celebrating our second century
Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square
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Rittenhouse Square Neighborhood Guide

Discover Things to Do Near Center City

Philadelphia combines urban glamour and excitement with the charm and character of an intimate residential neighborhood. Once the nation’s capital, this city offers colonial history, buzzworthy new restaurants, beautiful green squares, and charming cobblestone streets. Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square is located in the heart of Center City, directly across the street from its namesake park, which was the jewel of William Penn’s original plan for Philadelphia. From our accommodations you’ll easily be able to explore famous cultural institutions, high-end shopping, bustling business centers, gourmet dining, and celebrated bars that make this city such a favorite.

Where to Eat on Rittenhouse Square

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

Shopping in Rittenhouse Square

Conveniently located in the city’s premier shopping district, Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square sits just steps from the celebrated shopping of Walnut Street. Here you’ll find a great selection of upscale and boutique brands including Anthropologie, Vince, Theory, Glossier, and many more! 

Anthropologie

1801 Walnut Street

Apple Store

1607 Walnut Street

Aritzia

1725 Walnut Street

L’Occitane en Provence

1606 Walnut Street

Rittenhouse Farmers Market

1800 Walnut Street

Glossier
1716 Walnut Street

Catbird

109 S 18th Street

Gorjana

1630 Walnut Street

Rag & Bone

1601 Walnut Street

Vince

1701 Walnut Street

Veronica Beard

1709 Walnut Street

Allbirds

1709 Walnut Street

MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES

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 Events

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:

  • Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens (March 28th- May 4th)
  • Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park (March 31st – September 28th)
  • The Franklin Institute Awards (May 1st) 
  • Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival (May 3rd)
  • University of Pennsylvania Graduation (May 19th)
  • Kendrick Lamar and SZA at Lincoln Financial Field (May 5th)
  • Philly Pride March & Festival and Pride Week (May 30th - June 1st)

  • Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show: Summer Edition (June 6th - 8th)

  • Club World Cup Soccer Matches (June 18th - 24th) 
  • Manayunk Arts Festival (June 21st - 22nd)

  • Wawa Welcome America Fireworks (July 4th)
  • Fan Expo Philadelphia (July 18th-20th)
  • Katy Perry at the Wells Fargo Center (August 9th)
  • Made in America Festival (August 30th-31st)
  • DesignPhiladelphia Festival (October 1st - 12th) 
  • Philadelphia Film Festival (October 16th - 26th) 
  • Philadelphia Marathon Weekend (November 21st - 23rd)

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. 

Local Activities and Points of Interest

Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square
135 South 18th Street, Pennsylvania, 19103, USA
Phone: 215.825.7000
May 2025
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