Soaking in the summer sun and reiterating the stories of American independence is the Old City of Philadelphia. Marked as the birthplace of American independence, Old City is slowly moving to modernism without losing its vintage taste. Home to row houses built in the 18th century, these streets have lived the American life of struggle and success. Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest inhabited street in America, waits patiently in the Old City for visitors with arms wide open and smiles unfading. The neighborhood has the classic old-school vibe you’d love to stay in as you explore all the places to eat in Philadelphia. For a vacation like no other, book all the interesting tours in Philadelphia and explore the famous tourist spots from one of these best Airbnb vacation rentals in Old City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Tip from tour guide
If you're considering a stay in the Old City, don't miss out on a truly unique experience in Philadelphia. Explore the roots of the vegetarian movement in the US, which began in Philadelphia. Discover the stories of pioneers like Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Lay, Sarah and Angelina Grimke, Bronson Alcott, and Sylvester Graham as you visit the spots they made famous around Old City. A guided tour is a must for anyone interested in vegetarianism, veganism, or American history!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 28, 2024.
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1. Stylish and contemporary studio apartment
Stylish and contemporary is the best way to describe this Airbnb in the historic district of Philadelphia. Vibrantly decorated, this studio apartment has a kitchen with all the essentials to cook lavish deals on your stay here. Allowing long-term stays, this rental can be the perfect home away from home as you lounge around in the living room watching TV or sleep on the comfy queen bed with music playing on the bedroom TV.
Catch up with all your work in the professional workspace, complete with high-speed internet and a whiteboard. When you feel bored, go out and have fun learning about the history of Old City in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
272 meters (0.2 ft) from Independence National Historical ParkSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts are very responsive and helpful throughout our visitanthony was a great host checking in with us almost dailyanthony was very responsive to our questionshe’s a super host on here for a reasonhosts were super flexible with an early check-in to support my early flight arrivalLocation:
great location close to liberty bell and bus stopsfantastic location a lot to do within walking distancegreat location right in the middle of old citygreat location spacious well equipped and clearawesome apartment in a great locationCleanliness:
very clean and well equippedthe apartment is very clean and organized) the apartment was clean and the perfect size for a couplegreat place very updated and cleanvery clean keyless access made coming and going very easyRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the place has two nice large tvs with roku devices and netflix accounts activeapartment was equipped with nice furniture and even had a printerwe used the table as an extra work space and appreciated the printer and usb charger stationvery roomy apartment mattresses are super comfya fully equipped kitchen and clothes washer and dryer in the apartment was fantastic
2. Luxurious well-lit apartment with a dedicated workspace
Want to enjoy the old-country vibe of living in an Airbnb in Old City, the historic district of Philadelphia, without giving up on the comforts of the 21st century? Then book this vacation rental now. Well-lit and spacious, this home has a fully equipped kitchen that you can use to cook dishes to your heart’s desire and a living room furnished with comfortable long sofas. The TV and high-speed internet are all the amenities you’ll need as you get ready for bed at night.
Spend your days here exploring the Old City and all its attractions. If you’re worried about work piling up as you take your time off, you can use the dedicated workspace to catch up.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
629 meters (0.4 ft) from Independence National Historical ParkAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
salman was a great hostfriendly customer support and cozy place to stay invery nice place good location and salman was an excellent host very communicative and helpfulLocation:
great location around some fun restaurants and barsgreat location exactly what we needed for a quick weekend get awaygreat spot close to great bars and restaurantslocation salman's place was the perfect location for our stay lots of bars and restaurants around old cityour stay was wonderful the apartment is located near historical places parks we walked a lotCleanliness:
the apartment is clean comfortable and has everything you needRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the two bedrooms were nice and the couch was surprisingly big and a good third bedfinding the individual apartment wasn't too bad just don't be afraid to go through a few doors first
3. Whitman loft with views of the Ben Franklin Bridge (from USD 240)
This is Whitman Loft, a one-bedroom vacation rental with breathtaking views of the Ben Franklin Bridge. There is a Bulthaup kitchen that comes with a Miele refrigerator, microwave, Miele oven, stove, and coffee maker for your cooking and dining needs. The queen-sized beds feature custom-linen bedding for a comfortable sleep. There is also a personal reading room where you can read your favorite books in peace as well as enjoy the host’s collection of Walt Whitman writings and local guides.
As for places you can visit, this home is only five minutes away from Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley, Ben Franklin’s House and burial location, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell.
Top guest reviews
Host:
rachel was very plesant helpful and accommodating throughout my stayrachael and wesley were amazing hostswes and rachael are top notch hosts and somehow the loft even tops their hospitalityhost was very kind and helpful cannot say enough nice thingsrachel was an excellent host providing tips for parking and local spots to visitLocation:
location is perfectthe location is also perfect and close enough to walk to everythingif you are looking for a relaxing place to get away this is your spotthis a beautiful loft great location walking distance to everything and the viewrachael & wesley’s place was absolutely wonderfulCleanliness:
clean organized and readythe apartment was very clean and combined new features in a historic buildingit is impeccably clean stylishly decorated with high end appliances a wonderful shower and a comfortable bedto future travelers if you want cleanliness hands-on host and a great locationRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the furnishings are very stylish and comfortable
4. Former shoe polish factory turned townhouse (from USD 414)
An old 1800s shoe polish factory turned into a two-bedroom apartment in the Old City of Philadelphia. Beautifully renovated and designed to evoke the feel of its past life, the home features tall ceilings, exposed brick, and large windows. The second floor is open-plan, and has the living room, dining room, and kitchen. This kitchen comes with a refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, and oven for your cooking needs. There is also a cozy couch and chairs by a fireplace for your comfort.
As for places you can visit, this home is only less than seven blocks from Elfreth’s Alley, Independence Hall, and the Museum of American Revolution.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host is super friendly and attentivejohnny is a great hostjohnny was a great host and very responsivethe hosts were friendly and communicative — one of the best stays we’ve experiencedbeautiful house and a great hostLocation:
the location is greatlocation is perfectgreat location and comfy apartmentgreat location and well maintainedstylish place in an amazing locationCleanliness:
bathrooms clean and gorgeoussuper super clean including the bathroomsclean stylish home on a quaint cobblestone streetthe house is clean to perfection with all the perfect touchesgorgeous clean space amazing kitchen and living roomRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
astonishingly beautiful apartment with great amenities and exquisitely decorated2 well sized rooms with super sized closets to comfortably unpack your suitcaseour local friends then came over to help fix the dryer but couldn’t fix the toiletwe were extremely comfortable relaxing indoors with plenty of space and high ceilingsoverall we had a nice stay very nice touches and well decorated space well equipped kitchen
5. Comfy townhouse with a walk-in closet and writing table (from USD 62)
Start your adventures around Philadelphia from this one-bedroom townhouse. Described as nice, clean, and large, this home is able to sleep up to two people and promises you a comfortable time throughout your stay. The home features a walk-in closet, air conditioning, iron, and a writing table for your convenience and comfort. There’s also a kitchenette with an electric toaster oven, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker for your dining needs.
Located in the heart of Old City, this home is close to a couple of restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Museum of the American Revolution, Independence Seaport Museum, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum.
Top guest reviews
Host:
oksana was a great hosthighly recommend this hostoksana is very responsive on questionsthe host was very responsive and it was easy to check in and outoksana was very helpful and responded quickly to any questions i hadLocation:
location location location at excellent valuegreat location in old citywalking distance to major attractionsfantastic location and fab apartmentexcellent location very good valueCleanliness:
very clean comfortable bedthe apartment is spotlessly clean and roomyoksana’s place was very clean and neatplace was nice and warm and cleanexactly as described very cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
great wifi and cable includedthere was a fan/heater to help control the temperaturethe bed is very comfortable room has a refrigerator spacious closet cable tv and microwaveresponsive host and all basic amenities were provided for a stay in a studio apartmentgracious responsive host - the place was clean and comfortable with shampoo conditioner coffee etc
6. Cozy studio for four in Old City (from USD 3211)
Located three blocks from the Liberty Bell and George Washington’s House, this Airbnb is in the city center of Philadelphia. The studio is perfect for a family of four looking to step out of the everyday hustle into a bit of history. With the option to self-check-in and an open kitchen neatly decorated with all the modern necessities, this is like a home away from home. When you decide to step out for a walk, the street leads you to some amazing dining spots and art galleries. The host, Okan, is a neat freak so you can be sure that all hygiene-associated tasks have been taken care of.
Top guest reviews
Host:
he was quick to answer our questions and helpfulokan was quick to respond and super helpfulthe check in instructions from the host were easy to follow and he was always quick to respondokan was responsive to our parking questions and check in was easyokan couldn't have been a more gracious hostLocation:
amazing location close to everythinggood locationgreat location close to everything nice placenear a park and subway and close to liberty bellgreat location very nice spaceCleanliness:
clean and comfortableclean and well stockedsmelled good everything was nice and cleanthe apartment was clean and roomythe place was clean and comfortableRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
air conditioning was great and we needed it the days we stayedlove this apartment beautiful and comfortable space on a lovely streetit was spacious comfortable clean and in a cute neighborhood with lots of little cafes and shopsthe second bed is a futon but the main bed is very comfortableif you are looking for an amazing place to stay in philadelphia i highly recommend this apartment
7. Sweet suite done right
Keeping the traditional 90’s charm alive in the Old City of Phiilly is this suite that is perfect for four guests to experience the true essence of a boutique hotel stay. With a compact well-designed bedroom, a private kitchenette, and a wall-mounted fold-down desk, this place defines optimisation in design without compromising on style. To make the experience surreal, the Delaware River waterfront is two blocks away and welcomes anyone who wishes to witness its silent splendor.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
1.18 km (0.8 mi) from Independence National Historical ParkAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
she was very responsive to questionsfriendly hosts good prompt communicationoutstanding property with superb hosts who were super helpful right from the point of reservationhosts were very helpful and easy to accessthe communication with the host is easy and fast an the host is very helpfulLocation:
the location is absolutely amazingexcellent location that is a reasonable walk to bars and restaurantsgreat location about a 15min walk to old city and about 20 to independence mallsuper cosy flat in a really convenient locationit's in great location and is in within walking distance of just about everythingCleanliness:
such a beautiful and clean placevery clean cozy & very comfortablevery comfortable and clean apartmentnice cozy clean place easy check incute clean and tidy apartmentRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
melissa offers a stylish and comfortable place to stay when visiting phillymelissa and matt provide a beautiful bright and spotless apartment in a prime locationeasy check-in excellent recommendations and surprise coffee/tea and cereal in a clean cozy apartmentwe enjoyed our visit great amenities cozy soft towels and a convenient locationthe apartment was super stylish with lots of unique decor
8. Quirky loft overlooking the bridge (from USD 99)
Bricks walls, a queen-sized bed, and views of the bridge make this studio loft perfect for a stay. With a personal desk and free WiFi, you can have an extended weekend in Philly under the pretext of working from home. If you hate to stay indoors, the Museum of American Revolution and the Liberty Bell are walking distance. The host, William, is a big fan of food and will lead you to the best eats around the city.
Top guest reviews
Host:
william was a great hostwilliam is friendly and thoughtful hostjames was quick to respond and very helpfulwilliam was a great host and helped with a few questions we hadthe host was great a caring we'll be backLocation:
great location and nice spaceamazing location and great staygreat location and good sized spacegreat location in the beautiful old citywe liked the location and it’s proximity to the waterfrontCleanliness:
william’s place was very clean and cozyclean quiet easy check-inthe apartment was exactly as advertised and very cleanthe place was clean and just enough space for our staythe space is clean well-decorated and in a great locationRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
good size space small bathroom view of the ben franklin bridgethe bathroom is a very tight space but manageable with care
9. Old school studio in historic street (from USD 79)
Built over 200 years ago, this wine cellar-turned-studio is indeed as exotic as it sounds. Built on the infamous Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street in the United States, the brick walls of this studio have witnessed everything that we read in books about the American Revolution. Everything here has a contagious energy of its own and that probably is the best souvenir you can get from Philly. With one bedroom, one bath, and amenities such as WiFi, heating, air conditioning, and other essentials, enjoy a cosy stay at this amazing, old school place.
Top guest reviews
Host:
highly recommended wonderful response time from the host and excellent customer servicethe host was very sweet as wellgreat place and great hostpatrick was very helpful and accommodating with our schedulepatrick is one awesome hostLocation:
unique place in great locationgreat location in old city close to all the favoritesi recommend the locationthe location is amazing walking distance to everything in old city and a short walk to the subwayawesome place and amazing locationCleanliness:
clean and nicely decoratedthe room was very clean and cozyexcellent place very cleancool place to stay cleanthe space is clean and has just about everything you needRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
bed is super comfy ac was bumping stay here to travel back to 1776complete with a quirky bathroom layout and cozy bed space the space was stylish cool and homeyspace is super clean great tv coffee and comfy bed too totally delightful stay at elfreth's alleycozy comfortable unique this space is a quaint getaway with all you need
10. Contemporary loft for a relaxed weekend
Minimalistic design and modern interiors make this newly constructed two-bedroom loft in the heart of Old City perfect for first-time visitors. With a fully-equipped kitchen and in-unit washer and dryer, you will hardly miss home. Situated a few minutes from the Liberty Bell Mall, there is also time for some retail therapy when in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
492 meters (0.4 ft) from Independence National Historical ParkAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
alex was a good host and very quick to respond to any questionsthank you for being a great host everything was perfectawesome amenities and quick response from hostsgood plenty of room great host and communicationgreat location and the host communicated well but could have been cleanerLocation:
location is great in the middle of old citygreat location excellent restaurants a block awaygreat place in an amazing locationnice place in great locationgreat place in a great locationCleanliness:
it was clean and spaciousvery clean and stylish spaceapartment is clean and decorated nicelygreat space clean and spaciousbathrooms were clean and modernRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
bathrooms are small but entirely adequatebeautiful apartment stylish furniture great kitchen quite close to many places of interest
11. Elegant penthouse in Old City
Spread across 4,000 sq.ft. (371.61 sq. m.), this penthouse can accommodate 10 guests in three spacious bedrooms with private bathrooms. Mature brick walls add a rustic touch to its interiors. With a fireplace to keep you warm, a hot tub to keep you relaxed, and a roof deck to keep you refreshed, this place redefines ‘home is where the heart is’ so elegantly. Stay indoors and cook your favourite meal or pack a quick picnic and sit by the Delaware River–either way this place will be etched in your memory forever.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
448 meters (0.3 ft) from Independence National Historical ParkAccommodates: 10
Top guest reviews
Host:
alex was a great hostalex is a great hostalex was also an excellent hostalex was a super nice host answered all our questions as usual and helped me feel homei then contacted alex who was responsive and sent his cleaners overLocation:
the location is amazinggreat location in old cityamazing location in the heart of old cityamazing apartment even more amazing locationgreat location close to the historic center and the attractionsCleanliness:
it looked like the airbnb hadn’t been cleaned in at least a monthcommunication was great and the apartment was perfectly prepared for us and very cleanalex's place was great so roomy and cleanthe apartment itself is pretty big very well decorated and super cleanthe house was very clean and had a great roof deck with a beautiful viewRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
some of the smaller details like coffee bedside tables and bath mats not includedthe apartment is spectacular it is modern and spacious and the view from the roof deck to magnificentthe apartment is very comfortable and the pictures are accuratethe space is huge and roomy (though not at all cozy)there was plenty of room and the rooftop was gorgeous on the nights we stayed
12. Sleek, modern house for the millennial
Spend your days in Philly at this giant 1,500 sq.ft. (139.35 sq. m.) home decorated with striking interiors and modern amenities. Ditch the sun and stay in for a quiet time with your special someone or watch cartoons with your kids on the 55-inch (139.7-cm) flat-screen TV with full HD cable. With a fully functional kitchen, you can try your hand at making some famous Philly food or just step out and explore the historic streets and foodie favourites.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
813 meters (0.6 ft) from Independence National Historical ParkTop guest reviews
Host:
leo was a great host overall; very quick responses courtesy call upon approvalleo was a great hostleo is a great host he wasn't on site but answered our questions in a timely fashionleo was an excellent hostplace is really cool and the owner is friendly and responsive when you have questionsLocation:
a very nice location - was easy to walk everywheregreat loft in a fun locationa great location on south street walking distance to everythingperfect location stylish and comfortable loftyou are truly in the middle of it all literally walking distanceCleanliness:
just clean clean deep cleanclean well equipped with necessities etcextremely clean and exactly as described in the listingthe beds were very comfortable and most of the areas were cleangreat place to stay fast response and clean place thanks again leoRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
bed was super comfy
13. Little home in the vintage city
Hosted by a married couple, Marco and Kristin, who live to travel, this vibrant home stands true to its name in this vintage city. Naked brown bricks shining in the natural light of the afternoon sun make it the perfect place for a lazy brunch for a bunch of four. If you are a fan of great music, the piano bar with live music downstairs will keep you engaged as much as the neighbouring night club. Now, that sounds like a pretty lit weekend, doesn’t it?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
700 meters (0.5 ft) from Independence National Historical ParkTop guest reviews
Host:
hosts were very responsivethe host is also kind and very goodwonderful hosts they are very thoughtfulhost were very welcoming and easy to communicate withaccurate directions from a very responsive hostLocation:
very cute place in an amazing locationlocation is great - its as close to everything we wanted to seea really great location and nice bright spacewithin walking distance of many popular tourist areasvery stylish apartment perfect locationCleanliness:
super clean and awesome placecompletely clean and super comfortable bedthe place was clean and comfortablethe place is amazing it's very cleanvery clean and quiet space to stay if you’re looking to explore philadelphiaRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the unit had everything necessary for a comfortable staythe bed and couch were very comfortable and the place was nice and cleanapartment is exactly as pictured and a cozy place to return after a fun night out
14. Stylish vacation home in the city
Open your full length windows to a New Orleans-style Juliet balcony that overlooks downtown Old City. Sounds like the start to a perfect vacation, doesn’t it? Well, there’s more–two queen-sized beds, a fully-equipped kitchen for your breakfast in bed, and unlimited WiFi are also available. Not to mention the apartment is less than a block from Betsy Ross’ house and a short walk to the Constitution Centre. Now who would want to go home after a vacation like that?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
554 meters (0.4 ft) from Independence National Historical ParkTop guest reviews
Host:
our host was super easy to communicate withcheck in was easy and our host was very responsive to any questions we hadwe highly recommend this hosthost was very helpful and a great communicator great experienceenough room for a group and hosts were very responsiveLocation:
great location and apartmentthe location is perfectgreat neighborhood and awesome locationgreat location - uncomfortable bedsfantastic location in old cityCleanliness:
clean and comfortablevery clean and good sized roomsapartment was clean and invitingthe place was clean and spaciousthe 2nd floor apartment was clean & more spacious than anticipatedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the entire space was very nice with lots of natural light in the living room / kitchenlove the apartment- everything was exactly as advertisedwe were a party of five so someone did use the pullout couch in the living roombeautiful apartment- great location- terrible bedsbeautiful apartment with tons of space
15. Sparkling clean studio for comfortable stay
Want to sink into a large queen-sized bed enriched by freshly washed bedsheets after a long day of sightseeing in Philly? Head to this lovely studio in the heart of Historic District. A short walk away from the subway, this place is ideal for those looking to explore the old school city without drifting too far. If you are a foodie and want to try some authentic local food, reach out to the host, Nikk,i for suggestions and she will tell you where to find the best eats in Old City. Your time here will remind you of the time you crashed at an old friend’s–casual and comfortable.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
435 meters (0.3 ft) from Independence National Historical ParkTop guest reviews
Host:
the host is very hospitable and helpfulnikki was a great hostthe host provides great service quick communication and wonderful recommendationsour host was friendly responsive and very accommodating plus the laundry facilities were handy to havecheck in was a breeze and the host was super easy to deal with; highly recommend staying hereLocation:
great location and such a cute loftgreat location when visiting phillyher loft is located in a great central areaexcellent location right in the middle of it allattentive hostess & ideal locationCleanliness:
everything was clean and comfortable just as advertisedloft was very cleanthe apartment was clean and had a great vibewhat a charming bnb everything was sparking clean and comfortablethe place itself was clean and had everything we neededRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
i would highly recommend this place is adorable and has a full kitchen washer/dryer and even an air mattressreally cool spot and the bed is super comfy compared to most other air bnb placesnikki's loft apt was perfect for uswell equipped kitchen and comfortable sofa in the living roomnikki’s loft was perfect the space is beautiful and very comfortable
Ditch expensive hotels and experience Philly's Old City with locals
There is no one who tells a tale better than one who experiences it. And these Airbnbs have a unique vibe–like they have seen the American Revolution unfold in front of their eyes and now they want to share everything they have seen. Whether you are a history buff or not, walking these streets will enrage you, empower you, and inspire you. So, we recommend ditching expensive hotels to live like a local in Philly with these best Airbnbs in Old City.
Frequently asked questions about the best Airbnb vacation rentals in Old City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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