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people on a tour bus photograph the Chinatown arch

Convention Center District and Chinatown

Philadelphia’s business, performing arts, and culinary downtown hub.

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, this bustling district offers great shopping, dining and cultural institutions.

What to Do

Centered around the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this vibrant district in the heart of Philadelphia thrives with public spaces and unique attractions. A symbol of the City of Brotherly Love, Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture graces LOVE Park, a buzzing area featuring local markets and lively celebrations. Located steps away from the Convention Center and downtown hotels, the wonder of the Masonic Temple of Pennsylvania and the creative Fabric Workshop and Museum are waiting to be explored.

Philadelphia is home to one of the nation’s largest Chinatowns in the nation. The neighborhood is anchored by the Friendship Gate, a gift from Philadelphia’s sister city of Tianjin, which welcomes visitors to Chinatown. Throughout the electrifying blocks, you can find authentic street food, specialty markets, and some of the best Peking duck around.

Friendship Gate in Chinatown

Friendship Gate in Chinatown

Where to Dine

Restaurants in the Convention Center District are the perfect blend of timeless and trailblazing. Satisfy just about any craving at the historic Reading Terminal Market, home to over 80 independent vendors and 30 eateries. On tiny Drury Street, you’ll find McGillin’s Olde Ale House — the city’s oldest continuously operating tavern — which has been pouring drinks and serving classic pub fare since 1860. Or treat yourself to an extraordinary culinary journey at Double Knot, where they can savor the fusion of Japanese-inspired cuisine in a stylish and intimate setting.

McGillin's Olde Ale House

McGillin’s Olde Ale House

Where to Stay

Thanks to its centralized location, Convention Center District has no shortage of hotels, with over 14,000 hotel rooms within a short walk of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The Marriott Downtown, Philadelphia’s largest hotel, stands out with over 1,400 rooms and a convenient connection to the Convention Center’s Grand Hall through a sky bridge. Another noteworthy option attached to the Convention Center is the Aloft Philadelphia Downtown, housed in the historic Liberty Title Building and featuring loft-inspired guest rooms. Additionally, the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, the W Hotel, and the sustainable Element Philadelphia Downtown provide diverse and comfortable accommodation options, each contributing its unique charm to your Philadelphia stay.