Philadelphia’s classic architecture is met with chic flair in one section of the city: Rittenhouse Square. This neighborhood feels like how comic book writers depict a metropolis: Its bustling streets, high-rise buildings, and many shops and restaurants make this a top attraction in the center of Philadelphia. A walk around the neighborhood can take you to Philadelphia’s City Hall, Rittenhouse Square or the Academy of Music. Its cosmopolitan beauty is unlike any other in Philly, and the center of the city’s history.
The Rittenhouse neighborhood is home to many prided cultural institutions, including the Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, the Ethical Society, the former Philadelphia Art Alliance, the Rosenbach Museum & Library and Delancey Place – a quiet, historical street lined with Civil War-era mansions and the setting for Hollywood movies, located only two blocks south of the square.
Originally named Southwest Square, Rittenhouse Square was renamed in 1825 after David Rittenhouse, a descendant of the first paper maker in Philadelphia and German immigrant William Rittenhouse. Although it has maintained through its history as the home for Philadelphia’s elite, a tenured resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said that his rent is “shockingly affordable,” and that “landlords are stable communicators and rent is low, which is shocking at first, but I think it’s because of the lack of redeveloping.”
Rittenhouse has been a beacon for Philly residents and tourists alike. A Native Philadelphian can look back fondly on memories of going holiday shopping in the John Wanamaker Building (John was one of the first residents of Rittenhouse in the early 19th century) and watching the light show, or working a job in the area. Tourists come from far and wide for the array of restaurants, shopping excursions, or to enjoy a day trip in the city.
Gathering sports
City Hall
The very center and beginning of Philadelphia’s establishment can be found at City Hall. While the space is utilized for numerous municipal services, you can attend tours of the building and take an elevator ride to the top to visit the observatory deck for a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. Depending on the season, visitors can splash around in the sprinklers in the summer months or ice skate and shop for holiday gifts during the winter months. Regardless, City Hall is more than an attraction, but an active participant in Philadelphia’s cultural heart. If you’re lucky, you can come here to see the swarm of Eagles fans after a Super Bowl win. (Website)
1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Monk’s Cafe
“The soul of Belgium in Philadelphia,” the restaurant’s slogan reads — a succinct way to describe this Rittenhouse staple, which is a must-visit for beer aficionados. For newbies, this cave-like eatery teaches you how Belgium has different glasses for corresponding beers. Its selection of beers is nationally imported through the careful curation of owner Tom Peters, who also supplies the pub with Monk-special beers. Its dark oak floors and canary yellow walls, the colors of the Belgian flag, give the sense that you are indeed in the unofficial embassy of Belgium. (Website)
264 S. 16th Street
Academy of Music
The Academy of Music is the oldest opera house in the United States that is still used for its original purpose. Many renowned singers have graced its stage, including Marian Anderson, Tony Bennett, Billie Holiday, Joan Sutherland and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Its dome ceiling with detailed murals, gilded crown molding and crystal chandelier, composed of thousands of small crystals, can stop you in pure awe. One resident described the Renaissance-esque hall as “So classic that you can still see Ben Franklin walking down the streets.” (Website)
240 S. Broad Street
Parc
A slice of Parisian joie de vivre, Parc is one of the city’s finest upscale restaurants specializing in French cuisine and culinary skill, with a Philadelphian twist. The restaurant boasts an unmatched execution of an authentic French bistro. Whether coming for a special occasion or looking for an exquisite meal, its escargot and steak frites are showstopping. If you’re lucky, you can snatch a table for dinner, but it is advised to make reservations ahead of time. (Website)
27 S. 18th Street
Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square, a literal square at the center of the neighborhood, is the literal and beating heart of the area. Kids and adults alike find themselves frequenting this small but mighty center. Catch random street performances, people watch, or enjoy the all-year-round Saturday farmers market featuring local vendors selling art, plants, flowers, baked goods and more. The farmers markets bring Rittenhouse residents closer, too. People interact and realize they live in the same building or just doors apart, just through a short conversation. (Website)
1800 Walnut Street
BOTLD
One of Rittenhouse’s newest retail additions, this store’s liquor catalog features Eagles’ themed “Bird Gang” spirits. The 12 Eagles products, ranging from $20 to $70, signify key events in the football franchise’s history. BOTLD supplies local restaurants and works directly with distilleries to supply their store. You can find BOTLD products at its Rittenhouse location, another in King of Prussia location, and local restaurants they supply, such as Enswell and Emmett. (Website)
119 S. 18th Street
Bar Bombon
This plant-based restaurant brings the flavor of Puerto Rico to Rittenhouse. It features homemade tortillas, and all proteins are made with non-GMO soy and organic grains. Bar Bombon is one of the many featured restaurants in the Center City District’s summer SIPS series: the annual summer happy hour event for ideal post-work shift socializing. Try the Philly cheesesteak empanadas for a unique fusion of Philly and Puerto Rico’s cultural dishes. (Website)
133 S. 18th Street
Rosenbach Museum & Library
An affiliate of the Free Library, the Rosenbach Museum & Library holds over 400,000 rare books and manuscripts. This is the former home of the Rosenbach brothers, renowned rare book dealers in the early 20th century. Their personal collection features the only surviving copy of Benjamin Franklin’s first “Poor Richard’s Almanac” and the manuscript of James Joyce’s “Ulysses.” Schedule a tour today to see and hear more about the collection, including Bram Stoker’s notes for “Dracula” or the former writings of Charles Dickens, George Washington, James Joyce and more. (Website)
2008-2010 Delancey Street
