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Center City is Philadelphia's dining and cultural heart, with world-class restaurants, historic markets, and attractions that draw visitors from around the globe. From Reading Terminal Market's food stalls to Rittenhouse Square's fine dining, there is something for every taste and budget.
Key Takeaways
- +Center City is home to Reading Terminal Market, one of America's oldest and largest public markets operating since 1893.
- +Rittenhouse Square and surrounding streets feature the highest concentration of fine dining and James Beard Award-winning restaurants in Philadelphia.
- +The Avenue of the Arts on Broad Street is Philadelphia's cultural corridor with theaters, concert halls, and performance venues.
- +Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art are among the neighborhood's iconic landmarks.
Dining
Center City's dining scene is among the best in the United States. Reading Terminal Market at 12th and Arch offers dozens of food vendors serving everything from famous cheesesteaks to Amish baked goods to international cuisine. Rittenhouse Square is home to James Beard Award-winning restaurants and fine dining establishments. The Avenue of the Arts on Broad Street features pre-theater dining options. Chinatown at 10th and Race offers authentic Asian cuisine. Midtown Village and Washington Square West are known for trendy gastropubs and international restaurants.
Shopping
Center City shopping ranges from the historic Reading Terminal Market's artisan food vendors and unique gifts to the upscale boutiques along Walnut Street and Rittenhouse Row. The Shops at Liberty Place and the Fashion District Philadelphia at 8th and Market offer department stores and brand-name retailers. Jewelers Row on Sansom Street between 7th and 8th is one of the oldest diamond districts in the country. Antique shops and art galleries are concentrated along Pine Street and in Old City.
Things to Do
Center City's attractions are world-famous. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Independence National Historical Park draw millions of visitors annually. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, Franklin Institute, and Academy of Natural Sciences form the Parkway Museum District. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts hosts the Philadelphia Orchestra and Broadway shows. The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street features historic theaters like the Academy of Music and the Merriam Theater.
Common Questions
What are the best restaurants in Center City?
Center City offers James Beard Award-winning restaurants, Reading Terminal Market food stalls, and cuisine from around the world. Rittenhouse Square has the highest concentration of fine dining.
What is Reading Terminal Market?
Reading Terminal Market at 12th and Arch Streets is one of America's oldest and largest public markets, operating since 1893 with dozens of food vendors.
What cultural attractions are in Center City?
The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, Franklin Institute, Kimmel Center, Independence Hall, and Liberty Bell.
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External Resources
Written by John Smart
AI-Certified Agent™ with eXp Realty | PA License RS348332
Serving Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Berks Counties