Your Local Guide
Rittenhouse Square Neighborhood
Philadelphia's most prestigious neighborhood—and home to the Rittenhouse Residence. World-class dining, boutique shopping, historic charm, and urban convenience—all within walking distance of your door.
100+
Restaurants
50+
Boutiques
10+
Museums
98
Walk Score
Dining
From James Beard winners to casual favorites
Fine Dining
French Bistro
1 min walk
Iconic sidewalk cafe overlooking the Square. Classic French with perfect people-watching.
Image: Parc
New American
3 min walk
James Beard Award-winning chef Greg Vernick. Reservations essential.
Image: Vernick Food & Drink
Israeli
10 min walk
James Beard Outstanding Restaurant winner. Modern Israeli cuisine from Michael Solomonov. Reservations essential.
French Contemporary
2 min walk
Refined dining at The Rittenhouse hotel. Tasting menus and exceptional wine list.
Image: Lacroix
Thai
15 min drive
Acclaimed Southern Thai cuisine in Fishtown. Packs serious heat and bold flavors.
Lebanese
15 min drive
Beautiful Lebanese restaurant with stunning garden patio. Fresh mezze and grilled meats.
Austrian
15 min drive
Alpine-inspired dishes in a charming setting. Wiener schnitzel and seasonal fare.
New American
5 min walk
Michelin-starred. James Beard Outstanding Restaurant 2023. Eight-course tasting menu.
Image: Friday Saturday Sunday
Casual & Quick Bites
Israeli/Hummus
4 min walk
Famous hummus bowls from Michael Solomonov. Counter service, big flavors.
Image: Dizengoff
Deli/Sandwiches
10 min walk
Hip Jewish-Italian deli with creative sandwiches. Perfect for a casual lunch.
French Cafe
10 min walk
Charming French cafe with excellent brunch. Fresh pastries and classic dishes.
Thai (BYOB)
6 min walk
Reliably excellent Thai. BYOB makes it perfect for groups.
American Gastropub
5 min walk
Famous Roquefort-stuffed burger. Great beer selection on 3 floors.
Gourmet Sandwiches
4 min walk
Chef-driven sandwiches on house-made milk buns. From a Zahav alum.
Italian
Italian Fine Dining
5 min walk
Marc Vetri's flagship. Legendary tasting menus and one of Philadelphia's best dining experiences.
Italian
3 min walk
100-layer lasagna and Aperol spritzes on tap. Stunning 15,000 sq ft interior.
Image: Borromini
Italian
4 min walk
Jeff Michaud's handmade pasta with locally-sourced ingredients.
Image: Via Locusta
Italian
12 min walk
Fresh handmade pasta in a cozy setting. Simple, authentic, delicious.
Italian BYOB
5 min walk
Intimate Northern Italian BYOB. Beloved neighborhood gem with seasonal menus.
Philly Cheesesteaks(Worth the trip)
Cheesesteaks & Italian
10 min drive
South Philly institution. Famous for their cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches.
Philly Cheesesteaks
12 min walk
Classic South Street cheesesteak spot. Reopened after the 2022 fire, better than ever.
Philly Cheesesteaks
20 min drive
Cash-only institution since 1960. Many locals call it the best cheesesteak in the city. Worth the drive to Roxborough.
Image: Dalessandro's Steaks
The Schmitter
25 min drive
Home of the legendary Schmitter—beef, cheese, onions, tomato, grilled salami, and secret sauce on a Kaiser roll. A Chestnut Hill landmark since 1921.
Bars & Nightlife
From hidden speakeasies to neighborhood institutions
Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Philadelphia's highest bar on the 60th floor of the Four Seasons. Panoramic views, craft cocktails, live music.
Vibe: Glamorous, special occasion
Hotel Lounge
At The Rittenhouse Hotel. Hand-crafted cocktails, rare spirits, elegant setting overlooking the Square.
Vibe: Upscale, quiet
Image: The Library Bar
Belgian Beer Bar
Institution since 1997. 200+ Belgian beers, excellent mussels and burgers.
Vibe: Casual, locals' favorite
Image: Monk's Cafe
Speakeasy Cocktails
Hidden entrance behind El Rey, craft cocktails. Look for the double R door.
Vibe: Intimate, date night
Image: The Ranstead Room
Wine Bar
Curated wine, cheese, and beer. Perfect for a pre-dinner glass.
Vibe: Cozy, sophisticated
Image: Tria Rittenhouse
Gastropub
Three floors of fun. Rooftop in summer, cozy basement bar.
Vibe: Lively, all ages
Coffee & Cafes
Your morning ritual, sorted
Specialty Coffee & Breakfast
From James Beard winner Greg Vernick. Try the grain bowls.
Bakery & Pastries
Ellen Yin's bakery. Fresh pastries daily, exceptional croissants.
Vegan Cafe
100% organic, plant-based, and gluten-free. Great for health-conscious guests.
Third Wave Coffee
Philadelphia-born roaster. Draft lattes are a local favorite.
Grocery & Essentials
Stock your kitchen for home-cooked meals
Gourmet Market
Legendary Italian market. Cheese, charcuterie, prepared foods, wine. Everything you need for an in-house dinner party.
Rittenhouse Market
Neighborhood Grocery
Open 6:30am-10pm daily. Basics, snacks, beer, wine. 70+ years serving the neighborhood.
Grocery Chain
Budget-friendly specialty items, wine, and prepared foods.
Natural Foods
Full-service grocery with prepared foods bar.
Museums & Culture
World-class institutions and hidden gems
From the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art (yes, the Rocky steps!) to intimate galleries and the wonderfully peculiar Mütter Museum, Philadelphia punches well above its weight in cultural offerings. Most are an easy walk, Uber, or scenic stroll along the Parkway.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
15 min walk from Rittenhouse Residence
Art Museum
World-class collection spanning 2,000 years. The famous 'Rocky Steps' are here.
Don't miss: Van Gogh, Impressionists, Arms & Armor
Image: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Art Collection
Extraordinary private collection. Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse in intimate galleries.
Don't miss: Largest Renoir collection in the world
Image: Barnes Foundation
Medical History
Fascinating (and slightly macabre) medical artifacts and anatomical specimens.
Don't miss: Einstein's brain, Soap Lady
Image: Mütter Museum
Rare Books & Manuscripts
Intimate museum in a historic townhouse. Rare books and literary artifacts.
Don't miss: Bram Stoker's Dracula notes
Image: Rosenbach Museum
Performing Arts
America's oldest opera house still in use. Home to Philadelphia Orchestra.
Don't miss: Stunning 19th-century interior
Schuylkill River Trail
10 min walk from Rittenhouse Residence
Parks & Green Spaces
Urban oases for relaxation and recreation
Rittenhouse Square—one of William Penn's original five squares—is quite literally at your doorstep. But the neighborhood offers even more: the scenic Schuylkill River Trail for morning runs, historic Washington Square, and easy access to Fairmount Park.
Rittenhouse Square
1 min walkThe crown jewel. One of William Penn's original five squares. Perfect for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or evening strolls.
Schuylkill River Trail
10 min walkMiles of paved trail along the river. Running, biking, or a scenic walk to the Art Museum.
Washington Square
12 min walkAnother of Penn's squares. Quieter, historic, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Local Tips
Insider knowledge from your hosts
Best Time to Visit the Square
Early morning (before 9am) or golden hour (5-7pm) for the best atmosphere. Weekday lunchtimes see the business crowd, weekends are more relaxed.
Reservation Strategy
Book Vernick 2-3 weeks ahead. Parc doesn’t take reservations—go at off-peak times. Most others, a few days notice is fine.
BYOB Culture
Many restaurants are BYOB with no corkage fee. Grab a bottle at Di Bruno Bros and save on your dinner bill.
Farmers Market
Rittenhouse Farmers Market runs Saturdays year-round (10am-2pm). Local produce, artisan breads, fresh flowers.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring Festival (May), Fine Art Show (Fall), and the magical Christmas Tree Lighting with 5,000+ lights.
Day Trip from Here
30th Street Station offers easy Amtrak access. New York (90 min), Washington DC (2 hr), or the Main Line suburbs (20 min).
Getting Here & Parking
Everything you need to know about arriving and getting around
Parking
Nearby Parking Garages
- Parkway Corp - 1845 Walnut • 2 min walk • ~$25/day
- LAZ Parking - 1919 Spruce • 3 min walk • ~$22/day
- Icon Parking - 1616 Walnut • 4 min walk • ~$28/day
- PMC Parking - 17th & Sansom • 5 min walk • ~$20/day
Street Parking
Limited 2-hour metered parking. $4.50-$6/hour during peak times. Free evenings after 8pm and Sundays in some areas.
Our Recommendation
Skip the car if possible. The neighborhood is extremely walkable (98 Walk Score), and Uber/Lyft are readily available for longer trips.
Luggage Drop-Off Tip
Arriving with lots of luggage or supplies? Our rear entrance on Waverly Street offers direct access to the house on a quiet, rarely-trafficked lane—perfect for unloading. Pull up, drop off, then park your car at a nearby garage.
Public Transit
SEPTA Subway
Broad Street Line: 15th Street Station (10 min walk). Market-Frankford Line: 15th-16th & Locust (8 min walk).
Regional Rail
Suburban Station (12 min walk) and 30th Street Station (20 min walk or quick Uber). Direct service to Philadelphia Airport.
Bus Lines
Multiple routes on Walnut, Chestnut, and Market Streets. Fare: $2.50 cash or use SEPTA Key card.
From the Airport
SEPTA Airport Line to Suburban Station (~35 min, $8). Uber/Lyft (~25 min, $25-40 depending on traffic).
Ready to Experience Rittenhouse?
Book your stay at the Rittenhouse Residence and explore Philadelphia’s finest neighborhood from our historic 1854 mansion.