Rittenhouse Square
A sophisticated urban oasis in Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square offers beautiful landscapes, vibrant markets, and a lively atmosphere surrounded by to...
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls & fewer crowds
Rittenhouse Square
Best Time
Peaceful strolls & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sophisticated urban oasis in Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square offers beautiful landscapes, vibrant markets, and a lively atmosphere surrounded by top dining and shopping.
"Probably one of the nicest parks in the city! Always such a good vibe here!"
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Stroll
Enjoy leisurely walks, people-watching, and soaking in the sophisticated atmosphere.
🍦 Sweet Treats Nearby
Don't miss iconic ice cream sandwiches from Weckerly's!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Central Square
Center of the park
A picturesque green oasis perfect for people-watching, reading, or simply enjoying the city's pulse.

Rittenhouse Farmers' Market
Near the park entrance
Discover fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local treats. A must-visit for foodies!

Fine Art Show
Around the square
Experience local creativity with diverse artworks displayed by talented artists.

Surrounding Eateries
Perimeter of the square
Indulge in world-class dining, from French bistros to upscale steakhouses.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Plan Around Events & Markets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Stroll
Enjoy leisurely walks, people-watching, and soaking in the sophisticated atmosphere.
🍦 Sweet Treats Nearby
Don't miss iconic ice cream sandwiches from Weckerly's!
🎨 Art & Culture Hub
Explore local art at the Fine Art Show or enjoy impromptu street performances.
🍽️ Dining Delights
Surrounded by top-tier restaurants, perfect for a special occasion or casual bite.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Stroll
Enjoy leisurely walks, people-watching, and soaking in the sophisticated atmosphere.
🍦 Sweet Treats Nearby
Don't miss iconic ice cream sandwiches from Weckerly's!
🎨 Art & Culture Hub
Explore local art at the Fine Art Show or enjoy impromptu street performances.
🍽️ Dining Delights
Surrounded by top-tier restaurants, perfect for a special occasion or casual bite.
💃 Dance the Night Away
Join fun dance classes at Koresh on Wednesday nights!
🛍️ Boutique Shopping
Discover new businesses offering fashion, fitness, and unique finds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rittenhouse Square is widely loved as one of Philadelphia's most beautiful and vibrant parks, praised for its lively atmosphere, well-maintained grounds, and surrounding upscale amenities. Visitors appreciate its family and pet-friendly nature, diverse crowd, and the regular presence of markets and events. Some find the surrounding restaurants to be quite pricey, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"Love this park! Probably one of the nicest parks in the city! Always such a good vibe here! Plenty of benches to relax. You can always find someone playing music nearby. Most are good! Very kid friendly park as well as animal friendly! Shops and restaurants all around. Different times they host Farmers Markets as well as Art Shows around the park. A great mix of all kinds of people here! Just a wonderful park. People feeding the birds and squirrels. Nice park all year round!"
Thomas Cleveland
"Rittenhouse Square is the pretty cool place for a stroll. The beautiful grounds are surrounded by high-end apartments, incredible restaurants, and lively bars, making it the heart of a truly sophisticated Philadelphia neighborhood. Fun area to check out!"
Matt Nordin
"It's so beautiful here, in the heart of Philadelphia, you have Parc a very elegant French Restaurant,also you have Barclay Prime, you can haveJapenese steaks here or any other kind you desire, but it's very pricey. For me it's good for anniversaries, birthdays or any other special celebration or occasion.
Once a year is too many."
Moustapha Balde
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rittenhouse Square is easily accessible via public transportation. SEPTA buses and trolleys frequently stop nearby, and it's a short walk from several subway stations. Driving is also an option, with parking garages available, though they can be pricey.
Absolutely! Rittenhouse Square is in the heart of a very walkable neighborhood. Many visitors enjoy exploring the surrounding streets on foot to discover shops and cafes.
A combination of walking and public transport is ideal. For a deeper dive into the neighborhood's offerings, consider a weekend itinerary that includes exploring the square and its nearby attractions.
Yes, Philly's 'Open Streets' events sometimes take place on streets near Rittenhouse Square, offering car-free exploration opportunities. Check local listings for dates and specific street closures.
Parking is available in garages around the square, but it can be expensive. Some apartment buildings also offer on-site parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rittenhouse Square is a public park and is free to enter and enjoy.
While the park itself is free, specific events like the Fine Art Show
or ticketed performances might have associated costs. Always check event details beforehand.Rittenhouse Square is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific event hours will vary.
The Rittenhouse Farmers' Market is open to the public without reservations. You can simply show up and enjoy the offerings.
Typically, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is free to attend, allowing visitors to browse and appreciate the art.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You can relax on benches, people-watch, enjoy street performers, visit the farmers market,
or attend art shows. The surrounding area offers excellent dining and shopping.Yes, it's very kid-friendly with open spaces for children to play and a welcoming atmosphere.
Rittenhouse Square is generally animal-friendly, with many visitors bringing their pets.
Plenty of benches are available throughout the park, making it an ideal spot to unwind.
It's a diverse mix, from locals enjoying their day to tourists exploring the city, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The area boasts upscale options like Parc (French) and Barclay Prime (steakhouse), as well as more casual spots. For unique experiences, consider Vita for its pasta speakeasy.
While known for upscale dining, you can find more budget-friendly cafes and eateries by exploring a block or two away from the immediate square.
Yes, Weckerly's, known for its iconic ice cream sandwiches, has a location near Rittenhouse Square.
The restaurants range from elegant and sophisticated to lively and casual, offering a vibe for every occasion.
Yes, Rittenhouse Square is home to several charming coffee shops offering great lattes and a cozy atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The central fountain, flowerbeds, and the surrounding elegant architecture offer beautiful backdrops. The park's changing seasons also provide unique photographic opportunities.
The square is beautifully lit at night, offering a different, more romantic ambiance for photography.
Street photography, landscape shots of the park, and architectural photography of the surrounding buildings are popular.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. Midday can be good for capturing the lively atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Sophistication: Rittenhouse Square's Charm
The area around Rittenhouse Square has seen a surge of new businesses, from fitness studios to fashion retailers, adding to its dynamic appeal. This constant evolution ensures there's always something new to discover. Whether you're looking for a gourmet meal at Parc or a unique ice cream treat from Weckerly's, the culinary scene is exceptional. The square also serves as a community gathering space, frequently hosting events that draw locals and visitors alike.
For those seeking a quintessential Philadelphia experience, Rittenhouse Square offers a blend of natural beauty, urban sophistication, and vibrant community life. It’s a place where you can truly feel the pulse of the city while finding moments of tranquility. The combination of its aesthetic appeal and the lively atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination.
Experiencing Rittenhouse Square's Culinary Delights
Beyond the fine dining, Rittenhouse Square offers unique culinary adventures. Vita, a gelato shop, hides a secret pasta speakeasy accessible via text instructions, offering a memorable and intriguing dining experience. For those with a sweet tooth, Weckerly's iconic ice cream sandwiches are a local favorite and a must-try treat. The Rittenhouse Farmers' Market also provides a fantastic opportunity to sample local produce and artisanal goods, adding a fresh, seasonal dimension to the area's food offerings.
Whether you're looking for a quick coffee at a charming cafe or a multi-course gourmet meal, Rittenhouse Square delivers. The concentration of excellent eateries makes it easy to plan a culinary tour of the neighborhood, ensuring a delicious experience for every visitor.
Events and Activities at Rittenhouse Square
Art enthusiasts can look forward to the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, where local artists display and sell their work, transforming the square into an open-air gallery. For those seeking a more active experience, Koresh offers dance classes on Wednesday nights, adding a fun and energetic element to the week. Additionally, the square is a prime spot for people-watching, with its constant flow of diverse individuals and occasional street performers.
The surrounding streets also host events like Philly's 'Open Streets,' which temporarily close roads to vehicles, creating a pedestrian-friendly zone for exploration and enjoyment. These events highlight the community spirit and the square's role as a central gathering place in Philadelphia.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit