Welcome to Philly’s Garden District.
Situated in the northwestern corner of Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill is one of the city’s most affluent, picturesque, and historic neighborhoods. Nestled along 1,800 acres of Wissahickon Valley Park, the area borders the Wissahickon Gorge and Cresheim Valley to the southeast.
The neighborhood’s charming, leafy streets contain stately mansions, Victorian townhouses, and modest row houses. Known as Philly’s Garden District, the suburban enclave is plush with greenery, beloved parks, and, you guessed it, gardens. Chestnut Hill’s charming commercial district centers around Germantown Avenue, with antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
Commuting in Chestnut Hill
SEPTA provides public transportation in the region. Two Regional Rail commuter train lines serve the area: the Chestnut Hill East Line and Chestnut Hill West Line. Driving to the bars, shops, restaurants, and workplaces in Center City via I-76 East takes less than half an hour. We advise avoiding driving since public transit is abundant and traffic can be a nightmare.
Public transportation is provided by SEPTA. Two Regional Rail commuter train lines serve the area: the Chestnut Hill East Line and Chestnut Hill West Line. It takes less than half an hour to drive to the bars, shops, restaurants, and workplaces in Center City via I-76 E. Our advice, though, is to avoid driving since public transit is abundant and traffic can be a nightmare.
Where to eat in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
Where locals eat brunch
Cake
8501 Germantown Ave.
It’s OK to have Cake for breakfast in Chestnut Hill. The scent of freshly baked croissants, scones, and biscuits greet you as you enter the greenhouse-turned-restaurant, an appropriate setting for brunch in the Garden District.
The best coffee shop to work remotely
Chestnut Hill Coffee Co
8620 Germantown Ave.
Chestnut Hill Coffee Co. roasts its beans by hand, so you know the espresso is on point. This bi-level Germantown Avenue cafe offers plenty of seating to plop down with your laptop, latte, and pastry.
The best take-out spot for when you don’t feel like cooking
CinCin
7838 Germantown Ave.
A neighborhood fixture for decades, CinCin offers classic Chinese takeout, delivery, and dining. Get the moo shu pork, General Tso’s chicken, or whatever fish is on the special to-go offerings.
Late-night eats for when you’ve had one too many
McNally’s Tavern
8634 Germantown Ave.
McNally’s has been around for nearly a century. This old-school institution is known for its iconic Schmitter sandwich, a twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak. McNally’s tops grilled steak and fried onions with melted cheese, but what makes this sandwich unique is the grilled salami and tomatoes, its special sauce, and the fact that the sandwich comes served on a toasted kaiser roll rather than a traditional hoagie. Pair it with a draft beer and a delicious slice of homemade cake, available in chocolate, carrot, and coconut.
Where to drink in Chestnut Hill
The dive bar where everyone knows your name
Mermaid Inn
7673 Germantown Ave.
For friendly faces, live music, and cocktails, belly up to The Mermaid Inn’s carved antique bar. A 100-year-old stone building with stained glass windows houses this quintessential hometown watering hole. The intimate listening room hosts live acts five nights a week.
Where to drink mimosas outside
Campbell’s Place
8337 Germantown Ave.
People watch along Germantown Avenue as you sip bottomless mimosas in the shade at Campbell’s Place weekend brunch. The pub also has a worthy menu to pair with refreshing beverages.
Things to do in Chestnut Hill
Boutiques
Original Belgian-block granite, canopied storefronts, and pocket parks make Chestnut Hill’s main street a charming place to spend the afternoon window shopping. Shop kid’s clothing at Villavillekula and find women’s fashion at TC Unlimited. When you visit Artisans On the Avenue, you’ll find small designers highlighted at this women’s boutique. Co-eds can discover cute clothes for class at Serendipity Shops, while Windfall Gallery offers jewelry, gifts, and folk art.
Antique enthusiasts can browse collectors’ items at The Antique Gallery. Then head around the corner to find all things farmhouse at Isabella Sparrow. Stop in the iconic Zipf’s Candies store and BnB Cigar shop. The Philadelphia Print Shop has an impressive inventory of wall art, including antique prints, maps, and rare book illustrations. At the heart of the Avenue, “Gallery Row” is home to Gravers Lane Gallery, which offers fine jewelry, ceramics, and fiber arts.
Theater
The Stagecrafters Theater serves as the neighborhood’s lone performing arts venue, presenting professional stage productions in intimate digs.
Farmers Markets
Chestnut Hill Farmers Market, off Germantown Avenue and Mermaid Lane, offers farm-fresh produce every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon. Follow your nose to Market at the Fareway. This Germantown Avenue’s modern farmers market offers coffee, baked goods, and chocolate alongside fresh produce, meat, and poultry.
Dig into international offerings like Korean Takos, sushi, falafel, and Tibetan dumplings at the market cafe, or head to the on-site brewery, Chestnut Hill Brewing Company, for craft brews and wood-fired pizza. Also located along the retail corridor, Weavers Way Co-op is a community-owned grocery store that carries necessities.
Parks
Catch some live music during the summer at Pastorius Park’s outdoor concert series. Take the winding paths through the Morris Arboretum‘s 92 acres of romantic Victorian gardens and streams. The surrounding Wissahickon Valley Park takes up a few thousand acres of Philadelphia’s 9,200-acre Fairmount Park. The 7-mile valley is bisected by Wissahickon Creek, with rolling hills and lovely wooded trails for walking, biking, or even horseback riding. Picnic or try to catch some fish on the relaxing waterfront.
Top-rated places in Chestnut Hill
Living in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA, means you’re also close to some top-rated places to visit. Located in the University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum, about a mile north of the Avenue’s main shopping stretch, the Woodmere Art Museum exhibits regional art in a beautiful Victorian mansion. Borrelli’s Chestnut Hill Gallery showcases emerging and established artists in its rotating exhibits.
Renting in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
Find out what you can expect to pay for a rental in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA:
- Average cost of a studio rental: $1,105 per month
- Average cost of a one-bedroom rental: $1,619 per month
- Average cost of a two-bedroom rental: $2,224 per month
The cost of a rental in Chestnut Hill varies depending on the number of bedrooms and the amenities available. Chestnut Hill offers various rental types, including apartments, condos, and houses. Some rentals may have eat-in kitchens, balconies, or parking included. Because Chestnut Hill is known for its beauty, choosing a rental with a patio or backyard can be a great way to enjoy the city.
Short-term rentals in Chestnut Hill may also be an option. Students or those on a short-term work assignment in the area may prefer a short-term rental. These are usually month-to-month or six-month rentals. Some short-term rentals may also come furnished.
Ready to make your move? Search thousands of Chestnut Hill apartments for rent on Zumper and find your next place.
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