The Most Popular Street in Philadelphia, Ranked

Choose the street you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 21, 2024 07:37
Navigating a city as rich in culture and history as Philadelphia means finding the best streets can be a must for residents and visitors alike. Whether enjoying a leisurely stroll, hunting for historical landmarks, or seeking out the top food experiences, knowing the popular streets adjusts travel plans and enhances the overall experience. This ranked list serves as a helpful guide, providing real-time insights on what locals and tourists deem the top spots in the city. By participating in this community-driven ranking, anyone can cast a vote for their preferred roads and neighborhoods, shaping the suggestions for future explorers. This dynamic update not only reflects current trends and preferences but also encourages local community involvement. Each vote cast helps tailor a more personalized and accurate reflection of the city's vibrant landscape for others to benefit from.

What Is the Most Popular Street in Philadelphia?

  1. 1
    63
    votes

    South Street

    William Penn
    Known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, South Street is one of the most popular and iconic streets in Philadelphia. It's also home to the famous South Street Headhouse District.
    South Street in Philadelphia is a vibrant and eclectic street known for its unique character and diverse range of shops, eateries, and entertainment venues. Originally laid out in the late 1600s, it has evolved over the centuries to become one of the city's most popular destinations.
    • Length: Less than 4 miles
    • Orientation: East-West
    • Famous for: Bohemian atmosphere
    • Shopping: Boutiques and vintage stores
    • Dining: Numerous cafes and restaurants
  2. 2
    49
    votes
    Located in the heart of Center City, Chestnut Street is a bustling thoroughfare that offers a wide range of shopping and dining options.
    Chestnut Street is one of the most popular and historic streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse architecture, and numerous shopping and dining options. The street stretches approximately 5.5 miles, running east-west through the heart of the city.
    • Length: Approximately 5.5 miles
    • Orientation: East-West
    • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    • Architectural Styles: Various architectural styles including Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, Victorian, and more
    • Landmarks: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, Reading Terminal Market, City Hall, Rittenhouse Square
  3. 3
    31
    votes
    Walnut Street
    User: (WT-shared) Sloshmo at wts wikivoyage · Public domain

    Walnut Street

    William Penn
    Another popular shopping destination in Center City, Walnut Street is home to high-end retailers and boutiques, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes.
    Walnut Street is one of the most popular streets in Philadelphia, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of attractions. It stretches for approximately 5 miles, from the Delaware River waterfront to the University of Pennsylvania's campus. Walnut Street offers a unique blend of historical landmarks, high-end shops, world-class restaurants, and cultural destinations.
    • Length: Approximately 5 miles
    • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    • Landmarks: Independence Hall, Rittenhouse Square
    • Shopping: Luxury brands, boutiques, and specialty stores
    • Dining: Diverse range of cuisine options, including fine dining and casual eateries
  4. 4
    27
    votes
    Market Street
    Vincent Bloch · Public domain
    As the main thoroughfare through Philadelphia's historic district, Market Street is a must-visit for history buffs and sightseers. It's also home to the famous Reading Terminal Market.
    Market Street is one of the most popular streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It runs east-west through the center of the city, stretching for about 10 miles. The street is vibrant and bustling, filled with a mix of historic and modern buildings, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
    • Length: Approximately 10 miles
    • Location: Runs through the center of Philadelphia
    • Historical Significance: Marked as the dividing line between North and South Philadelphia
    • Public Transportation: Served by SEPTA buses, trolleys, and the Market-Frankford Line subway
    • Notable Attractions: Reading Terminal Market, City Hall, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall
  5. 5
    6
    votes
    Broad Street
    Gryffindor · CC BY-SA 3.0
    As one of the most important streets in Philadelphia, Broad Street is home to a number of cultural institutions, including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Academy of Music.
    Broad Street is a picturesque street located in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. It is widely renowned for its stunning architecture, historical significance, and vibrant atmosphere. Lined with colorful townhouses, charming boutiques, and art galleries, Broad Street exudes a captivating charm that captivates both locals and visitors alike. The street stretches from the Battery, a historic defensive seawall, to Meeting Street, which is home to numerous notable landmarks.
    • Length: Approximately 0.75 miles
    • Architectural Styles: Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate
    • Historical Significance: Broad Street played a significant role in Charleston's development as a major port city during the colonial era.
    • Cobblestone: Parts of Broad Street are adorned with cobblestones, adding to its charm and historic atmosphere.
    • Notable Landmarks: Some important landmarks on Broad Street include the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, and the Edmondston-Alston House.
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    Germantown Avenue
    Smallbones · Public domain

    Germantown Avenue

    William Penn
    Located in the historic Germantown neighborhood, Germantown Avenue is a charming street lined with shops, restaurants, and historic homes.
    Germantown Avenue is one of the most popular streets in Philadelphia, known for its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere. It stretches about 6 miles from Philadelphia's Center City through the historic Germantown neighborhood.
    • Length: Approximately 6 miles
    • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    • Historical Significance: Has played a significant role in the development of Philadelphia since the 1600s
    • Architecture: Features a mix of architectural styles including colonial, Victorian, and modern designs
    • Landmarks: Home to the historical landmarks like Cliveden, Grumblethorpe, and Wyck House
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    This trendy street in the Fishtown neighborhood is known for its hipster vibe, street art, and trendy shops and restaurants.
    Frankford Avenue is one of the most popular streets in Philadelphia, located in the Fishtown and Kensington neighborhoods. It is known for its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere, offering a mix of residential, commercial, and artistic spaces. The street is lined with various restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, and art galleries, making it a lively destination for locals and visitors alike.
    • Location: Fishtown and Kensington neighborhoods
    • Length: Approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers)
    • Established: Late 17th century
    • Historic Significance: A key component of Philadelphia's historic development
    • Architecture: A mix of different architectural styles including colonial, Victorian, and modern designs
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Passyunk Avenue
    Ii2nmd · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Located in the heart of South Philadelphia, Passyunk Avenue is a vibrant street that offers a mix of traditional Italian-American culture and new, trendy shops and restaurants.
    Passyunk Avenue is a vibrant street located in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Stretching from South Street to Snyder Avenue, it is one of the most popular and lively thoroughfares in the city.
    • Length: 2.5 miles
    • Location: South Philadelphia
    • Neighborhoods: Passyunk Square, East Passyunk Crossing
    • Cultural Diversity: Known for its multicultural community and diverse dining options
    • Restaurants and Bars: Over 150 restaurants and bars along the avenue
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    As one of the main streets in Philadelphia's gayborhood, Sansom Street is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ visitors and locals.
    Sansom Street is one of the most popular and vibrant streets in Philadelphia, known for its lively atmosphere, diverse culinary scene, and wide range of entertainment options. It stretches from the Schuylkill River to Independence Square, making it a central route through the city.
    • Length: Approximately 2.5 miles
    • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    • Culinary Scene: Home to numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of cuisines
    • Nightlife: An array of bars, clubs, and lounges cater to diverse tastes and preferences
    • Shopping: Various boutique shops and stores line the street, offering unique clothing, accessories, and more
  10. 10
    5
    votes

    Arch Street

    William Penn
    Home to the famous Love Park and the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art, Arch Street is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city's cultural attractions.
    Arch Street is one of the most popular streets in Philadelphia, known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. It stretches from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River, running through the heart of the city.
    • Length: 2.29 miles
    • Width: 60 feet
    • Landmarks: Independence National Historical Park
    • Notable Buildings: Masonic Temple, Arch Street Friends Meeting House
    • Transportation: SEPTA bus routes 9, 61, and 124

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Ranking factors for popular street

  1. Foot traffic
    The amount of people who frequent the street, especially tourists and locals.
  2. Landmark attractions
    The presence of well-known landmarks or cultural attractions that draw people to the street.
  3. Dining and shopping options
    The quality and quantity of the restaurants, cafes, and shops located on the street that attract visitors.
  4. Events and festivals
    The frequency and popularity of street events and festivals, such as parades, street fairs, and farmers' markets.
  5. Accessibility
    The ease of access to the street, including public transportation, parking, and walking/biking paths.
  6. Historical significance
    The historic value and cultural significance of the street within the city's history or architecture.
  7. Safety and cleanliness
    The level of safety and cleanliness of the street and its surrounding areas.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular street in Philadelphia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or street is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1416 views
  • 206 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each street once every 24 hours. The rank of each street is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular street in philadelphia

When it comes to Philadelphia, there are a lot of streets to choose from. From the bustling downtown area to the quieter residential neighborhoods, each street has its own unique character and charm. But which street is the most popular among locals and visitors alike? To answer this question, we turned to our extensive database of polls and rankings on StrawPoll. After analyzing thousands of responses from Philadelphians and tourists, one street emerged as the clear winner: South Street. Known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, South Street has been a hub of activity in Philadelphia since the 1960s. From punk rockers to hipsters, everyone seems to flock to this vibrant street. It's no wonder that it has become a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Philadelphia. So if you're planning a trip to the City of Brotherly Love, be sure to add South Street to your itinerary. Whether you're looking for a delicious meal, a unique shopping experience, or just a fun night out, you won't be disappointed.

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