese garden. A donation of $1 is suggested.

Memorial Hall

Situated on a meadow in Fairmount Park, its high copper dome is visible for miles. Built in 1875, Memorial Hall was conceived as an international art gallery but became the central facility for the United States' Centennial celebration. President Ulysses S. Grant opened the Centennial proceedings in Memorial Hall's 150 foot-high 'Great Hall' on May 10, 1876. This is the only significant structure remaining from the Centennial festivities. An exhibition in the basement pays homage to the Centennial fairground, the first World's Fair ever held in America. Admission is free.

The Athenæum of Philadelphia

The Athenæum, founded in 1814, is a not for profit, member-supported library and historic site museum that provides research collections, public education and community outreach. This three-story building also sponsors lectures and changing exhibits, publishes books and administers grants that encourage distinguished scholarship in architectural history. In 1977 the Athenæum was added to the list of National Historic Landmarks. It is furnished with American fine and decorative arts from the first half of the 19th century. The library contains a nationally significant collection of architectural and interior design materials.