Our editors rounded up the top spots to indulge, stay and savor in Headhouse Square, as well as neighborhoods just a stroll away.
Explore the Jun Kaneko “Dango” Sculptures at Locks Gallery.
Welcome to Headhouse Square, Society Hill, Washington Square and Queen Village, where cobblestone streets, tree-lined blocks and a treasure trove of history await in every restaurant, shop, hotel and museum.
WHERE TO EAT
Bloomsday
Stroll down Headhouse Square’s cobblestone streets to Bloomsday—a cozy, female-led neighborhood restaurant and wine bar. Behind the green door, savor octopus crostini and patatas bravas at one of USA Today’s best bars in America. 414 S. 2nd St., bloomsdayphilly.com
Pizzeria Stella
Marrying neighborhood charm with Neapolitan tradition, Pizzeria Stella is complete with cafe windows peering out onto the historic Headhouse Square. Enjoy antipasti, classic Italian cocktails, wine selections and their specialty wood-fired pizzas baked to perfection at 850 degrees. 420 S. 2nd St., pizzeriastella.net
Provenance
Craving French fare? New to the city is Provenance, a French restaurant with a modern twist. Delight in bites like the razor clams, foie gras ganache and toasted rice sorbet. 408 S. 2nd St., provenancephl.com
WHERE TO STAY
Guests of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco can enjoy amenities like a lively rooftop lounge and a delectable restaurant.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Just steps away from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, Kimpton Hotel Monaco fuses modern Philly with historic charm. This vibrant, four-star stay features 268 rooms, a ballroom, a lively rooftop lounge and an acclaimed restaurant. 433 Chestnut St., monaco-philadelphia.com
After checking in, grab a bite at Society Hill Hotel’s restaurant.
Society Hill Hotel
The recently reopened Society Hill Hotel offers a luxurious stay steeped in history. Spacious rooms, a restaurant and an art deco bar define the space, providing a timeless glimpse into America’s past. 301 Chestnut St., societyhillhotel.com
Sonder The Queen
Renovated from the ground up by two local brothers, Sonder The Queen boasts a two-story exposed brick lobby, wood beams, floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop. Stay the night or linger longer in a loft at this global concept hot spot. 628 S. 5th St., sonder.com
The boutique Yowie Hotel features beautifully appointed rooms.
Yowie Hotel
The 13-room Yowie Hotel is a boutique delight, with rooms designed by founder Shannon Maldonado featuring the work of artists and makers. Nearly everything is for sale, and you can find even more on the sunny corner of South Street at their shop and café. 226 South St., helloyowie.com
WHERE TO RELAX
Fabriq Spa
Tucked away in Philly’s Fabric Row, Fabriq Spa is a haven for beauty, health and wellness. Founded by an acupuncturist, it offers everything from soothing massages and facials to acupuncture and reflexology, covering all your self-care needs. 728 S. 4th St., fabriqspa.com
Renew Head Spa
Ready for more than the usual massage and facial? Visit Renew Head Spa for a holistic detoxifying massage that melts your stress away, improves hair and scalp health and helps promote healthy hair growth. 539 Washington Ave., renewheadspa.com
WHERE TO SHOP
The Moore Vintage Archive
JPG, Gloria Sachs and Gucci are just a few familiar names you’ll adore at The Moore Vintage Archive. Since 2014, this design library has boasted designer vintage womenswear and couture from 1890-2000, offering a stylish and sustainable shopping alternative. 725 S. 4th St., moorevintage.com
Stop by Head House Books to pick up your next favorite read.
Head House Books
Scour the shelves of Head House Books for your next fireside read. The independent bookstore offers a curated selection that always sells out quickly. 619 S. 2nd St., headhousebooks.com
FOR DRINKS
Bridget Foys
Founded in 1978 by the Foy family and still in their hands, Bridget Foys is a South Street staple. Enjoy pitchers of peach, mango or classic red sangria at this neighborhood mainstay. 200 S. St., bridgetfoys.com
The Twisted Tail
From his beginning pouring beers at 18 years old to now mastering whiskey and cocktails, George Reilly’s passion shines at The Twisted Tail. Sip the Smokestack Lightning, a specialty cocktail with Johnnie Walker Black, marasca syrup, sweet vermouth and orange. 509 S. 2nd St., thetwistedtail.com
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Locks Gallery
Locks Gallery has showcased top contemporary artists from around the globe since 1968. With a focus on painting a sculpture, the gallery features established to mid-career modern and contemporary artists, with a strong focus on women. 600 Washington Square S., locksgallery.com
National Liberty Museum
At Old City’s National Liberty Museum, explore the essence of liberty through contemporary art and inspiring stories of people worldwide who have championed freedom. 321 Chestnut St., libertymuseum.org
HIDDEN GEM
Headhouse Farmers Market
Every Sunday, shop like a local at the Headhouse Farmers Market, an open-air market offering fresh produce and an array of local goodies like soup, baked treats, wine and more. 2nd & Lombard St., thefoodtrustmarkets.org
Photography by: JOE HU; COURTESY OF BRANDS; BRE FURLONG; AMANDA ETEMAD, @AMANDAECREATES
