Located in Philadelphia’s historic Old City, Elfreth’s Alley was named after the 18th-century silversmith Jeremiah Elfreth. Once home to artisans and craftspeople such as glassblowers and cabinetmakers, today its red-brick buildings are juxtaposed with flower boxes and painted trims, making it a popular stop for photographers and Instagrammers.
Elfreth’s Alley is a common feature of tours of Philadelphia’s Old City, which include neighborhood walking tours, hop-on hop-off bus excursions, Segway tours, and other history-mined itineraries.
Elfreth’s Alley is located in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, between 2nd Street and North Front Street. If using public transportation, take local buses or the Market-Frankford line to 2nd Street. If you’re driving, the landmark is also located just off of I-95, and can also be reached on foot or by bike.
Elfreth’s Alley hosts several annual events, including Fete Day (a celebration of American Independence) in July and Deck the Alley in early December. Paid, guided tours of the alley and its museum are hosted once on Friday afternoons and twice on Saturday and Sunday afternoons; book tickets at the museum.
One must-see on Elfreth’s Alley is the Museum House, which is located in two side-by-side, historic buildings that once belonged to a local dressmaker—the museum is open April through October. The museum interiors have been restored to reflect the building’s past and showcase historical objects.
