Rittenhouse Square Neighborhood Guide

Home to celebrated chefs, nationally acclaimed restaurants, and local favorites, Philadelphia boasts one of the nation's most exciting culinary scenes. Start your culinary tour at a.kitchen, our onsite award-winning contemporary American restaurant. Its bistro spirit is reflected in a versatile menu that offers innovative small plates and traditional dishes. When you're ready to venture off the property for something sweet, we recommend Gran Caffe L'Aquila, an award-winning restaurant known for its gelato and Italian fare. We also recommend the intimate and upscale Friday Saturday Sunday, which serves an indulgent eight-course menu with seasonally inspired ingredients.

a.kitchen + bar

135 South 18th Street

Vernick Food & Drink

2031 Walnut Street

Friday Saturday Sunday

261 South 21st Street

Gran Caffe L'Aquila

1716 Chestnut Street

Parc Brasserie

227 South 18th Street

The Dandelion

124 South 18th Street

Scarpetta

210 West Rittenhouse Square

K'Far

110 South 19th Street

Vita

261 South 17th Street

The hotel is located close to many of the city's most notable cultural centers. Not only will you be near the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (featured in the classic 1976 film “Rocky”), but the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Franklin Institute, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Barnes Foundation are all just a few minutes away.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

118-128 N. Broad Street

Rodin Museum

2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy

The Franklin Institute

222 N 20th St

Philadelphia is a city that buzzes with excitement year-round, offering a diverse calendar of events celebrating culture, sport, and history. Here are some of the city's most exciting upcoming events in 2025:

• Fringe Festival - September 4 to 28, 2025
• Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary - runs September through November 2025 at Eastern State Penitentiary
• Oktoberfest Philadelphia - 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest - October 10-11
• OutFest / OURfest Philadelphia in Washington Square West - October 11-13, 2025
• Navy & Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Commemoration - October 13 & November 10
• Dilworth Park Maze Days (Fall Market & festivities) - October 18-27
• Philadelphia Film Festival - October 16-26
• Head of the Schuylkill Regatta - October 26-27
• Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) - November 7-17
• Philadelphia Marathon Weekend in Center City - November 21-23, 2025
• Veterans Day Parade - around November 10, 2025
• Christmas Village in Philadelphia - November 18 - December 24, 2025
• One‑Man Nutcracker at Drake Theatre - December 12-31, 2025
• A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens - November 21, 2025 - January 11, 2026

No matter the season, Philadelphia offers something for everyone. Plan your visit around Center City's must-experience events and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant energy.