Good Attractions in Old City (Philadelphia)

New Hall Military Museum

New Hall Military Museum has two floors of exhibits commemorating the Army, Navy and Marines in early American history. A permanent display called "Marines in the Revolution" documents the role of leathernecks from the years 1775-1781. Also in the collection, a scale model of the man-of-war Raleigh merits inspection. It was the first ship to hoist "Old Glory"(the American flag) in battle. Six other scale models of frigates (including the USS Constitution) are also on display. The Army exhibit contains sabers, muskets and uniforms from the Colonial Era. Other displays educate visitors about the plight of the common solder and military tactics of the time. Guided tours and multi-media information is also available.

Washington Square

Washington Square, originally known as Congo Square, is one of William Penn's original five city squares. In colonial times, Black men and women were brought to this area before they were sold into bondage and transported to their new homes. The square later served as a burial ground for both American and British Revolutionary War soldiers and ironically, white and Black victims of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic were also buried together here. These days it's the location of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Old First Reformed Church

The Old First Reformed Church is one of the earliest German Reformed Churches in America. Established by Rev. George Michael Weiss in 1727, the present structure is the third church on this site and was dedicated in 1837. In 1882, the Congregation moved to a new site and this building was used as part of a paint factory. When the Congregation returned to its original location in the 1960s, this beautiful Federal-style building was carefully restored. Tours are available by appointment.

Old St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church

Old St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church has a long history of devoted service to the city of Philadelphia. The Church was founded by the Jesuits in 1733 and was the site of the first legal Catholic Mass in the city. The current church was built at this location in 1838. It has a beautiful interior. The sweeping white balcony was added in the 1900s. St. Joseph's is located between 3rd & 4th and Walnut & Spruce streets. Old St. Joseph's offers daily mass and is open to visitors. Open Monday to Saturday 12:05pm and Sundays 7:30am onwards.

Powel House

Powel House, a stunning Georgian townhouse was built in 1765 and purchased by Philadelphia's first mayor, Samuel Powel, in 1769. The house features an original staircase of Santo Domingo mahogany that rises elegantly from an impressive paneled and columned entrance hall. Many pieces of 18th-Century art, furniture, silver and porcelain can still be seen at the Powel residence, although a portion of its contents were sold to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Visitors can also enjoy a small, formal 18th-Century garden.

Historic St. George's United Methodist Church

Founded in 1767, Historic St. George's United Methodist Church is the world's oldest Methodist Church building in continuous use. In addition to weekly worship services, a museum contains many artifacts of the early Methodists. Treasures include the 1771 Asbury Bible, the oldest known Methodist Chalice in the world, many portraits of famous early Church members and an extensive collection of early Methodist publications. There's also a Gift Shop. Call ahead to schedule a guided tour.

Christ Church

Though William Penn left the Anglican Church to become a Quaker, he practiced religious tolerance. The Anglicans built this beautiful structure 1727-44, based on Christopher Wren's designs in London. There are still services on Sundays and holy days, plus architectural tours. George Washington's seat is marked by a plaque. The Christ Church cemetary, the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin and his family, is at the corner of 5th and Arch Streets.

Christ Church Burial Ground

The original cemetary of Christ Church is the final resting place of the most famous member of the congegration, Bejamin Franklin (1706-1790). His marker, and that of his wife Deborah, are along the north fence. It's traditional to toss a penny on his marble tombstone for luck, though Franklin once wrote "A penny saved is a penny earned."

Pure Bliss Wellness Center & Spa

Pure Bliss Wellness Center & Spa is for those who believe in absolute relaxation of mind and body. With services, such as, Balancing Color bath, Hot Stone Massage, AlgiMud Active Seaweed Wrap, and Integrative Body Works, it is hard not to be tempted. Word is that the massages are to die for, so why wait? Make an appointment and get energized.

Joe's Peking Duck Original 1984

Chef Poon is known as the father of Asian Fusion cooking in Philadelphia. He earned his reputation for his Peking duck, and then added to his fame with Peking duck tacos. Just about everything is recommended, from the spicy wild mushroom soup to the sizzling ostrich steak. Be sure to leave room for dessert. Poon also shares his kitchen secrets with ongoing hands-on cooking classes at this location. And if this were not enough he also leads Wok 'n Walk tours of the neighborhood.