Rittenhouse Square - Philadelphia, PA Area Guide

Originally one of the five squares in William Penn's plans, Rittenhouse Square quickly became a highly desirable location due to its proximity to the Schuylkill River. After former Congressman James Harper built an elegant townhome on the land, many aristocrats followed suit, making the neighborhood a notoriously wealthy community in the second half of the 19th century. Many of the mansions from that era were replaced by high-rises in the early 20th century, but its prime location and tree-filled parks have ensured its lasting desirability as a place to live and visit.

Cultural attractions in the area have a distinctively historic flavor. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University displays hundreds of dinosaur bones and hosts an exquisite butterfly garden. The Rosenbach Museum & Library on Delancey Place, a former 19th-century townhouse, is now home to more than 30,000 rare books.

For one eventful day in spring, the annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival showcases arts, live entertainment and fantastic food from over forty neighborhood restaurants and bars. Over 50,000 people come each year to enjoy this free, family-friendly event.

If you're looking for an evening of drama or comedy, the Philadelphia Theatre Company brings the stage to Rittenhouse Square. Making their home at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre at 480 S. Broad Street, this award-winning troop performs a full season of first-rate plays with a focus on the contemporary American playwright.

Renowned for its upscale dining options, Rittenhouse Square's thriving culinary scene attracts diners from across Philadelphia and beyond. Walnut Street and Sansom Street are especially popular areas within the neighborhood, known for quality eateries like Tria Taproom and Dizengoff.

Featuring an award-winning chef's thoughtful creations and an innovative Cuban menu, Alma de Cuba transports diners into another world with its savory flavors and romantic ambiance. Try the ceviche, a house specialty, as an appetizer, but leave room for one of the authentic entrees. Your best bets are the cilantro honey mustard glazed salmon, duck ropa vieja, or the classic arroz con pollo.

The Oyster House on Sansom Street serves up some of the most succulent oysters in Philadelphia. Indulge in hearty seafood dishes like the seared scallops, or enjoy the famous raw bar that won't have you shelling out a ton of money for a top-notch meal. Come for happy hour and enjoy Buck-a-Shuck prices for great deals on oysters and drinks.

Just down the road, Abe Fisher specializes in traditional Jewish-Diaspora cuisine. Its intriguing cocktails and mouth-watering delicacies like the corned pork belly make this a must for those daring enough to try it.

Residents don't have to look far for exciting nightlife in Rittenhouse Square. The Franklin Bar is a speakeasy bar on South 18th Street known for its artistic bartenders and cool atmosphere, perfect for a date or just relaxing with a group of friends. For a great night of live music, try Howl at the Moon on South 15th Street or Bob and Barbara's, both of which remain notorious for their happy-hour prices and excellent jazz.

A walker's haven, Rittenhouse Square has every modern convenience within easy walking distance of residential areas. Daily errands can also be accomplished on a bicycle due to the many accessible bike lanes.

Parking can be challenging to find, however several relatively cheap parking lots are scattered throughout the neighborhood, such as Central Parking and Park America Corporation.

Conveniently located by Interstate 676, Rittenhouse Square provides easy access to the rest of Philadelphia by car. SEPTA buses and regional rail lines, PATCO Speedline and the Broad Street Subway offer multiple methods of convenient public transportation. The area also has abundant taxi services available, including Uber.

The neighborhood features beautiful, historic parks that are perfect for a day of outdoor activities or a quick escape from urban living. Rittenhouse Square Park provides locals with a green oasis in the heart of the community. Nestled inside the bustling street life, historic buildings and high-rise residences surround the park, giving residents a scenic view all year long. Don't miss the annual Concerts in the Park event, featuring hours of live music from popular and local bands of all genres.

John F. Collins Park is another picturesque place to have lunch. A hidden gem, residents appreciate this secluded green space on Chestnut Street. Enjoy a lunchtime concert or read a book on one of the many tables or benches.

If you're looking for a dog-friendly option, the Schuylkill River Dog Run simply can't be beat. It features not one but two areas, one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs and puppies. It features plenty of seating so you can relax while your pet socializes. It even has a convenient hose for cleaning up your four-legged friend after he's done playing.

While the parks are more geared for leisure than structured exercise programs, several of the favorite routes of Philly runners are nearby, including following a path that simply goes around Rittenhouse Square itself and a scenic jog along the Schuylkill River.

The affluence of the community leaves average median rental rates at $1,332 for a one-bedroom space. Because of the expensive housing and the community's central location, the cost of living in Rittenhouse Square exceeds the median cost for all of Philadelphia by over 40 percent. Due to its proximity to the center of the city, public transportation to the city center remains affordable at $2.25 per ride. A typical pint of beer at a neighborhood pub costs $5, but many local establishments have happy hour specials with prices closer to $3. Gasoline prices sit at $2.95, 5 percent higher than the national average.

Like most everything else in this posh neighborhood, the shopping in Rittenhouse Square does not disappoint. A spender's paradise, this community includes the very best of both high-end retail and one-of-a-kind stores.

While residents appreciate Walnut Street's popular stores, such as Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Banana Republic, Lush and Zara, they also enjoy the charm of unique retail experiences. Club Monaco sells chic fashion choices for both men and women, while Town Home features upscale gifts from leading jewelry and collectible designers.

Chestnut Street, another shopping hot spot also has familiar stores such as J.Crew and Victoria's Secret. Stop by Second Time Around or Buffalo Exchange for vintage and consignment clothing. Fire and Ice sells drool-worthy custom jewelry, while Mettlers American Mercantile specializes in American-made home decor.

For groceries and household items, residents frequent Rittenhouse Market and Spruce Food Market, both conveniently located on Spruce Street. Locals enjoy organic eggs, vegetables, fruits, and meats from the Rittenhouse Square Farmers Market, open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out Drexel Farmers Market, open Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for other locally grown options.