Queen Village & Bella Vista

 

With a rich cultural heritage and leafy, shaded streets, Queen Village and Bella Vista offer a unique blend of European style and residential tranquility. Stroll down the narrow, canopied streets of Queen Village, and you’ll find some of Philadelphia’s most historic buildings, many of which are listed in the Philadelphia Historic Register. A 17th-century haven for European settlers, Queen Village is the oldest neighborhood in the city and retains an air of old-world charm. Historic colonials have been lovingly restored and outfitted with luxe amenities, while hip bistros and art galleries line Fabric Row.

 

Bella Vista, as its name suggests, is a beautiful sight indeed. Built by Irish and Italian settlers, this vibrant neighborhood continues its legacy as a haven of diversity, dazzling residents with a stunning array of global flavors and culinary superstars. The Italian Market takes center stage, delighting locals with a bevy of bistros, boutiques, and generations-old family businesses. Cozy row houses and grand historic mansions represent Bella Vista’s vibrant past, while sleek condos and upscale living usher the city into the future.

 

• Tree-lined streets
• Stunning historic beauty
• Highly walkable 
• Street murals and mosaics
• Culinary excellence

Walkable and friendly, Queen Village and Bella Vista are made for wandering – head out for an after-dinner stroll through the park, a morning jog, or an afternoon jaunt to explore the enclave’s eclectic cafes. The South Philly vibe is strong here, as is the artistic energy, which is represented by the vibrant wall murals and street art. Residents can likely be found hitting up the beloved Italian Market or living it up on South Street.

 

With a legacy of international heritage and influence, the culinary scene in Queen Village and Bella Vista is exquisite. Elevate dinner to an artistic experience at the Saloon, a bistro of reimagined Italian and New American cuisine. The sumptuous interior features artwork and antiques and offers a nod to Philadelphia’s folk heritage, creating a cultured backdrop for impeccable dining. Hearty appetites will find the ultimate satisfaction at the Famous 4th Street Delicatessen. Founded in the 1920s, this beloved deli stuns with epic plates of traditional deli food, towering sandwiches, and art deco flair. When you crave old-world Italian fare, head straight to Dante and Luigi's. Philadelphia’s longest-running Italian restaurant is also one of its best, with authentic dishes like crab meat-stuffed calamari and award-winning lasagne. With an elegant dining room complete with white tablecloths and rich mahogany, this is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or lunch with friends. Bistrot la Minette brings a dash of Moulin Rouge style to Philadelphia with a lively ambiance, authentic French recipes, and creative, colorful cocktails.

 

Sunday mornings in Queen Village and Bella Vista are best spent at the Headhouse Farmers’ Market. One of Philadelphia’s largest, this market is a darling of Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP and features locally sourced ingredients, gourmet fare, artisan cheeses, and crisp wine and cider. Gourmands and those with a taste for Italian cuisine will delight in the epic South 9th Street Italian Market. One of Philadelphia’s oldest open-air markets, this neighborhood mainstay dazzles with an incredible array of vendors and specialty shops. Home to some of the city’s best parks, Penn's Landing spreads out along the Delaware River and hosts some of Philadelphia’s favorite events, while South Street exudes a quirky, delightfully off-kilter vibe adored by residents and visitors alike. A bastion of creative energy, artist-run shops, and trendy bistros, South Street is where you can taste the latest mixology creation, catch the coolest up-and-coming band, score a sweet vintage jacket, or visit the legendary Eastcoast Charlie for a tattoo.

 

Queen Village and Bella Vista residents have access to several excellent schools within the School District of Philadelphia, including the highly-rated William M. Meredith School for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.