Washington Square in Philadelphia
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Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, US
Site: https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/h...
- Monday:Open 24 hours
- Tuesday:Open 24 hours
- Wednesday:Open 24 hours
- Thursday:Open 24 hours
- Friday:Open 24 hours
- Saturday:Open 24 hours
- Sunday:Open 24 hours
Washington Square in other cities:
Beautiful park with lots of seating, trees and grass. Its nice and sunny here even in the winter, so a perfect area to sit and enjoy a nice day. It was really windy when we visited, while the other areas of Philly werent, so I imagine its receiving a tunnel affect some... so just be wary if youre wanting to read a book or something here.
Interesting square, originally bigger and planned by William Penn as a buffer zone to mitigate fire propagation!Below the square there are thousands of anonymous bodies as it was a paupers cemetery and also many soldiers lay there, thus the monument with Washington and the eternal flame
Our park-loving shiba shook off 3 different dog walkers who tried taking him here for 2 years. I joked that it must be haunted, and was told by a longtime local that it is. There are memorials and plaques honoring the yellow fever victims and Revolutionary War soldiers buried here. Whats spooky is that our dog dragged me here for the first time mid-March 2020, the same week the COVID-19 shutdown began. Hes been coming here regularly since. Ghost stories aside, it is a beautifully landscaped park with a fountain running in summer, flags flying and a flame burning at the memorial. It is dog-friendly and only a block away from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
On a beautiful day in Philadelphia, whether a local or a touring site seer, Washington Square is a Philly landmark to recharge and recenter. Breathe in deep and close your eyes and you’re going to feel blessed to be here. You’re beautiful Center City, thanks for letting us call you home.
Washington Square Park is a great urban park for pictures, especially in the spring and fall. There’s lots of open green space and even when crowded, there’s always a great spot for pictures. It’s one of the cleaner and easier parks to navigate through and I definitely recommend going here!
I WALK THROUGH THAT PARK OFTEN, AND SOMETIMES DURING THE WARM CLIMATE MONTHS, IVE PURCHASED MY LUNCH AND HAVE SAT IN THAT PARK, HAD MY LUNCH/ AND WATCHED THE FESTIVITIES, WHILE KILLING SOME- TIME, FOR MY NEXT, APPOINTMENT/ OR TEST, AT THE HOSPITAL- OR- DOCTORS OFFICE....YOU HAVE VARIOUS PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, COME- IN- AND- OUT- OF- THERE/ AND YOU SEE VARIOUS DOGS, ITS LIKE A DOG MOTEL/ AS WELL AS DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES/ AND ITS APART OF HISTORY- TOME- OF- THE- UNKNOWN- SOLDIER/ TOURIST VISIT THERE, AND TAKE PICTURES W/ LOVE- ONES/ NICE & CLEAN/ LANDSCAPE IS BEAUTIFUL...AND A LOVELY LITTLE SHORT- CUT, TO- AND- FROM, NORTH/ SOUTH/ EAST/ WEST/ ITS IN THE HEART OF EVERYTHING/ AND VERY CONVENIENT AS WELL.....
Awesome park. There are stoops in the park saved by an artist from the old city. Its a very welcome addition to this solemn but fun park. Fountain in the middle with some plaques and information. It was originally designed by William Penn as an open space for the city residents as well as a fire break. It houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which is an amazing thing to revere. Thousands of prisoners of war were buried here by the British during the revolution. Breath taking.
Interesting history to this area. I viewed the square and the memorial while on the ghost walking tour of Philadelphia as it is one of the stops on the tour. It was one of my favorite stops of the night. While we were there another group was also in the square with a tour guide that was in character. Quite interesting. It seems like a spot that alot of walking tours stop to explain the history of the memorial. Its way cooler at night!
Washington Square has a great location in close proximity to Independence Hall and ther Liberty Bell so good for a rest for three foot weary. There is a nice fountain, but compared to Rittenhouse Square, the flower beds and lawns are not as well cared for. Great surrounding restaurants though aaaai still a good spot for a break from walking around Philly. No specific parking for the square, but a good spot to eat snacks from Tallulahs on the west side of the square.
Best park for lunchtime laps and naps. Packed during noon on weekdays and quiet on the weekends. Great people watching, even better dog and squirrel watching. Well lit during the evenings, and safe for a nightime stroll after dinner and a show in Old City. Check out the Athenaeum if you are a history/architecture buff or grab a yummy meal or coffee at Talulas!
I prefer this park to Rittenhouse square when I want to relax and enjoy the greenery in relative peace. One time saw a small hawk unsuccessfully hunting squirrels here. If youre looking for a ton of young people (most with dogs), good number of homeless and generally more interesting atmosphere, go to Rittenhouse.
Freedom is a light for which many have died in darkness.So reads the inscription on the central monument and tomb dedicated to unnamed soldiers, with a burning flame in front of it and flags lined on either side. This is the last of Philadelphias five squares that we have visited (the other four are Rittenhouse square, Logan square, Franklin square, and City Hall). Its solemn peacefulness is a welcome addition to the character of Philadelphia.
Cool historic landmark, right in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. There are always interesting people walking in the park.The old, tall trees stand in stark contrast to the surrounding city buildings.The fountain in the center of the park is a great place for a photo or two.Take a stroll through all of the parks in Phillys historic Old City.If you are REALLY in the mood for a wonderful FREE adventure & ENDLESS photo opportunities, might I suggest a long walk North along 5th Street.You will walk the historic district, passing sights like:Independence MallBenjamin Franklins resting placeThe Betsy Ross HouseThe Constitution CenterThe Philadelphia Branch of the US Mint.But dont stop there!As you continue walking North past the 5th Street Tunnel, you will cross over Race Street, when you will arrive at the INCREDIBLE Pedestrian Walkway over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge!THIS is truly the hidden gem of the City of Philadelphia.It is usually open to bicycles & pedestrians from dawn until dusk.I can not describe the views or the experience, but I implore you to look at the stones, the rivets, the metal, the craftsmanship.Look at the dedication stamped into bronze.Look at the DATE the bridge was completed.The walk is a bit of a work out, considering it is all uphill incline until mid-span, when you will cross into NJ.It is a wide, safe, high walkway over the Delaware River.As you turn back towards the city, the views are spectacular looking either North or South.Continue walking back towards Philadelphia & you will notice the large, abstract, Key & Lightning Bolt statue in gleaming metal in the middle of the circle at the end of the bridge.Continue on West along the parks on Race Street until you come to another great place in Philly!Franklin Square Park!Explore the city.Traverse the Historic brick sidewalks on Arch Street as you walk East towards Front Street.Along Front Street is the Historic, & quaint, Penns View Hotel. If you continue past Walnut Street, you will see the War Memorials along Columbus Boulevard at Dock Street.Penns Landing is East along the river.Walking West, you will pass the the picturesque homes on Pine, Spruce, or Locust Streets.West along Market Street you will see Philadelphia City Hall with the statue of William Penn atop.Between 3rd & 4th Streets on Walnut begins a pathway into the life of the Quakers who lived in the area at the time. You will be transported back in time as you return to Independence Hall & Washington Square.I really enjoy walking in Historic Philadelphia.I sure hope you do too!There are ENDLESS scenic walks in Philadelphia.Read the words engraved at the eternal flame memorial at Washington Square.Walk around and see the beauty of our past.Think about what we have learned from this shared History & Heritage, as Americans,then, imagine living without the peace & freedom that our ancestors died to win for us.
Very clean park with garbage cans for your trash. Multiple benches spaced out nicely so your not sitting uncomfortably next to other people. There are a lot of trees providing shade to make it relaxing when its extremely hot out. There is a water fountain and George Washington Monument in the middle of the park for people to view. You can walk your dog in the park if youd like. Police patrol the park from time to time.. The only downfall is there are no public restrooms.
I love the outdoors, this park is centrally located. Its alot to take in, I am not sure how safe it iz, as I have never sat on a bench, I am usually walking through or on the edge of the park ....theres a fountain & Some kind of Memorial..one day I take a closer look carefully safety wise...I wouldnt try near nightfall.
Clean, lots of dogs, great picnic spot, not too noisy or crowded when Ive been there. Plenty of sun and plenty of shade, too. Plenty of folks tanning and others napping under the trees. Would definitely recommend this park if you need a park to go to to do park things.
Washington Park is very conveniently placed for a lot of businesses and homes in the area. Its always clean and I know the city is putting a lot of work into their upkeep of the park. Theres a lot of benches that bring a lot of people and you may seem some of the eccentric kind of Philly residents practicing their uni cycling or doing dances in the park, but I think it adds to the charm. Ive spent many days (cold or hot) sitting in the park during my lunch and looking at the many dogs, reading, or just sitting and people watching. Ill worn that theres not much to do other then sit in the park, so not really kid friendly and the location does sometimes attract some people asking for money, but if you dont mind that youre probably fine. Theres also a nice statue in the center, so if you;re into history this is a place to see.
Great little spot in the city to walk around and to sit and relax. At night times you can see big rodents just running around all around so I wouldnt recommend going at night time if thats a problem. Sometimes this place smells horrible because of the people smoking Marijuana.
A wonderful city park full of history & beauty. Great wide open dog walking or just relaxing park.Our Park Service does a wonderful job maintaining & servicing this park.Park Rangers patrol throughout the day.If visiting Philadephia ; Washington Square is worth the visit.
Beautiful and historic place to visit and experience! We went on the candlelight haunted tour here and learned about the 5,000 British and American soldiers buried underneath the park as well as the woman ghost that walks the grounds to protect the dead. Back in the day, the medical universities used to give extra credit for medical students digging up the corpses for medical experiments! There was a woman that started walking the perimeter of the grounds and whenever she saw a grave robber, she would scream and yell so loudly that they would run away afraid that the police may come! She reduced the grave robberies to zero and still walks the grounds today! The tomb of the unknown solider is also here and is a very powerful sight to see! Definitely worth the trip as it is a gorgeous park to sit and relax or have a picnic lunch in. Nicely kept and many lovely plants and shade trees with plenty of benches.
Beautiful giant park with amazing trees and plenty of seating! Came here during sprintime when the cherry blossoms were in bloom and it was gorgeous. A great place to relax in or walk through. Be sure to check out the statue of Washington on the west side of the park as well!
This was such a beautiful park with a deadly past. My husband and I read a book called Fever 1793 that mentions yellow fever victims being buried in mass graves here. It was nice to see that it was turned into a site of beauty and respect. It is nice to come sit and cool off in the shade of the beautiful sycamores. While here check out the fountain, George Washingtons statue and the eternal flame of the unknown soldier.
The park in Washington Square is so beautiful! I sit in the park on the benches while I am waiting for my bus, and I also go there because its so peaceful and lively! People are walking their pets, you can hear the birds singing, and I get so happy when I go there to feed the squirrels! There is a Nuts To You store located on Walnut Street which is across the street from the park! So I buys nuts, popcorn and other delights and go right across the street to Washington Square Park! I love it!
Washington Square Park is a good breathe of fresh air in my opinion... Its also a great halfway point to Old City, were you can catch your breathe and sit under the shade for a bit.Also, dont forget to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Eternal Flame at the center of the park, just across from the fountain.
This is such a great park. Its a tranquil green space amidst the historic hustle and bustle of the city. Full of families with children, nature lovers out for a stroll to bird and squirrel feed, lovers napping, readers reading, pet parents walking thier fur babies. You name it this place is quiet and full of like minds.
Ive spent a lot of time here over the past three years playing Ingress. I really love all of the history here and were getting about what has been discovered in the park and the memorials. Please take time to read them and learn about how important this spot is in the history of the city!
This a beautiful place to come and visit walk around sit down gather your thoughts check out all the sites bring some friends after all its washy do squared Philadelphia its a gorgeous place. Dont forget to bring something to drink and maybe something to eat enjoy your surroundings take in the history. These places are service dog friendly
Probably the best or second best square in Philly. Space, shade, people, dogs, historical markers, beautiful flowers and shrubs. Its just a really nice small square park with history and charm to provide an oasis from the surrounding hustle and bustle of downtown Philadelphia and Olde City.
Beautiful park. Washingtons statue with the crypt of the unknown soldier and battle flags was a very touching memorial of all the people buried under the park. Hollowed ground. Lots of trees, flowers, fountain, walkways, placks showing the history of the park and the different uses over the years. Was a potters field. Over 2000 African Americans buried there, also Catholics, and those that died from the many epidemics of the time. Lots of children playing and citizens walking their dogs. Park is lovingly maintained.
Washington Square is one of my favorite spots for a variery of activities. Depending on the time of day, you will get a different feel of the park, and a different crowd.In early mornings, the park is less busy, but you are likely to encounter an Asian lady meditating and/or performing what appears to be sharp martial art moves or the occasional joggers or a couple of folks getting their morning workout with their trainers.The park does get busier throughout the day, as tourists flood the area or as Pokemon trainers huddle the fountain. However, with so many benches around, you can probably still find a spot to enjoy your lunch. During this time of day you are likely to see people with strollers, dogs, more people working out, and older people socializing.Come at night, and the park gets quiet again.Sometime in spring, the empty fountain turns into a huge pillow fight spot! Come prepared.
A section of history both for the Revolutionary War... A prison for revolutionary soldiers when the British held Philadelphia and afterwards a cemetery for the free people of color in the city... Until the city dug them up and moved them to make a park as William Penn originally envisioned it.
Being from Philadelphia..gives one a sense of stepping into our real future..places of liberty..places of underground railroad..places where freedom,Rings its Bell.. freedom of all the people ,regardless of the colour of ones skin..or ones religious place of worship. Its our National Capital heritage. From here, let me site that Famous line, called Mason Dixon line. Here we are now, At the doorway , toward a more perfect union,.we have come through a Great battlefield, living in the state of Pennsylvanian. That freedom a Great President sealed his signature upon those honor dead..let us be clear. Remember the issues of Freedom . Declaration.of Independence..
A Short History Of Washington Square ParkFor nearly two centuries the Square has been a place to linger, to play, to celebrate or demonstrate. It functions not only as a public park beloved by locals, but also as a campus green, a crossroads, a performance space and a magnet attracting visitors from around the world.The park has a heavy police presence and officially the park is open 24 hours, but in reality you will get kicked out at midnight. Such is life in NYC. It is super safe to walk anywhere in the park, and be sure to explore the surrounding streets for fantastic & in some cases very cheap restaurants.Wi-Fi access is free for all users at all times, provided by AT&T.
This is a quiet park to reflect on the sacrifice of soldiers for the American Revolutionary War. There is not much else in the park besides the monuments so it might not be appreciated by young children or teens. The location is a short walk from the Founders Hall and is clearly marked on the map available from the Independence Visitor Center, but the staff do not include this in the description of attraction in that area.
This is a pleasant park, one of the four originally planned by William Penn. In addition to being a lovely neighborhood park, it is also a potters field; in other words, its a cemetery with hundreds of unmarked graves. One grave site that is marked is the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier. This park is great for history buffs or those who simply want to relax.
I spent my college years doing my homework in this park. I would take the PATCO train from Collingswood, NJ to Philly, just to sit and do my homework there, under some random light. Not many people know it contains the graves of many American Revolutionary War casualties. As a Rev. War buff, I love that. My first date with the woman I love was also in this park. It may not be very big, but its beautiful, and well worth the visit!
I lived here in a past life. I did a past life regression several years before visiting here, and when I did come and stroll around I remembered the experience. It was really vividly the same. I know a lot of people will be skeptical and that is fine. I do have family history right in the area though. My grandfather worked for the Curtis Publishing Company right across the street during The Depression, and somewhere along 6th St. in Center City there was once the Schaffer Butcher Shop, or something similarly named.Whether you believe me or not, check it out. Its a great part of the historic district.
Washington Square is one of the nicest in Philly, partly because its less of an attraction than Rittenhouse and therefore more peaceful. There are always benches free and not too many events are held here. Its a great place to walk a dog, sit and eat, or just go for a stroll.
Lots of peoples doesnt know how many soldiers are buried in this place...They cant clearly see the signsSo they assume that its a monument to Washington and turns awaySome pplz even take pictures smiling and celebratingWithout showing any proper RespectI couldnt believe what some folks were telling to they kids ...But once the get closer...The whole statement changes!!!!
Washington Square is an amazing park with a rich and dark history. The park features open green spaces, a beautiful fountain, a Washington Monument, the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier equipped with an eternal flame. It was also a former potters field. It is less crowded and quieter than Rittenhouse and is also the most happening Pokemon Go stop in the city.
Although this may look like any city square, with people jogging and others sipping coffee or walking their dogs, Washington Square is actually a late 1700s burial ground, for both African Americans and later for American soldiers of the Revolution who often died of illness as British prisoners of war. Please consider this place to be a somber one and treat it accordingly.
Worth checking out. 1 Minute away from Independence Hall. See the Tomb of the Unknown soldier of the American Revolution and a nice memorial with an eternal flame. Its also a burial ground of many unknown American Continental soldiers who died as prisoners of war. Also one of the original five squares Penn designed when planning the city.
Total reviews rating 4.7
199 Reviews for Washington Square 2023:
Review №1
2022-05-01Historic must visit place for tourist. A calm and well maintained greenery park very near to independance hall and Liberty Bell. Thousands of soldiers who sacrificed their life for freedom have been buried here. Lamp is lighted forever as a mark of respect and homage to these soldiers. Plenty of walkers, families with their kids and pets could be seen relaxing in the garden. Added attraction is the fountain in the centre of the park.
Review №2
2022-04-19Pretty park. One of the “squares” of Philadelphia. Nice paths for walking and always populated with dog walkers, pedestrians, tourists, and locals getting some fresh air. Insider tip: grab a bite at Talulah’s Daily, a casual cafe with excellent pastries and grab and go foods. For a more upscale, formal meal, walk next door to Talula’s Garden for one of the best and beloved restaurants in Philadelphia. It’s nearly impossible to go wrong with either.
Review №3
2022-04-25Nice little park in the middle of historic Philadelphia. I enjoy sittin and catching a breeze on the benches. Clean and safe with park rangers on premises.
Review №4
2022-04-24Great spot to sit and soak the sun or slow down and take a short walk. Clean and well kept.
Review №5
2022-04-14A very quiet place. Local joggers and Habitats comes here. There is the tomb of unknown soldiers and the farewell speech of Gerorge Washington is engraved. The burning light also pays tribute to the soldiers. One block ftom Independance hall.
Review №6
2022-05-19Lovely walk thru the park. Beautiful and historical. Labeled trees and shrubs
Review №7
2022-04-09Washington Square is a lovely one-block park that contrasts sharply with the touristy hustle of Independence Mall, or the crowded bustle of Rittenhouse Square.The park is a local favorite of dog owners, picnickers, fountain-dipping toddlers, and folks who just want to toss around a ball. Leave your judgements at the stone gates, as you will find just as many LGBTQ+ couples and friend groups enjoying the sunny lawns as straight folks. You might even run into a unicycler or tightrope walker-in-training.I’ve seen some reviewers complain about homeless people in the park. I would say that the homeless frequent Washington Square far less than other nearby areas. But if the occasional site of an unhoused person bothers you, perhaps the city is not for you.
Review №8
2021-10-19Wonderful place. Perfect for eating lunch or taking a break on a bench. The tomb is a wonderful monument to those that died fighting for our freedom in The Revolutionary War.
Review №9
2022-05-02Beautiful peaceful park. Never too crowded, lots of benches to sit, wide walkways, easy to maintain 6 foot distance from others. Under the park is a cemetery for American revolution war dead. There is a monument there with an eternal flame burning in remembrance of their sacrifice.
Review №10
2021-07-15Beautiful park right near Indefinitely Hall and historic district. See the gentle fountain & eternal flame memorial. Plenty of benches, very peaceful