Washington Square West / Midtown Village

Washington Square West and Midtown Village are the best part of Philadelphia for dinner, drinks and an inclusive nightlife scene. They're busy and mostly comfortable for a woman on her own, with some street-level hassle and quieter side blocks late in the evening.

Between Broad Street and Washington Square, Washington Square West and Midtown Village hold much of Philadelphia's restaurant and nightlife scene. The Gayborhood, recognizable by its rainbow street signs, is here and is among the most welcoming areas in the city for LGBTQ+ travelers. Restaurants fill up on weekends, though a seat at the bar is usually easy to find for a solo meal. The streets stay lively late, but that comes with bar crowds, some panhandling and the occasional aggressive person. Walk with purpose, stick to 13th, 12th and Sansom Streets, and use a rideshare late at night.