Queens Car Rental and Philadelphia Neighbourhoods Part 2

Part 1 of All Car's Philadelphia Neighbourhoods travel guide page provided Queens car hire travelers with some basic information on popular Philly neighbourhoods. In Part 2, you'll be introduced to Center City, Philadelphia's "downtown" area. Known for its amazing collection of shops and attractions, Center City truly is the heart and soul of this metropolis. You haven't experienced the City of Brotherly Love until you've spent an afternoon or two between the banks of the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers.

It all starts in Center City

Manhattan has Midtown; Chicago, the loop. Philadelphia has Center City. Located between the banks of the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers, Center City is the place to be for fun and excitement in Philly. From luxury hotels to hot new restaurants, Center City has all of the amenities of a major metropolis. And yet, it still seems to maintain it's down home charm. Easy to navigate and free from NYC traffic jams, Center City provides Queens car hire travelers with an inviting atmosphere.

The makings of a great neighbourhood

While Center City is traditionally recognized as including all of the area between the two rivers, from South Street to Vine Street, this isn't entirely true. In all actuality, Center City includes four distinct sub-neighbourhoods: Old City, Society Hill, Rittenhouse Square and Washington West. Together, these neighbourhoods create a vibrant downtown destination; apart, each provides Queens car hire travelers with its own unique flavour.

  • Old City: A fair comparison to Philly's Old City neighbourhood would be NYC's SoHo District or Chelsea area. The hottest neighbourhood in Center City, Old City boasts beautiful 18th century row houses, converted 19th century warehouses and trendy 20th century rehabs. Known for its chic lifestyle, Old City is becoming increasingly hot with young 20- and 30- something residents. But that doesn't mean the neighbourhood has forgotten its roots -the first Friday of every month is a local block party, where galleries and clothing shops stay open late.
  • Rittenhouse Square: The Central Park of Philadelphia lies within Rittenhouse Square, welcoming Queens car hire travelers with open arms. Beautifully landscaped to flow with the surrounding cafes and condominiums, Rittenhouse Square is a place of sophistication and indulgence. Park your Queens car hire and stroll down Walnut Street to find a shopping district the rivals both Boston and San Francisco for charm and style.
  • Society Hill: This area of the city is full of reclaimed 18th century architecture. Located just south of Independence National Historic Park, Society Hill is bounded roughly by Walnut, Lombard, Front and 7th Streets. A quick drive through the area in your Queens car hire and you'll discover beautifully restored Federal, Colonial and Georgian homes.
  • Washington Square West: This are of Center City is still catching up to Rittenhouse and Society Hill when it comes to first-class amenities. With that being said, the neighbourhood still boasts a quaint Antique Row on Pine Street and a retail corridor along 13th Street. The area is commonly referred to as the "Gayborhood" as it is home to the majority of the city's gay population.

Other areas of interest

While Center City is the main attraction in Philadelphia, it's far from the only one. Other neighbourhoods worth visiting in your Queens car hire include the Northern Liberties (north of Old City), University City (located around the University of Pennsylvania) and South Street. And of course, who could forget the neighbourhood of South Philadelphia, made famous by Rocky Balboa? Quiet by day and colourful by night, South Philadelphia is the city's most ethnically diverse area. From the Italian Market at 9th and Christian to the cheesesteak stands at Passyunk and 9th, South Philadelphia is the gritty backbone of Philly.

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