While in Philadelphia, visit the historic neighborhood of Society Hill, an upscale district with an extensive collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century homes and important historical monuments. While mainly a residential area, there is lots for visitors to see and do here. See old churches, admire the historic colonial architecture and shop for fresh produce in the weekly farmers market.
Visit the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Founded in 1787, it lays claim to being the oldest African Methodist Episcopal congregation in the nation. Go down into the crypt, which serves as a museum of the church's history. See original pews, muskets from the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom and the tomb of Rev. Richard Allen, the church's founding pastor.
Other historic churches in the neighborhood include Old Pine Street Church, a Presbyterian church, and St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Both were built in the 1760s.
Spend some time in the beautiful surrounds of Washington Square, one of the original green spaces in founder William Penn's plan for Philadelphia. Stroll along tree-lined pathways, enjoy a picnic on sunny days and stop at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier. The memorial is dedicated to all soldiers and sailors of the American Revolutionary War. Some of their bodies are buried in mass graves beneath the square.
Walk 10 minutes southeast of here to Headhouse Square, an attractive place of cobblestone streets and 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Among them is Head House, a Georgian-style market building with colonial and European influences. Every Sunday Headhouse Square hosts the Headhouse Farmers Market, the oldest farmers market in the city. Bring your shopping bags in case you want to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, organic produce and much more. While you are in the square, unwind with refreshments in the bars and cafés.
Society Hill lies in Philadelphia's city center. Get around the attractive historic neighborhood on foot, by bus or by cycling along bike lanes.
