Walnut Street Historic District - Allentown, PA Area Guide

The Walnut Street Historic District is surrounded by history. The back end of Independence National Historic Park hits Walnut Street in the historic district. The park contains The Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.

The country's oldest theater, the Walnut Street Theater, is in this district on Walnut Street. It opened in 1809 and has been renovated many times, but it still retains some of its original architectural elements.

Venturing off of Walnut Street into the rest of Old City leads you to even more of the nation's early history.

Loaded with eateries of varying types and price ranges in almost every direction, this neighborhood doesn't feature a central restaurant location.

Seward's Steak Shop has made a name for itself with fabulous cheesesteaks composed of fresh grass-fed meat. The lean-meat burgers contain a whopping 7 ounces of meat, and sandwiches or hoagies can be made to order on your choice of bread. The restaurant also sports a separate menu for children.

A few miles to the west, Youell’s Oyster House stands a local favorite thanks to its Maryland jumbo lump crabmeat and its own line of fresh seafood. This upscale restaurant serves seasonal items, including soft shell crabs and a variety of fresh fish, and freshly-shucked shellfish play a prominent role on the menu year-round.

Locals craving Italian food love Delicioso Gourmet Pizza and Subs in nearby center city Allentown to the east. From the baked lasagna or ziti to chicken and eggplant Parmesan, this full-service restaurant delivers a lot more than just pizza and sandwiches.

Although the core of this largely residential neighborhood doesn't support much nightlife, within a few miles residents can find plenty to do. Whether you seek a laid-back but classy atmosphere such as the one at Fegley's Allentown Brew Works with five floors holding numerous choices or the energetic vibe of establishments such MainGate Nightclub, where patrons dance all night while enjoying live concerts and other events, this area provides ample opportunities for entertainment.

Getting around the city using public transportation from The Walnut Street Historic District is easy. The Septa rail, trolley and bus systems get you through Philadelphia and out to the surrounding counties. Download Septa's app to make mapping your public transportation route easier.

The light rail PATCO runs between Center City and Southern New Jersey, with a stop at 9th & 10th and Locust, just a street over from Walnut. Taxi cabs and Uber are also available for transportation.

Walking is always an option in this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. The area is also safe and convenient for biking.

The district may be small, but its two parks are large. People visit Independence National Historic Park to learn the history surrounding the Revolutionary War and the founding of the country. From March to December, free tickets are required for the timed visits to Independence Hall. In the other months, no tickets are required. The Liberty Bell is free to view.

Washington Square Park is a recreational park for walking, picnics and exercising in the district. You can often find groups of runners warming up there together in the park.

A one-bedroom rental in the Walnut Street Historical District averages about $1,500 per month, but rental costs in some of the historic town homes can go much higher. The neighborhood boasts one of the more expensive areas in the city of Philadelphia, but the city itself is one of the more affordable major urban areas to buy or rent a home in the country.

The gas prices around the Walnut Street Historical District come in about 11 percent higher than the national average. A beer costs about $5 for a domestic and $7 for a craft beer on tap.

Travel few blocks north up to where several unique boutiques line the intersection of Tilghman Street and North 19th Street. Drop into Le Femme Boutique to find the perfect formal gown or prom dress for your special night. Le Femme’s extensive collection varies greatly in size, style, and price. The boutique often hosts fashion shows featuring new gown designs of the upcoming season.

Driving less than five miles northeast takes you to the Lehigh Valley Mall. Shop from Coach, Williams-Sonoma, Apple, and Victoria’s Secret. Anchored by Boscov’s, JCPenney, and Macy’s, Lehigh Valley provides over 150 retailers to locals looking to shop all day.

Groceries in the area can be purchased at Weis Market, Giant, and Stop & Shop. Garden Gate is a local natural food specialty shop that is stocked with vegetarian sandwiches, gluten-free products, and even organic goat milk. If you are looking for specific goods that are not in stock, ask one of the workers to place a personal order for you.

Head over to Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market for more locally produced goods. Hosting over 60 merchants, you can find everything from Loan’s Authentic Vietnamese Bistro and Amish Village Bake Shop to Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery and New York Pickle.