The Best Vacation Rentals to Book in Philadelphia

Enjoy an artsy chic living space in the heart of the city at the Touraine | Courtesy of the Touraine / Expedia

28 November 2021

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The City of Brotherly Love is a mosaic of fantastic neighborhoods, each with its own distinct flavor exuding liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And one of the best ways to experience it in all of its Betsy Ross-patchwork glory is to head out and explore with friends or family. Depending on where you and your crew want to claim as home base, here are some of the best vacation rentals in Philadelphia – bookable with Culture Trip.

The Deacon, for boutique-hotel comforts

The Deacon's reimagined church space now housing a spacious bedroom under the stained glass windows

Courtesy of the Deacon / Expedia

With its – purely coincidental – setting on Christian Street, the Deacon is heavenly indeed. It gives a boutique twist to a historic former First African Baptist Church and to the spirit of gathering. Beautifully preserved stained glass graces many of the striking windows, and the minimalist interior design helps the jewel-like tones sparkle inside and out. This is a dramatic and youthful spot with just eight individual rooms as well as ethereal vault-ceilinged rooms for communal gatherings, making the Deacon a perfect Philadelphia group vacation rental.

Great skyline views at Sonder at the Tidewater

The stylish rooftop seating area with amazing skyline views at Sonder at the Tidewater in Philadelphia

Courtesy of Sonder at the Tidewater / Expedia

Welcome to Philadelphia vacation rental heaven: Sonder at the Tidewater is a unique arrangement that’s perfect for those in need of a little extra space. The place radiates an urban ambience, comprising several luxury apartments practically overlooking Logan Square. Large windows permit an unimpeded view of the Philly skyline, and multiple museums – including the Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art – are an easy walk away. in search of even greater adventure? There’s a SEPTA (local transit) bus stop just half a block down – venture forth and explore.

2023 McClellan, for South Philly Italian vibes

The a homey, intimate bedroom with white furnishings and pops of color at 2023 McClellan

Courtesy of 2023 McClellan / Expedia

If for you, only a homey, intimate retreat will do, consider this quintessentially South Philly-style vacation rental: 2023 McClellan ticks all the right boxes. It’s in the heart of Philadelphia’s famously Italian neighborhood, with a diminutive back patio and two bedrooms. Boutique shops line nearby Passyunk Avenue, and the Italian Market (aka South 9th Street Curb Market – vaunted for its coffee, cheeses, produce and personalities – is within walking distance.

Bars and bistros nearby at 755 North Capitol Street

Large living space with colorful wall pieces at 755 North Capitol Street

Courtesy of 755 North Capitol Street / Expedia

At 755 North Capitol, you’ve got all the comforts of home with the added space of a private rooftop patio. There are two bedrooms plus a spacious kitchen with a wraparound bar, as well as plenty of sunshine and views of the nearby Fairmount district. Staying here, you’re within easy walking distance of the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site (once the world’s most famous, expensive prison in the world, now a ruin) and trendy Fairmount Avenue, where scores of bistros, cafes and long-established restaurants call siren-like when your tummy’s rumbling for brunch.

2004 North 56th Street, for motorists needing parking

Bright dining room with table for six at 2004 North 56th Street

Courtesy of 2004 North 56th Street / Expedia

Free parking is as rare as hens’ teeth in this town – which makes this Philadelphia vacation rental a true unicorn in the City of Brotherly Love. Not only is the place perfect for anyone wanting to explore the Philadelphia area with their own wheels – it’s also a fine home away from home, with a gas stove, plush wall-to-wall carpeting and three cozy bedrooms. If you can bring (or bag) a bicycle, then do – for an easy ride through nearby Fairmount Park or a visit to the Please Touch Museum – full of engaging exhibits for curious kids.

Plenty of accommodation variety at Sonder at the Witherspoon

Stylish, neutral-toned open-plan living space with loft bedroom at Sonder at the Witherspoon

Courtesy of Sonder at the Witherspoon / Expedia

The location of this Sonder is impressive indeed, with a facade that packs a Beaux Arts punch among its downtown neighbors. The variety of vacation rentals is enormous – there are 184 apartments. Book one of these and you’ll get more space than you would in most traditional hotel rooms – plus the autonomy of a private apartment. Our advice? Book it if you want easy access to the Broad Street arts and theater scene as well as more down-to-earth attractions such as the Reading Terminal Market.

Global Luxury Suites at Locust Street, for urban-smart interiors

Urban-sleek living and dining space with rugs on parquet floors and leather furniture at Global Luxury Suites at Locust Street

Courtesy of Global Luxury Suites at Locust Street / Expedia

This could well be the last word in Philadelphia vacation rentals: a clutch of luxury suites that have all the amenities of a hotel plus the benefits of a rental apartment. Interiors are urban-sleek, all stylish rugs on parquet floors and slimline leather dining chairs. Close to the Philadelphia Convention Center, it has a community room, gym and rooftop lounge that gets guests socializing. Parking is available at an adjoining garage, and public transportation via bus or metro can all be found within three blocks.

Center City convenience at the Touraine

Scandi-chic interiors with retro chairs and kidney-shape low table and shiny-as-pine floorboards scattered with rugs at the Touraine

Courtesy of the Touraine / Expedia

If you’re into pale and interesting Scandi-chic interiors, feast your eyes on this cool rental option (it contains two units). There are retro kidney-shape low tables and shiny-as-pine floorboards scattered with rugs. Kitchens are cubic and ice-cool in color schemes. Expect coffee and tea makers, water dispensers and dishwashers – the domestic works, basically. Here in Center City, you’re 1mi (1.6km) from all of the historic sites at Independence National Historical Park. Touraine is well-placed, too, for visiting the Philadelphia Zoo and Aquarium Adventure. Consider bringing the kids.

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