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The 9 coolest Airbnbs in Philadelphia

Book one of these Philadelphia pads to experience the City of Brotherly Love like a true local

Written by
Allie Volpe
Contributors
Rosemary Waugh
,
Ella Doyle
,
Alex Floyd-Douglass
&
Talia Stanton
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Philly isn't just a place for insanely good cheesesteaks and rich history (but boy are those cheesesteaks great). It's also a thriving patchwork of a city filled with the best parks, breweries, indie shops and unique eateries.

And what could be better than completing your stay in town with an ultra-cool Airbnb to rest in after your travels? We've weeded through all the options to present you with the coolest Airbnbs in town – paying particular attention to the spots that offer the one-of-a-kind, local experience that you’d never get in a Center City hotel. Aren't we nice?

Choosing an Airbnb in Philadelphia puts you in the heart of our incredible neighborhoods, but still close enough to access all the best Philadelphia attractions. Plus, in many cases, you’ll spend a lot less than you would at a regular hotel, which means you’ll have more cash to spend on dinner at one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia or the best bars in Philadelphia.

Updated April 2024: We came across two new city center townhouses on our latest Philadelphia Airbnb sleuthing session, and you can bet that they now take pride of place in this list. FYI: they're both family-friendly and pleasantly affordable. Double win. 

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Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Best Philadelphia Airbnbs

The historic firehouse apartment in the Old City
Photograph: Airbnb

1. The historic firehouse apartment in the Old City

Just a stone’s throw from the historic Lokal Hotel, this old firehouse is in a lovely area and extremely close to a ton of historic and cultural spots. But the interiors are really something to shout about, with a private rustic garden and cute cubby holes inside. The walls are all exposed brick, and the garden is hung with string lights and complete with none other than a wicker egg chair. What could be better?

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two.
Mood? Historic charm.
Location perks? In the heart of Old City.
Budget range? Very reasonable.

The Victorian city center apartment
Image courtesy of Airbnb.co.uk

2. The Victorian city center apartment

Get a little taste of Philadelphia’s past with a stay in this gorgeous Victorian apartment. Located on the much-loved Walnut Street, this is the perfect base for long days (and nights) spent living it up in Rittenhouse Square. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the giant living room in light, while the bedroom is a cosy affair complete with antique beams and a carved fireplace. The best bit? Probably that turquoise chaise longue – naturally.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps four.
The Mood? Ol’ fashioned elegance.
Location Perks? All the wonders of Walnut Street, right on your doorstep.
Budget Range? Higher price for higher ceilings.

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The speakeasy suite
Image courtesy of Airbnb.co.uk

3. The speakeasy suite

One of those ‘only on Airbnb’ places, this adorable suite has been designed to emulate a hidden speakeasy. Dusky rose, black and dark wood dominate throughout, with big décor points going to that vintage-print wallpaper and the black-and-white tiling in the kitchen and bathroom. It’s small but perfectly formed and, like all the best speakeasies, is accessed through an almost hidden entrance. And, of course, there’s a bespoke bar area designed for pre-dinner or post-dinner cocktails.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two.
The Mood? Cocktails and mahogany.
Location Perks? Experience the relaxed vibes of a leafy West Philly neighborhood.
Budget Range? Plenty left in your wallet to go out with.

La Maison Jaune in Rittenhouse
Image courtesy of Airbnb.co.uk

4. La Maison Jaune in Rittenhouse

If you’re choosing to stay in Rittenhouse Square, then chances are you like a little taste of the finer things in life. And that’s exactly what you’ll get in this artfully deshabille apartment. Infused with French-style charm (but remixed with some Philly coolness), this one-bed home has been designed with both style and practicality in mind. We love the emerald green tiles in the kitchen and the vintage-style wallpaper – the perfect backdrop to a morning coffee before hitting the nearby museums, shops and – at lunchtime – breweries.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two.
The Mood? European vintage with a laid-back attitude.
Location Perks? Just two blocks from Rittenhouse Square for greenery, eateries and breweries.
Budget Range? Fair price for a top location.

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The large loft in Fishtown
Photograph: Airbnb

5. The large loft in Fishtown

If you’re here to party (just a little), we’ve got the place for you. This huge industrial loft has enough beds for 15 people, and it’s slap-bang in the middle of a seriously trendy neighborhood. Placed in the middle of Fishtown and Kensington, this flat has it all going on, with cool bars and restaurants right around the corner. Plus it features ping pong, a projector, a stage, and darts. Oh, and in case you were wondering, bachelorette parties are permitted.

Rooms? Five bedrooms. Sleeps 15 guests.
Mood? Industrial chic.
Location perks? A block away from local bars and restaurants all along Front Street. 
Budget range? Spenny but worth it for a larger group. 

Bright and breezy on Washington Square West
Image courtesy of Airbnb.co.uk

6. Bright and breezy on Washington Square West

There’s so much to love about this seriously cute Downtown flat. In the hands of someone else, it could be a little bland. But the hosts have really brought some flair to each of the rooms. A neutral palette is made prettier thanks to a snuggly array of textiles and little hints of mauve and purple. The macrame wall hanging in the bedroom is a nice touch, and there’s a lovely shared patio area that guests are welcome to hang out in.  

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps four.
The Mood? Arts and crafts in a cozy home.
Location Perks? A great Downtown base for city-wide roaming.
Budget Range? A fair and square price.

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The artist’s flat
Image courtesy of Airbnb.co.uk

7. The artist’s flat

The exterior of this distinctive flat is almost as interesting as the interior. Inside this graffiti-covered red-brick building loved by locals, you’ll discover a vast loft-like space complete with antique wooden sliding doors and a whole lot of fun decorating choice, including a swing (a swing!). Sage green walls and a nice collection of house plants keep things cosy, while those large, squishy sofas are the perfect place from which to plan your attack on the local breweries.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps three.
The Mood? That Olde Kensington blend of history and modernity.
Location Perks? If art galleries and breweries are your thing (and they’re ours), book here.
Budget Range? Real steal.

This chic townhouse in Olde Kensington
Airbnb

8. This chic townhouse in Olde Kensington

Don't let the flawless, clean-cut design fool you – this property may look too perfect to live in, but once you're inside you'll notice all the homely touches that go into making this space as welcoming and family-friendly as possible. The open-plan kitchen and entertainment area mean you can socialize with ease, and the back patio, Juliet balcony, and rooftop are great for taking the party outside. 

Rooms? Four bedrooms. Sleeps 10. 
The Mood? Polished show home vibes. 
Location Perks? You're right by Northern Liberties and Fishtown's finest restaurants, cafes and bars. 9 Minutes from the Rocky Steps. 
Budget Range? Mega cheap. 

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The Downtown townhouse with a roof deck
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9. The Downtown townhouse with a roof deck

When it comes to places to stay in Philadelphia, you can't go wrong with a Downtown pad complete with a furnished roof deck, foosball table and basement nook. Families and friend groups alike can benefit from the spacious layout, offering plenty of areas to socialise as well as an array of large bedrooms for when you're in need of some privacy. The decor is elegant and modern, making the price tag an absolute bargain. 

Rooms? Four bedrooms. 12 guests. 
The Mood? Dripping in style. 
Location Perks? Centrally located in a safe neighborhood. Three blocks from the Italian market and a 10-minute car ride to Center City District. 
Budget Range? Cheap for a group booking. 

On a serious travel budget?

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